FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
More about the Athelstone Small Business Loans
Tell me about the Athelstone Small Business Loans
Athelstone unsecured loans offers amounts of between $5,000 and $100,000, with terms ranging from 3 and 24 month and cash flow-friendly repayments that are either daily or weekly.
What is this Unsecured Loan different from an ordinary business loan?
You can apply for your Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes on the internet or on the phone. You’ll receive an immediate response, and the funds could be in your account in 24 hours. Traditional business loans refer to an interest rate per annum together with additional fees and charges. We offer a company loan is an upfront priced loan so you will know in advance the total amount payable including any interest, fees or charges. Then, it is divided into weekly or daily installment amount.
What can you use the Small Business Loan be used for?
The Small Business Loan can be used for nearly every company purpose including cash flow management, business remodeling, marketing, to purchase inventory or new equipment, to fund general working capital, and much more. The loan cannot be used for personal use.
About Larger Athelstone Business Loans
What is the Larger Athelstone Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger size of loan that can be used to fund business growth opportunities. Loans range from $100,000 to $500,000 with a term fixed up to 36 months. Repayments are either weekly or fortnightly to work with your situation.
How is the Origination Fee calculated?
A Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee, calculated at 2.5% of the loan amount.
Can I get the Larger Business Loan?
In order to be eligible for a loan that is this large, your company needs to be trading for at least 3 years with an annual turnover of $700,000. It is necessary to be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) at least 18 years old and have a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able of proving at minimum 12 months of continuous trading.
What can I use the funds for?
A larger company loan can be used for nearly any business purpose including business improvements, purchasing equipment or inventory, as general working capital and much more. The loan is not available to fund personal expenses.
Is the Larger Business Loan a secured loan?
Asset security is needed for funding of more than $150,000. It’s by way of charge on assets, and may include registration with the PPSR or making a caveat.
A personal or director’s guarantee is a guarantee to pay off a credit line that is generally based rather than specifying security over an asset. The person who signs the ensure is personally liable if the company creditor is unable to repay the debt.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online, central register run by the New Zealand Government. It reflects security interests granted to individuals who own personal property (including the assets or goods). The PPSR gives preference over private property granted in accordance with the date on which a security interest that is registered.
Caveats are legal document that is filed to provide the legal claim to a property.
What is a pre-approval without Credit Check?
If you’re applying for a Larger Business Loan that exceeds $250K we may be able to provide an initial pre-approval in order to simplify the process. We could be able to get this done without a credit verification and within 6 hours of your initial application. The pre-approval is based upon an initial assessment that includes you answering some financial health questions. It is in no way an offer, nor is it a guarantee of credit. Acceptance without condition is subject to a full credit assessment and any offer you are offered could be on different terms.
Application process
Do I have the right to receive funds?
You may apply for a company loan if you:
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are over 18 years, own a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- must show at least six months of business (for you to qualify for unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or 3 years of trading (for the Larger Business Loan $100K or $500K)
How do I apply?
The process for applying is fast and easy. Simply complete the online form in just a few minutes, and a dedicated company credit specialist will be in touch to assist you.
For a loan of up to $100,000 you’ll require ID details (valid Driver’s License), a valid NZBN/IRD as well as at least 6 months’ worth of bank statements.
Otherwise, for larger loan sizes, you’ll also require:
$100K to $250K: Application details including credit consent, 6 – 12 months of bank statements, IRD statement (if the loan is greater than $150K).
$250K-$500K: Application details including credit consent as well as 12 months of bank records, IRD statement Last 2 years’ finalised financial statements, plus interim financials for the current financial year, Aged Payables and Aged Receivables summaries.
How fast will I get an answer?
For an unsecured loan ($5K up to $100,000) we usually provide an answer within an hour if you make your application at standard company times and permit us to utilise the bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank information online. If you choose to upload copies of your bank statements we can offer an answer within one business day.
For the Larger Business Loan ($100K up to $500,000) we might be in a position to provide the conditional pre-approval in about 6 hours. Once you have signed the pre-approval form, it will take about 2-3 days for final approval. However, this could be shorter based on the circumstances of each application. Some offers have been approved in 24 hours.
