Business financing in Delaware County.

Delaware County's economy is anchored by professional services, healthcare, retail, construction trades, and a growing number of small landlords managing one-to-four-unit rental properties. Here is how that shapes qualification:

**Solo contractors and trades workers (HVAC, electrical, landscaping, remodeling):** Many work as sole proprietors or single-member LLCs. Lenders want to see at least one full year of self-employment income, a business bank account, and a credit score above 600 — though CDFI and ITIN lenders often work with lower scores or no Social Security Number at all.

**Retail and food businesses:** Delaware's growth along the US-36 and SR-315 corridors creates demand, but lenders will ask for a clear location plan, lease or lease-option, and projected revenue supported by market research.

**Small real-estate investors:** Ohio's landlord-tenant laws and Delaware County's strong rental demand (driven by Ohio Wesleyan University and commuter households) make one-to-four-unit rentals attractive. Lenders typically want 20–25% down, verified rental income or projections, and a debt-service-coverage ratio of at least 1.20.

**Immigrant and mixed-status entrepreneurs:** You do not need a Social Security Number to apply for many loans in this county.

Several lenders below accept ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) as valid borrower identification.

Having an ITIN, an active ITIN tax return history (two years preferred), and a business bank account greatly expands your options.

**Time in business:** Most traditional banks want two or more years. CDFIs and microlenders often work with businesses open six months or less — or even pre-revenue startups with a solid plan.

Gathering paperwork before you apply saves time and signals to lenders that you are organized. Different lenders ask for different combinations, but here is a solid starting list:

**Identity and legal status:**

- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or consular ID)

- ITIN letter (if you do not use a Social Security Number) or SSN card

- Business formation documents (Articles of Organization for an LLC, or DBA filing with Delaware County Recorder's Office)

**Tax and income records:**

- Two years of personal federal tax returns (Form 1040, including Schedule C if self-employed)

- Two years of business tax returns (if the business is older than one year)

- Most recent three months of personal and business bank statements

**Business financials:**

- Year-to-date profit-and-loss statement (your bookkeeper or a free tool like Wave can generate this)

- Accounts receivable aging report (if you invoice clients)

- Business plan or one-page executive summary — especially important for startups and CDFI applications

**For real-estate loans:**

- Property address and recent purchase contract or listing

- Property tax and insurance estimates

- Existing lease agreements (if the property has tenants)

- Rent roll (a simple spreadsheet of units, tenants, and rents)

**Tip:** Even if you keep informal records now, opening a dedicated business checking account today — and running all business income and expenses through it — is one of the single most powerful steps you can take to become lendable.