Guide to Understanding Unsecured Business Loans

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Australia play a crucial role in the national economy. They collectively provide over 65% of the private sector employment and contribute more than $700 billion to the country’s GDP. However, despite their economic significance, many SMEs struggle to get loan approvals from traditional lenders like banks. In such situations, they can rely on alternative financing sources for business loans in Australia. SMEs can explore numerous loan products and choose the options that suit their requirements. Some of the most popular loan products fall in the category of unsecured loans. An unsecured business loan allows a firm to secure collateral-free funding, helping it manage urgent expenses and fuel critical expansion plans. Let’s discuss this funding option in detail and understand how to get the best unsecured business loans! (Source: https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/business-finance)

Unsecured Business Loans: An Overview

An unsecured business loan is a financing option that allows a firm to borrow money without providing any collateral. The collateral represents an asset offered as a security to the lender. A firm must submit collateral for secured business loans, allowing the lender to liquidate this asset if the borrower fails to repay the money. Since an unsecured loan does not involve this security, the lender issues it based on the firm’s performance, financial health, and creditworthiness. Unsecured small business loans are perfect for firms that require quick funding or lack the assets to apply for secured loans. Lenders often charge slightly higher interest rates on unsecured loans to compensate for their risks. However, borrowers often prefer unsecured financing over secured loans when they have an urgent need for cash. Fast unsecured business loans can get approved within one to three days, providing businesses with a much-needed infusion of cash. Firms can get unsecured loans for various business purposes. They may utilise the amount for buying inventory, paying wages, financing renovations, or managing their working capital needs. While the proportion of unsecured loans may be low compared to other forms of SME financing, these options are highly advantageous for new businesses that require quick funding. Unsecured business loan interest rates and other terms vary based on several factors. Lenders consider the borrower’s requirements, the associated risks, and their internal policies while determining the loan terms. However, typically, the terms for unsecured business finance fall within the following range:

• Amount: Firms can borrow between $5,000 and $500,000 without providing any collateral.
• Interest Rate: Unsecured business loan rates start from 5.5% per annum.
• Loan Term: Firms can take an unsecured business loan for three months to three years.
• Frequency of Repayments: Borrowers can repay the loan on a daily, weekly, or fortnightly basis.
• Approval Time: The pre-approval process takes between two to four hours. Additionally, the unconditional approval and settlement procedures require one to three days. 

Types of Unsecured Business Loans

SMEs have several options to get quick business loans without providing any security. The following are the three unsecured business loan types to consider depending on a firm’s unique requirements:

• Small Business Loans

Unsecured small business loans allow SMEs to get a lump sum amount without tying up their assets. The application and approval processes are seamless and quick, allowing the borrower to secure funding within twenty-four hours.

• Business Line of Credit

A business line of credit in Australia is a flexible financing option. The lender approves a credit limit and the borrower withdraws the amount they need. The firm can borrow any sum under the limit and pay interest on the amount they utilise. An unsecured business overdraft facility can help seasonal businesses navigate cash flow fluctuations with minimum risk and hassle.

• Invoice Finance

The invoice finance facility allows a firm to take a loan against their unpaid invoices. The lender provides an advance based on the value of pending invoices. The firm can borrow large sums without submitting assets like equipment or property.

Which Businesses are Eligible for Unsecured Loans?

Firms must meet the eligibility criteria for getting unsecured loans. The following are the minimum requirements to qualify for collateral-free small business loans:

• ABN: The firm must have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) to apply for collateral-free funding. In Australia, sole traders are not mandated to register for an ABN. However, if you apply for unsecured business loans for sole traders, having a registered ABN is required.
• Business History: The borrower must demonstrate that the firm has been operational for six months or longer to get a collateral-free working capital loan.
• Turnover: The firm must have a monthly turnover of at least $5000. This requirement ensures the business is financially stable enough to service repayments considering typical unsecured business loan rates.

A business owner must assess if they meet the eligibility criteria before applying for an unsecured loan. In addition, they should also consider if this form of funding is suitable for their business. Typically, the following types of businesses benefit the most from unsecured loans:

• Businesses that sell high volumes of inventory at small dollar values.
• Firms with seasonal fluctuations in demand.
• Startup businesses trading for less than one to two years.
• Firms that urgently require cash, and are open to paying higher interest to secure quick funding.

