Business loans Australian owners can grow with
Whether you need working capital for a busy season, funds to open a second location or a buffer while invoices are paid, we find business finance that fits how your business actually trades.
- Secured and unsecured lending
- Options for self-employed owners
- Fees disclosed in writing
Business loans in Australia: looking beyond your own bank
Business owners are often told to go to their bank, but the bank that holds your transaction account is only one of many lenders. We compare banks, non-bank business lenders and specialist funders to find finance that suits your purpose, your trading history and the speed you need. Common uses include working capital, stock purchases, fit-outs, hiring ahead of a new contract, marketing, buying a business and expansion into new premises. We bring a credit analyst's eye to every application. We work with business owners right across Australia, by phone, email or Google Meet.
The first choice is usually secured or unsecured. A secured business loan uses property or other assets as security, which can mean a larger limit, a longer term and a lower rate. Unsecured business loans are faster and do not put your home on the line, but they are usually shorter, smaller and more expensive, and many lenders still ask directors for a personal guarantee. If customers take 30 days or more to pay you, invoice finance can unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices without taking on a traditional term loan.
Self-employed borrowers and small business owners are assessed on business financials, BAS statements, bank statements and tax returns, and lenders vary widely in what they accept. Some offer low-doc options when your latest financials are not yet complete. Some business facilities involve a broker fee, which we always disclose upfront in writing. If you need equipment or vehicles, asset finance may be cheaper than a general business loan. For larger facilities such as overdrafts or development funding, see commercial finance.
What we bring to your business lending
Beyond your own bank
We compare major banks, non-banks and specialist business lenders, which gives you more choice on speed, security requirements and repayment structure.
Finance matched to purpose
Short-term needs get short-term finance and long-term investments get longer terms. We avoid solutions that create cash-flow strain later on.
Faster funding options
When timing matters, some lenders can assess unsecured and invoice finance applications quickly using bank statement data and accounting software connections.
Applications that tell your story
We present your business clearly, explaining seasonal dips, one-off costs or recent growth so lenders see the full picture, not just the numbers.
Security options explained
We outline what each lender wants as security or guarantees, and what that means for your personal assets, so you decide with full information.
Transparent fees
If a broker fee applies to your business facility, we tell you upfront and in writing, along with the lender's own establishment and ongoing fees.
Who we help with business finance
Every situation is different. If yours isn't listed, ask us anyway. Chances are we've seen it before.
Check my optionsHow your business loan comes together
Understand the business
We learn how your business earns money, its seasonal patterns, current debts and what the funds will achieve, so we can recommend the right type of finance.
Review your financials
We look at your BAS, bank statements, tax returns and management accounts to work out which lenders are likely to support your application.
Compare options
We compare secured, unsecured and invoice finance options on cost, limit, term, security and speed, and disclose any fees in writing.
Submit and negotiate
We prepare a clear application, answer the credit team's questions and negotiate terms where possible, keeping you updated at every step.
Funding and review
Once approved, funds are released and we check in as your business grows, reviewing whether your facilities still suit your needs.
What to prepare for a business loan
Having these ready speeds everything up. Don't worry if something's missing; we'll tell you exactly what each lender needs.
Run the numbers first- ABN, ACN and business registration details
- ID for all directors and guarantors
- Six to twelve months of business bank statements
- Latest two years of business tax returns and financial statements
- Recent BAS statements
- Year-to-date profit and loss statement
- Aged debtors and creditors list, for invoice finance
- Details of existing business loans and leases
- A short summary of how the funds will be used
- ATO portal statement showing any tax debts
Business Loans: your questions answered
What is the difference between secured and unsecured business loans?
A secured business loan uses an asset, often residential or commercial property, as security. It usually offers larger limits, longer terms and lower rates. An unsecured business loan does not require specific property security, so it can be quicker, but it tends to be smaller, shorter and more expensive, and directors are often asked to sign a personal guarantee. We explain which suits your purpose and risk tolerance.
Can I get a business loan if I am self-employed?
Yes. Lenders assess self-employed borrowers on the business's financial performance, usually through tax returns, financial statements, BAS and bank statements. How long you have been trading and your credit history also matter. If your latest financials are not yet complete, some lenders offer low-doc options based on BAS or bank statements, often at a higher cost. We match you with lenders suited to your records.
How does invoice finance work?
Invoice finance lets you borrow against money your customers owe you. Once you issue an invoice, the lender advances a portion of its value, and the balance, less fees, is paid when your customer pays. It can smooth cash flow for businesses with long payment terms. Costs and structures vary, including whether your customers know about the arrangement, so we compare options before you commit.
How quickly can I get a business loan?
It depends on the loan type and your documents. Unsecured and invoice finance can sometimes be approved within days when lenders can access bank statement data directly. Secured loans take longer because the lender needs to value property and prepare security documents. Having your financials, BAS and bank statements ready makes a big difference, and we tell you realistic timeframes upfront.
Do I need a personal guarantee for a business loan?
Many lenders ask company directors to provide a personal guarantee, even for unsecured loans. This means you become personally responsible for the debt if the business cannot repay it. Some facilities also require property as security. Because the consequences can be serious, we recommend getting independent legal advice before signing, and we help you understand exactly what each lender is asking for.
Are there fees for using a broker for a business loan?
Some business facilities involve a broker fee, depending on the size and complexity of the loan, and lenders may charge their own application, establishment or ongoing fees. We disclose any broker fee upfront and in writing before we start work on your application, and we show the lender's fees alongside so you can compare the full cost of each option.
You might also need
Commercial Loans
Overdrafts, lines of credit, trade finance and development funding structured around your business cash cycle.
ExploreAsset Finance
Finance for trucks, machinery, vehicles and equipment through chattel mortgages, leases and hire purchase.
ExploreCommercial Property Loans
Finance for offices, retail, industrial and warehouse properties, whether you occupy them or lease them to tenants.
ExploreReady to fund your next stage?
Tell us what your business needs the money for and we will find finance that fits the way you trade.