Tag: RBA

Short and Long Term Commercial Loans Solutions

Business owners may have identified the need for finance to support their operation but may not be fully across the range of commercial loans solutions available to them. Identifying the need is a first step towards achieving a workable outcome and achieving objectives. The next stage is possibly more technical in identifying which particular commercial loan will best work towards achieving the objective. That decision can be crucial in effectiveness as well as in the costs. The decision around which loan type is particularly highlighted in regard to short, medium, long term or an ongoing solution. Selecting the appropriate finance product can result in not only in a better outcome, but also possibly less interest payable and hence a reduced impost on business expenses. For example, opting for a long tem finance solution may lock the business into interest charges and repayments over an extended period, where possibly a shorter term option may be better suited. An option which may... Read More Caret Right

Jobs and Skills Summit – outcomes, opportunities and options

The Jobs and Skills Summit delivered positive outcomes for some businesses while others may require finance to support their operation in the shorter term. As a result of many migrant workers, temporary visa holders and international students leaving Australia in the early stages of the pandemic and not yet returning, the domestic labour market has been extremely tight. Unemployment has hit a near record low of 3.4% and the result is intense pressure on many business, constrained capacity to produce and lower production and productivity. The labour shortage has been flagged as a contributor to inflation due to the supply limitations it creates. These are issues noted by the RBA in recent monthly statements. With many businesses facing major problems recruiting staff to fill roles to enable full production, owners and operators would be looking to the Jobs and Skills Summit to deliver solutions. Solutions are clearly required to address immediate staffing issues as well as better equip the country... Read More Caret Right

When rates rise, will low doc finance conditions tighten?

With interest rates currently being on the rise businesses requiring low doc finance may be concerned around any tightening of conditions with higher rates. This is a specialist type of business finance, not as widely available as finance for fully documented applications and can include special conditions as requested by individual lenders. Cost-effective rates can apply but all applications are assessed individually. It can be, in simple terms, harder to get than finance for established businesses. Due to these specific features and factors, it would be only natural that in the light of the recent and ongoing RBA rate hikes, that some businesses requiring this type of finance may be concerned. Concern may exit can exist around whether this type of finance is harder to get, will attract premium interest rates and/or whether tighter and restrictive conditions may apply. We cover off on what is involved with Low Doc Business Finance, what loans are available, what business should and may... Read More Caret Right

RBA September Rate Hike – Finance Outcomes

The RBA lifted the official cash rate again at its September Board meeting with the 50 basis points hike having potential implications for business finance. Businesses already feeling the effects of rising costs and labour market pressures may now be facing higher interest rates across a range of business finance products. The decision highlights the need for business owners to focus on achieving cheaper interest rates and more amenable conditions when sourcing a range of loans. The outlook for rates can be important considerations for those intending to invest in new asset acquisitions or are requiring finance to support and grow the business moving forward. The statement issued by the RBA Governor following the 6 September Board meeting offers some indication of the RBA’s rationale and intentions re further rates. Governor Lowe further elaborated on this matters and other issues in a speech delivered in Sydney on 8 September. These documents can be worth reviewing for business owners to stay... Read More Caret Right

Is now the time to take on new business finance? Latest Unemployment Data

With a further drop in unemployment in July and more RBA rate rises ahead, operators may have questions around timing to take on new business finance. The now 48 year record low unemployment level as of July, signals the continuing tightness in the labour market which is a key point noted by the RBA in guiding its rate decisions. The tightness of the current labour market can have impacts for interest rates but also for the business prospects. If not able to fill all its job roles, a business may not be well-placed to forecast optimum production let alone growth. We provide an overview of the latest information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics in relation to wages growth and employment and possible fall-out in regard to interest rates and business finance. The wages Unemployment at 48 Year Low The ABS release of the unemployment data series for July 2022  may send up red flags for some businesses that have... Read More Caret Right

