FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
More about the West Harbour Small Business Loans
Tell me about the West Harbour Small Business Loans
West Harbour unsecured loans offers amounts between $5,000 and $100,000 with terms between 3 and 24 months, cash flow friendly repayments which can be made daily or weekly.
What makes what makes the Unsecured Loan different from an traditional company loan?
It is possible to apply to get the Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes over the phone, receive a same day response and have the funds in your account within 24 hours. Traditional company loans have an annual rate of interest along with other charges and fees. Our company loan is an upfront priced loan which means you know ahead of time the total amount to be paid, including any interest, fees or charges. Then, it is broken down into weekly or daily amount to be paid back.
What can be the Small Business Loan be used for?
The Small Business Loan can be used for almost any business need, such as cash flow management, company remodels and marketing to purchase inventory or new equipment, as general working capital and much more. The loan cannot be used for personal reasons.
About the Larger West Harbour Business Loans
What is the Larger West Harbour Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger loan size to support business expansion opportunities. Loans are between $100,000 and $500,000 for a fixed period of with a maximum of 36 months. Repayments are scheduled weekly or fortnightly depending on the flow of cash.
How is the Origination Fee calculated?
A Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee that is determined at 2.5% of the loan amount.
Can I get the Larger Business Loan?
In order to be eligible for a loan that is this large the company needs to have been trading for at least 3 years and have an annual turnover of at least $700K. You must be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) over 18 years, own a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able to prove at minimum 12 months of business.
How can the funding be used for?
A large company loan can be used to fund almost every business reason, such as business remodeling, buying inventory or new equipment or as 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 needed to access funding over $150,000. It’s by way of charge over assets, and may include registration with the PPSR or making a caveat.
A director’s or personal ensure is a promise to pay off a credit line that is general in nature rather than defining the security for a particular asset. The person who signs the ensure is personally accountable if the business creditor is unable to re-pay the debt.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online central register operated by the New Zealand Government. It contains security interests granted to individuals who own personal property (including items or assets). The PPSR permits preference over private property assigned according to the date a security interest that is registered.
The caveat can be described as a formal form of document to provide an official notice of a claim on a property.
What is a pre-approval that does not require Credit Check?
If you’re applying for larger business loans that is greater than $250K we may be able to provide an initial pre-approval that will help smooth out the process. We may be able to do this without a credit verification and within six hours of your initial application. The pre-approval process is based on an initial assessment, which involves answering a couple of financial well-being checks. It is not an offer of credit or guarantee of funds. Acceptance without condition is subject to a full credit assessment and any offer that you are offered could have different terms.
Application process
Do I qualify for funds?
You may apply for a company loan if you
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are over the age of 18 and own a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- must show at least six months’ worth of transactions (for you to qualify for unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or three years of trade (for the Larger Business Loan $100K - $500K)
How do I apply?
The application process is simple and easy. Simply complete the online form within a couple minutes, and a dedicated business credit specialist will be in touch to guide you.
To be eligible for up to $100,000, you’ll need ID details (valid Driver’s License) as well as an NZBN/IRD that is valid and at least six months of bank statements.
If you’re looking for loans with larger sizes, you’ll also require:
$100K-$250K: Application details 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 and 12 months of bank statements, IRD statements Last 2 years’ finalised financial statements, and interim financials from the current financial year as well as Aged Payables and Receivables Summary.
How fast will I get a decision?
For an unsecured loan ($5K or more) we typically provide a response in one hour if you make your application at standard business hours and allow us to utilise the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you decide to submit copies of your bank statements , we are able to provide the decision in just the span of one business day.
If you are applying for a Larger Business Loan ($100K to $500K) we may be capable of offer the conditional pre-approval within 6 hours. After you’ve signed your pre-approval, the turnaround time is approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval. However, this may be quicker depending on the specifics of each application. Certain agreements have been approved in the space of 24 hours.
The most efficient method for you to apply is ensure you apply during standard company hours. Also, allow us to use the advanced bank verification system link to instantly confirm your bank details online. If you choose to upload the copies of bank statement, it can take a bit longer.
