FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
More about the Northbridge Small Business Loans
Let me know how you can avail the Northbridge Small Business Loans
Northbridge unsecured loans offers amounts of between $5,000 and $100,000. Terms range from 3 and 24 months. They also offer cash flow-friendly repayments, which are either daily or weekly.
How is what makes the Unsecured Loan different from an traditional company loan?
The application to get the Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes on the internet or on the phone. You’ll receive an immediate response, and have the funds available in just 24 hours. Traditional business loans are based on an interest rate per annum along with other charges and fees. This business loan is a cash-based loan so you will know ahead of time the total amount due, which includes any interest, fees or charges. This is then broken down into weekly or daily repayment figure.
What could be the Small Business Loan be used for?
A Small Business Loan can be used for nearly any business purpose including control of cash flow company remodels and marketing to purchase inventory or new equipment, for general working capital and so much more. The loan is not available for personal reasons.
About the Larger Northbridge Business Loans
What is the Larger Northbridge Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger amount of loan to help business expansion opportunities. Loans range between $100,000 and $500,000 with a term fixed for up to 36 months. Repayments are scheduled weekly or fortnightly to work with your cash flow.
How’s the Origination Fee calculated?
This Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee, determined at 2.5 percent of the amount of the loan.
Am I eligible for the Larger Business Loan?
In order to be eligible for a loan in this amount, your business needs to have been operating for at least three years with an annual turnover of $700,000. You must be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) with a minimum age of 18 years old as well as own a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able to prove at minimum 12 months of continuous trading.
How can the funding be utilised?
A larger company loan can be used for almost any company reason, such as business renovations, to purchase inventory or new equipment for general working capital and much more. The loan cannot be used for personal reasons.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that requires security?
Asset security is required to obtain funding above $150,000. This is as a result of an charge against assets, which could also include the registration of this through the PPSR or filing a caveat.
A director’s or personal guarantee is a commitment to pay back a loan that is generally based rather than stating security over an asset. The person who is signing the ensure is personally accountable if the company lender is not able to make the repayment.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online, central registry run by the New Zealand Government. It lists security interests that are granted to individuals who own personal property (including items or assets). The PPSR gives priority over personal property to be granted depending on the date that a security interest has been registered.
Caveats are legal document filed to offer an official notice of a claim to property.
What is a pre-approval that does not require Credit Check?
If you’re requesting a Larger Business Loan of $250,000 or more we can offer a preliminary pre-approval to help simplify the process. We may be able to do this without credit checks and within six hours of your initial application. The pre-approval process is based on an initial assessment that includes you answering some financial health checks. It is in no way an offer, nor is it a guarantee of credit. Unconditional approval is subject to a full credit assessment and any offer you are offered could be based on different conditions.
Application process
Do I have the right to receive funds?
You may be eligible for an company loan if you;
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are at least 18 years old, have a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- you must prove at least 6 months of trading (for the unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or three years of trade (for the Larger Business Loan $100K or $500K)
How do I apply?
The application process is quick and easy. Just fill out the online application within a few minutes and a dedicated business expert in lending will contact you to guide you through the process.
To be eligible for up to $100,000, you’ll need the right identification documents (valid Driver’s License) as well as an NZBN/IRD that is valid and at least six months worth of bank statements.
For larger loan sizes, you’ll also require:
$100K – $250K: Application requirements, including credit approval, 6-12 months of IRD statements, bank statements (if loan above $150K).
$250K – $500K: Application details including credit consent, 12 months of bank statements, IRD statements and the last two years’ finalised financial statements, plus interim financials for the current financial year including Aged Payables, Aged Receivables summaries.
What speed will I be able to get a decision?
For an unsecured loan ($5K and up) we can often provide an answer within an hour if you make your application within 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 want to upload copies of your bank statement, we’ll provide the decision within just an company day.
If you are applying for a Larger Business Loan ($100K to $500K) we might be in a position to provide you with conditional pre-approval in around 6 hours. After you’ve signed your pre-approval form, it will take between 2 and 3 days for the final approval, however this may be quicker depending on the specifics of each application. Certain transactions have received approval in 24 hours.