Pros and Cons of Taking an Unsecured Business Loan

A firm can leverage several benefits when they get an unsecured business loan. However, they must also consider certain downsides before deciding to go for collateral-free funding. The following are the top advantages of taking an unsecured loan:

• No Need for Collateral: Unsecured business loans allow business owners to get access to funds without putting up their assets as security. They can keep their property and other valuable assets safe no matter what happens in the business. Startup enterprises with little to no assets also benefit from unsecured business loans.
• Quick and Seamless Approval Process: Unsecured loans require minimal documentation as no collateral is involved. In most cases, firms can get low-doc approvals when they apply for unsecured business loans upto $500,000. The approval process takes less than a day for most applicants, and a borrower can get the money in their account within one to three days.
• Cash Flow Optimisation: Unsecured loans can help businesses manage their cash flow fluctuations more efficiently. The quick infusion of cash allows the borrower to optimise their cash flow and fulfil their working capital requirements. This aspect is especially beneficial for seasonal businesses that experience a lot of variations in their cash flow.
• Flexibility in Use of Funds: Unsecured loans offer flexibility in how you can utilise the money. Unlike certain forms of business lending like asset or trade finance, unsecured loans do not have hard and fast rules about the use of funds. Business owners can use it for inventory, expansion, hiring, or any other business purpose.
• Building a Good Credit History: Many alternative lenders provide collateral-free funding to businesses that do not have high credit scores. Your firm can get an unsecured business loan with a bad credit history and focus on timely repayments to improve the records. When you repay the loan diligently over time, it can help you build a strong credit history to get better loan terms in the future.

Businesses should consider both sides of the coin when they compare business loans and decide on the type of loan to choose. The following are some potential issues that borrowers must keep in mind while taking unsecured loans:

• Higher Interest Rates: An unsecured loan represents a high risk for the lender. If the borrower defaults on the repayments, the lender cannot fall back on any collateral to recoup their loss. That is why they charge a higher interest rate that reflects this risk. However, the interest rates vary depending on the unsecured business loan types and the creditworthiness of the borrowing firm.
• Shorter Loan Terms: Lenders typically want their money back faster when they lend a sum without any collateral security. That is why many unsecured financing options come in the form of short-term business loans. Generally, SMEs can get collateral-free funding for upto three years.
• Cap on the Loan Amount: Low-doc unsecured loans are usually capped at $500,000. Since unsecured business loans carry more risk, lenders are often hesitant to approve sums higher than this cap. However, it is not impossible to get a higher loan amount. Eligible businesses with a good credit history may be able to borrow more than $500,000 in some cases with full-doc approvals with formalities on the ATO portal.

How to Choose the Right Option for Your Business?

If you are a business owner in Australia seeking collateral-free loans, you should carefully compare your options before applying for credit. Making multiple credit inquiries can potentially ruin your credit score. Hence, it is crucial to be selective about the options you explore. The following tips can help you simplify the process and help you get a business loan product that suits your needs:

• Look for Loans Tailored to Your Requirements: As a first step, you should ascertain the business purpose for which you need a loan. Do you require money to renovate your business premises? Or do you need a cash flow buffer to navigate seasonal dips and peaks? In the first case, a lump sum loan might be a suitable choice to fund your renovation project. In the second scenario, an unsecured credit line may provide a better solution. Your loan purpose will help you narrow down to the best unsecured business loans for your unique requirements.
• Evaluate Your Business Performance: Lenders determine unsecured business loan interest rates and other loan terms based on factors like business performance and creditworthiness. If you have been operating for over a year with a high monthly turnover rate, you may find it easier to get large unsecured loans. On the other hand, if your business is relatively new with limited cash flow, the lenders may be more conservative with lending you money. You should account for these factors while choosing the most suitable options to ensure an easier approval process.
• Check Available Government Schemes: Business owners in Australia can check for available government schemes before applying for loans. For example, the Australian government implemented the SME Guarantee Scheme till June 2022 to extend the availability of credit for SMEs in the country. Although this scheme has expired, you can keep an eye out for unsecured business loans with government guarantees. Government-backed loans tend to be cheaper, making it easier for SMEs to get funding for growth. An experienced financial broker can help you discover relevant schemes and select the best loan products to finance your business.
• Consult a Finance Broker: SMEs rarely get unsecured loans from banks due to their strict lending criteria. In such cases, they can apply for collateral-free loans with alternative lenders. However, many business owners do not know which lenders to approach and how to access the right loan products. When such a situation occurs, it is best to consult an expert broker. A finance broker can evaluate your business performance and assess your financial requirements to suggest suitable options. They can connect you to trustworthy lenders and streamline the process of choosing and applying for loans.

Documents and Procedures to Apply for Unsecured Loans

After exploring and comparing various loan products, you can apply for a suitable option. The procedure to apply for an unsecured business loan typically consists of the following steps:

• Finalise Your Loan Requirements: An eligible business owner can get an indicative quote from the finance broker to determine the potential repayments for an unsecured loan. This quote will help you ascertain how much you should borrow, considering your ability to afford the interest payments.
• Prepare Your Business Documents: Typically, SMEs must submit their identification details and banking documents for the past six months while applying for low-doc unsecured loans. However, if the loan amount exceeds $500,000, you may have to complete formalities on the ATO portal and submit additional documents. Full-doc loan approvals require detailed financial statements, ATO statements, and business activity statements (BAS).
• Submit Your Loan Application: You can fill out the online loan application form and furnish the required documents in consultation with your broker. You can expect to hear back from the lender within twenty-four to seventy-two hours. In most cases, applicants get their loan approvals within one day.
• Sign the Loan Agreement: Once the lender shares the approval, the borrower must carefully check the loan terms. You should assess the agreement to determine the interest rate, repayment period, and additional requirements like a personal guarantee. In case of queries or concerns, you can discuss them with your finance broker to get more clarity. If you are satisfied with the loan agreement, you can sign the document. Once the agreement is finalised, the lender will provide you with the borrowed sum. 