How quickly will I receive the funds?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K up to $100,000) we usually provide a response in one hour – as long as you apply during normal business timings and permit us to make use of the advanced bank verification system link to immediately verify your bank account information online. If you want to upload copies of your banking statements, we will be able to provide an answer within 1 business day.
For Larger Business Loans ($100K to $500K) we might be capable of provide you with conditional pre-approval within about six hours. Once you’ve signed your pre-approval document, you will need to wait about 2-3 days for final approval. However, this may be quicker depending on the circumstances of each application. Some offers have been approved in less than 24 hours.
The most efficient method for you to apply is ensure you apply during normal business hours and let us use the advance bank verification link to confirm your bank details online. If you opt to upload the copies of bank accounts, it will take a little longer.
What is the maximum amount I can borrow?
We offer the loan amount between $5,000 to $500,000. When you submit an application for a certain amount we look at a variety of elements that determine how much we can lend you health of your company and the amount of repayments that your business can support. The amount you receive from your loan will depend on the specifics of your business.
When you apply for a set amount, we will consider a number of elements to determine the well-being that is your business and the amount of repayments that your company can afford. The amount you receive from the loan will be determined by the specific circumstances that are unique to your company.
Fees & repayments
What is the cost for the cost of a business loan?
If you decide to request business loans with us company loan, we will assess the risk assessment of your business and provide you with a tailored offer including the loan amount, the terms and the interest rates. It is a company loan is an upfront cost loan and you’ll know in advance the total amount payable including any interest rates, fees or charges.
What is the basis for the rate I will be charged?
Interest rates for business loans rates vary due to factors such as the amount that is that is borrowed, what business assets the funds are used to purchase and the sector the business is in, how long the business has been in operation, whether the company has enough cash flow to fund the loan, and the overall health or financial standing of the business.
What are the charges?
There are no hidden fees with our business loans, and you’ll know precisely how much it is that you need to pay, and when, starting from day one. There’s not any compounding interest and no extra fees (as as long as you pay your payments punctually).
We do not charge an application fee. You are able to apply for a loan with no upfront cost or obligation to proceed.
The Origination Fee covers the expenses involved with establishing and managing the loan. The only way to pay this fee if you choose to proceed with the loan. Our Origination Fee is 2.5% of the amount of loan.
Can I repay the loan in advance?
You can choose to repay the total amount of your loan in full at any time.
If you do decide to take this route, please speak to our friendly business lending professionals. We will provide 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 the early payout, plus 1.5 percent of the remaining principal and any outstanding fees.
What are the repayment methods?
To ensure that you don’t miss payments and to work your cash flow cycle we provide repayments either daily or weekly. These are automatically withdrawn from your business account.
Security & privacy
Will my data be protected?
The security of your personal information, as well as being transparent about how we collect data, process, exchange and safeguard your data, is vital and is a crucial part of our relationship with you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We use industry recognised encryption techniques to protect your personal, sensitive as well as financial data. Our funders are ISO 27001 qualified for our commitment to customer security and security. We use an advanced bank verification system link to instantly confirm your bank account information online so we can provide a fast response.
About business loans
How do you define asset-based lending (a secured loan)?
The term "asset-based" refers to borrowing where a business owner utilises an asset that they own to make the loan. The asset may be an individual asset, such as the family home, or a company asset like a truck or other piece of machinery.
The majority of the lenders including the banks with the biggest size, prefer to guarantee loans against an asset. If you have trouble paying back the loan, the asset might be sold by the lender. In essence, it’s means of securing new financing using the worth of the asset you already have.
Are I need security to secure a business loan?
For loans up to $150K there is no requirement for asset security in advance to gain access to the funds however, we do require an individual guarantee. If you adhere to your loan commitments (as stated in your loan contract document) the security of assets is not required. If you take out loans in excess of $150K typically, you will need the option of a personal guarantee and security is provided in the form of the charge of assets.