The fastest way can be make sure you apply during standard company hours and permit us to use the advanced bank verification system to confirm your bank details online. If you choose to upload copies of your bank statement, it will take a little longer.
How fast will I get the funds?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K or more) we usually provide an answer within one hour if you apply within standard business timings and you allow us to use the bank verification system to instantly verify your bank details online. If you choose to submit copies of your bank statement, we’ll provide the decision in just 1 business day.
If you are applying for Larger Business Loans ($100K to $500K) we could be likely to provide the conditional pre-approval in about six hours. Once you’ve signed your pre-approval, the turnaround time is about 2-3 days for final approval, however it could be faster based on the particular circumstances of each application. Certain agreements have been approved in 24 hours.
The quickest method can be make sure you apply during standard business hours. Also, permit us to use the advanced bank verification system link to instantly check your bank’s information online. If you choose to upload documents from your account statement, it will take a little longer.
What’s the minimum amount I can borrow?
We provide loans ranging from $5,000 to $500,000. When you submit an application for a certain amount, we look at a variety of elements that determine the well-being of the company and the level of payments your company is able to afford. The amount you receive from your loan will be contingent on the specifics for your business.
When you apply for a certain amount, we will consider a number of aspects to determine your well-being of your company and the amount of the repayments your business can afford. The total amount of your loan will depend on the specifics that are unique to your business.
Fees & repayments
How much should you charge for the cost of a company loan?
When you make an application for the business loans, we’ll assess the risk assessment the company and offer you with a customised offer including the amount of the loan, the duration and the interest rates. The company loan is an upfront-priced loan which means you be aware in advance of the total amount payable including any charges, interest rates or fees.
What is the factor that determines the price I pay?
The interest rates on company loans rates vary due to factors including the amount borrowed, the company assets the funds are used to purchase in addition to the industry that the business is in, how long the company has been operating as well as whether the company has sufficient cash flow to pay for the loan, as well as the general health or creditworthiness of the business.
What are the fees?
There are no hidden costs with our company loans, and you’ll be aware of the amount you be required to pay, and when, from day one. There’s no compounding interest, and the loan comes with no additional fees (as as you make your payments on time).
We don’t charge an Application Fee. You are able to make an application for loans with with no upfront cost or any obligation to sign up.
The Origination Fee is the cost associated with establishing and managing the loan. This is only a fee if you decide to take the loan. The Origination Fee for us is 2.5 percentage of the amount of the loan.
Can I pay off the loan early?
You can choose to repay the entire amount of the loan early at any time.
If you do decide to pursue this option, please call our helpful company loans experts. We will offer you with details on repayment along with an early payout estimate. The figure will be calculated as the sum of the principal remaining and any accrued interest at the date of early payout in addition to 1.5% of the principal balance and any outstanding fees.
How do repayments work?
To ensure you do not miss payment dates and to align with your cash flow standard, we offer repayments either weekly or daily. They will be automatically deducted from the nominated business account.
Security & privacy
Will my information be protected?
Protecting your information, and making it clear the ways we gather, use, exchange and secure your information, is of huge importance and a vital part of our relationship you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We employ industry-recognised encryption protocols to safeguard your personal, sensitive and financial data and our funders are ISO 27001 qualified for our commitment to the security of our clients as well as their privacy. We employ a highly sophisticated banking verification system to instantly confirm your bank account information online so we can provide quick responses.
About business loans
What’s an asset-based borrow (a secured loan)?
Asset-based borrowing is when an company owner borrows from an asset that they own to make the funds for a loan. The asset could be an individual property, such as the family home or it could be a business asset such as a vehicle or piece or equipment.
The majority of the lenders even the major banks, prefer to make loans secured by assets. If you have trouble paying back the loan, your assets could be taken over by the lender. In essence, it’s an opportunity to secure additional financing taking advantage of the value of what you already own.
What do I require security for an company loan?
For loans of up to $150,000, it is not necessary to secure assets in advance to gain access to the funds However, we do require a personal guarantee. As long as you follow your loan commitments (as specified in the loan contract) and you are able to meet your obligations, asset security is not needed. For loans over $150,000 generally, you are able to get the option of a personal ensure and security in the form an asset charge.