Compare Small Business Loans from 50+ Australian Lenders
Fuel growth, smooth cash flow and invest in your next step. Get real personalised quotes in minutes with no impact on your credit score.
5.0 rating
Small Business Loans Made Simple
Access flexible finance tailored to Australian SMEs and sole traders. Choose from unsecured or secured loans, lines of credit and overdrafts—built around your cash flow and goals.
Borrow With Confidence
Typical amounts from $5,000 to $1,000,000+
Flexible Terms
3 months up to 7 years
Fast Decisions
Approvals possible within 24 hours
Secured or Unsecured
Use assets for sharper pricing—or go asset-free
Tailored Pricing
Rates matched to turnover and credit profile
Any Business Purpose
Growth, equipment, stock, marketing and more
How it works
We match your application to small business loan options from 50+ Australian lenders so you can compare and choose with confidence.
Apply online in 3 minutes
Tell us about your business, turnover and funding goals. No lengthy forms.
See matched options
Our Lender Match technology compares unsecured, secured and revolving options in minutes.
Upload documents
Bank statements, IDs and financials (if needed) to finalise your application.
Get approved & funded
Fast decisions and funding—often within 24 hours for eligible applications.
Backed by over 50+ lenders
Giving you the best chance of being approved.
A quick guide to small business loans
Small business loans help Australian SMEs access capital for growth, working capital and one-off investments. Products range from unsecured fixed-term loans to secured facilities backed by property, vehicles or equipment, along with revolving options like lines of credit and overdrafts.
Your rate and loan size are typically based on turnover, cash-flow stability, time in business and credit history. Secured loans can unlock larger amounts and sharper pricing, while unsecured loans prioritise speed and simplicity.
Used well, a small business loan is a strategic tool: bringing forward important investments—like hiring, fit-outs, marketing or inventory—so you can capture opportunity and keep operations running smoothly.
Want to skip ahead?
This guide is broken down into the following sections. Click a link if you want to skip ahead.
Types of small business loans
Choose the structure that fits your cash flow and plans:
What can I use a small business loan for?
Flexible finance you can direct to what matters most:
Working Capital
Cover payroll, rent, supplier invoices and day-to-day costs to keep operations steady.
Expansion & Fit-outs
Open a new site, renovate premises or boost capacity to meet demand.
Equipment & Vehicles
Purchase or upgrade machinery, tools, vehicles and technology to improve productivity.
Inventory & Seasonal Stock
Buy in bulk, secure discounts and prepare for peak trading periods.
Marketing & Advertising
Invest in digital campaigns, local marketing and brand building to drive sales.
Hiring & Training
Add headcount or upskill your team to accelerate growth.
Debt Consolidation
Roll multiple obligations into one manageable repayment and simplify cash flow.
Emergency Expenses
Handle unexpected repairs and costs without disrupting operations.
Technology Upgrade
Modernise software, POS and infrastructure to streamline processes.
Case Study
Sofia Nguyen, Glow & Co. Studio
From Busy to Booming with a Small Business Loan
Industry: Services
Challenge: Strong demand but cash-flow gaps holding back hiring and a shop refit.
Solution: A 36-month unsecured term loan with weekly repayments and no early payout penalties.
Sofia runs a growing hair and beauty studio. Bookings were up, but the team was stretched and the space needed a refresh. She compared options via Emu Money and chose a 36-month unsecured loan with predictable weekly repayments. Funds covered a light refit, new chairs and two new stylists. Revenue increased within months and Sofia made extra repayments to finish early—without cash-flow stress.
How much can I borrow with a small business loan?
Loan sizes typically range from $5,000 to $1,000,000+, depending on turnover, time in business, profitability, security offered and credit profile. Unsecured loans commonly cap between $5,000 and $500,000, while secured loans (e.g., property or equipment) can extend higher limits and sharper pricing.
Aim for a repayment that fits comfortably within your cash-flow—so the loan accelerates growth without adding pressure.
Small Business Loan Repayment Calculator
Estimate repayments and total cost. Adjust the amount, term and interest rate to plan cash flow before you apply.
Balance over time
Am I eligible for a small business loan?
Eligibility varies by product and lender. Unsecured options prioritise recent bank-statement health, turnover and credit. Secured loans may require property, vehicles or equipment as collateral for larger amounts and lower rates.
