Tag: business

Federal Budget – Business Prospects and Options

The Federal Budget delivers little in direct relief for business costs and energy price increases but may offer operators in some sectors with opportunities. The October Budget or more precisely the mini-budget was delivered by Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers on October 25th and has been widely assessed as having essentially no direct relief for businesses or consumers in regard to spiraling costs. In the lead-up, the Treasurer said it would be a ‘bread-and-butter’ budget and present a responsible approach to costs of living. Individuals can decide if they consider that is the case with the measures and policies included. As this is the first Albanese Government budget post-election, it delivered on some promises made during the election campaign but in the opinion of many, failed to deliver on directly reducing energy bills. The Treasurer did say this budget was a first stage as the Government was taking a longer view of resetting the national accounts, especially dealing with deficit. To... Read More Caret Right

Options for hard to get finance: New Biz, Small Biz, Micro Biz

There are several types of businesses and categories of loan applicants that can face challenges when sourcing low rate business loans requirements. Specifically, new businesses which are in the process of setting up or have only been operating for a relatively short period; small and micro businesses regardless of how long they have been in operation; and businesses that have a poor credit history and hence a bad credit score. The challenges faced by these groups are widely known and can be a deterrent to businesses even applying for loans. Even the faintest prospect of being rejected for finance by a bank can be enough of a disincentive for businesses to completely put off applying. They dismiss relying on finance and instead either seek out alternative solutions to business needs or just proceed ‘as is’ and forego opportunities to grow and expand. With the deregulation of the Australian financial sector, a large number of non-bank lenders have entered the lending... Read More Caret Right

Action Required: Pre-EOFY Business Acquisitions

It's great to receive advisement from an organisation which clearly states 'no action is required on your part', in regard to some type of business activity. Phew, nothing for me to spend my time with that one, great! But in this blog, we are strongly suggesting that action is required on your part to address the issues we’re covering here. Action that yes will take up some of your time but with potential benefits which could be significant, substantial, and sustainable over a long time period for your business. Specifically, we’re talking EOFY - end of the financial year, tax time, 30 June. We’re now into the final quarter of the current financial year and a time when business owners suddenly realise that they only have a relatively short time to enact strategies, acquire assets and put measures in place to be eligible for certain tax benefits. All that at a time which can be quite busy in some sectors.... Read More Caret Right

Starting a business? Finance for First-Timers

Starting a new business can be equally exciting and deflating. The prospect of branching out on your own, doing your own thing, presenting your own products and services to customers, and being your own boss is a very attractive option for many people. In fact, new start-ups are increasing as more and more individuals look to alternative ways to derive an income, opt-out of full-time income, turn hobby businesses and interests into formal businesses, or just want a change. But the downside can come when you start seeking finance to fund your venture. Most start up businesses will require some type of equipment, machinery, and/or cars and work vehicles. You may need a delivery vehicle to pick up supplies and make customer deliveries. Tradies will need tools and equipment and a vehicle. Engineering and manufacturing concerns will need machinery. Retail outlets and general businesses will likely need finance to fit out the office or shop space. Those setting up cafes,... Read More Caret Right

Managing Business Cash Flow Shortfalls

Cash flow is key in business. Ensuring a business has the funds available to meet its commitments in a timely manner can be critical on several fronts. Not being in a position to pay suppliers can leave a business in a precarious position for sourcing the essentials needed to produce their goods and services. If a supplier refuses to deliver based on a bad payment record, the business may have to source less attractive and possibly more expensive alternatives. The supplier, especially if a utilities provider, may report a credit default to the credit reporting agencies, which has the potential to create ongoing credit issues. Not having the funds to meet staff obligations – wages, PAYG, and superannuation – can lead to losing staff and serious legal implications. For small businesses especially, cash flow shortfalls can lead business owners unable to pay themselves and meet their own personal financial commitments and that can flow-on to their own credit profile issues.... Read More Caret Right

Our Lenders
Trusted by 60+ lenders Australia-wide

Westpac
Liberty
Automotive Financial Services
Macquarie
Finance One
Commonwealth Bank
Pepper Money
Morris
National Australia Bank
RACV
Get Capital
Prospa
Grow
Selfco Leasing
Scottish Pacific
Our Lenders

