FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
Information About The Smithfield Small Business Loans
Tell me about the Smithfield Small Business Loans
Smithfield unsecured loans offers the range of $5,000 to $100,000. Terms range from 3 and 24 month and cash flow-friendly repayments that are either per day or weekly.
How is what makes the Unsecured Loan different from an traditional company loan?
The application to get the Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes via the internet or by phone. You will receive a same day response and funds may be in your account within 24 hours. Traditional company loans are based on an interest rate per annum as well as other fees and charges. This company loan is a pre-paid loan therefore you’ll be aware of the total amount due, which includes any fees, interest or charges. Then, it is broken down into a daily or weekly payment amount.
What can be the Small Business Loan be used for?
A Small Business Loan can be used for virtually any company purpose including the management of cash flow, business renovations, marketing to purchase inventory, new equipment, for general working capital and so much more. The loan is not available for personal reasons.
About the Larger Smithfield Business Loans
What is the Larger Smithfield Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger size of loan that can be used to fund company growth opportunities. Loans range between $100,000 and $500,000 for a fixed period of up to 36 months. The repayments are made weekly or fortnightly, depending on your cash flow.
How is the Origination Fee calculated?
A Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee which is determined at 2.5% 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 business needs to have been operating for at least three years with an annual turnover of $700,000. The applicant must also be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) with a minimum age of 18 years old or have a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able to prove at minimum 12 months of continuous trading.
What can I use the funds for?
A large company loan can be used for nearly any business need, including business renovations, purchase of inventory or new equipment as well as for general working capital, and much more. The loan is not available for personal purposes.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that is secured?
Asset security is required to access funding over $150,000. This can be done in the form of a charge on assets, which could also include the registration of this on the PPSR or the registration of as a caveat.
A personal or director’s guarantee is a promise to repay a loan which is general in nature rather than stipulating the security of a specific asset. The person who signs the guarantee is personally accountable if the business lender is not able to pay back the debt.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is a central, national online register that is operated by the New Zealand Government. It reflects security interests granted to individuals who own personal property (including items or assets). The PPSR grants prioritisation over property that is personal to be assigned in accordance with the date on which a security interest that is registered.
A caveat is a legal document that is filed to offer the public notice of a legal claim against a property.
What is a pre-approval minus Credit Check?
If you’re applying for larger business loans that exceeds $250,000 we can offer an initial pre-approval to simplify the process. We could be able to make this decision without a credit check, and within 6 hours of your initial application. This pre-approval is based on an initial assessment, which involves answering a couple of financial well-being questions. It is neither an offer nor a guarantee of credit. Unconditional approval is subject to a full credit assessment and any offer you might receive could be on different conditions.
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 company (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- you must prove at least 6 months worth of trade (for for the unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or three years of trading (for the Larger Business Loan $100K or $500K)
How do I apply?
The application process is simple and easy. Complete the online form within a few minutes and an experienced company expert in lending will contact you to guide you.
To apply for up $100,000, you’ll require proof of identity (valid Driver’s Licence) as well as a valid NZBN/IRD and at least six months of bank statements.
In addition, for larger loan sizes, you’ll need:
$100K-$250K: Application details including credit approval, 6-12 months of IRD statements, bank statements (if you have a loan of more than $150K).
$250K-$500K: Application details including credit consent as well as 12 months of bank records, IRD statements, last 2 years finalised financial statements, as well as interim financials for the current financial year such as age-related payables and aged Receivables reports.
How quickly will I receive an answer?
For an unsecured loan ($5K up to $100,000) we can often offer an answer within one hour, provided you make your application in quality company times and you allow us to make use of the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank details online. If you choose to submit copies of your bank statement, we’ll provide a decision in as little as one business day.
For Larger Business Loans ($100K to $500K) we might be in a position to provide you with pre-approval conditional to your application in about six hours. Once you have signed the pre-approval form, it will take around 2-3 days for final approval. However, this can be quicker based on the specifics of each application. Certain offers have been approved within less than 24 hours.
