FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
Information About The Officer South Small Business Loans
Tell me about the Officer South Small Business Loans
Officer South unsecured loans provides the range of $5,000 to $100,000. Terms range from 3 and 24 month and cash flow friendly repayments that are either daily or weekly.
What makes how is the Unsecured Loan different from an traditional business loan?
It is imaginable to apply for your Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes via the internet or over the phone, receive an instant response and funds may be available in just 24 hours. Traditional company loans are based on an interest rate per annum plus other fees and charges. Our business loan is a cash-based loan and you’ll know in advance the total amount payable including any fees, interest or charges. Then, it is broken down into weekly or daily installment amount.
What could you use the Small Business Loan be used for?
A Small Business Loan can be used to fulfill almost any business reason, such as managing cash flows, business remodeling, marketing for purchasing inventory or new equipment, for general working capital and so much more. The loan cannot be used to fund personal expenses.
About Larger Officer South Business Loans
What is the Larger Officer South Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger loan size to support company growth opportunities. Loans range between $100,000 and $500,000 with a term fixed that can last up to 36 months. Repayments are scheduled weekly or fortnightly in order to accommodate 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 determined at 2.5 percent of the amount of the loan.
Can I get the Larger Business Loan?
In order to be eligible for a loan in this amount the company needs to be in operation for at least 3 years, and have an annual income of $700,000. You must be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) over 18 years and have a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able to prove at least 12 months of trading.
What can I use the funding for?
A Business Loan of a larger size can be used to fund almost all company purpose including company improvements, purchasing new equipment or inventory for general working capital, and much more. The loan cannot be used for personal use.
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 over assets and can be registered through the PPSR or the registration of a caveat.
A director’s or personal guarantee is a commitment to pay back a loan that is generally in nature rather than specifying the security of a specific asset. The person who is signing the ensure is personally liable if the company lender is not able to make the repayment.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online, central register that is operated by the New Zealand Government. It contains security interests that are registered for personal property (including the assets or goods). The PPSR grants prioritisation over property that is personal to be granted depending on the date that a registration of a security interest.
Caveats are legal document that is filed to provide the legal claim to a property.
What is a pre-approval minus Credit Check?
If you’re seeking the Larger Business Loan that is greater than $250,000 we can offer an initial pre-approval that will help smooth out the process. It is possible to make this decision without a credit check and within six hours of your initial application. The pre-approval process is based on an initial evaluation that involves you answering a few financial health checks. It’s not an offer of credit or guarantee of credit. A conditional approval is subject a full credit assessment and any offer that you might receive could have different conditions.
The application process
Do I qualify for funds?
You are eligible to 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 of business (for you to qualify for unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or 3 years of trading (for the Larger Business Loan $100K up to $500K)
How do I apply?
The application process is fast and easy. Complete the online form in just a few minutes, and a dedicated company expert in lending will call you to assist you.
To apply for up to $100,000, you’ll need the right identification documents (valid Driver’s License) along with a valid NZBN/IRD as well as at least six months of bank statements.
For larger loan sizes, you’ll require:
$100K-$250K: Details of application, including credit consent, 6-12 months of IRD statements, bank statements (if you have a loan of more than $150K).
$250K – $500K: Application details including credit consent and 12 months of bank statements, IRD statements and the last two years’ finalised financial statements, in addition to interim current financial year financials including Aged Payables, Aged Receivables summary.
How soon will I hear an answer?
For an unsecured loan ($5K to $100K) we can often offer an answer in just one hour – as long as you make your application in quality business times and let us make use of the advanced bank verification system to immediately verify your bank account information online. If you want to submit copies of your bank statements , we are able to provide the decision in just one company day.
For the Larger Business Loan ($100K or more) we may be in a position to provide you with conditional pre-approval within about 6 hours. Once you’ve signed the pre-approval document, you will need to wait around 2-3 days for final approval, however this may be quicker depending upon the circumstances for each application. Certain offers have been approved in the space of 24 hours.
