Here's the thing about business loans:
Most people go in blind. They read a few articles online, maybe talk to a friend who got funding five years ago, and think they've got it figured out.
Then they hit the process. And nothing is what they expected.
It doesn't have to be that way.
When you know what lenders actually care about (hint: it's not what you think), when you understand the real timeline, when you've got your documents ready before they ask—you walk in like you know what you're doing.
Because you do.
This class is that preparation. The stuff nobody tells you until you're already waist-deep in paperwork and confusion.
We're pulling back the curtain on what the loan process actually looks like, so you can prepare properly, protect yourself, and make smart decisions about whether traditional lending is even the right move for you.
What You'll Learn:
→ What lenders actually look at (so you can prepare the right materials)
→ How to protect yourself when signing loan documents
→ The realistic timeline and how to plan around it
→ Smart ways to handle the down payment requirement
→ What to do if you're denied—and where to go next
→ Alternative funding sources that might be a better fit for your situation
Who This Class Helps:
Look, this is for you if:
- You're thinking about applying for a business loan
- You want to know what to expect before you start
- You've been denied and want to understand your next move
- You need funding but the whole thing feels like a black box
You don't need to be a finance person. You just need to be willing to learn what actually happens—not what the brochures say happens.
What It Costs: No Cost
This class is offered at no cost through the Women's Business Center at JEDI, funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and California's Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development