The questions people actually ask us

Business funding from outside the registered banks' standard lending. That includes non-bank and private lenders, property-secured loans, unsecured loans sized on turnover, lines of credit, invoice and asset finance, and platform funding. See the alternatives.

Three products through our panel of lending partners: property-secured business loans from $20,000 to $1m, unsecured business loans, and business lines of credit.

No. We arrange non-bank lending through lending partners. We're a New Zealand business based in Christchurch.

New Zealand sole traders, companies, partnerships and trusts, for business purposes. We don't arrange personal or consumer loans.

No. Our guides are general information to help you understand your options. A lending specialist will discuss your situation, and you should get independent legal advice on any loan documents and talk to your accountant about tax.

Property-secured business loans range from $20,000 to $1m, depending on the property, the equity available and the lender's assessment.

New Zealand property you or a supporting party already own: your home, a rental or investment property, commercial property or land.

Yes. Loans can be arranged as a second mortgage behind your existing lender. The first lender's consent may be needed. See second-mortgage business funding.

Not for the initial assessment of a property-secured loan. The property, purpose and exit plan carry the assessment.

Yes. IRD debt can be refinanced or paid out with a property-secured business loan. See paying IRD debt without a bank.

In some cases, within 24 hours of approval. Timing depends on valuation, legal documents, any consents and registration.

Usually businesses trading 6 months or more with regular deposits in a business bank account. The amount is based on turnover and bank statements.

Decisions on unsecured loans and lines of credit are sometimes made the same day, particularly when bank statements can be connected quickly.

A loan is a lump sum repaid on a schedule; a line of credit is a limit you draw on, repay and draw again. Loans suit one-off needs; lines of credit suit recurring, uneven cash flow. See business line of credit.

Often, for company borrowers. Your loan documents will set out exactly what's required, and your lawyer can explain it.

Possibly. For property-secured loans, bad credit, defaults and arrears are considered case by case. For unsecured loans, weaker credit is considered where current cash flow is healthy.

No. Enquiring is free, takes about 60 seconds, and doesn't affect your credit score.

We don't publish rates. Every loan is priced on the client's individual circumstances: the security, purpose, business and exit. We look for the sharpest option available for your situation and set out the full cost in writing before you commit.

Our loans are generally short to medium term. The right term depends on your purpose and exit plan, which a lending specialist will discuss with you.

A lending specialist calls to understand your situation, matches you with suitable lending partners, and walks you through any offer. See how it works.

For property-secured loans, independent legal advice is normally part of the process before settlement. It's wise for any loan involving a guarantee.

Often, yes, but terms vary by lender and product. Check the early repayment section of your offer, especially if you plan to refinance. See reading a business loan offer.

If you have time and your business fits bank policy, yes. Banks are usually cheapest when they'll lend on acceptable terms. We explain when an alternative makes more sense in bank vs non-bank vs private.

Our unsecured products usually need 6+ months of trading. If you own property, a property-secured loan may still be possible. Otherwise, look at family support, asset finance or equity; the alternative finder points you to the right reading.

No. It's a different tool, often faster and more flexible, usually at a higher price. Many businesses use non-bank funding for a period and later refinance to a bank. See switching and back again.

No, but we explain them in our guides because they may suit you better than what we do.