First, you have to understand how the bank is set up. While each financial institution is organized in a slightly different way, entrepreneurs and small business are often managed through the retail division. This area also includes mortgages, car loans, farm loans and anything to do with retail customers. There may also be a central commercial branch for your region, where all new and renewal loan applications get sent for approval. Every authorized bank manager can approve a loan within an assigned limit.
Relationships begin by building trust.
Bank managers see more than 100 business loan applications a year from potential new clients. With that experience, they know quickly whether your plan is workable. Since a bank checks personal credit history and other sources, be sure to tell the manager right at the start about negative items, such as bankruptcy and jail time. This builds trust. The capability and experience that you bring to the business and the capital you have invested.