Also ask them what kind of information the bank likes to see before making a loan. After making an initial bank prospect list, the next step is to eliminate any that are not truly interested in small business. This point can not be overemphasized. All banks are not the same. Even branches within the same bank are not the same.
Some bankers are generalist, but many specialize.
Some will avoid certain industries that they view as volatile or possessing a high mortality rate. To some, that may be restaurants or intangible service businesses. Others may shun the roller coaster ride of high-tech companies in favor of more traditional and predictable businesses such as manufacturing and appliance stores. As you may guess, a great deal depends on the opinions of the leadership of that individual bank. A banker who has a good understanding of your business can be a wealth of information to guide you to smart decisions.