Refinancing for Small Business Operators as Rates Rise

With lending interest rates increasing with RBA rate hikes refinancing for small business can be achieved with workable terms through Business Finance Aust. There can be a perception that small businesses are left worse off than larger enterprises when it comes to finance. That due to their size they will automatically be offered say a higher interest rate or tougher finance conditions. That may be seen to apply to both new finance and when seeking refinance. But this perception is not always the reality. Sure, if the small business is just starting up, then yes, it can be expected that they may be seen as a higher risk by lenders and as such attract a higher rate and/or tougher conditions for their loans. In these situations, we offer Low Doc and No Doc business finance. But if the small business has been operating for a reasonable time period, has a strong finance application and a good credit rating, they can... Read More Caret Right

Economic Outlook Provides Intel for Business Finance Planning

Planning business acquisitions with finance can be assisted by utilising information through sources such as the RBA and ABS and using professional services such as Business Finance Australia to secure cost-effective loans. The need for assets such as equipment, plant and machinery can arise at any time in the business cycle. Sometimes the need is urgent and immediate while in other cases, the business may schedule longer-term strategies over several years. When it comes to making decisions around moving on the investment and how to best structure finance to work through the upcoming economic conditions, additional intel can be invaluable. The ABS is a good source of data on a whole range of economic activities. In regard to finance, knowing possibly when interest rates may rise or fall, can be important to planning acquisitions with the most cost-effective loans. To assist businesses in this regard, information and outlooks provided by the Reserve Bank of Australia are worth reviewing. The RBA... Read More Caret Right

August RBA Rate Rise – Finance Effects

The RBA rate rise decision for August and the forecast for additional rises signals rises in business finance rates but cost-effective loans are still available. The rise of 0.5% announced by the RBA Board on 2 August was widely expected by lenders, economists, analysts and the business community. The amount of 0.5% was possibly even lower than some anticipated with at least analyst tipping a full 1% rise. The expectations were elevated after the publication of the latest data series for both inflation and employment by the ABS. Inflation at 6.1% and unemployment at 3.5% were certain to be key considerations by the RBA Board in its August decision as it mentioned waiting for incoming data in its July statement. While expected the increase will come as yet another blow to business operators seeking new finance who are working on recovering from downturns during the pandemic and facing challenges in fully-staffing their operations to achieve full capacity output levels. RBA... Read More Caret Right

Bad Credit Finance Options as Rates Rise

Businesses requiring bad credit finance in the current rising rate climate can seek assistance through specialist business finance lenders to source loans. The increasing rate climate and soaring inflation is placing cost pressures on many businesses. But for those in bad credit situations the prospects can be even more dire and concerning. It is widely accepted that interest rates offered on bad credit business finance would be higher than those for businesses with good credit ratings. Inflation is the key driver of the RBA’s rate decisions over recent months and with inflation rising by another 1.8% in the June quarter to 6.1%, more rises are certain. While finance rates were coming off a low base having enjoyed the record low of 0.1% cash rate since November 2020, for bad credit finance, the rate increases are on top of a higher base. A cost which the business must absorb into operating costs or pass on to customers with higher prices. Options which... Read More Caret Right

June Inflation Data Supports Further Interest Rates Rises

The June inflation data supports forecasts of further interest rates rises but cheaper rates can be achieved through specialist business finance lenders. The RBA noted in statements earlier in the year that the rate rises would take some time to have an effect on inflation. So the rise in the June quarter came as little surprise. But on the back of the significant fall in unemployment reported earlier in July, these latest figures will certainly support the RBA’s next rate rise decision. The sharp rise in inflation since late 2021 is the main purpose of the recent RBA rate hikes. Additional rises may give further reason to increase rates by more significant amounts and over more months. For businesses planning new asset acquisitions such as trucks, equipment and motor vehicle, being armed with the information around inflation and interest rates may assist in budgeting for such major purchases. Rises in the cash rate flow through the lending markets. Often we... Read More Caret Right

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Our Lenders

Trusted by 60+ lenders Australia-wide

Westpac
Liberty
Automotive Financial Services
Macquarie
Finance One
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.