The fastest way would be to make sure you apply during normal company hours, and allow us to use the advance bank verification link to verify your bank account information online. If you opt to upload documents from your account statement, it will take a little longer.
How fast will I get the funds?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K or more) we typically provide an answer in just one hour – as long as you submit your request at normal business timings and allow us to use the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank details online. If you want to upload copies of your banking statements, we are able to offer the decision in as little as an business day.
If you are applying for Larger Business Loans ($100K up to $500,000) we could be in a position to offer you with conditional pre-approval in about six hours. Once you’ve signed your pre-approval form, it will take approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval. However, this could be shorter based upon the circumstances for each application. Certain transactions have received approval in just 24 hours.
The quickest method is to make sure you apply during normal business hours and allow us to use the advance bank verification to instantly verify your bank information online. If you opt to send us copies of your bank statements, it may take a bit longer.
What’s the minimum amount I can 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 variables in order to assess the health of your business as well as the amount of the repayments your company can support. The amount you receive from your loan will be contingent on the particular circumstances of your business.
When you submit an application for a specific amount we will consider a number of factors to determine how much we can lend you such as well-being for your business as well as the amount of repayments your business can support. The total amount of the loan will be determined by the particular circumstances that are unique to your business.
Fees & repayments
How much should you charge for an business loan?
When you request the business loans, we will assess the risk assessment the company and offer you with a customised offer, including the loan amount, the terms and interest rates. A company loan is an upfront-priced loan which means you know the exact amount payable including any charges, interest rates or fees.
What is the factor that determines the price I pay?
Business loan interest rates vary due to factors such as the amount that is borrowed, what company assets the money are used to purchase, the industry the business is in, how long the company has been in operation, how long the company has enough cash flow to cover the loan, as well as the general health as well as creditworthiness business.
What are the cost?
There are no hidden fees with our business loans. You’ll know precisely what it is that you need to pay and when, right from day one. There’s not any compounding interest and the loan comes with no additional fees (as as you make your payments in time).
We don’t charge an Application Fee. You can apply for a loan no cost upfront or obligation to proceed.
The Origination Fee covers the costs associated with the setting up and management of the loan. This is only a fee if you proceed with the loan. The Origination Fee for us is 2.5 percent of the amount of loan.
Can I repay the loan early?
You can decide to repay all of your advance loan at any time.
If you are deciding to do this please call our helpful business loan specialists. They will provide you with details for repayment and an early payout figure. The figure will be calculated as the sum of the principal amount remaining and any accrued interest at the time of early payout and 1.5 percent of the principal amount remaining plus any outstanding fees.
What are the repayment methods?
In order to help you avoid missing payment dates and to align with your cash flow standard, we offer repayments that are either daily or weekly. They will be automatically deducted from your designated business account.
Security & privacy
Will my information be secure?
Making sure that your information is secure, and making it clear the ways we gather, use, exchange and protect your information, is of huge importance and a vital part of our relationship you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We use industry recognised encryption standards to protect your personal, sensitive financial information and our funders are ISO 27001 certified for our commitment to protecting the security of customers and privacy. We utilise a sophisticated bank verification system that allows you 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)?
An asset-based loan is when an business owner uses an asset that they own to make the funding. The asset may be a personal asset like the family home or an business property like a truck or piece or equipment.
The majority of lenders, not just the major banks, prefer to guarantee loans against assets. If you are having difficulty paying back the loan, then the asset could be transferred to the lender. In essence it is an opportunity to secure additional financing making use of the value of what you already own.
Do I require security to secure an company loan?
For loans that exceed $150,000, the requirement for asset security is not required upfront to access the money However, we do require the personal guarantee. As long as you follow your loan obligations (as stipulated in the loan contract), asset security will never be required. For loans of over $150,000 generally, you are able to get a personal ensure and security in the form of a charge over assets.