Over at Canadian Business, I saw this great question from an entrepreneur, "How can I make my company attractive to bankers?" There were three great answers from peers (other business owners) but my favorite was:

Question: "I've started a sales-training company. I have 10 years experience in sales and training with large companies, a good business plan and a couple of clients already signed, but I can't get my bank to provide any operating money... What can I do to make my company more attractive to bankers, or where else can I go for money?"

Peer Answer: The first thing that I've learned over the last 19 years is that there appears to be a cyclical nature to lending decisions being made by banks. The general health of the economy, general health of the industry that you're in, and recent bank experience all contribute to formal and informal policy that guides lending institutions in the decisions they make. Some of this has nothing to do with you or your operation - it just is. Banks have always been wary of technology companies, especially smaller ones, and especially these days! Via Peer-to-Peer: Canadian Business

What I like about this answer is the statement that there seems to be a "cyclical nature" to lending decisions - I could not agree more. Right now banks will be very cautious on lending money to anyone who uses a lot of fuel or energy to operate equipment.

This can include trucking companies, manufacturers, and greenhouses - anyone that uses large amounts of fuel, natural gas or electricity.

During periods of rising prices in fuel and energy it is common for banks to simply not even take a loan application from a trucking company or manufacturer. However, the stronger your business relationship the greater odds that you will be able to get the money you need. Robert Bennett goes on to say:

You have to actively go out and find a banker who "gets you" - who understands your business, and more importantly understands you. The business plans and the cash flow projections are important too, but there's got to be a connection that gets made between you and your banker. That could mean that you will have to change banks. That could mean that you have to change often, as many times banks will move their account personnel. Via Peer-to-Peer: Canadian Business

Be open minded and remember that your business fundamentals and profits have to be strong regardless of your relationship with your banker, however a good relationship with your banker is a great place to start.