Pre-Application Checklist

SME Readiness Checklist

Before applying for SME financing, check which requirements you already meet. Items you haven't completed will show remediation steps to help you prepare.

Needs Preparation

0 of 12 items completed • 0 of 5 critical items done

0%
5 critical items still missing — most financiers require these.

Legal & Registration

0/3 done
Business Registration Certificate
Must Have

Your business is registered with the Registrar General's Department (RGD).

Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Must Have

You have a valid TIN from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Valid Identification Documents
Must Have

You have a Ghana Card (or valid passport/voter ID) for yourself and key business owners.

Financial Records

0/4 done
Dedicated Business Bank Account
Must Have

You operate a separate bank account for business transactions (not personal).

6–12 Months Bank Statements
Must Have

You can provide at least 6 months of bank statements showing regular transactions.

Basic Financial Records / Bookkeeping
Strongly Recommended

You keep records of income, expenses, and profits (even a simple notebook or spreadsheet).

Clean Credit History
Strongly Recommended

You have no outstanding defaults or blacklisting with credit bureaus (XDS, Dun & Bradstreet).

Collateral & Guarantees

0/2 done
Collateral / Security Available
Strongly Recommended

You have assets (land, building, vehicle, equipment, or cash deposit) that can serve as collateral.

Guarantor Available
Strongly Recommended

You have someone (with steady income) willing to guarantee your loan.

Business Documentation

0/1 done
Business Plan or Proposal
Strongly Recommended

You have a written plan describing your business, market, and projected revenues.

Compliance

0/2 done
Environmental / Social Compliance
Nice to Have

Your business complies with EPA requirements (relevant for manufacturing, agro-processing).

Business Insurance Coverage
Nice to Have

You have basic business insurance (fire, theft, or crop insurance for agribusiness).