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Start-up Business Loans

Your guide to getting the right start-up business loan.

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A quick guide to start-up business loans

Start-up business loans provide critical capital that fuels the growth of new ventures in Australia. They come in various types, including secured and unsecured loans, each with their unique terms and conditions. With flexibility in repayment periods, these financial tools can cater to your business's specific needs and abilities. Comparing options can be daunting, but our platform helps you by guiding you towards the perfect loan for your start-up's ambitions. Let us help you jump-start your entrepreneurial journey.

Here's what a start-up business loans typically looks like:

eligibility orange tickBorrow from $2,000 - $2,000,000
eligibility orange tickLoan terms from 3 months to 5 years
eligibility orange tickWeekly, fortnightly or monthly repayments
eligibility orange tickFixed interest rates from 7.99%
eligibility orange tickInterest rate tailored to your situation

What can I use a start-up business loan for?

A start-up business loan fuels your business dreams. Use it for acquiring premises, purchasing equipment, securing inventory, or covering initial operational costs. It can also aid in hiring skilled staff or marketing your product or service. The objective is to allocate these funds towards areas that can enhance profitability, ensuring a successful business launch and a sustainable future.

Here are some common reasons people take out a start-up business loan:

Business Equipment and Machinery

A start-up business loan can be used to purchase essential equipment and machinery needed for your business operations.

Inventory and Stock

Funding from a start-up business loan can be allocated towards purchasing inventory or stock necessary to meet customer demands.

Marketing and Advertising

Start-up loans can be used to invest in marketing and advertising strategies to promote your business and reach your target audience.

Website Development and Digital Presence

Funds from a start-up loan can be used to build a professional website, create online platforms, and establish a strong digital presence.

Office Space and Rent

A start-up business loan can help cover the cost of leasing office space or commercial premises to establish your business operations.

Hiring and Training Staff

Loans for start-up businesses can be used to recruit and train essential staff members to support and grow your business.

Research and Development

Funding can be allocated towards research and development initiatives to drive innovation, improve products or services, and stay competitive.

Legal and Licensing Expenses

Start-up loans can cover legal and licensing fees, ensuring compliance with regulations and protecting your business.

Working Capital

A start-up business loan can provide working capital to manage day-to-day operational expenses, such as payroll and supplier payments.

Professional Services

Funds from a start-up loan can be used to hire professional services, such as accountants or consultants, to support your business growth.

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How much can I borrow for a start-up business loan?

In Australia, the borrowing amount for a start-up business loan can vary depending on various factors such as your creditworthiness, the nature of your business, and your specific funding requirements. Unlike traditional lenders, many lenders in Australia do not require detailed business plans or market analysis, making it more accessible for start-up entrepreneurs to secure financing. The loan amount can range from a few thousand dollars to higher sums, depending on the specific needs of your business. Financial institutions in Australia offer small business loans starting from $5,000 and can go up to $250,000 or even higher in certain cases.

When applying for a start-up loan, lenders primarily consider your personal credit score, business experience, and the viability of your business concept. They assess your repayment capacity based on these factors rather than relying solely on business plans or revenue projections. It's essential to approach borrowing responsibly by carefully evaluating your business needs and determining the appropriate loan amount. Developing a solid repayment plan is crucial to ensure smooth loan repayment and the long-term financial health of your start-up.

Start-up Business Loan Repayment Calculator

To estimate your monthly repayments and the total cost of the loan, input the loan amount, loan term and interest rate into the calculator below. This helps you plan your budget and choose the most suitable loan terms.

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Balance over time

Am I eligible for a start-up business loan?

Lenders consider several factors when assessing your eligibility, including your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, age, residency, and required documentation. While meeting the eligibility criteria doesn't guarantee loan approval, having a good credit score, stable income, and a positive financial profile significantly improve your chances.

You are eligible to apply for a start-up business loan if you are:

eligibility orange tickOver the age of 18; and
eligibility orange tickAn Australian citizen or permanent resident; and
eligibility orange tickHave a regular source of income, that is enough to meet the repayments

How to apply for a start-up business loan?

