Eligibility: your questions answered

We compare options for Australian businesses. Lenders look at factors such as trading time, turnover, cash flow, credit history and the amount you need. Tell us about your business and we will explain which options may fit. There is no single minimum that applies across every lender on our panel.

We start with a conversation about your business. To assess your options, lenders commonly need identification and recent business bank statements. Depending on the loan, they may also request BAS, financials or statements for existing debts. Your broker gives you a clear list for your situation.

It varies by lender and product. Many unsecured business lenders want at least six to twelve months of trading, while some asset finance lenders will consider a new ABN where the director has industry experience, a clean credit file and often property ownership or a deposit. Registration for GST is frequently expected once turnover reaches the threshold. A short ABN history is not an automatic decline, but it narrows the panel and usually affects the rate and structure offered.

Yes, some lenders offer low-doc pathways. Low-doc does not mean no documents or automatic approval. The information required depends on your business, the amount and the lender. Your broker will explain what is needed.

No. Plenty of finance is written for non-property owners, especially asset finance where the equipment itself is the security, and unsecured lending assessed on cash flow. That said, property ownership widens the panel and often improves pricing, because it gives a lender an additional avenue if things go wrong. If you do not own property, expect more weight on trading history, bank conduct and the quality of the asset being financed.

Sole traders, partnerships, companies and trusts can all be considered. The entity type changes the paperwork rather than the availability of finance: a company application usually needs director details and ASIC records, a trust needs the trust deed, and a sole trader is assessed largely on personal credit alongside business performance. Guarantees are commonly required regardless of structure. Your accountant is the right person to advise which entity should own the asset for tax purposes.

Not always. Unsecured business lines of credit are available in Australia, typically up to around $500,000, and are assessed on trading history, turnover and bank statements rather than property. A director’s guarantee usually applies. Secured lines of credit, backed by property, equipment or receivables, generally offer higher limits and lower rates. Your broker explains what security each lender requires and what a guarantee means for you personally before you decide.

Limits commonly range from $10,000 to $500,000 for unsecured facilities, with larger limits available when security is offered. Lenders usually set the limit as a proportion of your monthly turnover and consistency of deposits, rather than on a single figure. A business with steady turnover and 12 months of trading will generally qualify for a higher limit than a newer business with variable income. Limits can be reviewed upward as the business grows.

Most lenders look for an active ABN, at least 6 to 12 months of trading, and consistent monthly turnover, typically above $10,000. Sole traders, partnerships, companies and trusts can all apply. Lenders assess recent business bank statements, existing debts and credit history, and some will consider businesses with past defaults if trading is strong. Lyft Money checks fit across the panel first, so only lenders likely to approve are approached.

Eligible invoices are for goods delivered or services completed, issued to another business or a government body on standard payment terms, usually 30 to 90 days. Invoices to consumers, invoices for work not yet finished, progress claims under construction contracts and disputed invoices are generally excluded. Lenders also look at the creditworthiness of your customers, because they are the ones who ultimately pay. A spread of reliable customers strengthens the application.

Setting up a facility usually takes one to two weeks, because the lender verifies your customers and your ledger. Once it is in place, funds against a new invoice are typically advanced within 24 to 48 hours, and some lenders pay the same day. Businesses that invoice regularly find the ongoing speed is the real benefit: every invoice becomes cash within days rather than months.

Often, yes. Invoice finance is assessed mainly on the quality of your customers and your invoices rather than on your own trading history, so newer businesses and businesses with past credit issues can qualify where a term loan would be declined. Lenders still check the business and its directors, and some set a minimum monthly invoicing level. Lyft Money checks fit across the panel before anything is submitted, so a decline elsewhere does not rule you out.

Small overdrafts are often available unsecured, generally up to around $50,000 to $250,000 depending on the lender, with a director’s guarantee. Larger limits are usually secured by residential or commercial property, and some lenders take a general security agreement over the business assets instead. Secured overdrafts carry lower rates and line fees. Your broker explains what each lender requires and what a guarantee or security means for you before you decide.

Lenders set the limit from your trading history, the regularity of deposits into the account, existing debts and, for secured overdrafts, the value of the security. A common rule of thumb is a limit around one to two months of turnover for a well-run business, but it varies. Limits are reviewed at least annually and can be increased as the business grows. Providing 6 to 12 months of business bank statements gives the clearest picture of the gap you are covering.

