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

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

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

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

Mazuma is one of 18 credit unions that have formed Heartland Business Services, LLC, a business lending CUSO that is also owned by the Missouri Credit Union Association and Missouri Corporate Credit Union.