Short-term business loan questions, answered

Business finance repaid within roughly 3 to 24 months, used for a specific need with a clear end: a tax bill, stock for a season, a new contract, or the gap before a sale or refinance settles.

Property-secured options run from $20,000 to $5,000,000 over residential or commercial property. Unsecured, cash-flow and line-of-credit options for trading businesses are typically $5,000 to $500,000, sized on turnover and bank statements.

Usually about 3 to 24 months. The right term is the time your need takes to resolve plus a buffer — commonly 6 or 12 months.

No. Unsecured options are available for trading businesses. Property security usually allows larger amounts, longer terms and more flexibility with credit history.

Both are considered case by case. Property equity, clean recent bank statements and a believable exit plan all help. Please mention them on the enquiry form.

Business purposes only — for example tax obligations, stock, wages ahead of a contract, equipment deposits, or bridging a sale or refinance.

Every loan is priced on the business's own circumstances, and a headline rate says little about a loan you might hold for five months or repay early. We set out the total cost in dollars, the fixed fees and the payout rules for the options that fit.

Every dollar you pay above the amount borrowed: establishment and other fixed fees, time-based cost for the months you hold the loan, and any exit or discharge costs.

Usually you can. The saving depends on the contract: daily accrual saves the unused time, a minimum period saves less, and prepaid or fixed-cost loans may save nothing. We explain the rule on each option before you sign.

Extensions are at the lender's discretion and usually carry a fee plus extra time-based cost. Ask what an extension would cost before signing, so your plan B has a price.

The ATO lists interest on money borrowed for producing assessable income, and for income tax obligations and employer super contributions, among common business operating expenses. Your accountant can confirm how it applies to you.

The plan for repaying the loan in full by its due date: the source (sale, refinance, money owed or trading surplus), the amount, the date, the evidence and a fallback.

Because a short-term loan ends on a fixed date. If the exit doesn't hold together, the loan will need extending, and that costs money. We'd rather structure it properly — or tell you it's the wrong tool — at the start.

Tell your lender early, with evidence of progress and a specific request for more time. Our exit strategy builder helps you set a buffer so normal delays don't cause a problem.

Yes — it's a common exit. The short-term period is used to get financial statements, tax lodgments and account conduct into the shape a bank expects.

No. There's no credit check when you first enquire. A credit check is only discussed if you decide to go ahead.

No. A real person reviews your enquiry and matches it properly. Your details aren't sprayed around the market.

A lending specialist who has read your enquiry. Keep your phone handy — the call may come from a number you don't recognise.

Accurate answers about the amount, purpose, property, existing debts and your exit let us point you to the right option on the first call. Please fill it in carefully.