Most lenders look for an active ABN, at least 12 months of trading, regular deposits into a business account and a clean recent conduct history, meaning no dishonours or long periods overdrawn without approval. Sole traders, partnerships, companies and trusts can apply. Businesses with less than a year of trading are usually steered to a line of credit or a short-term loan instead. Lyft Money checks fit across the panel before anything is submitted.

Full-doc secured loans typically need two years of business financials and tax returns, recent BAS, business bank statements, a statement of your assets and liabilities, and details of the security property including any existing mortgage. Low-doc secured loans replace the financials with an accountant’s declaration or bank statements and are priced a little higher. The lender also requires identification for all directors and guarantors and evidence that the business purpose is genuine.

Lenders look at the target business’s profit and cash flow over the past two to three years, whether the earnings depend on the outgoing owner, the lease on the premises, the price relative to earnings, and your own experience in the industry. They also assess your contribution, your credit history and any security. A business with consistent profits, a long lease and a buyer who has worked in the sector is the strongest case; a declining business or an inflated price is the weakest.

Often, yes, but the options narrow. Lenders look at why the payments were missed and whether trading has recovered. A business that is profitable but over-committed on short-term repayments is a common and fundable case; a business that is losing money is not. ATO debt is fundable by many lenders provided it is under a payment arrangement or will be cleared by the new loan, and some specialist lenders focus on exactly this situation. Lyft Money checks fit before anything is submitted, so a decline elsewhere does not rule you out.

Trade finance suits established importers, wholesalers, distributors and manufacturers with a track record of buying and selling stock, typically 12 months or more of trading and turnover in the hundreds of thousands or above. Lenders look at your sales history, the reliability of your suppliers and customers, and the margin on the goods. Service businesses with no stock and one-off buyers are generally not a fit. Security can be the goods themselves, receivables or a general security agreement.

Providers look mainly at card turnover: typically at least $5,000 to $10,000 a month in card sales, six months or more of trading and a consistent pattern of transactions. Credit history matters less than with a bank loan, so businesses with past defaults or a short ABN history are often approved. Advances are usually sized at around one month of card takings, and can be renewed or topped up as the balance reduces.

Most general business insurance can be funded: public and products liability, professional indemnity, commercial motor and fleet, plant and machinery, contract works, industrial special risks, management liability and business packs. Funders prefer policies where a refund of unearned premium is available on cancellation, which is what secures their money. Some funders will bundle several policies from different insurers into one monthly payment.

Approval is usually quick and light because the policy itself is the security. Many funders approve premiums up to a set amount, often tens of thousands of dollars, with minimal checks and same-day turnaround, and only larger premiums require financial information. Businesses with past credit issues are often accepted. Your broker confirms what each funder needs for your premium size.

Expect to contribute 30 to 50 per cent of the total setup cost from your own funds for a new site, and sometimes less for an accredited brand or a resale with strong trading history. The total cost includes the franchise fee, fit-out, equipment, stock, legal costs and a working capital buffer, so the contribution is calculated on all of it, not just the franchise fee. Equity in property can count as contribution if it is offered as security.

Typically the franchise agreement and the franchisor’s disclosure document, your business plan and cash flow forecast, evidence of your contribution, personal financial statements, identification, and for a resale the outlet’s last two to three years of financials. Lenders also want to see the lease or licence for the premises and any franchisor approval of you as a franchisee. Your broker assembles this into the format each lender expects.

Yes. Many lenders offer low-doc vehicle finance, typically up to around $150,000 to $250,000, for businesses with an ABN of two years or more, a clean credit history and, often, property ownership or a deposit, with no financials required. Newer ABNs and businesses without property can still be approved at slightly higher rates or with a larger deposit. Approval is often the same day to 48 hours once identification and a quote for the vehicle are provided.

The lender sets the limit from your financials, existing vehicle commitments, the size and age of the current fleet and your replacement plans, typically ranging from $100,000 to several million. Limits are reviewed annually and can be increased as the fleet grows. Full financials are usually required to establish the facility, after which each drawdown needs only the vehicle invoice and details.

Usually not for a business buyer with a good credit history; most lenders finance the full purchase price and can include on-road costs. A deposit is more likely to be asked for on older vehicles, private sales where the price is above valuation, or for newer businesses and applicants with credit issues. A trade-in works as a deposit.