You may be eligible if you are:
An Australian citizen or permanent resident
Over 18 years old
Trading for at least 6 months (12+ months preferred for larger limits)
Minimum monthly turnover of $5,000–$10,000
ABN active and GST-registered (in most cases)
How to apply for a small business loan?
Complete a quick online application and get instant lender matches. Choose your preferred option and we’ll guide you through documentation and settlement. For eligible applications, funding can be arranged within 24 hours.
Documents you may need:
ABN and GST details
Photo ID (driver’s licence or passport)
Recent business bank statements
Financials for larger loans (BAS, P&L, tax returns)
Asset details if offering security
How to save money on a small business loan
Compare multiple offers—rates and fees vary widely. Secured loans often deliver lower pricing; unsecured loans trade a slightly higher cost for speed and flexibility.
Match the term to the asset life: shorter terms reduce total interest, while longer terms can ease cash-flow pressure. Align repayment frequency with your revenue cycle to avoid late fees. If your cash-flow improves, consider extra repayments or early payout—just check for break fees first.
Example: Total cost sensitivity — $75,000 at 9.95% p.a.:
| Term | Repayment Amount | Total Amount to Repay |
|---|---|---|
12 months | $6,593 | $79,118 |
24 months | $3,458 | $82,996 |
36 months | $2,420 | $87,129 |
48 months | $1,901 | $91,230 |
60 months | $1,591 | $95,470 |
Understanding small business loan options
Small business loans can be structured in different ways to balance cash flow needs, flexibility, and costs. Here are the main options:
Secured vs Unsecured
Secured loans require assets such as property or vehicles as collateral, offering higher limits and lower rates. Unsecured loans don’t need collateral, but usually cost more and have stricter eligibility requirements.
Fixed vs Variable Rates
Fixed-rate loans lock in predictable repayments, while variable rates can fluctuate with the market. Businesses often choose fixed for budgeting certainty, but variable rates may offer savings in a low-rate environment.
Term Length
Terms can range from 3 months to 7 years. Shorter terms reduce total interest paid but increase repayment amounts, while longer terms improve cash flow at the cost of paying more interest overall.
Repayment Flexibility
Some lenders allow weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayments aligned with cash flow. Others may charge fees for early repayment or lump-sum contributions, so it’s important to confirm flexibility upfront.
Line of Credit vs Term Loan
Instead of a lump-sum loan, some businesses prefer a revolving line of credit. This provides ongoing access to funds up to a limit, helping cover cash flow fluctuations or ongoing expenses.
Testimonials
Verified Review
Ryan was Very helpful through the entire process and made everything super simple for me. Had no issues altering and changing to suit my needs throughout
Kye Z.
Verified Review
Erin was amazing. Nothing was too much trouble for her to help a less than tech savvy guy navigate the application. Fast and simple process with a great outcome. And she sounds nice on the phone. Haha.
Chris S.
Verified Review
Peter was very quick, responsive and easy to deal with. Great experience, and we're picking up our new car tomorrow!
Olivia F.
Verified Review
I've worked with Brad for quite some time, and after 25+ years in business across Australia, I can say with confidence: professionals like him are rare, in his case, unique in the industry. Brad understands business, printers, people, and lenders better than anyone I've worked with. The advice he's given, the care he's shown, and the way he's gone above and beyond to make sure my customers get the best deal possible has made a real impact. Some of my customers haven't just grown, they have exceeded expectations. For me, that's the proof in the pudding.
Gus A.
Verified Review
I couldn't be happier with the service I received! Robyn made the whole car finance process so simple and stress free. She explained everything clearly, kept me updated the whole way through, and went above and beyond to find me the best deal. I honestly didn't think it would be this smooth, but she took care of all the hard work and I was in my new car before I knew it. Highly recommend to anyone looking for finance.
harry b.
Verified Review
I had an excellent experience with Emu Money. Robyn was fantastic – professional, approachable, and genuinely easy to deal with from start to finish. She explained everything clearly, made the whole process stress-free, and went above and beyond to ensure I was comfortable with each step. It's rare to find someone so reliable and efficient. I'd highly recommend Emu Money, and especially Robyn, to anyone looking for great service and peace of mind
Cruize W.
Frequently Asked Questions
Small Business Loan FAQs
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.