The quickest way to apply can be ensure you apply during normal company hours and permit us to use the advance bank verification link to instantly verify your bank account information online. If you decide to send us the copies of bank statement, it will take a little longer.
How quickly will I receive the cash?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K and up) we can often provide an answer within an hour – as long as you submit your request in normal business timings and you allow us to utilise the advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank information online. If you decide to upload copies of your bank statements, we’ll be able to offer an answer in just one business day.
For the Larger Business Loans ($100K up to $500,000) we could be able to offer you with pre-approval conditional to your application within six hours. Once you’ve signed your pre-approval, turnaround times are about 2-3 days for final approval, however this could be shorter based upon the circumstances for each application. Some deals have been approved within less than 24 hours.
The quickest method can be make sure you apply during standard business hours, and allow us to use our advanced bank verification system link to instantly check your bank’s information online. If you decide to send us copies of your bank accounts, it may take a bit longer.
How much can I borrow?
We provide loan amounts between $5,000 and $500,000. When you make an application for a certain amount we look at a variety of variables for determining what is the health of the business and the extent of payments your company can afford. The amount you receive from your loan will depend on the specifics for your company.
When you submit an application for a particular amount, we will consider a number of factors to determine how much we can lend you such as health for your business and the extent of repayments that your company is able to afford. The total amount of the loan will be determined by the particular circumstances that are unique to your company.
Fees & repayments
What is the cost for the cost of a business loan?
If you decide to make an application for business loans with us company loan, we will assess the risk profile of your company and provide you with a customised proposal that includes the amount of loan, the term and the interest rates. This company loan is an upfront-priced loan and you’ll know the exact amount to be paid, including any charges or interest.
What is the basis for the rate I will be charged?
The interest rates on company loans rates differ based on various variables like the amount to be borrowed, the company assets the money are used to purchase as well as the field the business is operating in, how long the company is in operation and whether the company has enough cash flow to cover the loan, and general health as well as creditworthiness company.
What are the charges?
There aren’t any hidden costs for our company loans, and you’ll know exactly how much you be required to pay and when, right from the first day. There’s no compounding interest and the loan comes with no additional fees (as long as you are able to make your payments in time).
We don’t charge an application fee. You are able to get a cash loan with absolutely no upfront cost and no any obligation to sign up.
The Origination Fee covers the expenses involved with establishing and managing the loan. You are only charged this fee if you proceed with the loan. Our Origination Fee is 2.5 percent of the amount of loan.
Can I pay out the loan in advance?
You can decide to repay the total amount of your loan at any point in time.
If you choose to do this please talk to one of our helpful business credit professionals. The experts will offer you with the details of your repayment and an early payment figure. It will be calculated using the sum of the principal amount remaining and any accrued interest at the time of early payment, plus 1.5% of the principal balance as well as any outstanding fees.
How do you make repayments work?
In order to help you avoid missing payment dates and to align your cash flow schedule, we provide payments that are either weekly or daily. They will be automatically deducted from your designated company account.
Security & privacy
Will my data be secure?
Making sure that your information is secure, and knowing how we collect the information we collect, use, share and ensure the security of your information is vital and an integral part of our relationship you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We use industry recognised encryption standards to secure your personal, sensitive and financial data and our funders are ISO 27001 certified for our dedication to customer security and privacy. We employ a highly sophisticated bank verification system that allows you to instantly verify your bank account details online, allowing us to offer a fast response.
About business loans
How do you define asset-based lending (a secured loan)?
The term "asset-based" refers to borrowing where the company owner uses the assets they have to get the funds for a loan. The asset can be either an individual property, such as the family home or it could be a company property like a truck or other piece of machinery.
The majority of banks, not just the major banks, prefer to make loans secured by an asset. If you’re having trouble paying back the loan, the asset could be sold by the lender. In essence it is an opportunity to secure new financing by making use of the value of what you already own.
What do I require security to secure a company loan?
For loans of up to $150,000, it is not necessary to secure assets before you are able to access the money However, we do require the personal guarantee. In the event that you fulfill the loan terms (as stated in your loan contract), asset security is not required. For loans of over $150K generally, there is the option of a personal ensure and security is provided in the form of an asset charge.