Utah Lender Ready Workshop: How Lenders Evaluate Risk and Cash Flow

We’re excited to welcome you to this powerful session hosted by SCORE Utah, featuring an exceptional panel of lending experts. A special thank you to the for sponsoring this event and to the for generously providing the venue, and for providing refreshments.

Most business owners approach a lender focused on how much they need—while lenders are focused on one critical question: Can it be paid back?

The Utah Lender Ready Workshop bridges this gap by giving you direct access to how lenders actually think and make decisions.

In this free, in-person session, you’ll hear from a panel representing banks, SBA programs, microloan funds, and venture capital. Each will share the real criteria they use to evaluate risk, cash flow, and overall loan readiness.

Special Guest (in attendance): Jason Kirkham, Lender Relations Specialist, Utah District SBA, will be available for follow-up questions during the networking portion.

Through a moderated discussion and live Q&A, you’ll learn how to evaluate your business the way a lender does, identify strengths and gaps in your application, and understand what to fix before applying.

• How lenders calculate and evaluate Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)
• The difference between revenue and cash flow—and why it matters
• Common financial red flags that stop deals early
• How collateral, guarantees, and experience impact approval
• A clear action plan to close gaps before applying

Many business owners hear “not yet” without understanding why. This workshop provides rare, direct insight from lenders themselves—helping you move forward with clarity, confidence, and a plan.

Whether you’re preparing to apply in the next 90 days or planning ahead, this session will give you the tools and knowledge to position your business for funding success.

All participants receive a complimentary Capital Ready Toolkit workbook at the registration table. The workbook includes a lender readiness self-assessment, required documents checklist, funding goal and DSCR worksheet with a stress-test callout tied directly to today's panel, and a structured Notes & Action Items page designed for use during the session. Participants leave with something tangible — their own readiness gap analysis and a written next step.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher SCORE Utah