Applying for a start-up business loan is easy and only takes a few minutes. Get started by filling out some basic information into our application form. We’ll review your information, and someone will be in contact with you to discuss the best option for you from over 50+ Australian lenders.

If you’re eligible for a start-up business loan, and you are happy with the initial quote, you will need to prepare documents such as:

eligibility orange tickPassport or drivers licence
eligibility orange tickProof of income and expenses (e.g. payslips, bank statements)
eligibility orange tickDetails of any current debts or other loans

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How to get the best start-up business loan for you?

When searching for a start-up business loan, it's essential to understand the different factors to find the best fit for your needs. From interest rates and fees to loan terms and early payout options, each factor can increase or descrease the total amount you will repay.


Interest Rate

When it comes to obtaining a start-up business loan, one of the most critical factors to consider is the interest rate. The interest rate directly impacts the cost of borrowing and your monthly repayment amount. It is essential to compare interest rates from different lenders to ensure you secure a competitive rate that aligns with your financial goals and helps you save on interest expenses over the loan term. Keep in mind that interest rates can vary based on factors such as your creditworthiness, the type of loan, and the lender's assessment of risk.

Fees

In addition to the interest rate, carefully evaluating the fees associated with start-up business loans is crucial. These fees may include application fees, origination fees, processing fees, and ongoing maintenance fees. By understanding the fee structure of different lenders, you can choose a loan with transparent and reasonable fees. It's important to consider both the interest rate and fees to determine the overall cost of the loan and ensure you minimize costs throughout the loan term.

Comparison Rate

When comparing start-up business loan options, looking beyond the interest rate alone is essential. The comparison rate provides a more comprehensive understanding of the true cost of the loan. It takes into account both the interest rate and any additional fees associated with the loan, providing a single percentage figure. Comparing comparison rates from different lenders enables you to make a more informed decision by considering the total cost of borrowing. This ensures you have a clearer picture of the affordability of each loan option.

Loan Term

The loan term, or the duration of repayment, is a significant factor to consider when obtaining a start-up business loan. It determines the length of time over which you will make repayments. Shorter loan terms usually result in higher monthly payments but lower overall interest costs, as the loan will be paid off in a shorter timeframe. Longer loan terms may offer lower monthly payments but could result in higher interest expenses over the life of the loan. It's crucial to evaluate your business's cash flow and financial goals to determine the loan term that suits your specific needs.

Early Payout

Flexibility in loan repayment is a valuable feature to consider when seeking a start-up business loan. Early payout options allow you to repay the loan before the agreed-upon term without incurring any penalties or additional charges. This flexibility can be advantageous if your business experiences increased cash flow or you wish to reduce interest expenses. Before finalizing a start-up business loan, review the terms and conditions to ensure that early repayment is possible and to understand any potential limitations or conditions that may apply.

Balloon Payment

Flexibility in loan repayment is a valuable feature to consider when seeking a start-up business loan. Early payout options allow you to repay the loan before the agreed-upon term without incurring any penalties or additional charges. This flexibility can be advantageous if your business experiences increased cash flow or you wish to reduce interest expenses. Before finalizing a start-up business loan, review the terms and conditions to ensure that early repayment is possible and to understand any potential limitations or conditions that may apply.

Find the best Start-up Business Loans for you with Emu MoneyFind the best Start-up Business Loans for you with Emu Money

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about start-up business loans?

These helpful FAQs will help you find the answers you need. If you can't find what you're looking for, you can request a callback below.

Can I get a start-up business loan without a business plan?
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Can I get a start-up business loan as a sole trader?
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What is the interest rate on a start-up business loan?
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What types of loans are available?
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Can I get a loan for my business with bad credit?
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Do I need collateral?
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How long does it take to get a start-up business loan?
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Do I need a business plan to get a loan?
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Can I get a loan as a startup?
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What are the typical loan terms?
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What happens if I default?
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Can I pay off my loan early?
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How do loan repayments work?
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Are start-up business loans tax deductible?
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