Any lender will require that capital be requested for very specific needs. Depressed, stable or growth conditions require different approaches to money needs and sources. Those businesses that prosper while others and the market are in decline will often receive better economic terms when obtaining funding. Seasonal needs for financing generally are short term. Loans advanced for cyclical industries such as construction are designed to support a business through depressed periods.
Management is the most important element assessed by money sources.
If you don't have a business plan, make it a first priority. All capital sources will want to see how you have articulated plans for the start-up and growth of your business. The more money owners invest in their business, the easier it is to attract financing. If your firm has a high proportion of equity to debt, you should probably seek debt financing. That way you won't be over-leveraged to the point of jeopardizing your company's survival.