If you have your own business, it can be hard to come up with capital when it's most needed. If times are tough, you may have no one to turn to - the bank won't lend you any money, profits are down and those lottery numbers haven't come up trumps yet. In times like this, a business loan might be your best option. Instead of borrowing even more money, a business loan uses the equity in your home as collateral. So it's your money funding your business with your secured business loan.

As with all business proposals, have a plan of action with your business loan amount. Where is the money going? Is it to pay debts, or to allow the business to grow? Will you be able to pay back the loan quickly, or is this a long-term decision? Will you be able to afford the loan? Where do you see your business going in five years? Will you be planning on a remortgage or will you be looking to move? All these questions, and more must be answered if a business loan is going to work long-term.

But before taking out a business loan, get your personal finances ready to be checked - as someone with their own business, you will be a self-cert borrower, someone who cannot prove their income. As a result, you will need to prove to the business loan lender that you have handled debt before and are able to handle debt in the future. This means getting your personal finances in order, and making sure there are no skeletons in the closet. Also, go online and make sure your credit rating is all above board - your credit score, or your financial history, is paramount in deciding the fate of someone with their own business.

And with a business loan, your business becomes personal, so as well as being a self cert personal borrower, you will be a self cert business borrower. Make sure you can prove income from your business accounts, or get some assurance of profits from your accountant, because this will be as important as your private finances when it comes to being accepted for a business loan. And it makes sense - having all your monies in order will stand you in good stead for future decisions, both business and personal.

If you are sure a business loan from your home's equity is the answer, talk to a broker. Brokers specialise in advice - and when it comes to mixing your personal wealth with your business, you will need someone who knows what the are talking about. A broker will be able to separate out your emotions and your needs, and will be able to truthfully tell you whether a business loan is business sense or business suicide. There is no easier way to find extra cash than business loan, but there is no easier way to risk your home and your livelihood. So be sure you are making the right choice, plan well and heed all the advice you can get.