FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
Details of The Northbridge Small Business Loans
Tell me how you are able to avail the Northbridge Small Business Loans
Northbridge unsecured loans offers the range of $5,000 to $100,000 with terms between 3 and 24 month and cash flow friendly repayments which can be made daily or weekly.
How is the Unsecured Loan different from a traditional business loan?
It is possible to apply to get this Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes on the internet or over the phone. You’ll get an immediate response, and funds may be available in just 24 hours. Traditional company loans are based on an interest rate per annum plus other fees and charges. This business loan is a pre-paid loan which means you know in advance the total amount payable including any fees, interest or charges. Then, it is broken down into weekly or daily installment amount.
What could be the Small Business Loan be used for?
A Small Business Loan can be used for nearly every company need, such as control of cash flow company renovations, marketing to purchase inventory or new equipment, or as 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 size of loan that can be used to fund company expansion opportunities. Loans are between $100,000 and $500,000 with a fixed-term for up to 36 months. Repayments are weekly or fortnightly depending on the flow of cash.
How is the Origination Fee calculated?
It is important to note that the Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee, which is calculated at 2.5% of the loan amount.
Do I qualify for the Larger Business Loan?
To be eligible for a credit in this amount the business needs to be trading for at least 3 years, and have an annual income of at least $700,000. Your company must belong to 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 of proving at minimum 12 months of continuous trading.
What can the funding be used for?
A large business loan is a great option for almost every business purpose including business improvements, purchasing inventory or new equipment for general working capital and much more. The loan cannot be used for personal use.
Is the Larger Business Loan a secured loan?
Asset security is necessary for accessing funds over $150,000. This can be done by way of charge against assets, which could also include registering this through the PPSR or the registration of as a caveat.
A personal or director’s ensure is a guarantee to pay back a loan that is general in nature rather than specifying the security for a particular asset. The person who is signing the guarantee is personally responsible if the business the borrower fails to repay the debt.
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 allows the priority of personal property assigned according to the date a registration of a security interest.
An affidavit is an official document filed to provide an official notice of a claim to property.
What is a pre-approval that does not require Credit Check?
If you’re seeking a Larger Business Loan that exceeds $250,000, we may offer an initial pre-approval in order to smooth out the process. It is possible to do this without a credit verification and within six hours of your initial application. The pre-approval is based upon a preliminary assessment which includes you answering some financial health checks. This is in no way an offer, nor is it a guarantee of financing. Unconditional approval is subject to an extensive credit evaluation and any offer you are offered could be on different conditions.
The application process
Can I be eligible for funding?
You may be eligible for a 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)
- must show at least six months’ worth of transactions (for the unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or three years of trading (for the Larger Business Loan $100K - $500K)
How do I apply?
The application process is fast and simple. Simply complete the online form within a few minutes and a dedicated business expert in lending will be in touch to guide you.
To apply for up to $100,000, you’ll require proof of identity (valid Driver’s Licence) and a valid NZBN/IRD as well as at least 6 months of bank statements.
For larger loan sizes, you’ll need:
$100K-$250K: Application details including credit approval, 6-12 months of IRD statements, bank statements (if the loan is greater than $150K).
$250K to $500K: Information on the application including credit consent and 12 months bank statement, an IRD statements, last 2 years finalised financial statements, in addition to interim financials for the current financial year including Aged Payables, Aged Receivables reports.
How soon will I hear an answer?
For an unsecured loan ($5K up to $100,000) we usually offer an answer within an hour if you make your application in standard company times and you allow us to utilise the advanced bank verification system to immediately verify your bank account information online. If you choose to send us copies of your bank statements , we are able to provide the decision within just the span of one company day.
For the Larger Business Loan ($100K up to $500,000) we might be able to provide you with pre-approval conditional to your application in around six hours. After you’ve signed your pre-approval, the turnaround time is around 2-3 days for final approval, however this can be quicker based on the particular circumstances of each application. Certain transactions have received approval within less than 24 hours.
