FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
About The Waiwhetu Small Business Loans
Tell me what you think of the Waiwhetu Small Business Loans
Waiwhetu unsecured loans provides amounts of between $5,000 and $100,000. Terms range from 3 and 24 months and cash flow-friendly repayments which can be made daily or weekly.
How is what makes the Unsecured Loan different from an traditional business loan?
You can apply to this Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes over the phone. You’ll get an instant response and the money could be available in just 24 hours. Traditional business loans have an interest rate per annum as well as other fees and charges. This business loan is a cash-based loan which means you know in advance the total amount due, which includes any fees, charges or charges. Then, it is divided into weekly or daily amount to be paid back.
What could you use the Small Business Loan be used for?
It is a Small Business Loan can be used for virtually every company reason, 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 Waiwhetu Business Loans
What is the Larger Waiwhetu Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger loan size to support business growth opportunities. The loan ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 over a fixed term up to 36 months. The repayments are made weekly or fortnightly, depending on the flow of cash.
How is the Origination Fee calculated?
The Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee that is calculated at 2.5 percentage of the amount of the loan.
Do I qualify for the Larger Business Loan?
To be eligible for a credit in this amount the business needs to be in operation for at least 3 years and have an annual turnover of at least $700K. The applicant must also be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) with a minimum age of 18 years old, own a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able to prove at minimum 12 months of continuous trading.
How can the funding be utilised?
A large company loan can be used for almost any company need, including business renovations, to purchase inventory or new equipment or as general working capital and so much more. The loan is not available for personal purposes.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that requires security?
Asset security is needed for accessing funds over $150,000. This can be done in the form of a charge against assets, and could be registered on the PPSR or making a caveat.
A personal or director’s ensure is a commitment to repay credit that is general in nature, rather than stipulating security over a particular asset. The person who signs the guarantee is personally accountable if the company creditor is unable to re-pay the debt.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online central registry run by the New Zealand Government. It reflects security interests granted to individuals who own personal property (including objects or assets). The PPSR grants preference over private property granted according to the date the security interest was registered.
A caveat is a legal document that is filed to provide the public notice of a legal claim to property.
What is a pre-approval that does not require Credit Check?
If you’re requesting larger business loans of $250,000 or more it is possible to offer an initial pre-approval that will help ease the process. It is possible to apply for this without credit checks and within six hours of your initial application. This pre-approval is based on an initial assessment, which involves the answer to a series of financial well-being checks. It is not an offer or guarantee of finance. The approval of a conditional loan is subject to an exhaustive credit evaluation, and any offer that you receive could be based on different terms.
The application process
Do I qualify for funds?
You are eligible to apply for an business loan if you:
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are over 18 years, own a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- you must prove at least 6 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 within a few minutes and an experienced company lending specialist will be in touch to help you.
For a loan of up to $100,000 you’ll need identification details (valid Driver’s Licence), a valid NZBN/IRD and at least 6 months of bank statements.
In addition, for larger loan sizes, you’ll require:
$100K – $250K: Information about the application including credit consent, 6-12 months of bank statements, IRD statement (if you have a loan of more than $150K).
$250K-$500K: Information on the application including credit consent twelve months bank statement, an IRD statement and the last two years’ finalised financial statements, as well as interim financial statements for the current year such as age-related payables and aged Receivables summaries.
What speed will I be able to get a decision?
For an unsecured loan ($5K up to $100,000) we usually offer an answer in just one hour if you make your application at standard business times and let us utilise the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you want to send us copies of your bank statement, we’ll provide an answer within just the span of one business day.
For the Larger Business Loan ($100K to $500K) we may be able to offer you with a conditional pre-approval within about 6 hours. Once you have signed the pre-approval, turnaround times are around 2-3 days for final approval. However, it could be faster based upon the circumstances for each application. Some transactions have received approval in just 24 hours.