Yes, for established operators. Low-doc truck finance is generally available up to around $150,000 to $250,000 for businesses with an ABN of two years or more, a clean credit file and, often, property ownership or a deposit, without financials. Amounts above that, or newer operators, usually need financials or a contract. Approval is often within 24 to 72 hours once the truck details are in.

For established operators: identification, ABN, the dealer or manufacturer quote, and for low-doc applications simply confirmation of trading history and credit. Larger amounts or newer businesses add recent financials or bank statements and, for owner-drivers, the contract the trailer will run on. Used and private-sale trailers add a PPSR check and an inspection report.

Often, yes. Lenders are more comfortable with a new ABN when the asset is a standard, resaleable item such as a vehicle or common machinery, when the director has experience in the industry, and when there is a deposit or property ownership. Start-ups in hospitality, trades and transport are financed regularly on this basis. Lyft Money checks which lenders back new businesses before anything is submitted.

Yes, for established businesses. Low-doc machinery finance is generally available up to around $150,000 to $250,000 for an ABN of two years or more with a clean credit file, often without financials, and some specialist lenders go higher for standard yellow goods. Larger amounts or newer businesses provide recent financials or bank statements, and a contract for the work the machine will do strengthens any application.

Yes. Registered health practitioners are often eligible for low-doc or no-doc equipment finance up to practice limits, commonly $150,000 to $500,000 depending on the lender and profession, based on registration, time in practice and credit history rather than financials. Larger amounts and new practices provide recent financials or a business plan. Your broker knows which lenders run professional programs for each discipline.

Yes. Lenders want the lease, including options, to run at least as long as the loan term, and preferably longer, because the fit-out is only valuable while you occupy the premises. A five-year fit-out loan on a three-year lease with no options is hard to fund. Securing the lease term or options before finalising the fit-out budget makes the application straightforward.

Yes, particularly for franchise sites, professional practices and experienced operators opening a new venue. Lenders look at the operator’s background, the business plan and cash flow forecast, the lease and the contribution. The equipment portion is often the easiest part to fund for a new business because the equipment is the security. Your broker packages the fit-out with any franchise or working capital finance so the site opens on time.

Specialist agricultural lenders look at the enterprise as a whole: land owned or leased, the history of yields or livestock sales, forward contracts, existing debt and the equipment’s role in production. Established farming families with a track record are generally well regarded, and lenders understand that income arrives in lumps. Low-doc equipment finance is available for established operations within limits, and larger purchases use financials.

Often, yes. Utes are a high-volume, easily resold asset, so several lenders will finance one for a new ABN or a sole trader on low documentation, particularly where the applicant has trade experience, a deposit or property ownership and a clean credit file. Established ABNs of two years or more are usually approved with no financials up to around $150,000 to $250,000. Lyft Money checks which lenders back new businesses before anything is submitted.

Most tradies with an ABN of two years or more can finance a ute, van, trailer or tools on low documentation, typically up to $150,000 to $250,000, with identification and a quote for the asset and no tax returns. Short-term unsecured loans and lines of credit are approved from six to twelve months of business bank statements. Larger amounts and property lending use financials. Lyft Money matches the paperwork to what you actually have before anything is submitted.

Usually, yes. Lenders look at your trade experience as an employee or subcontractor, a deposit or property ownership and your credit history when the ABN is new, and several specialise in funding new tradie businesses for a ute and tools. The first purchase is often the vehicle, financed on low documentation, with working capital added once six months of trading shows in the bank statements. Lyft Money checks fit across the panel so you are not declined for being new.

Established businesses are often approved within 24 to 48 hours on low documentation, with settlement to the dealer within a day or two of signing. Private sales add a few days for the PPSR check and inspection. If you have a delivery contract starting, tell your broker the date and the approval is scheduled around it.

Yes. Businesses with an ABN of two years or more and a clean credit file are commonly approved for business car finance up to $150,000 to $250,000 with no financials, often the same day, and some lenders extend low-doc to premium vehicles. Newer ABNs and higher-value cars may need a deposit or financials. Your broker checks fit across the panel first.

Some lenders extend low-doc approvals to prestige and European vehicles for established businesses, typically up to around $150,000 to $250,000 with an ABN of two years or more, property ownership or a clean vehicle finance history. Above that, or for exotic and low-volume models, lenders ask for financials or a larger deposit. Lyft Money knows which lenders like prestige metal and which apply a haircut to it.

