FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
More about the Waiwhetu Small Business Loans
Tell me more about Waiwhetu Small Business Loans
Waiwhetu unsecured loans provides amounts of between $5,000 and $100,000. Terms range from 3 and 24 month and cash flow-friendly repayments, which are either daily or weekly.
What makes how is the Unsecured Loan different from a traditional business loan?
It is possible to apply for the Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes via 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 business loans reference an annual rate of interest as well as other fees and charges. Our business loan is a pre-paid loan therefore you’ll know ahead of time the total amount to be paid, including the interest, fees and charges. Then, it is broken down into either weekly or daily payment amount.
What can you use the Small Business Loan be used for?
It is a Small Business Loan can be used for nearly any company use, including managing cash flows, company renovations, marketing to purchase inventory, new equipment, as general working capital, and much more. The loan cannot be used for personal purposes.
About Larger Waiwhetu Business Loans
What is the Larger Waiwhetu Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger size of loan that can be used to fund company growth opportunities. Loans range between $100,000 and $500,000 over a fixed term with a maximum of 36 months. Repayments are scheduled weekly or fortnightly, depending on the flow of cash.
How is the Origination Fee determined?
It is crucial to note that the Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee that is calculated at 2.5 percent of the amount of the loan.
Am I eligible for the Larger Business Loan?
To be eligible for a credit of this size the business needs to be operating for a minimum of 3 years and have an annual turnover of $700K. Your company 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 to prove at the least 12 months of operating.
What can I use the funding for?
A larger company loan is a great option for almost every business use, including business remodeling, buying inventory or new equipment, as general working capital and much more. The loan is not available for personal reasons.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that is secured?
Asset security is necessary to obtain funding above $150,000. It’s by way of charge on assets, and could include registration on the PPSR or making as a caveat.
A director’s or personal ensure is a commitment to pay back a loan that is generally in nature rather than specifying security over an asset. The person signing the guarantee is personally responsible if the company the borrower fails to re-pay the debt.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online, central register operated by the New Zealand Government. It reflects security interests registered in respect of personal property (including objects or assets). The PPSR permits prioritisation over property that is personal to be granted according to the date the registration of a security interest.
The caveat can be described as a formal document that is filed to provide the public notice of a legal claim against a property.
What exactly is a preapproval without Credit Check?
When you’re applying for an enterprise loan of more than $250K we can offer an initial pre-approval in order to simplify the process. We could be able to get this done without a credit verification and within 6 hours of your initial application. This pre-approval is based on an initial assessment that includes answering a couple of financial health questions. It is not an offer or guarantee of credit. A conditional approval is subject a full credit assessment and any offer that you receive could have different conditions.
Application process
Are I eligible for funding?
You can apply for a company loan if you:
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are at least 18 years old, own a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- can demonstrate at least 6 months worth of trade (for you to qualify for unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or three years of trading (for the Larger Business Loan $100K to $500K)
How do I apply?
The process for applying is fast and simple. Complete the online form within a couple minutes, and a dedicated company loan specialist will contact you to guide you through the process.
To be eligible for up to $100,000, you’ll require identification details (valid Driver’s Licence) along with a valid NZBN/IRD as well as at least six months worth of bank statements.
In addition, for larger loan sizes, you’ll need:
$100K to $250K: Application requirements, including credit approval, 6-12 months of bank statements, IRD statement (if loan above $150K).
$250K – $500K: Details for application including credit consent and 12 months of bank statements, IRD statements Last 2 years’ finalised financial statements, plus interim current financial year financials such as age-related payables and aged Receivables summaries.
What speed will I be able to get a decision?
For an unsecured loan ($5K to $100K) We can usually offer an answer within one hour if you apply in quality company times and allow us to utilise the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank details online. If you opt to upload copies of your banking statements , we will be able to provide a decision within 1 business day.
For the Larger Business Loan ($100K or more) we may be capable of offer you with pre-approval conditional to your application in about 6 hours. After you’ve signed your pre-approval document, you will need to wait approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval, however this could be shorter based on the circumstances of each application. Some offers have been approved within less than 24 hours.
