I have applied for and received many loans for clients. Whatever the amount and reason, I warn my clients that such requests lead to the same requirements. The application process demands that you understand exactly why you need the money and how you will pay it back. In other words, before being awarded a loan, you are forced to answer questions you may have preferred to ignore, such as who are your competitors; what is the expected upturn in sales and how will it be achieved; why will new equipment cost so much.