A PPSR search for encumbrances and written-off or stolen status, a check that the VIN and registration match the seller, an odometer and identity check, and for private sales an inspection with photos. Dealer sales come with statutory warranty and clear title, so the process is quicker. These checks protect you as much as the lender and take a day or two.

Not always. Late-model excavators from recognised brands are often funded at 100 per cent of the purchase price for businesses with two years of ABN history and clean credit, and several lenders offer low-doc approvals to around $150,000 to $250,000 without financials. Older machines, start-ups and very large machines may need 10 to 20 per cent down or full financials. Your broker checks fit before you commit.

Yes. Mini excavators are a common first machine for landscapers and new contractors, and several lenders fund ABNs under two years with a deposit, a clean personal credit file and evidence of work such as a contract or a trade background. Established operators usually qualify low-doc with no deposit. Lyft Money knows which lenders back start-ups on smaller plant.

Often within 24 hours for established businesses on low documentation, with settlement to the dealer within a day or two of signed documents. Private and auction purchases add time for the PPSR check and inspection. If a job depends on the machine, tell your broker the start date and the approval is scheduled around it.

Yes. A forklift is a modest, easily resold asset, so many lenders fund ABNs under two years with a small deposit and a clean personal credit file. Established businesses are usually approved low-doc within a day. Attachments such as side-shifts, fork positioners and clamps can be included.

The lender does not require one, but operators need the appropriate high-risk work licence for telehandlers over three tonnes or with a work platform, and a gold card or equivalent training for smaller units. Insurance under the finance contract is required from settlement, so arrange it before delivery.

For a boom pump above the low-doc limits, two years of financials or interim figures, an ATO portal showing tax up to date, evidence of the work ahead such as contracts with builders or concreters, and details of the pump. Established pumping businesses with a good asset finance history often get pre-approval quickly.

The lender does not issue it, but most states require an operator and driver licence for tow trucks, and lenders will usually ask for evidence that you hold or have applied for it, along with any accident allocation or roadside contracts. Having the licence sorted before you apply speeds up approval.

Yes. A supply or delivery contract with a supermarket, wholesaler or restaurant group is strong evidence of income for the truck and can move an application from a deposit to no deposit. Lenders like cold-chain work because demand is steady. Send the contract with your application.

Yes. Crane trucks are popular first trucks for building supply delivery, scaffolding and rural contractors, and several lenders fund new ABNs with a deposit, a clean personal credit file and evidence of work. Established businesses are usually approved low-doc within a day. A used truck within age limits keeps the deposit small.

Yes. A school bus contract, council route or tour agreement is strong evidence of income for the vehicle and often moves an application from a deposit to no deposit, or from full financials to low documentation. Lenders like contracted route work because revenue is predictable, so include the contract with your application.

Yes. A supply, distribution or carrier agreement with a supermarket, food manufacturer or logistics company is strong evidence of income for the trailer and often moves an application from a deposit to no deposit. Lenders like refrigerated freight because demand is steady year-round.

Yes. Plant trailers are a modest, easily resold asset, so many lenders fund new ABNs with a clean personal credit file and a small deposit, especially when the trailer is bundled with a machine. Established businesses are usually approved low-doc within a day.

Yes. A contract with a retailer, co-packer or brand for the product the line will pack is strong evidence of the machine’s earnings and often moves an application from a deposit to no deposit, or from full financials to a lighter assessment. Include it with your application.

Yes. Several lenders offer professional packages for dentists and other registered health practitioners, funding equipment and even practice purchases with little or no trading history because the profession’s income is reliable. AHPRA registration, a practice plan and a clean personal credit file are the key documents.

Yes, with the right lender. New clinics can be approved with a deposit, a clean personal credit file, relevant qualifications and a business plan showing treatment demand. Devices from major brands with strong resale markets are easier to finance for a start-up than newer or unbranded units.

Yes. Registered veterinarians are treated as health professionals by several lenders, which means equipment and practice purchase finance with little or no trading history and often no deposit. Registration, a practice plan and a clean personal credit file are the key documents.

Yes, with the right lender. New cafés are approved with a deposit, a signed lease, a clean personal credit file and hospitality experience, and rental agreements from equipment suppliers are another route for start-ups. Established cafés qualify on low documentation, often within a day.

Yes, with the right lender. New venues are approved with a deposit, a signed lease, a business plan, hospitality experience and a clean personal credit file, and equipment from major brands is easier to finance than bespoke items. Established operators opening a second venue usually qualify on their trading history.