Do’s and Don’ts for Streamlining Your Loan Application

When applying for unsecured business loans for sole traders or other types of SMEs, you should follow certain best practices. Being careful while finalising your loan application can increase your chances of getting approved. But before we delve deeper into the do’s and don’ts, let’s break down the common issues that can cause lenders to reject your loan application:

• Poor Credit History: An unsecured loan is quite risky for the lender. As a result, they may be hesitant to lend money to a firm with a poor track record of managing credit. If your credit score is low, you should consult a finance broker to connect you to lenders who provide unsecured business loans despite bad credit history.
• High-risk Industry: Some industries are more volatile than others. Companies operating in these industries may find it tougher to raise large unsecured loans. Lenders assess the firm’s performance alongside key industry trends to determine whether to accept or reject the loan application.
• Cash Flow Issues: Businesses with inconsistent revenues or long invoice cycles may struggle to service the debt and default on repayments. In such cases, lenders may reject loan applications from firms with high-risk cash flow problems.
• Inadequate Trading History: Typically, businesses trading for six months or more are eligible for unsecured loans. However, some lenders may consider a trading period under one or two years to be too risky for lending a collateral-free sum. Thus, inadequate trading history can be one of the likely reasons for getting rejected when you apply for a loan.
• Existing Debt: If your business already has a lot of debt on the balance sheet, lenders may be more conservative when they evaluate your application. High existing debt is one of the top reasons for rejecting applications for unsecured loans. When you have a significant debt burden, a new lender may be worried about your ability to service all the loans.

The above issues can give rise to roadblocks when you apply for an unsecured loan. However, the following do’s and don’ts can help you avoid common mistakes and get approved for a loan. 

What to Do While Applying for an Unsecured Business Loan?

• Be Transparent: A detailed and transparent application is more likely to get approved. When you furnish all the relevant documents, it becomes easier for the lender to gauge your requirements and assess your intentions.
• Clarify the Loan Purpose: A firm can use the amount from an unsecured for any type of business expense. Typically, lenders do not impose any rules about how the funds can be used as long as they are utilised for legitimate business purposes. However, a firm can increase the competitiveness of its loan application by clarifying the purpose of the funds. They can explain how they plan to use the money to run, grow, or expand the business. This plan can help convince the lender that the borrower has a legitimate reason for borrowing the amount.
• Improve Your Credit Score: Lenders assess the risk level associated with a loan application by reviewing the applicant’s credit history. A high credit score indicates that the applicant is likely to repay the loan without defaulting on instalments. Hence, businesses with good credit records find it easier to get collateral-free loans. If your credit score is poor, you can still get unsecured business loans. However, it is advisable to focus on increasing your creditworthiness to ensure easier approvals in the future. 

What Not to Do While Applying for Unsecured Business Loans?

• Avoid Excessive Borrowing: Debt is a valuable source of funding for most businesses. However, firms must strike the right balance when taking new business loans. Excessive borrowing or applying for a sum higher than required can put off potential lenders.
• Do not Submit Multiple Applications within a Short Span: If you apply for business loans with multiple lenders in quick succession, it can lower your credit score. It is crucial to carefully compare lenders and submit well-thought-out applications. Indiscriminately applying for different loan products signals to lenders that you do not exercise discretion while seeking credit. As a result, they may flag your application in the high-risk category.
• Do not Allow Repeated Credit Checks: Business lenders request permission from firms before running hard credit checks. They cannot run these checks without the borrower’s formal consent. Too many hard inquiries within a short span can harm your credit score. Hence, you should be cautious before allowing multiple credit checks. Instead of permitting credit checks, you can get an indicative quote from expert finance brokers. They can help you get pre-approved without any upfront credit checks so you can get the necessary information without compromising your credit score.

Conclusion

Unsecured loans can be instrumental to business growth and expansion in many Australian SMEs. These loans offer incredible flexibility to borrowers, providing them with the leeway to fuel their businesses without tying up assets. You can explore various collateral-free funding avenues and unsecured business loans with government benefits. Contact the lending experts at Broc Finance to learn more about the available options and find unsecured loans that match your needs. Our experts can help you with everything from startup business loans to bad credit business loans to help you steer your venture to success!