A lender will do that when you apply for a loan, but since your credit score is a big factor in whether you'll qualify for the loan and what your interest rate will be, it's better to know what it is ahead of time. Put together financial projections and a plan showing how having the new equipment will help your business make enough money to cover the purchase cost and the loan repayment. If you need help determining how much money you'll need or what your documentation should look like, contact the UH Bauer College Small Business Development Center. The panel is being offered in conjunction with Houston Money Week, a communitywide initiative to provide financial education to individuals and businesses.