The quickest method would be to ensure you apply during standard business hours. Also, allow us to use our modern bank verification link to verify your bank account information online. If you decide to upload duplicates of your banking statement, it may take a bit longer.
How fast will I get the money?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K to $100K) we can often offer an answer within an hour if you make your application at standard business time and allow us to make use of the advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank details online. If you decide to submit copies of your bank statements we can offer the decision in just one business day.
If you are applying for Larger Business Loans ($100K to $500K) we might be in a position to provide you with a conditional pre-approval in about 6 hours. Once you have signed the pre-approval document, you will require to wait approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval. However, this may be quicker depending upon the circumstances for each application. Some deals have been approved in 24 hours.
The fastest way would be to ensure you apply during normal business hours and permit us to use the modern bank verification to instantly verify your bank information online. If you choose to send us documents from your account statement, it may take a bit longer.
How much can I borrow?
We provide loans ranging from $5,000 and $500,000. When you submit an application for a specific amount we consider a variety of aspects in order to assess how much we can lend you health of your business and the extent of repayments your business can support. The total amount of your loan will depend on the particular circumstances the company.
When you make an application for a specific amount we look at a range of variables to assess how much we can lend you such as health that is your business and the amount of the repayments your company will be able to support. The amount you receive from your loan will be determined by the particular circumstances that are unique to your company.
Fees & repayments
How much do you charge for an business loan?
When you request one of our company financing, we’ll assess the risk assessment that you have for your company and offer you with a customised proposal that includes the amount of the loan, the duration and interest rates. This company loan is an upfront-priced loan therefore you will know the exact amount payable including any charges or interest.
What determines the amount I pay?
Interest rates for company loans rates depend on a variety of factors like the amount of money borrowed, what company assets the money are used to purchase in addition to the industry that the business is in, how long the company has been running as well as what percentage of the business has sufficient cash flow to pay for the loan, as well as the general well-being or creditworthiness of the company.
What are the cost?
There are no hidden costs for our business loans. You’ll be aware of the amount it is that you be required to pay, and when, right from the very first day. There’s not any compounding interest and no additional fees (as long as you are able to make your payments punctually).
We do not charge an application fee. You can make an application for loans with absolutely no upfront cost and no the obligation to take action.
The Origination Fee is the cost associated with setting up 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 percent of the amount of the loan.
Can I repay the loan in advance?
You can decide to repay the entire amount of your loan at any point in time.
If you are deciding to do this please call our helpful business credit specialists. They’ll provide you with details for repayment as well as an early payout amount. This will be calculated as the sum of the principal balance plus any accrued interest as of the time of the early payout, plus 1.5% of the principal balance and any outstanding fees.
How do you make repayments work?
To help you avoid missing due dates and also to be in line your cash flow cycle we offer repayments either weekly or daily. They will be automatically deducted from your designated company account.
Security & privacy
Will my data be protected?
Protecting your information, and being upfront about the ways we gather information, use it, and exchange it, as well as secure your information, is of huge importance and is a crucial part of our relationship with you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We employ industry-recognised encryption standards to secure your sensitive, personal and financial data and our funders are ISO 27001 qualified for our commitment to protecting the security of customers and security. We use an advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank account information online so we can offer an immediate response.
About business loans
What’s an asset-based borrow (a secured loan)?
Asset-based borrowing is when a business owner uses assets they own to make the funding. The asset can be a personal asset like the family home or an business asset like a truck or piece or equipment.
The majority of lenders, not just the big banks, tend to secure loans against assets. If you are having difficulty paying back the loan then your asset may be transferred to the lender. In essence, it is a way of securing new financing by using the value of what you already have.
What do I require security to get an company loan?
For loans that exceed $150K, the requirement for asset security is not required in advance to gain access to the funds However, we require a personal guarantee. need an individual guarantee. If you adhere to your loan commitments (as detailed in your loan contract document) and you are able to meet your obligations, asset security will never be required. For loans over $150K generally, there is the option of a personal guarantee and security that is in the form a charge over assets.