The fastest way for you to apply is make sure you apply during standard business hours, and allow us to use our advance bank verification to verify your bank account information online. If you send us duplicates of your banking statements , it will take a little longer.
How soon will I receive the money?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K or more) we usually offer an answer in just one hour if you apply in standard business hours and let us utilise the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you choose to send us copies of your bank statement, we’ll offer an answer in as little as an business day.
For the Larger Business Loans ($100K or more) we might be likely to provide the conditional pre-approval within about six hours. Once you’ve signed your pre-approval, turnaround times are approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval, however this can be faster depending on the circumstances of each application. Some offers have been approved within just 24 hours.
The most efficient method is to ensure you apply during normal business hours and let us use the advance bank verification link to check your bank’s information online. If you opt to send us copies of your bank statements it can take a bit longer.
How much can I borrow?
We offer the loan amount between $5,000 to $500,000. If you apply for a specific amount we will consider a number of factors for determining your health of the business and the amount of payments your business can support. The total amount of your loan will be contingent on the specific circumstances of your business.
When you submit an application for a particular amount, we consider a variety of elements to determine the well-being of the business and the extent of the repayments your company can afford. The total amount of the loan will be determined by the particular circumstances that are unique to your business.
Fees & repayments
What is the cost for an business loan?
When you request our company financing, we’ll assess the risk profile of your business and offer an individualised proposal that includes the loan amount, the terms and interest rates. The company loan is a loan that is priced upfront therefore you will know the exact amount payable including any interest rates, fees or charges.
What determines the amount I will be charged?
The interest rates on company loans rates depend on a variety of factors including the amount borrowed, the business assets the funds are used to purchase, the industry the business operates in, how long the business has been operating, what percentage of the business has enough cash flow to pay for the loan, and also the general health and creditworthiness of the company.
What are the charges?
There aren’t any hidden costs with our company loans, and you’ll know exactly how much you’ll need to pay, and at what time, from the very first day. There’s no compounding and the loan comes with no additional fees (as as you make your payments in time).
We do not charge an application fee. You are able to request a credit loan with no upfront cost or the obligation to take action.
The Origination Fee covers the costs associated in establishing and managing the loan. The only way to pay this fee if you choose to proceed with the loan. The Origination Fee for us is 2.5% of the amount of loan.
Can I pay off the loan earlier?
You can repay the entire amount of your loan at any point in time.
If you are deciding to pursue this option, please call our helpful company loans professionals. We will provide you with the details of your repayment and an early payment figure. This is calculated as the sum of the principal balance and accrued interest to the time of the early payout, plus 1.5% of the remaining principal plus any outstanding fees.
What is the process for repayments?
To ensure you do not miss due dates and also to be in line your cash flow schedule, we offer repayments either weekly or daily. They will be automatically deducted from your nominated company account.
Security & privacy
Will my data be protected?
Making sure that your information is secure, and being clear about the ways we gather, use, exchange and secure your information, is of huge importance and an integral part of our relationship with you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We utilise industry-recognised encryption standards to protect your sensitive, personal financial and other data. Our funders are ISO 27001 qualified for our commitment to protecting the security of customers and security. We employ an exceptionally sophisticated bank verification system to immediately confirm your bank account information online so we can offer a fast response.
About business loans
What is asset-based borrowing (a secured loan)?
Asset-based borrowing is when the business owner borrows from an asset they own to secure the funding. The asset may be an individual asset, such as the family home or an company asset such as a truck or other piece of machinery.
The vast majority of banks, not just the big banks, tend to guarantee loans against an asset. If you’re struggling to pay back the loan, the asset could be transferred to the lender. In essence, it’s means of securing new funding using the worth of the asset you already have.
Should I require security to secure a company loan?
For loans that exceed $150K, the requirement for asset security is not required upfront to access the money but we do require a personal guarantee. If you adhere to the loan terms (as stipulated in your loan contract document) the security of assets is not needed. For loans of over $150,000 generally, you can get a personal guarantee and security in the form a charge over assets.