Yes, with the right lender. New businesses are approved with a deposit of 20 to 30 per cent, a signed lease, a business plan, industry experience and a clean personal credit file, and franchise fit-outs are often financed on the franchisor’s track record. Established businesses opening another site qualify on trading history.

The vendor’s quote or statement of work, two years of ABN history and clean credit for a low-doc approval up to around $100,000 to $150,000, and financials or bank statements for larger amounts. Established businesses are often approved within a day or two.

Most lenders finance boats up to about 15 to 20 years old at the end of the term, with older or wooden boats handled by specialist lenders on shorter terms and a deposit. Condition, brand and a survey for larger vessels matter more than age alone.

Yes. Lenders assess retirees on superannuation, pension and investment income, and self-employed buyers on tax returns, notices of assessment or bank statements with some lenders. A clean credit file, a deposit and a sensible loan-to-income ratio help. A broker matches you to lenders that suit your income type.

The lender does not require it, but a personal watercraft licence is required to ride in most states and insurance is required from settlement, so arrange both before delivery. Lenders assess income, credit history and the deposit.

Identification, proof of income such as payslips or tax returns, details of the camper and seller, and your licence. Most applications are approved within a day or two, with settlement to the dealer or seller a day or two after signing. Pre-approval before you shop lets you negotiate on the camper rather than the finance.

Consistent claim income in the bank statements, a work-in-hand schedule or signed contracts, builder’s licence and insurances, tax up to date and a clean credit file. Lenders are cautious about the industry, so a broker who presents the pipeline and margins clearly makes a real difference to approval and pricing.

Yes. Signed contracts or panel appointments with councils, state agencies and tier-one head contractors are strong evidence of income and often move an application from a deposit to no deposit or from full financials to a lighter assessment. Lenders like the predictability of government-funded civil work, so include the contracts with your application.

The contract or purchase order with the mine, a history of claims paid in the bank statements, financials for larger amounts, the equipment list and evidence of site compliance. Lenders like contracted work with major miners, so a broker presenting the contract and margins clearly speeds approval.

Yes. A contract or purchase orders from a major customer for the product the machine will make are strong evidence of earnings and often move an application from a deposit to no deposit, or from full financials to a lighter assessment. Include them with the machine quote.

Consistent daily takings in the bank statements, gross margin, stock turn, the lease term and the seasonality of the business. Lenders like retailers with strong card sales and a stable location. For new stores, a deposit, retail experience and a business plan matter; established stores are often approved on bank statements alone.

Yes. Owner-drivers are financed on the strength of a carrier agreement or subcontract, driving history and a clean credit file, with new ABNs usually needing a deposit of 10 to 20 per cent and established operators often approved with no deposit. A used truck within age limits keeps the deposit small.

Consistent daily card takings, the lease term, gross margin, wage costs, tax up to date and a clean credit file. Lenders know hospitality is competitive, so a broker who presents the numbers clearly and matches the lender to your trading pattern makes a real difference to approval and pricing.

Yes. Several lenders offer medical professional packages to registered GPs and specialists, with equipment, fit-out, practice purchase and commercial property finance available at sharper rates, higher loan-to-value ratios and lighter documentation because the profession’s income is reliable. AHPRA registration and a practice plan are the key documents.

Yes. Several lenders fund new dentists buying or setting up a practice with little trading history because the profession’s income is reliable, usually with a business plan, AHPRA registration and a clean personal credit file. Rates and terms improve further once the practice has a year of billings.

Yes. Registered veterinarians are treated as health professionals by several lenders, which means equipment, fit-out, practice purchase and premises finance with little trading history, often no deposit and lighter documentation. Registration, a practice plan and a clean personal credit file are the key documents.

Yes. Registered pharmacists buying their first pharmacy are financed on their experience, a business plan and the pharmacy’s history, usually with a deposit or a partnership with an experienced owner. Once the pharmacy has a year of trading under the new owner, refinancing to sharper terms is common.

Some lenders extend professional packages to physiotherapists, psychologists, podiatrists, chiropractors, optometrists and other registered practitioners, with lighter documentation and sharper pricing on equipment and practice finance. Registration and a practice plan are the key documents. A broker knows which lenders include your profession.

Yes, with the right lender. New gyms are approved with a deposit, a signed lease, a business plan, fitness industry experience and a clean personal credit file, and franchised fitness brands are often financed on the franchisor’s track record. Pre-sales and founding memberships strengthen the application.

