FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
Details of The Waiwhetu Small Business Loans
Tell me about the Waiwhetu Small Business Loans
Waiwhetu unsecured loans offers the range of $5,000 to $100,000 with terms between 3 and 24 month and cash flow friendly repayments, which are either daily or weekly.
How is the Unsecured Loan different from an ordinary business loan?
You can apply for the Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes via the internet or by phone. You will receive an immediate response, and the funds could be in your account in 24 hours. Traditional company loans are based on an interest rate per annum as well as other fees and charges. This business loan is a pre-paid loan therefore you’ll be aware of the total amount payable including the interest, fees and charges. Then, it is broken down into weekly or daily payment amount.
What could be the Small Business Loan be used for?
The Small Business Loan can be used for nearly any company reason, such as control of cash flow business improvements, advertising to purchase inventory or new equipment, for general working capital and so much more. The loan cannot be used for personal use.
About the Larger Waiwhetu Business Loans
What is the Larger Waiwhetu Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger loan size to support company expansion opportunities. Loans range from $100,000 to $500,000 with a term fixed for up to 36 months. The repayments are made weekly or fortnightly in order to accommodate the flow of cash.
How is the Origination Fee determined?
A Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee, which is determined at 2.5 percent of the loan amount.
Do I qualify for the Larger Business Loan?
To be eligible for a credit of this size the business needs to have been trading for at least 3 years, and have an annual income of $700K. It is necessary to be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) who is over the age of 18, own a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able to demonstrate at minimum 12 months of business.
What can the funding be used for?
A Larger Business Loan can be used for almost every company purpose including company renovations, purchase of equipment or inventory or as general working capital, and much more. The loan cannot be used for personal purposes.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that requires security?
Asset security is necessary to obtain funding above $150,000. It’s as a result of an charge over assets, and may include the registration of this with the PPSR or filing as a caveat.
A director’s or personal guarantee is a promise to pay off a credit line that is generally based rather than stating security over a particular asset. The person who signs the guarantee is personally responsible if the company creditor is unable to make the repayment.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is a central, national online registry run by the New Zealand Government. It reflects security interests which are registered with respect to personal property (including objects or assets). The PPSR allows the priority of personal property granted in accordance with the date on which a registration of a security interest.
An affidavit is an official document filed to provide the legal claim on a property.
What exactly is a preapproval without Credit Check?
If you’re seeking the Larger Business Loan of $250,000 or more we can offer an initial pre-approval that will help ease the process. We may be able to apply for this without credit checks and within six hours of your initial application. The pre-approval is based upon an initial assessment, which involves you answering a few financial health questions. It’s in no way an offer, nor is it a guarantee of finance. A conditional approval is subject an extensive credit evaluation and any offer that you receive could be based on different conditions.
The application process
Are I eligible for funding?
You are eligible to apply for an business loan if you
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are 18 years or older, own a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- you must demonstrate at minimum 6 months worth of trade (for the unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or 3 years of trading (for the Larger Business Loan $100K up to $500K)
How do I apply?
The process for applying is fast and easy. Complete the online form in few minutes and an experienced company credit specialist will contact you to assist you.
To be eligible for up to $100,000, you’ll require ID details (valid Driver’s Licence) along with an NZBN/IRD that is valid and at least six months of bank statements.
In addition, for larger loan sizes, you’ll need:
$100K to $250K: Application requirements, including credit consent, 6 – 12 months of bank statements, IRD statement (if credit is over $150K).
$250K-$500K: Information on the application including credit consent, 12 months bank statement, an IRD statement as well as the two most recent years’ financial statements, plus interim financial statements for the current year such as age-related payables and aged Receivables Summary.
How fast will I get an answer?
For an unsecured loan ($5K up to $100,000) we can often offer an answer in just one hour, provided you submit your request within standard company times and permit us to utilise the advanced bank verification system link to immediately verify your bank account information online. If you opt to submit copies of your bank statements , we’ll be able to offer a decision in just one business day.
If you are applying for a Larger Business Loan ($100K up to $500,000) we could be in a position to offer you with conditional pre-approval in about 6 hours. After you’ve signed the pre-approval, the turnaround time is about 2-3 days for final approval, however it could be faster based upon the circumstances for each application. Certain deals have been approved in less than 24 hours.
