FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
Details of The Watsonia Small Business Loans
Tell me what you think of the Watsonia Small Business Loans
Watsonia unsecured loans provides amounts of between $5,000 and $100,000, with terms ranging from 3 and 24 months. They also offer cash flow-friendly repayments that are either per day or weekly.
How is this Unsecured Loan different from an traditional business loan?
You can apply to the Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes via the internet or over the phone, receive an immediate response, and the funds could be on your account within 24 hours. Traditional company loans reference an interest rate per annum plus other fees and charges. Our business loan is a pre-paid loan so you will know ahead of time the total amount payable including any fees, interest or charges. This is then broken down into either a daily or weekly installment amount.
What could you use the Small Business Loan be used for?
It is a Small Business Loan can be used for nearly any company need, such as cash flow management, company remodels and marketing for purchasing inventory or new equipment, or as general working capital and much more. The loan is not available to fund personal expenses.
About larger Watsonia Business Loans
What is the Larger Watsonia Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger size loan to aid in business expansion opportunities. The loan ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 over a fixed term with a maximum of 36 months. Repayments are weekly or fortnightly, depending on you cashflow.
How is the Origination Fee calculated?
It is crucial to note that the Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee which is calculated at 2.5 percent of the loan amount.
Am I eligible for the Larger Business Loan?
In order to be eligible for a loan of this size the company needs to have been in operation for at least 3 years and have an annual turnover of at least $700,000. The applicant must also be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) who is over the age of 18, own a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able of proving at the least 12 months of operating.
How can the funding be used for?
A larger business loan is a great option for almost every company use, including company renovations, purchase of inventory or new equipment for general working capital and so much more. The loan cannot be used to fund personal expenses.
Is the Larger Business Loan a secured loan?
Asset security is needed to access funding over $150,000. It is usually as a result of an charge against assets and can include registration in the PPSR or filing as a caveat.
A personal or director’s guarantee is a guarantee to pay off a credit line that is general in nature rather than defining security over an asset. The person who signs the ensure is personally liable if the company the borrower fails to pay back the debt.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online, central registry run by the New Zealand Government. It lists security interests that are granted to individuals who own personal property (including the assets or goods). The PPSR gives prioritisation over property that is personal to be granted according to the date the security interest was registered.
An affidavit is an official document that is filed to provide notice of a legal claim against a property.
What is a pre-approval without Credit Check?
If you’re applying for the Larger Business Loan that is greater than $250,000 we can offer an initial pre-approval that will help ease the process. We could be able to make this decision without a credit verification and within 6 hours of the initial application. The pre-approval process is based on an initial assessment that includes answering a couple of financial well-being questions. This is not an offer of credit or guarantee of financing. The approval of a conditional loan is subject to an extensive credit evaluation and any offer that you are offered could have different conditions.
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 18 years, have a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- can demonstrate at least 6 months worth of trade (for for the unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or three years of trade (for the Larger Business Loan $100K - $500K)
How do I apply?
The process for applying is fast and simple. Complete the online form within a couple minutes, and an experienced business expert in lending will be in touch to guide you through the process.
To be eligible for up to $100,000, you’ll require ID details (valid Driver’s Licence), a valid NZBN/IRD as well as at least 6 months of bank statements.
In addition, for larger loan sizes, you’ll also require:
$100K – $250K: Application details 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 twelve months of bank statements, IRD statement Last 2 years’ finalised financial statements, as well as interim financials for the current financial year as well as Aged Payables and Receivables reports.
How quickly will I receive an answer?
For an unsecured loan ($5K and up) we can often provide a response in one hour – as long as you apply in quality company hours and let us utilise the advanced bank verification system to immediately verify your bank account information online. If you want to upload copies of your bank statements , we’ll be able to provide the decision in just the span of one business day.
For the Larger Business Loan ($100K up to $500,000) we might be able to provide the conditional pre-approval in about 6 hours. After you’ve signed the pre-approval, the turnaround time is about 2-3 days for final approval, however this can be quicker based upon the circumstances for each application. Certain transactions have received approval within the space of 24 hours.
