FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
About The Timberlea Small Business Loans
Let me know what you think of the Timberlea Small Business Loans
Timberlea unsecured loans offers amounts of between $5,000 and $100,000. The terms range between 3 and 24 months and cash flow friendly repayments which can be made daily or weekly.
What is the Unsecured Loan different from an traditional company loan?
Apply for this Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes online or on the phone. You’ll receive a same day response and the money could be in your account in 24 hours. Traditional business loans reference an annual interest rate together with additional fees and charges. The business loan is a cash-based loan therefore you’ll be aware in advance of the total amount due, which includes the interest, fees and charges. This is then broken down into either weekly or daily installment amount.
What can the Small Business Loan be used for?
The Small Business Loan can be used for almost every business purpose including control of cash flow business improvements, advertising to purchase inventory or new equipment, or as general working capital and so much more. The loan cannot be used for personal use.
About larger Timberlea Business Loans
What is the Larger Timberlea Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger loan size to support company expansion opportunities. Loans range between $100,000 and $500,000 over a fixed term with a maximum of 36 months. Repayments are scheduled weekly or fortnightly to work with the flow of cash.
How’s the Origination Fee calculated?
It is important to note that the Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee, determined at 2.5 percentage of the loan amount.
Am I eligible for the Larger Business Loan?
In order to be eligible for a loan of this size, your business needs to have been operating for a minimum of 3 years and generate an annual revenue of $700K. It is necessary to be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) at least 18 years old and have a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able to prove at the least 12 months of operating.
What can I use the funds for?
A larger company loan can be used for almost all business purpose including business renovations, purchase of inventory or new equipment, as general working capital and much more. The loan is not available for personal reasons.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that is secured?
Asset security is necessary to access funding over $150,000. It is usually in the form of a charge on assets, and could include registration on the PPSR or making as a caveat.
A personal or director’s ensure is a commitment to pay back a loan that is generally based rather than stating security over a particular asset. The person who signs the ensure is personally liable if the business borrower is unable to pay back the debt.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online central register operated by the New Zealand Government. It reflects security interests granted to individuals who own personal property (including items or assets). The PPSR permits preference over private property granted according to the date a security interest was registered.
The caveat can be described as a formal document that is filed to provide an official notice of a claim to property.
What is a pre-approval minus Credit Check?
When you’re applying for a Larger Business Loan that is greater than $250K we may be able to provide an initial pre-approval in order to ease the process. We may be able to make this decision without a credit check, and within 6 hours of your initial application. The pre-approval process is based on an initial evaluation that involves answering a couple of financial well-being questions. It is in no way an offer, nor is it a guarantee of credit. Unconditional approval is subject to an extensive credit evaluation and any offer that you may receive may have different conditions.
The application process
Can I be eligible for funding?
You may apply for an company loan if you:
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are 18 years or older, own a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- must show at least six months of trading (for you to qualify for 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 fast and simple. Just fill out the online application in just a few minutes, and an experienced business loan specialist will be in touch to guide you through the process.
For a loan of up to $100,000 you’ll require ID details (valid Driver’s License) along with an active NZBN/IRD, and at least six months of bank statements.
For larger loan sizes, you’ll require:
$100K-$250K: Details of application, including credit consent, 6-12 months of bank statements, IRD statement (if loan above $150K).
$250K to $500K: Details of the application, including credit consent and 12 months of bank records, IRD statements and the last two years’ finalised financial statements, and interim financials for the current financial year including Aged Payables, Aged Receivables reports.
How fast will I get a decision?
For an unsecured loan ($5K up to $100,000) we can often offer a response in one hour if you apply at quality business times and let us utilise the advanced bank verification system to immediately verify your bank account information online. If you opt to upload copies of your bank statement, we’ll provide a decision within the span of one company day.
For Larger Business Loans ($100K or more) we might be likely to provide you with conditional pre-approval in around 6 hours. Once you have signed the pre-approval, turnaround times are approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval, however this could be shorter based upon the circumstances for each application. Some agreements have been approved in less than 24 hours.