The quickest way to apply can be make sure you apply during standard business hours. Also, allow us to use our advance bank verification link to verify your bank account information online. If you opt to upload duplicates of your banking statement, it may take a bit longer.
What is the time frame to receive the money?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K to $100K) we usually provide an answer in just one hour – provided you apply during normal business times and permit us to utilise the advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank information online. If you want to send us copies of your bank statements, we are able to provide a decision within one business day.
If you are applying for Larger Business Loans ($100K and up) we might be capable of provide the conditional pre-approval within six hours. After you’ve signed the pre-approval form, it will take approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval, however this may be quicker depending upon the circumstances for each application. Certain agreements have been approved in just 24 hours.
The quickest method can be ensure you apply during standard business hours and allow us to use our modern bank verification to instantly verify your bank information online. If you decide to send us the copies of bank statements, it will take a little longer.
What’s the minimum amount I can borrow?
We offer the loan amount between $5,000 to $500,000. When you make an application for a specific amount we look at a variety of aspects in order to assess how much we can lend you health for your business and the extent of the repayments your business is able to afford. The total amount of your loan will depend on the specific circumstances the company.
When you submit an application for a specific amount we look at a range of factors to determine your health of your business and the extent of repayments that your business is able to afford. The amount you receive from the loan will be determined by the specifics for your business.
Fees & repayments
How much should you charge for an company loan?
When you apply for one of our business credit, we’ll assess the risk profile of your business and offer you with a customised offer, including the loan amount, the terms and interest rates. A business loan is a loan that is priced upfront therefore you will know the exact amount you will have to pay, including costs, fees, or interest rates.
What is the basis for the rate I’m charged?
Business loan interest rates differ based on various factors including the amount borrowed, what business assets the funds will be used for and the sector the business operates in, the long the business has been running, how long the company has enough cash flow to cover the loan, and the general well-being as well as creditworthiness company.
What are the charges?
There are no hidden costs with our business loans. You’ll know precisely how much you need to pay, and when, right from the first day. There’s not any compounding interest and no extra fees (as as you make your payments punctually).
We do not charge an application fee. You can get a cash loan no cost upfront or commitment to apply.
The Origination Fee covers the costs associated with the setting up and management of 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 percent of the amount of loan.
Do I have the option of paying off the loan earlier?
You can repay all of your loan in full at any time.
If you decide to pursue this option, please call our helpful company loan professionals. They will offer you with details on repayment as well as an early payout amount. This will be calculated as the total of the principal remaining plus any accrued interest as of the date of early payout plus 1.5% of the remaining principal and any fees that remain unpaid.
How do repayments work?
In order to help you avoid missing payment dates and to align your cash flow cycle we offer repayments that are either weekly or daily. They are automatically deducted from your business account.
Security & privacy
Will my information be protected?
Security of your data, and being clear about the ways we gather data, process, exchange and ensure the security of your information is crucial and an integral part of our relationship you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We utilise industry-recognised encryption standards to secure your sensitive, personal financial information and our funders are ISO 27001 qualified for our dedication to the security of our clients as well as their privacy. We make use of an advanced bank verification system link to immediately confirm your bank account information online, allowing us to offer a fast response.
About business loans
What exactly is an asset-based loan (a secured loan)?
An asset-based loan is when an business owner utilises an asset that they own to make a loan. The asset may be an asset belonging to the personal, like the family home or it could be a business asset such as a truck or other piece of machinery.
The vast majority of lenders, not just the big banks, tend to guarantee loans against assets. If you’re struggling to pay back the loan then the asset might be transferred to the lender. In essence it’s the process of securing new financing taking advantage of the value of what you already have.
Do I require security to secure an business loan?
For loans up to $150K the requirement for asset security is not required upfront to access the money, however we require a personal guarantee. need a personal guarantee. As long as you follow your loan commitments (as stated in your loan contract), asset security will never be required. For loans over $150K typically, you will need an individual ensure and security is provided in the form of an asset charge.