FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
More about the Somerville Small Business Loans
Tell me how you are able to avail the Somerville Small Business Loans
Somerville unsecured loans offers amounts between $5,000 and $100,000. Terms range from 3 and 24 months, cash flow friendly repayments which can be made daily or weekly.
What makes this Unsecured Loan different from the traditional business loan?
Apply for your Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes on the internet or by phone. You will receive an answer within the same day and funds may be in your account in 24 hours. Traditional company loans reference an interest rate per annum as well as other fees and charges. This company loan is a pre-paid loan therefore you’ll be aware in advance of the total amount payable including any fees, interest or charges. This is then divided into a daily or weekly payment amount.
What can be the Small Business Loan be used for?
A Small Business Loan can be used for almost any business reason, such as the management of cash flow, company improvements, advertising for purchasing inventory or new equipment, to fund general working capital, and much more. The loan cannot be used to fund personal expenses.
About the Larger Somerville Business Loans
What is the Larger Somerville Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger size of loan that can be used to fund business expansion opportunities. Loans range from $100,000 to $500,000 over a fixed term up to 36 months. Repayments are scheduled weekly or fortnightly in order to accommodate the flow of cash.
How is the Origination Fee determined?
A Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee which is calculated at 2.5 percent of the loan amount.
Am I eligible for the Larger Business Loan?
To be eligible for a credit in this amount, your business needs to be trading for at least 3 years and have an annual turnover of $700,000. Your business must belong to a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) over 18 years and have a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able demonstrate at minimum 12 months of business.
What can the funding be used for?
A Larger Business Loan can be used to fund almost all company need, including company renovations, to purchase equipment or inventory or as general working capital and so much more. The loan is not available to fund personal expenses.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that is secured?
Asset security is needed to obtain funding above $150,000. It is usually in the form of a charge on assets and can be registered on the PPSR or filing a caveat.
A personal or director’s ensure is a guarantee to repay credit that is generally based rather than stating the security of a specific asset. The person who signs the ensure is personally accountable if the company the borrower fails to repay the debt.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online central register operated by the New Zealand Government. It lists security interests that are registered in respect of personal property (including objects or assets). The PPSR permits priority over personal property to be granted depending on the date that a registration of a security interest.
A caveat is a legal document that is filed to provide notice of a legal claim to property.
What is a pre-approval without Credit Check?
If you’re seeking an enterprise loan that is greater than $250,000 we can offer an initial pre-approval to make the process. We may 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 evaluation that involves you answering some financial health checks. It’s not an offer or guarantee of funds. The approval of a conditional loan is subject to an assessment of your creditworthiness and any offer that you receive could be on different conditions.
Application process
Are I eligible for funding?
You may be eligible for a company loan if you;
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are over the age of 18 and own a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- you must demonstrate at minimum 6 months worth of trade (for for the unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or three years of trade (for the Larger Business Loan $100K to $500K)
How do I apply?
The application process is quick and simple. Simply complete the online form in just a few minutes, and a dedicated business expert in lending will contact you to guide you.
For a loan of up to $100,000, you’ll require the right identification documents (valid Driver’s License), a valid NZBN/IRD as well as at least 6 months of bank statements.
In addition, for larger loan sizes, you’ll also require:
$100K – $250K: Application details including credit consent, 6-12 months of bank statements, IRD statement (if the loan is greater than $150K).
$250K-$500K: Information on the application including credit consent twelve months of bank records, IRD statement Last 2 years’ finalised financial statements, in addition to interim current financial year financials including Aged Payables, Aged Receivables summaries.
What speed will I be able to get an answer?
For an unsecured loan ($5K or more) We can usually provide an answer in just one hour – as long as you submit your request at quality company time and permit us to make use of the advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you decide to send us copies of your bank statements we can provide an answer in as little as one business day.
For the Larger Business Loan ($100K and up) we could be likely to provide the conditional pre-approval in about six hours. After you’ve signed the pre-approval form, it will take approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval, however this can be quicker based on the particular circumstances of each application. Some agreements have been approved in just 24 hours.
