SCORE Houston episode: Bankers, mentors urge small businesses to prepare financials and treat debt as a tool

Raul Vasquez, host of the SCORE Houston TV series and a SCORE business mentor, opened the episode saying the program would discuss “access to capital for a small business owner” and offer guidance on preparation and keys to obtaining funding.

Monica Hill, a representative of JPMorgan Chase, and Senerio Ordonez, national Hispanic business development manager at Comerica Bank, told viewers that lack of clear information and preparation are among the biggest barriers to getting loans. "Misinformation or even enough research is necessary and, sometimes, not done enough," Hill said, adding that applicants often stop after one decline instead of researching other options.

The guests framed lenders’ decisions around standard credit criteria and practical preparation. Hill summarized the traditional lending criteria as the four…