The most efficient method for you to apply is make sure you apply during normal company hours and permit us to use the modern bank verification to instantly verify your bank information online. If you upload the copies of bank accounts, it takes a bit longer.
How soon will I receive the cash?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K and up) We can usually offer an answer in just one hour – as long as you submit your request at standard business times and allow us to use the advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you choose to upload copies of your banking statement, we’ll provide an answer in just an business day.
If you are applying for Larger Business Loans ($100K up to $500,000) we might be able to provide you with a conditional pre-approval within about six hours. Once you have signed the pre-approval document, you will need to wait around 2-3 days for final approval, however this can be faster depending on the specifics of each application. Some offers have been approved in the space of 24 hours.
The fastest method for you to apply is ensure you apply during normal business hours. Also, allow us to use the modern bank verification link to check your bank’s information online. If you opt to upload duplicates of your banking statements, it will take a little longer.
How much can I borrow?
We offer loans ranging from $5,000 and $500,000. When you make an application for a particular amount, we look at a variety of elements in order to assess what is the well-being for your business as well as the amount of repayments your company can support. The total amount of the loan will be determined by the specific circumstances for your company.
If you apply for a particular amount, we will consider a number of factors to determine the health of your business and the amount of repayments your business can afford. The total amount of your loan will be contingent on the specific circumstances for your business.
Fees & repayments
How much do you charge for an company loan?
When you request our company loan, we’ll assess the risk profile of your business and provide you with a tailored offer, including the amount of loan, the term and interest rates. The company loan is an upfront-priced loan and you’ll be aware of the total amount payable including any interest rates, fees or charges.
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 of money borrowed, the company assets the funds will be used for, the industry the business operates in, how long the business is in operation for, what percentage of the company has sufficient cash flow to cover the loan, and also the overall health or financial standing of the company.
What are the charges?
There are no hidden fees with our business loans, and you’ll be aware of the amount it is that you need to pay and when, from the very first day. There’s no compounding and no additional fees (as as you make your payments punctually).
We do not charge an application fee. You are able to request a credit loan with without any upfront costs or any obligation to sign up.
The Origination Fee covers the expenses involved with establishing and managing the loan. This is only a fee if you choose to proceed with the loan. Our Origination Fee is 2.5 percent of the loan amount.
Can I pay off the loan earlier?
You can decide to repay all of your loan early at any time.
If you are deciding to pursue this option, please contact our helpful company loan professionals. They’ll provide you with details for repayment and an early payout figure. It will be calculated using the total of the remaining principal amount and the accrued interest up to the time of the early payout in addition to 1.5% of the principal balance and any fees that remain unpaid.
What is the process for repayments?
In order to help you avoid missing due dates and also to be in line your cash flow schedule, we offer repayments either weekly or daily. They are automatically deducted from your designated company account.
Security & privacy
Will my data be protected?
The security of your personal information, as well as knowing the ways we gather, use, exchange and safeguard your data, is vital and an integral element of our relationship with you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We use industry recognised encryption standards to protect your sensitive, personal and financial data and our funders are ISO 27001 certified for our dedication to security for our customers and security. We utilise a sophisticated bank verification system to immediately verify your bank account details online, allowing us to offer a fast response.
About business loans
What’s an asset-based borrow (a secured loan)?
Asset-based borrowing occurs when the business owner utilises the assets they have to get the loan. The asset may be a personal asset like the family home, or it could be a company asset such as a truck or piece or equipment.
The vast majority of lending institutions, not just the big banks, tend to guarantee loans against assets. If you’re struggling to pay back the loan, then your asset may be transferred to the lender. In essence it’s means of securing new financing by using the value of what you already have.
Are I require security to secure an company loan?
For loans up to $150,000 there is no requirement for asset security in advance to gain access to the funds, however we do need an individual guarantee. In the event that you fulfill your loan obligations (as detailed in the loan contract), asset security is not required. For loans of over $150,000 typically, you will need the option of a personal ensure and security is provided in the form of an asset charge.