Tag: unemployment

What the unemployment figures can mean for commercial loans decisions

Staying across the latest unemployment and other economic data may assist businesses make key decisions on commercial loans for major asset acquisitions. The labour market in Australia has been extremely tight for some time as the economy records near record low unemployment rates. The situation has meant many businesses across many industries are continuing to face issues in achieving full staffing. A scenario which is limiting their ability to operate at their full capacity and realise their full potential. These constraints can affect how business owners approach decisions to invest in new or upgrade equipment and machinery. Having some indication as to what could play out moving forward, may provide guidance as to whether the business will be well-placed to support such a major investment over the full term of the finance or not. There are a number of statistics-based resources available through a range of Government bodies and other organisations which are available for easy access. These include statistics... Read More Caret Right

Surprise unemployment fall points to more interest rates rises a certainty

A fall in unemployment in the latest ABS report raises the chances of more interest rates rises and highlights importance of cheaper rates for commercial loans. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) published the latest Job Figures last week and in a surprise to many, the unemployment rate in Australia dropped again. This time by 1% to 3.4%. The fall is being interpreted in some comments as the economy continuing to show strength and with inflation still rising, seen as further backing for another rate rise by the RBA when the Board next meets on 6 December. There may have been a glimmer of hope that the RBA would ease up on by how much it would increase the cash rate in the coming period. In remarks in an address at a business dinner following the November rate decision, Governor Lowe said that the Board had discussed the effects on households of rising prices and rising rates. There was mention... 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

June Unemployment Rate – red flag for rate hikes & business operators

The release of the June 2022 unemployment rate is a sign to business operators of ongoing issues in the labour market and further justification for more and larger interest rate hikes. The Australian Bureau of Statistics, the ABS, compiles and releases the employment figures and provides detailed data on the breakdown of the statistics. In the June reporting period the unemployment rate fell markedly and quite unexpectedly by many, by 0.4% from 3.9% to 3.5%. The June figure represented the lowest Australia unemployment in 50 years. Low rates of unemployment are a major economic goal for governments and something for them to celebrate as confirmation of the success of policy decisions. But in the midst of the economic conditions being faced in Australia, especially for business operators, these latest figures pose cause for concern for many. It increases the probability of further rate rises and signals continuing shortages in the labour market. Further rate rises are already expected, the RBA... 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.