This document provides tips and strategies for retail business owners seeking to obtain funding through a business loan. It outlines the steps to take, including checking your financial health by reviewing your credit score and debt ratio. It also compares lending options such as the Small Business Administration, alternative lenders, and conventional banks. The document provides details on what paperwork to prepare, how to submit a strong loan application, common uses for retail business loans, and types of loans including long-term, unsecured, and short-term loans. In conclusion, it shares some U.S. retail industry facts on total annual sales, growth rates, number of businesses and employees, and contributions to GDP.