Chartered Banks

A Model Code of Conduct for Bank Relations with Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
To foster a healthy and effective relationship between SMEs and the banking community, the Canadian Bankers Association and its members, the Chartered Banks of Canada have developed this model code of conduct which will serve as a minimum standard for bank dealings with SMEs.

Dealing with Your Banker
Helpful tips from Barrie Martin, a commercial lending officer with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, on creating a good relationship with your bank.

Commandments for Good Banking Relationships
Find more advice on developing a good relationship with a lending institution.

Key Determinants of Loan Acceptance Decisions
Familiarize yourself with the various criteria lenders use to assess business risk.

Lending - The Basic Criteria
This document from the Canadian Business Service Centres provides a succinct description of the criteria that financial institutions use to make a loan. There are also a few tips for the small-business person drawing up a financing application.

Dealing With Your Banker and Other Lenders
This document from the Canada Business Service Centre provides various pieces of advice to small-business people which they can use prior to meeting their banker, or any other financial provider, and once the loan has been approved. There is also discussion on how to establish the amount of financing needed, a cash flow forecast, lenders' requirements and the need to maintain good relations with financial providers.