Final answer:
Lending institutions often require small businesses to have marketing plans to ensure the potential for profitability and the ability to repay loans.
The correct option is B.
Step-by-step explanation:
When small businesses lack discipline in marketing strategy, lending institutions often require them to have marketing plans in place.
Lending institutions do this to ensure that the businesses have a solid plan for generating revenue and paying back any loans provided.
Since these small businesses sometimes do not earn economic profits, it is crucial for lenders to see a clear marketing strategy that could potentially lead to profitability and loan repayment.
The correct option is B.