Trusted by 60+ lenders Australia-wide

Westpac
Liberty
Automotive Financial Services
Macquarie
Finance One
Commonwealth Bank
Pepper Money
Morris
National Australia Bank
RACV
Get Capital
Prospa
Grow
Selfco Leasing
Scottish Pacific

FAQs
Business Finance FAQs

Yes, subject to the specific guidelines of individual brokers. Many brokers will offer services to all types and sizes of commercial set-ups while some may specialise in working for only some types of operations. Some brokers may also specialise in certain industry sectors or with specific financial products.

Commercial loans all offer tax deductible elements. These vary with the different products including Chattel Mortgage, Leasing, Rent to Own and Commercial Hire Purchase. Interest payments are all tax deductible. With Leasing and Rent to Own the repayments are tax deductible. With Chattel Mortgage a tax benefit is realised through depreciation.

The interest rates vary with the different funding products. Rates will change across the market with changes in the cash rate by the Reserve Bank. Rates will differ depending on the individual application and credit rating. Rates can vary for equipment in different industries. Credit providers will advertise their best rate for good credit rating applicants.

Yes. Having a current ABN is an essential requirement to be eligible for commercial funding products. Additional documentation on the financials of the operation and other details will be requested as part of the application process. If not all documents are available, ABN holders may seek No Doc or Low Doc options.

The same products apply across all industries and types of operations. But the funding offers can vary across different industry sectors for some credit products. This may occur with equipment and machinery in particular. Interest rates on equipment funding may be different from one industry to another. This may be due to risk assessment of the sector or the individual guidelines of a particular lender. Vehicle funding interest rates would be less subject to industry variations.

The type of credit product best suited to a commercial enterprise will depend on:- accounting method used; balance sheet approach; approach to tax; and financial objectives. The most popular options are Vehicle Leasing and Chattel Mortgage. Operators are advised to discuss choice of product for suitability with their accountant.

Cash flow support may be sought through an Overdraft Facility or a Secured or Unsecured Funding Option. All may be sought to support an operation with ongoing expenses to support cash flow.

New start-ups with an ABN are eligible to apply for all types of commercial loans. As most will not have all the documents for the application, they may seek No Doc and Low Doc options through specialist providers and brokers. Funding can be sought for vehicles, trucks, equipment and other purposes.

To be eligible for commercial loan, applicants must hold an ABN and identification are essential requirements. GST registration is not essential. A selection of documentation, docs, is requested. This may include tax returns, BAS returns, trading figures, bank statements, balance sheets and annual accounts.

Refinancing may be considered for many types of commercial funding arrangements. These may include asset acquisition funding, overdrafts as well as general secured and unsecured arrangements. Refinancing may be sought for a range of purposes including to achieve a lower interest rate, restructure repayment schedule or as part of a business-wide review of financials.

In general terms, any equipment which is for use in a commercial operation may be eligible for commercial funding. The ATO sets out eligibility for tax deductible asset acquisitions. The type of equipment will vary depending on the industry. It can include heavy machinery and equipment right through to general equipment such as computers, IT and photocopiers. Lenders may have their own guidelines as to what equipment they will fund.

Commercial financing is available through major and second tier banks and a wide range of non-bank lenders. Brokers offer services to assist operators to source funding to suit their requirements.

Rates are offered following an assessment of the application. The rate will be based on the credit rating of the applicant, the amount being applied for, aspects of the goods or purpose of the funding and other aspects. Rates offered vary across the lending market and are subject to the individual guidelines of the credit provider. Changes to monetary policy by the Reserve Bank can impact the interest rates market.

Features and structure of commercial loans should be assessed in relation to the accounting methods and objectives of the company. Consulting with an accountant can assist with this process. The best option is the one that suits the individual objectives and goals.

No. ABN holders and sole traders that are not incorporated are still eligible for commercial loans. Some lenders will have guidelines around application approvals. Small enterprises may seek a credit provider that accepts applications from their type of operation or seek assistance from a broker.