FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
Details of The Highett Small Business Loans
Tell me what you think of the Highett Small Business Loans
Highett unsecured loans provides amounts between $5,000 and $100,000 with terms between 3 and 24 months. They also offer cash flow friendly repayments, which are either daily or weekly.
What makes this Unsecured Loan different from a traditional company loan?
You can apply for your Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes over the phone, receive an answer within the same day and funds may be on your account within 24 hours. Traditional company loans are based on an interest rate per annum along with other charges and fees. This company loan is a loan that is priced upfront and you’ll be aware of the total amount to be paid, including the interest, fees and charges. This is then divided into a daily or weekly payment amount.
What could be the Small Business Loan be used for?
It is a Small Business Loan can be used for nearly every company reason, such as cash flow management, company renovations, marketing to purchase inventory, new equipment, or as general working capital and much more. The loan cannot be used to fund personal expenses.
About the Larger Highett Business Loans
What is the Larger Highett Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger loan size to support company growth opportunities. Loans range from $100,000 to $500,000 for a fixed period of that can last up to 36 months. Repayments are weekly or fortnightly, depending on the flow of cash.
How is the Origination Fee calculated?
It is important to note that the Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee which is calculated at 2.5% of the loan amount.
Am I eligible for the Larger Business Loan?
To qualify for a loan that is this large, your business needs to be operating for a minimum of 3 years with an annual turnover of $700,000. You must be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) at least 18 years old or have a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able demonstrate at least 12 months of trading.
How can the funding be utilised?
A large company loan can be used to fund almost all company need, including company renovations, to purchase new equipment or inventory for general working capital and so much more. The loan is not available for personal use.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that requires security?
Asset security is needed to access funding over $150,000. It’s in the form of a charge over assets, and could include the registration of this in the PPSR or the registration of as a caveat.
A personal or director’s ensure is a commitment to repay a loan which is general in nature rather than specifying security over an asset. The person who signs the guarantee is personally responsible if the business lender is not able to re-pay the debt.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online central register that is operated by the New Zealand Government. It lists security interests that are granted to individuals who own personal property (including items or assets). The PPSR grants priority over personal property to be assigned according to the date the registration of a security interest.
A caveat is a legal document lodged to offer notice of a legal claim to property.
What exactly is a preapproval without Credit Check?
If you’re seeking larger business loans of more than $250K it is possible to offer an initial pre-approval in order to make the process. It is possible to get this done without a credit verification and within 6 hours of the initial application. This pre-approval is based on a preliminary assessment which includes the answer to a series of financial well-being checks. It’s neither an offer nor a guarantee of finance. The approval of a conditional loan is subject to an extensive credit evaluation and any offer you receive could be subject to different conditions.
The application process
Can I be eligible for funding?
You may be eligible for a company loan if you;
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are over 18 years, have a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- must show at least six months of business (for you to qualify for unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or three years of trading (for the Larger Business Loan $100K to $500K)
How do I apply?
The application process is fast and easy. Simply complete the online form in just a few minutes, and a dedicated business expert in lending will call you to assist you.
For a loan of up to $100,000 you’ll need ID details (valid Driver’s Licence) and a valid NZBN/IRD as well as at least six months of bank statements.
For larger loan sizes, you’ll also need:
$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 to $500K: Details for application including credit consent as well as 12 months of bank statements, IRD statements and the last two years’ finalised financial statements, as well as interim financial statements for the current year as well as Aged Payables and Receivables summaries.
How fast will I get a decision?
For an unsecured loan ($5K and up) we typically offer an answer in just one hour – as long as you submit your request in quality 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 opt to submit copies of your bank statements , we’ll be able to provide an answer within the span of one business day.
For Larger Business Loans ($100K up to $500,000) we could be able to provide you with conditional pre-approval within six hours. After you’ve signed the pre-approval, the turnaround time is approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval. However, this can be quicker based on the circumstances of each application. Some transactions have received approval in just 24 hours.