The quickest method is to ensure you apply during normal business hours. You can also allow us to use the advance bank verification link to check your bank’s information online. If you opt to send us the copies of bank statement, it will take a little longer.
What is the time frame to receive the cash?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K or more) We can usually offer an answer within an hour – as long as you make your application in standard business time and you allow us to utilise the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you opt to send us copies of your bank statements we can provide a decision in just 1 business day.
For the Larger Business Loans ($100K to $500K) We may be in a position to provide you with pre-approval conditional to your application within 6 hours. Once you’ve signed your pre-approval document, you will need to wait about 2-3 days for final approval. However, it could be faster based on the specifics of each application. Some agreements have been approved in just 24 hours.
The most effective method would be to ensure you apply during normal business hours, and allow us to use the sophisticated bank verification link to instantly confirm your bank details online. If you send us the copies of bank statements it takes a bit longer.
How much can I borrow?
We offer loan amounts between $5,000 to $500,000. When you make an application for a certain amount we look at a variety of elements that determine how much we can lend you health that is your company as well as the amount of payments your company will be able to support. The amount you receive from your loan will be contingent on the particular circumstances that are unique to your business.
When you apply for a set amount, we consider a variety of aspects to assess your health for your business and the level of repayments that your company can afford. The amount you receive from your loan will be determined by the particulars the business.
Fees & repayments
How much should you charge for a business loan?
When you apply for business loans with us business loans, we will assess the risk assessment of your business and provide you with a customised offer including the amount of loan, the term and the interest rates. This business loan is an upfront priced loan so you will know the exact amount you will have to pay, including interest rates, fees or charges.
What determines the rate that I will be charged?
Business loan interest rates depend on a variety of factors like the amount of money that is borrowed, what business assets the funds will be used for, the industry the business operates in, the long the business is in operation as well as how long the business has sufficient cash flow to fund the loan, and overall well-being or financial standing of the company.
What are the fees?
There are no hidden fees for our business loans. You’ll know precisely how much you’ll be required to pay and when, from the day you sign up. There’s no compounding and no extra fees (as long as you are able to make your payments in time).
We do not charge an Application Fee. You can apply for a loan no cost upfront or any obligation to sign up.
The Origination Fee covers the costs associated with establishing and managing the loan. This is only a fee if you decide to take the loan. The Origination Fee for us is 2.5% of the amount of the loan.
Can I pay out the loan in advance?
You may choose to pay back the entire amount of your loan at any point in time.
If you choose to pursue this option, please speak to our friendly business loans experts. We will offer you with the details of your repayment and an early payment figure. This will be calculated as the total of the remaining principal amount and any accrued interest at the time of early payment and 1.5 percent of the principal remaining plus any outstanding fees.
What are the repayment methods?
To make sure you do not miss payments and to work your cash flow schedule, we provide payments that are either daily or weekly. They are automatically deducted from your company account.
Security & privacy
Will my data be protected?
Protecting your information, and knowing the ways we gather, use, exchange and ensure the security of your information is of huge importance and is an essential part of our relationship with you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We employ industry-recognised encryption standards to protect your personal, sensitive financial and other data. Our funders are ISO 27001 certified for our dedication to the security of our clients as well as their security. We utilise a sophisticated bank verification system that allows you to instantly verify the bank account details online to provide rapid response.
About business loans
What exactly is an asset-based loan (a secured loan)?
The term "asset-based" refers to borrowing where a company owner uses an asset that they own to secure the funds for a loan. The asset can be either a personal asset like the family home or an company asset like a truck or piece or equipment.
The vast majority of the lenders not just the largest banks, are inclined to secure loans against an asset. If you’re struggling to pay back the loan then the asset could be offered for sale by the lender. In essence it’s means of securing new financing taking advantage of the value of what you already have.
Are I require security to get an company loan?
Up to $150K in loans the requirement for asset security is not required upfront to access the money however, we do require an individual guarantee. As long as you follow your loan obligations (as stated in your loan contract) and you are able to meet your obligations, asset security will never be required. For loans of over $150K typically, you will need personal ensure and security in the form an asset charge.