FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
Information About The Waterfall Small Business Loans
Let me know about the Waterfall Small Business Loans
Waterfall unsecured loans provides amounts between $5,000 and $100,000, with terms ranging from 3 and 24 months and cash flow-friendly repayments, which are either daily or weekly.
What makes this Unsecured Loan different from an ordinary company loan?
The application to this Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes via the internet or over the phone, receive an immediate response, and funds may be in your account within 24 hours. Traditional business loans have an annual interest rate plus other fees and charges. This company loan is a cash-based loan therefore you’ll know ahead of time the amount you will have to pay, including any fees, interest or charges. This is then broken down into either weekly or daily payment amount.
What could the Small Business Loan be used for?
It is a Small Business Loan can be used to fulfill almost any company use, including the management of cash flow, company improvements, advertising for purchasing inventory or new equipment, or as general working capital, and much more. The loan is not available to fund personal expenses.
Concerning Larger Waterfall Business Loans
What is the Larger Waterfall Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger size loan to aid in company growth opportunities. Loans range between $100,000 and $500,000 for a fixed period of for up to 36 months. Repayments are scheduled weekly or fortnightly to work with your cash flow.
How’s the Origination Fee determined?
A Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee, which is calculated at 2.5 percentage of the loan amount.
Am I eligible for the Larger Business Loan?
To be eligible for a loan of this size, your company needs to have been in operation for at least 3 years and have an annual turnover of $700,000. The applicant must also be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) at least 18 years old, own a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able demonstrate at minimum 12 months of continuous trading.
How can the funds be utilised?
A large company loan is a great option for almost every business use, including company renovations, to purchase inventory or new equipment as well as for general working capital, and much more. The loan is not available for personal use.
Is the Larger Business Loan a secured loan?
Asset security is necessary for accessing funds over $150,000. It is usually as a result of an charge over assets and can include registering this with the PPSR or the registration of as a caveat.
A director’s or personal guarantee is a promise to repay a loan which is generally in nature rather than stipulating the security of a specific asset. The person signing the guarantee is personally responsible if the company lender is not able to re-pay the debt.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online central register run by the New Zealand Government. It contains security interests registered in respect of personal property (including goods or assets). The PPSR grants priority over personal property to be granted depending on the date that a registration of a security interest.
A caveat is a legal document lodged to offer the public notice of a legal claim on a property.
What is a pre-approval that does not require Credit Check?
When you’re applying for a Larger Business Loan that exceeds $250,000, we may offer an initial pre-approval that will help make the process. It is possible to make this decision without a credit verification and within 6 hours of your initial application. The pre-approval process is based on a preliminary assessment which includes you answering a few financial health checks. It is in no way an offer, nor is it a guarantee of funds. Acceptance without condition is subject to an assessment of your creditworthiness and any offer you may receive may be subject to different terms.
The application process
Do I qualify for funds?
You may be eligible for a business loan if you
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are 18 years or older, have a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- must show at least six months worth of trade (for you to qualify for unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or three years of trade (for the Larger Business Loan $100K or $500K)
How do I apply?
The application process is fast and simple. Simply complete the online form in just a few minutes, and a dedicated business loan specialist will contact you to guide you.
For a loan of up to $100,000, you’ll require identification details (valid Driver’s Licence) and a valid NZBN/IRD and at least six months of bank statements.
For larger loan sizes, you’ll require:
$100K to $250K: Information about the application including credit approval, 6-12 months of bank statements, IRD statement (if the loan is greater than $150K).
$250K – $500K: Application details including credit consent, 12 months bank statement, an IRD statement Last 2 years’ finalised financial statements, in addition to interim financials from the current financial year such as age-related payables and aged Receivables summaries.
What speed will I be able to get a decision?
For an unsecured loan ($5K or more) We can usually provide a response in one hour if you apply at quality company time and let us utilise the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank details online. If you opt to upload copies of your bank statements we can offer the decision within 1 business day.
For the Larger Business Loan ($100K or more) we might be able to offer you with pre-approval conditional to your application in around 6 hours. After you’ve signed the pre-approval form, it will take approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval, however this can be quicker based on the circumstances of each application. Certain transactions have received approval in 24 hours.
