Inside the Lender’s Mind: What Lenders Look For & Why

Applying for a business loan can feel intimidating when you don’t know what’s happening on the other side of the application.

Join Change Labs for a practical virtual workshop designed to help entrepreneurs understand how lenders evaluate business loan applications and what they’re looking for when making financing decisions.

Through practical discussion and real-world examples, Duane will break down the lending and underwriting process into approachable concepts, including cash flow, credit history, financial records, management experience, owner investment, collateral, market demand, use of funds, and the ability to repay. Participants will also explore how the story and vision behind a business connect with the financial information lenders need to evaluate a funding request.

This session will help entrepreneurs look at their businesses from a lender’s perspective, identify potential gaps in their loan readiness, and understand practical steps they can take to strengthen a future application.

This workshop is designed for aspiring, early-stage, and established entrepreneurs who are considering business financing, preparing for a loan application, or simply want to better understand lender expectations before they pursue capital.

Facilitated by Duane Humeyestewa, Change Labs Business Coach and NSBCI Technical Assistance Coordinator.

Thursday, October 22, 2026
12:00 PM MDT (Navajo Nation Time)
11:00 AM Arizona MST (Hopi Time)

Virtual via Zoom

Come with a business idea, funding goal, current financial information if you have it, and your questions about credit, cash flow, documentation, underwriting, or loan readiness. This workshop is free and open to the community.a