The quickest way to apply is to ensure you apply during standard business hours. Also, permit us to use the advanced bank verification system to instantly check your bank’s information online. If you decide to upload documents from your account statements , it may take a bit longer.
What is the time frame to receive the cash?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K or more) we typically provide an answer within an hour – provided you apply in standard business hours and let us utilise the advanced bank verification system to immediately verify your bank account information online. If you choose to send us copies of your bank statement, we’ll provide an answer within one business day.
For Larger Business Loans ($100K or more) we may be in a position to offer you with a conditional pre-approval in around 6 hours. Once you’ve signed your pre-approval form, it will take around 2-3 days for final approval, however this could be shorter based upon the circumstances for each application. Certain deals have been approved within the space of 24 hours.
The most efficient method is to make sure you apply during normal business hours. Also, let us use the modern bank verification to confirm your bank details online. If you upload documents from your account statement, it can take a bit longer.
What is the maximum amount I can borrow?
We offer loan amounts between $5,000 and $500,000. When you submit an application for a particular amount, we look at a variety of variables that determine the health that is your business and the level of the repayments your company can support. The amount you receive from your loan will be contingent on the specifics that are unique to your business.
When you make an application for a set amount, we look at a range of variables to assess how much we can lend you such as well-being of the business as well as the amount of repayments that your company can support. The total amount of your loan will be contingent on the particular circumstances that are unique to your company.
Fees & repayments
How do you charge for a company loan?
If you decide to make an application for one of our business credit, we’ll assess the risk profile the business and provide you with a customised offer including the amount of the loan, the duration and the interest rates. It is a company loan is an upfront-priced loan which means you know the exact amount to be paid, including any costs, fees, or interest rates.
What determines the amount I’m charged?
The interest rates on business loans rates differ based on various factors like the amount of money of money borrowed, the company assets the funds will be used for and the sector the company operates in, how long the company is in operation and whether the business has sufficient cash flow to cover the loan, as well as the general health or creditworthiness of the business.
What are the cost?
There aren’t any hidden charges with our business loans. You’ll know precisely how much you be required to pay and when, from the very first day. There’s not any compounding interest and no additional fees (as long as you are able to make your payments on time).
We don’t charge an application fee. You can get a cash loan with with no upfront cost or obligation to proceed.
The Origination Fee covers the costs 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 the loan.
Can I pay out the loan early?
You may choose to pay back the entire amount of your loan in full at any time.
If you do decide to do this please talk to one of our helpful company loan experts. The experts will offer you with details for repayment as well as an early payout amount. This is calculated as the total of the principal balance and any accrued interest at the date of early payout and 1.5 percent of the principal balance as well as any outstanding fees.
How do you make repayments work?
To help you avoid missing due dates and also to be in line your cash flow schedule, we offer repayments either daily or weekly. These are automatically withdrawn from your nominated company account.
Security & privacy
Will my information be protected?
The security of your personal information, as well as making it clear the ways we gather the information we collect, use, share and ensure the security of your information is vital and is an essential element of our relationship with you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We employ industry-recognised encryption protocols to safeguard your sensitive, personal financial and other data. Our funders are ISO 27001 certified for our dedication to the security of our clients as well as their security. We utilise a sophisticated banking verification system to instantly verify the bank account details online, allowing us to offer quick responses.
About business loans
What is asset-based borrowing (a secured loan)?
An asset-based loan is when a business owner uses an asset they own to obtain the funding. The asset can be either an individual property, such as the family home, or an business property like a truck or piece of equipment.
The vast majority of lenders, not just the largest banks, are inclined to make loans secured by an asset. If you’re struggling to pay back the loan, your assets could be offered for sale by the lender. In essence it is the process of securing new funding using the worth of the asset you already own.
Are I need security to get an business loan?
For loans up to $150,000 there is no requirement for asset security before you are able to access the money However, we do need an individual guarantee. If you adhere to your loan commitments (as detailed in your loan contract) Asset security is not needed. For loans over $150K generally, there is personal guarantee and security is provided in the form of the charge of assets.