The quickest way to apply would be to ensure you apply during normal business hours, and let us use the modern bank verification link to instantly check your bank’s information online. If you choose to send us copies of your bank statements it takes a bit longer.
How quickly will I receive the funds?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K or more) we can often provide an answer within an hour, provided you apply within normal business times and permit us to utilise the advanced bank verification system to immediately verify your bank account information online. If you choose to upload copies of your bank statement, we’ll provide a decision within one business day.
If you are applying for Larger Business Loans ($100K and up) We may be able to offer you with conditional pre-approval within about six hours. Once you’ve signed the pre-approval, turnaround times are about 2-3 days for final approval, however this may be quicker depending on the circumstances of each application. Some agreements have been approved in just 24 hours.
The fastest method would be to make sure you apply during standard business hours. You can also allow us to use our modern bank verification to instantly verify your bank information online. If you opt to send us documents from your account statement, it may take a bit longer.
How much can I borrow?
We offer loans that range from $5,000 to $500,000. If you apply for a specific amount we look at a variety of aspects for determining what is the well-being of your company and the level of the repayments your company is able to afford. The total amount of your loan will depend on the specifics of your business.
When you make an application for a specific amount we consider a variety of variables to assess how much we can lend you such as well-being of the business and the amount of repayments that your business can support. The amount you receive from the loan will be determined by the particulars of your company.
Fees & repayments
What is the cost for a company loan?
When you apply for our company loan, we’ll assess the risk assessment for your business and offer an individualised offer, including the amount of the loan, the duration and interest rates. This business loan is an upfront priced loan so you will know in advance the total amount to be paid, including any costs, fees, or interest rates.
What is the basis for the rate I’m charged?
Business loan interest rates vary due to factors such as the amount that is borrowed, what business assets the money will be used for, the industry the company is in, how long the business has been in operation and what percentage of the business has enough cash flow to support the loan, and the overall well-being and creditworthiness of the business.
What are the charges?
There aren’t any hidden charges with our business loans, and you’ll know exactly how much it is that you be required to pay and when, right from the day you sign up. There’s no compounding interest, and the loan comes with no additional fees (as as long as you pay your payments on time).
We do not charge an Application Fee. You can make an application for loans with without any upfront costs or commitment to apply.
The Origination Fee includes the expenses associated in establishing and managing the loan. The only way to pay this cost if you take out the loan. Our Origination Fee is 2.5 percent of the amount of loan.
Do I have the option of paying off the loan earlier?
You may choose to pay back the entire amount of the loan in full at any time.
If you decide to pursue this option, please contact our helpful company credit experts. They will provide you with the details of your repayment as well as an early payout amount. This is calculated as the sum of the remaining principal amount and accrued interest to the time of early payout plus 1.5 percent of the principal balance and any fees that remain unpaid.
What are the repayment methods?
To ensure you do not miss due dates and also to be in line your cash flow cycle we offer repayments that are either daily or weekly. These are automatically deducted from your company account.
Security & privacy
Will my information be protected?
Protecting your information, and making it clear how we collect data, process, exchange and secure your information, is of paramount importance 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 secure your personal, sensitive as well as financial data. Our funders are ISO 27001 qualified for our commitment to customer security and privacy. We make use of an advanced bank verification system link to immediately verify your bank account details online, allowing us to offer a fast response.
About business loans
How do you define asset-based lending (a secured loan)?
An asset-based loan is when the business owner borrows from assets they own to get the loan. The asset can be an individual asset, such as the family home or an company property like a truck or piece of equipment.
The majority of lending institutions, even the banks with the biggest size, prefer to guarantee loans against an asset. If you have trouble paying back the loan then the asset might be taken over by the lender. In essence it is an opportunity to secure new financing making use of the value of what you already own.
Are I need security to get an business loan?
Up to $150K in loans there is no requirement for asset security in advance to gain access to the funds However, we do require an individual guarantee. So long as you comply with your loan commitments (as stated in your loan contract) and you are able to meet your obligations, asset security is not required. For loans over $150,000 generally there is the option of a personal guarantee and security in the form of an asset charge.