The quickest method would be to make sure you apply during normal business hours. You can also allow us to use the modern bank verification to verify your bank account information online. If you upload duplicates of your banking statements it takes a bit longer.
How soon will I receive the cash?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K up to $100,000) we usually offer a response in one hour if you make your application at standard business timings and allow us to make use of the advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you want to submit copies of your bank statements, we will be able to offer the decision in just an business day.
For the Larger Business Loans ($100K up to $500,000) we could be in a position to provide you with pre-approval conditional to your application in about 6 hours. Once you’ve signed the pre-approval document, you will need to wait approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval, however this could be shorter based on the particular circumstances of each application. Certain agreements have been approved within just 24 hours.
The most effective method is to ensure you apply during normal business hours. Also, permit us to use the modern bank verification link to instantly verify your bank information online. If you decide to send us duplicates of your banking statements it may take a bit longer.
What’s the minimum amount I can borrow?
We offer loan amounts between $5,000 and $500,000. When you submit an application for a specific amount we take into consideration a range of variables that determine what is the well-being of the business and the extent of repayments your business can support. The total amount of the loan will be determined by the specifics for your business.
When you make an application for a particular amount, we look at a range of aspects to assess the well-being for your business and the amount of payments your company will be able to support. The amount you receive from your loan will depend on the particular circumstances the business.
Fees & repayments
How do you charge for the cost of a business loan?
If you decide to apply for the company credit, we’ll assess the risk profile of your company and provide an individualised offer that includes the amount of loan, the term and the interest rates. This company loan is an upfront-priced loan therefore you will be aware of the total amount you will have to pay, including costs, fees, or interest rates.
What is the factor that determines the price I will be charged?
The interest rates on company loans rates vary due to factors including the amount that is borrowed, what business assets the funds are used to purchase as well as the field the company operates in, the long the business has been running for, how long the business has enough cash flow to pay for the loan, and also the overall health as well as creditworthiness company.
What are the fees?
There are no hidden fees with our company loans. You’ll be aware of the amount you be required to pay and at what time, from the very first day. There’s no compounding interest, and no extra 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 absolutely no upfront cost and no commitment to apply.
The Origination Fee includes the expenses associated with establishing and managing the loan. It is only charged for this fee if you choose to proceed with the loan. The Origination Fee for us is 2.5 percentage of the amount of the loan.
Can I pay off the loan earlier?
You can choose to repay the entire amount of your loan in full at any time.
If you do decide to do this please call our helpful company credit experts. We will provide you with details on repayment as well as an early payout amount. It will be calculated using the total of the remaining principal amount and the accrued interest up to the date of early payout, plus 1.5 percent of the principal amount remaining and any outstanding fees.
How do repayments work?
To make sure you do not miss payments and to work your cash flow schedule, we offer repayments either weekly or daily. They are automatically deducted from your designated company account.
Security & privacy
Will my data be secure?
Protecting your information, and being upfront about the ways we gather data, process, exchange and protect your information, is of paramount importance and an integral part of our relationship you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We employ industry-recognised encryption protocols to safeguard your sensitive, personal and financial data and our funders are ISO 27001 certified for our dedication to security for our customers and privacy. We make use of an advanced bank verification system that allows you to instantly verify the bank account details online to offer a fast response.
About business loans
What’s an asset-based borrow (a secured loan)?
The term "asset-based" refers to borrowing where the business owner borrows from the assets they have to secure a loan. The asset could be an individual asset, such as the family home, or an company property like a truck or piece of equipment.
The vast majority of lending institutions, not just the major banks, prefer to guarantee loans against assets. If you have trouble paying back the loan then your assets could be taken over by the lender. In essence, it is the process of securing new funding taking advantage of the value of what you already have.
Are I need security to secure a company loan?
For loans up to $150,000 there is no requirement for asset security upfront to access the money However, we do require the personal guarantee. As long as you follow the loan terms (as stipulated in your loan contract document) the security of assets is not required. If you take out loans in excess of $150,000 generally there is personal ensure and security is provided in the form of a charge over assets.