KANSAS CITY — Mazuma Credit Union recently shared a number ofbusiness lending tips with listeners on the local radio program“Money Matters.”

Eric Jones, vice president of business services at the $300million credit union, discussed commercial lending and tips togetting a small business loan. He also talked about the traditionalfive Cs of credit that factor into loan approval: character,collateral, capacity, capital and condition. Jones told listenershow to explain their business and sell the business plan to thelender.

“Every business has a different story, a different history. Youreally need to sell your package,” Jones said. “Once you develop arelationship [with the lender], communicate with them. Keep theminformed on a continual basis.”

Mazuma began offering commercial lending to members in 2005. Thecredit union currently offers deposit services to select members,and will open deposit products to the entire field of membership infirst quarter of 2007. Other commercial products set to launch in2007 include payroll services, merchant services and creditcards.

Mazuma is one of 18 credit unions that have formed HeartlandBusiness Services, LLC, a business lending CUSO that is also ownedby the Missouri Credit Union Association and Missouri CorporateCredit Union.