Short-Term Business Loans: Here’s How To Choose The Right One For Your Business

Saroj Shah
October 29, 2022

Working capital is the lifeblood of any firm’s business operations. However, reports suggest that as many as 92% of Australian SMEs experience cash flow challenges at least once a year. Cash flow problems can occur due to many reasons. Delayed payments, seasonal fluctuations, and other operational issues can cause cash constraints in a business. Short-term business loans can help entrepreneurs navigate these obstacles with quick funding solutions. A short-term loan is repayable within a brief period. In Australia, short-term loans are provided for a period between 3 to 36 months. There are different options and interest rates available for businesses to explore. Let’s break down the factors you must consider before choosing a loan!

 

Types of Short-Term Loans for Businesses in Australia

Australian businesses can choose between different types of short-term business loans. Here are some of the popular options available in the market:

  • Business Line of Credit: This revolving line of credit is not linked to a regular transaction account. Businesses have to pay interest on the money it draws from the credit line. This loan option has more rigorous lending criteria than the overdraft option.
  • Invoice Financing: This instrument is an excellent source of short-term liquidity. Businesses borrow money against their accounts receivable ledger to manage cash constraints when customers buy on credit.
  • Unsecured Small Business Loans: These are quick, hassle-free loans approved without any security or collateral. The interest rates and repayment periods can vary according to your business characteristics. However, they can be an extremely accessible way to inject funds into your venture.

There are other short-term loan options for Australian businesses. An experienced finance broker can guide you about them and help you choose the best!

 

Questions to Ask Before Seeking a Short-Term Business Loan

You must answer the following questions before applying for a short-term loan for your business:

  • Amount: How much money do you need to manage your business operations efficiently?
  • Repayment Period: Considering your monthly revenue trends, how much time would you need to repay the loan?
  • Interest Rate: What is the interest rate you can afford considering the urgency with which you need the money?

 

Factors To Consider While Comparing Short-Term Loans

Once you answer the above questions, you will have a broad idea about your loan requirements. Then, you can compare the loan options based on the following parameters:

  • Eligibility Criteria: Different lenders have varying criteria and requirements. Compare them carefully to select lenders that suit your needs.
  • Fees and Interest Rates: You must compare the various fees involved in the loan transaction. You can also analyse fixed and floating interest rates to identify which option will help your business the best.
  • Terms and Conditions: Lenders have different terms and conditions in their loan agreements. It is essential to read them in detail before finalising a loan.

 

Getting Started with a Short-Term Business Loan

Australian business owners can partner with top finance brokers like Broc Finance to assess their options. Their team of experts can help you ascertain the best short-term business loans for your firm and maximise your entrepreneurial success. Contact them today to start your journey towards financial efficiency!

Saroj Shah

Saroj is the Head of Lending at Broc Finance. He comes with 13+ years of experience in small business lending and has a knack of structuring complex deals and get the best outcome for his customers.