In regards to small business finance, I need to interview a banker to gain insight from a hands-on individual who possesses the knowledge and experience in this particular field. Please answer the following questions (short answers are fine, as I will be summarizing the interview and documenting it in more of a commentary style):

1)What is the current environment like for bank loans for small businesses?

2)What are the current rates the bank charges for business loans?

3)What criteria are considered in the determination of the rate of the loan and the amount that can be borrowed?

4)Are you lending money to new/small businesses?

5)What is the difference between a line of credit and a loan?

6)Do you sell your loans?

7)What financial information is required by the lender?

8)How do I obtain a loan application?

9)What types of questions might be asked in addition to those in the loan application?

10)What types of security might be requested to secure the loan?

11) What types of businesses normally get loans?

12) What are the characteristics of successful borrowers?