A general description of your idea for a business and a request for a general amount of financing will not be enough to get you the loan. You will need to show the potential lender that you have done your homework.
First of all, you should be clear and specific about what you are requesting. If you need consulting and advice about how much financing to request and over what term, you should obtain this advice before going to a lender to request a loan, unless you are confident that your bank can offer you business advice and counseling, and then talk about a loan.
What are you asking for?
Are you looking for a short-term loan?
Do you need the loan to finance your start-up costs? How much do you need, and how will you spend it? Will it be for attorney fees, legal expenses, licenses and permits, and other organization costs to set up your business?
Do you need the loan for working capital, to finance your business operations for a few months until you start generating sufficient revenues to cover your expenses (and make a profit)?
Do you need a loan to expand your business or take advantage of opportunities in your market? In this case, you will have some history to present to the potential lender, and you will need to show how this expansion or new opportunity will generate more profits and more cash flow. If you are expanding into a new line of business, you may need a marketing study.
Are you requesting a long-term loan?
Do you need the loan to purchase real estate, property, installations, vehicles, machinery, and other equipment? Have you identified what you need to purchase, and do you have quotes on prices? In this case, you will need an idea of the term of the loan. Loans for real estate and property, for example, may be secured by a mortgage, with terms of up to 20 years, while a loan for equipment would probably have a much shorter term.