Centrust Bank

Thinking about applying for an SBA loan? A little preparation may help make the process more manageable.

Before you apply, consider gathering these documents:
• Business tax returns
• Personal tax returns
• Financial statements
• A business debt schedule
• A business plan or growth projections
• A purchase agreement, lease or project details, if applicable

Gathering these documents is a good place to start, but every loan request is different. Documentation requirements may vary based on your business, loan purpose and applicable SBA eligibility requirements.

Learn more about essential loan documents: https://hubs.ly/Q04q0GNt0

From opening your first business account to planning for future financing, a strong banking relationship may help create a foundation for growth, guidance, and informed decision-making.

At Centrust Bank, we take the time to understand your business, your goals, and what comes next, so when opportunities arise, you have a team ready to help you explore your options.

Start building a banking relationship that grows with you.

Planning an equipment upgrade? An SBA loan may help support eligible purchases that move your business forward.

With recent tax deduction updates creating new planning opportunities for some businesses, now may be a good time to review equipment needs, financing options, and potential tax implications with your trusted advisors.

At Centrust Bank, we help business owners explore SBA financing options with experienced guidance and a relationship-focused approach.

Growth looks different for every business.

An SBA loan may help support eligible business needs such as equipment purchases, working capital, expansion plans, owner-occupied real estate, or a business acquisition.

At Centrust Bank, we help business owners explore SBA financing options with experienced guidance and a relationship-focused approach.

Start a conversation with our team today.

For Chicagoland small business owners, the lender you choose matters.

A Chicago-based SBA lender may bring more than financing experience. Local market knowledge, regional relationships, and an understanding of the small business ecosystem may help make the process feel more informed and personal.

Centrust Bank pairs local banking relationships with deep SBA loan expertise to help business owners explore financing for growth, expansion, commercial real estate, equipment, business acquisition, and more.

Learn more about the advantage of working with a Chicago-based SBA lender: https://hubs.ly/Q04nXq1_0

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Advantages of Working With a Chicago-Based SBA Lender | Centrust Bank A Chicago-based SBA lender may offer local market knowledge, relationship-based support, and experienced guidance for small business owners seeking financing.

Leasing may be the right place to start, but as your business grows, owning commercial property may become part of your long-term strategy.

Purchasing your own space may offer more control, room to customize, and the opportunity to build equity over time. But commercial financing may look different from a residential mortgage, from underwriting requirements to down payments, loan terms, and available options.

Our latest blog breaks down what first-time commercial property buyers should know:

Your Guide to Financing Commercial Property | Centrust Bank Learn how to finance your first commercial property, compare loan options, understand lender requirements, and prepare for future ownership costs.

At Centrust Bank, our people make the difference.

We bring local banking relationships, community knowledge, and deep SBA loan expertise together to support small business owners through important financial decisions.

Whether you’re planning for growth, exploring financing options, or preparing for what’s next, our team is here to help you navigate the process with personal service and trusted guidance.

The right tools may help small business owners save time, streamline daily tasks, improve customer communication, and get clearer visibility into operations. But automation works best when it supports a real business goal, not just because it’s the latest trend.

Before you invest, consider:
✔️ Which tasks are slowing your team down?
✔️ What systems need to connect?
✔️ How will you measure the return?
✔️ What training or support will your team need?
✔️ How will the investment fit into your cash flow plan?

Read our latest blog on when and how to invest in automation: https://hubs.ly/Q04mcmD20

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When and How to Invest in Automation | Centrust Bank Learn when automation may make financial sense, how to calculate ROI, and the best funding options for software, equipment, and process improvements.

Thinking about opening a second location?

Before you sign a lease, order equipment, or start hiring, it may be worth taking a closer look at your numbers. A location-specific forecast, cash flow plan, and break-even timeline may help you understand what expansion could really require financially.

Read more on our latest blog: https://hubs.ly/Q04mcf_p0

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How to Prepare Financially for Opening a Second Location Learn how to prepare financially for opening a second location with Centrust Bank, from forecasting costs and cash flow to financing, staffing, and break-even timing.

Recent tax legislation reinstated 100% bonus depreciation for certain qualifying business assets.

For eligible businesses, that may mean deducting up to 100% of the cost of qualifying new or used assets in the year the asset is placed in service, instead of depreciating it over time.

For local business owners considering equipment, machinery, vehicles, technology, or other major purchases, now may be a good time to review your plans with a tax professional.

Learn more in our latest blog: https://hubs.ly/Q04mbQRb0