Tag: small business

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

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

Federal Budget: Small Business Perspective

Most small business owners could be understandably quite overwhelmed by the massive figures such as a deficit of $161 billion and net debt of $980 billion by 2024/25 included in the 2021/22 Federal Budget. Operating as a sole trader, freelancer or running an SME, business owners deal with much smaller numbers and need to put the big picture into the small business frame. SMEs will be looking for a much easier to digest and relatable version of the latest announcements from Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. Identifying the significance of budget measures for your SME can be a time-consuming and challenging task. Our team at Business Finance is assisting by providing these highlights of the key budget measures that we see as relevant to small business owners and operators, sole traders and family enterprises and those looking to establish a new small enterprise. In addition, we’re providing information on the small business finance options we have available to enable SMEs to utilise... Read More Caret Right

Accessing Workable Small Business Loans

The December 2020 Report from the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsmen (ASBFEO), highlights the significance of small business to the Australian economy and some of the key challenges faced by the sector. Challenges that may be met with easier access to affordable finance solutions. The report qualifies its statements by stating that it is based on statistics gathered prior to the devastating impacts of the 2019/20 bush fire season and the coronavirus pandemic. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) definition of a small business is one that employs less than 20 people or has a turnover of less than $10 million. There are over 2 million small businesses in Australia, employ nearly 5 million, and account for 41% of the workforce. The report quotes statistics from the 2016-2018 period which show that while income for SMEs increased, the net income of these businesses remained quite flat. This indicates significant cost pressures. It also states that the survival rate... Read More Caret Right

Small Business: Feb Finance Update

February in 2021 is a very different start to the business year for many as it signals a return not only to work post-holidays but a return to the workplace post-COVID-19. Many small businesses in CBD locations will no doubt be extremely relieved as high density office locations have suffered significantly over the past 12 months with many workers ordered to work from home. On reflection, 2020 may have been a year of polar opposites in the small business sector. Many simply could not survive the economic impacts of Coronavirus (COVID-19) case numbers and statistics and had to close permanently. Others thrived or at least survived, primarily as a direct result of receiving government support on a number of fronts. Some were fortunate to be presented with opportunities to implement their own innovations and pivot into the delivery of new services. But as 2021 rolls on and much of the COVID-19 support is rolled back, small business operators will want,... Read More Caret Right

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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.