Yes, with the right lender. New salons are approved with a deposit, a signed lease, industry experience and a clean personal credit file, and equipment from major brands is easier to finance than unbranded devices. Established salons qualify on bank statements, often within a day.

Signed contracts or service agreements, consistent invoice income in the bank statements, wage costs under control, tax up to date and a clean credit file. Because cleaning debtors are often commercial and government clients, invoice finance is well priced and quick to approve.

Yes. Landscaping equipment is modest and easily resold, so several lenders fund ABNs under two years with a deposit, a clean personal credit file and evidence of work or a trade background. Established businesses qualify low-doc with no deposit. Lyft Money knows which lenders back start-ups.

Yes. Plumbers with an ABN of two years or more and clean credit are commonly approved for vehicles and equipment on low documentation up to around $150,000 to $250,000, and unsecured loans are approved on six to twelve months of bank statements. Larger amounts use financials.

Consistent claim and invoice income in the bank statements, a licence and insurances, a work-in-hand schedule, tax up to date and a clean credit file. Established contractors are often approved on bank statements alone; new businesses need a deposit or a trade background.

Recurring revenue and contract length, consistent client payments in the bank statements, gross margin on hardware versus services, tax up to date and a clean credit file. Established MSPs with steady managed service income are often approved within a day or two on bank statements.

Often, yes. Accountants, lawyers, engineers and other professionals are well regarded by lenders because fee income is stable, and several offer lighter documentation, higher limits and sharper pricing on unsecured, acquisition and property finance. A broker knows which lenders include your profession.

Yes. First-time franchisees are financed on the strength of the system, a deposit of typically 20 to 40 per cent, a clean credit file and relevant experience, and accredited systems make approval easier. Lyft Money knows which lenders accredit which franchise brands.

Registration or evidence of participant agreements, consistent claim income in the bank statements, wage costs and staffing, tax up to date and a clean credit file. Established providers with steady claim income are often approved within a day or two on bank statements.

Yes. Sole traders with an ABN are financed for vehicles, equipment, working capital and property, with the applicant’s personal credit file and income assessed alongside the business banking because the individual and the business are the same legal person. Two years of ABN history and clean credit unlock low-doc approvals.

Identification, ABN and GST registration, six to twelve months of bank statements for unsecured loans, a quote for any asset, and tax returns or a notice of assessment for larger amounts. Low-doc approvals for vehicles and equipment often need only identification and the quote.

Often, yes. A smaller group of lenders finances businesses with paid or unpaid defaults, judgments or a past insolvency, usually with security such as equipment or property, a strong recent trading record and a higher rate. The lender choice matters, so a broker who knows which lenders accept which credit events saves declined applications that damage the file further.

Every application a lender runs is recorded, and several declines in a short period hurt. A broker checks your file first, matches you to lenders that accept your credit events, and submits once, so the enquiry count stays low. Some lenders offer a soft check for the initial assessment.

Yes. Equipment and vehicle finance is secured by the asset itself, invoice finance is secured by your receivables and unsecured loans are assessed on trading, so none of them needs property. Limits are lower and rates a little higher than for property owners, but established businesses with clean credit are approved routinely.

Yes, from a smaller group of lenders. Equipment and vehicle finance secured by the asset is the most accessible, usually with a deposit of 10 to 20 per cent, a clean personal credit file and evidence of work or a trade background. Small unsecured loans are available from about six months of trading on bank statements.

A deposit, a clean personal credit file, industry experience, signed contracts or a work pipeline, a business plan for larger amounts and clean personal banking. Buying a used asset within age limits keeps the amount and the deposit modest. A broker matches you to the lenders that back new ABNs.

Two years of financials showing the existing business is profitable, a plan with realistic projections for the new capacity, evidence of demand such as contracts or a waiting list, and the owners’ contribution. Lenders fund growth from strength, so applying while current trading is strong matters.

Gross margin, stock turn, supplier terms, a sales history for the products and, for trade finance, supplier invoices or pro forma orders. Established importers and wholesalers with consistent sales are approved quickly; new product lines need a sales plan.

It can. The ATO can report business tax debts over $100,000 that are more than 90 days overdue to credit bureaus, and most lenders ask for the ATO portal when assessing larger loans. Refinancing the debt onto a facility with scheduled repayments removes the issue for future applications.