The quickest method would be to make sure you apply during normal company hours. Also, allow us to use our modern bank verification link to instantly verify your bank account information online. If you decide to upload copies of your bank statements , it takes a bit longer.
What is the time frame to receive the funds?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K or more) we can often offer an answer within an hour – as long as you submit your request within normal business times and permit us to utilise the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank information online. If you decide to submit copies of your bank statements, we’ll be able to provide a decision in just the span of one business day.
For Larger Business Loans ($100K up to $500,000) we might be able to provide you with pre-approval conditional to your application in around 6 hours. Once you have signed the pre-approval document, you will need to wait approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval, however this can be faster depending upon the circumstances for each application. Some transactions have received approval in just 24 hours.
The quickest method is to make sure you apply during normal business hours. Also, allow us to use our advance bank verification link to verify your bank account information online. If you opt to send us duplicates of your banking statement, it will take a little longer.
How much can I borrow?
We provide the loan amount between $5,000 and $500,000. When you submit an application for a certain amount we look at a variety of elements to determine your well-being that is your company and the amount of repayments that your business is able to afford. The amount you receive from the loan will be determined by the specifics for your business.
When you make an application for a specific amount we look at a range of factors to assess how much we can lend you such as well-being that is your business and the level of payments your company will be able to support. The total amount of the loan will be determined by the specifics that are unique to your business.
Fees & repayments
How do you charge for an business loan?
When you request one of our business financing, we’ll assess the risk assessment the company and offer an individualised proposal that includes the amount of the loan, the duration and interest rates. A business loan is an upfront-priced loan which means you know in advance the total amount due, which includes any charges, interest rates or fees.
What determines the rate that I pay?
Business loan interest rates vary due to factors such as the amount that is that is borrowed, what company assets the funds are used to purchase in addition to the industry that the business is in, how long the company has been in operation, what percentage of the company has enough cash flow to pay for the loan, and also the general well-being or creditworthiness of the business.
What are the costs?
There aren’t any hidden costs for our business loans, and you’ll know exactly how much you’ll be required to pay and when, starting from the very first day. 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 get a cash loan with absolutely no upfront cost and no commitment to apply.
The Origination Fee is the cost associated with the setting up and management of the loan. This is only a cost if you take out the loan. The Origination Fee for us is 2.5 percent of the amount of loan.
Can I pay out the loan earlier?
You can repay all of your loan in full at any time.
If you choose to do this please contact our helpful company lending experts. The specialists will provide you with repayment details along with an early payout estimate. It will be calculated using the sum of the remaining principal amount and accrued interest to the date of early payout and 1.5% of the principal balance and any outstanding fees.
How do repayments work?
To ensure that you don’t miss repayments and to fit in your cash flow schedule, we offer repayments that are either daily or weekly. They will be automatically deducted from your nominated business account.
Security & privacy
Will my information be secure?
Security of your data, and making it clear the ways we gather information, use it, and exchange it, as well as ensure the security of your information is vital and is an essential element of our relationship with you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We employ industry-recognised encryption techniques to protect your sensitive, personal financial and other data. Our funders are ISO 27001 qualified for our commitment to the security of our customers as well as their security. We utilise a sophisticated bank verification system that allows you to immediately verify the bank account details online to offer quick responses.
About business loans
What exactly is an asset-based loan (a secured loan)?
Asset-based borrowing is when a business owner borrows from assets they own to make the loan. The asset could be an individual asset, such as the family home or a company asset such as a truck or piece or equipment.
The majority of banks, not just the largest banks, are inclined to make loans secured by assets. If you have trouble paying back the loan, then the asset could be sold by the lender. In essence, it’s a way of securing new funding using the value of what you already have.
Should I require security to secure an company loan?
For loans up to $150,000 there is no requirement for asset security before you can access the money however, we do need an individual guarantee. In the event that you fulfill the loan terms (as detailed in the loan contract), asset security is not needed. For loans of over $150K generally, there is personal ensure and security in the form charges on assets.