The most efficient method is to ensure you apply during normal company hours. Also, allow us to use the advance bank verification to instantly verify your bank account information online. If you choose to send us the copies of bank statement, it takes a bit longer.
How quickly will I receive the money?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K up to $100,000) we usually offer an answer within an hour if you make your application during standard business hours and you allow us to make use of the advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank details online. If you want to submit copies of your bank statements, we are able to provide an answer in as little as an business day.
For Larger Business Loans ($100K to $500K) we might be able to offer you with pre-approval conditional to your application within 6 hours. Once you have signed the pre-approval, turnaround times are approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval. However, it could be faster based on the particular circumstances of each application. Some deals have been approved in less than 24 hours.
The fastest method for you to apply is make sure you apply during standard business hours, and permit us to use the advanced bank verification system link to instantly confirm your bank details online. If you opt to send us copies of your bank statements it may take a bit 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 will consider a number of factors to determine what is the well-being for your company and the amount of repayments that your company can afford. The total amount of the loan will be determined by the specific circumstances the business.
When you apply for a set amount, we take into consideration a variety of aspects to assess your well-being that is your business and the amount of repayments that your company can afford. The total amount of your loan will be contingent on the specifics the company.
Fees & repayments
How do you charge for an business loan?
When you make an application for our business loan, we’ll assess the risk assessment the company and offer you with a customised offer including the amount of the loan, the duration and interest rates. A company loan is an upfront cost loan and you’ll know in advance the total amount you will have to pay, including charges, interest rates or fees.
What is the basis for the rate I pay?
Interest rates for business loans rates depend on several factors including the amount borrowed, what company assets the funds are used to purchase and the sector the business operates in, the long the business has been operating, how long the company has sufficient cash flow to cover the loan, as well as the overall health or financial standing of the business.
What are the cost?
There aren’t any hidden charges with our company loans. You’ll be aware of the amount it is that you be required to pay, and when, starting from day one. There’s no compounding interest and no additional fees (as long as you make your payments on time).
We don’t charge an Application Fee. You are able to request a credit loan no cost upfront or commitment to apply.
The Origination Fee covers the costs associated with the setting up and management of the loan. You are only charged this fee if you choose to proceed with the loan. The Origination Fee for us is 2.5% of the amount of the loan.
Can I pay out the loan early?
You may choose to pay back the total amount of your loan in full at any time.
If you are deciding to take this route, please talk to one of our helpful company loans specialists. The professionals will offer you with details on repayment and an early payment figure. This is calculated as the sum of the principal balance and accrued interest to the time of the early payout plus 1.5 percent of the principal remaining plus any outstanding fees.
What are the repayment methods?
To ensure you do not miss payments and to work your cash flow cycle we provide repayments either weekly or daily. These are automatically withdrawn from your nominated business account.
Security & privacy
Will my information be secure?
Making sure that your information is secure, and being clear about how we collect, use, exchange and ensure the security of your information is of paramount importance and is a crucial element of our relationship with you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We make use of industry-standard encryption protocols to safeguard your personal, sensitive and financial data and our funders are ISO 27001 qualified for our commitment to security for our clients and privacy. We employ an exceptionally sophisticated bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank account details online so we can provide quick responses.
About business loans
What exactly is an asset-based loan (a secured loan)?
The term "asset-based" refers to borrowing where an company owner makes use of an asset that they own to secure the funds for a loan. The asset can be an individual asset, such as the family home or an business asset like a truck or piece of equipment.
The vast majority of the lenders even the big banks, tend to make loans secured by an asset. If you are having difficulty paying back the loan, the asset could be offered for sale by the lender. In essence, it’s means of securing new financing by using the value of what you already own.
Do I need security to secure an business loan?
For loans up to $150K the requirement for asset security is not required in advance to gain access to the funds however, we require a personal guarantee. require a personal guarantee. As long as you follow your loan commitments (as stated in the loan contract), asset security will never be required. For loans over $150,000 generally, there is personal guarantee and security in the form an asset charge.