Compare Small Business Loans from 50+ Australian Lenders
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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:
Unsecured Fixed Term Loan
A business loan with fixed interest rate and repayment terms that doesn't require asset security. Based on business creditworthiness and cash flow capacity.
Pros
- No assets required as security
- Fixed interest rate for payment certainty
- Quick approval process
- Flexible use of funds for any business purpose
Cons
- Higher interest rates than secured loans
- Stricter credit and income requirements
- Lower maximum loan amounts
- Personal guarantees may be required
Best For
Businesses with strong credit history and cash flow that need quick funding without putting assets at risk, ideal for working capital or short-term expansion.
Secured Fixed Term Loan
A business loan secured against assets with a fixed interest rate and predetermined repayment schedule. Provides certainty and competitive rates for business growth and expansion.
Pros
- Fixed interest rate provides payment certainty
- Lower rates due to asset security
- Predictable budgeting with set repayment schedule
- Tax deductible interest payments
Cons
- Asset required as security - risk of loss
- Less flexibility than variable rate loans
- Early repayment fees may apply
- Comprehensive asset insurance required
Best For
Established businesses with valuable assets seeking predictable repayments for expansion, equipment purchases, or working capital needs.
Business Overdraft
A flexible credit facility that allows your business to withdraw more money than available in your account, up to an agreed limit. Perfect for managing cash flow fluctuations.
Pros
- Flexible access to funds when needed
- Only pay interest on amount used
- Helps manage seasonal cash flow variations
- Can be renewed annually
Cons
- Variable interest rates can increase costs
- Can be recalled by the lender
- May require personal guarantees
- Fees for exceeding agreed limits
Best For
Businesses with fluctuating cash flow, seasonal operations, or those needing flexible access to working capital for day-to-day operations.
Line of Credit
A flexible credit facility that provides access to funds up to an approved limit. Draw down and repay as needed, only paying interest on the amount used.
Pros
- Flexible access to funds when needed
- Only pay interest on amount drawn
- Revolving credit facility for ongoing needs
- Can be secured or unsecured depending on requirements
Cons
- Variable interest rates can increase costs
- Credit limit can be reviewed and reduced
- May require personal guarantees
- Temptation to over-borrow due to easy access
Best For
Businesses or individuals needing flexible access to funds for varying cash flow needs, seasonal requirements, or ongoing working capital management.
Chattel Mortgage
A secured loan where you own the asset from day one while the lender holds a mortgage over it as security. Perfect for business equipment, vehicles, and machinery purchases.
Pros
- Immediate ownership of the asset
- Tax benefits - claim GST credits and depreciation
- Flexible repayment terms available
- Lower interest rates due to security
Cons
- Asset serves as security - risk of repossession
- Comprehensive insurance typically required
- Ongoing maintenance responsibilities
Best For
Established businesses looking to purchase equipment, vehicles, or machinery with immediate ownership and maximum tax benefits.
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
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Kylie L.
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I had an amazing experience with Wendy Fonseka from Emu Money! Wendy guided me through the refinancing of my personal loan, helping me secure a much better interest rate and significantly lower repayments. Her efficiency, reliability, and professionalism were outstanding every step of the way. I'm incredibly grateful for her support and can't recommend her highly enough. I'll definitely be spreading the word to friends and family—thank you, Wendy!
Raam G.
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Dealing with Ryan has been excellent from start to finish ! Quick response no questions in answered great experience all round
Daniel W.
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Just the best organiser and extremely helpful đź‘Ś. Strongly recommend!!!
Cleo C.
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I was so lucky to have had Evette as my broker through emu money, from the very first phone call Evette was amazing, so prompt and professional keeping me updated on the whole process of the application for finance for my new car, I highly recommend Evette!!!
Kaila B.
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Robyn was amazing the way she went through each step made it so easy to understand and having a joke along the way it was like chatting to a mate well done Robyn winner
Steve G.
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.
