FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
More about the Stratton Small Business Loans
Let me know what you think of the Stratton Small Business Loans
Stratton unsecured loans offers amounts of between $5,000 and $100,000 with terms between 3 and 24 month and cash flow friendly repayments, which are either daily or weekly.
How is what makes the Unsecured Loan different from the traditional company loan?
You can apply to get the Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes via the internet or by phone. You will receive an answer within the same day and have the funds in your account in 24 hours. Traditional company loans reference an interest rate per annum plus other fees and charges. Our company loan is an upfront priced loan which means you know in advance the total amount due, which includes any fees, interest or charges. Then, it is broken down into a daily or weekly amount to be paid back.
What can the Small Business Loan be used for?
It is a Small Business Loan can be used to fulfill almost every business use, including the management of cash flow, company remodeling, marketing to purchase inventory or new equipment, as general working capital and much more. The loan is not available for personal purposes.
About the Larger Stratton Business Loans
What is the Larger Stratton Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger loan size to support business expansion opportunities. Loans range between $100,000 and $500,000 over a fixed term up to 36 months. The repayments are made weekly or fortnightly depending on the flow of cash.
How is the Origination Fee determined?
It is crucial to note that the Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee, calculated at 2.5% of the loan amount.
Am I eligible for the Larger Business Loan?
In order to be eligible for a loan of this size, your company needs to have been operating for a minimum of 3 years, and have an annual income of $700,000. You must be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) who is over the age of 18 or 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 funds for?
A Larger Business Loan can be used to fund almost every business purpose including business renovations, to purchase new equipment or inventory for general working capital, and much more. The loan cannot be used for personal purposes.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that is secured?
Asset security is needed for accessing funds over $150,000. This can be done in the form of a charge against assets, which could also include registering this through the PPSR or filing a caveat.
A director’s or personal guarantee is a promise to pay off a credit line that is general in nature rather than specifying the security for a particular asset. The person signing the ensure is personally liable in the event that the business lender is not able to repay the debt.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online central register run by the New Zealand Government. It records security interests that have been registered in respect of personal property (including objects or assets). The PPSR grants preference over private property assigned in accordance with the date on which a security interest has been registered.
The caveat can be described as a formal document lodged to provide the public notice of a legal claim on a property.
What is a pre-approval without Credit Check?
If you’re requesting the Larger Business Loan of more than $250,000 we can offer an initial pre-approval in order to simplify the process. We may be able to make this decision without a credit verification and within 6 hours of the initial application. This pre-approval is made based on a preliminary assessment which includes you answering some financial health questions. This is neither an offer nor a guarantee of funds. The approval of a conditional loan is subject to a full credit assessment and any offer you receive could be on different conditions.
The application process
Can I be eligible for funding?
You can apply for an company loan if you
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are 18 years or older, own a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- you must prove at least 6 months of trading (for for the unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or 3 years of continuous trading (for the Larger Business Loan $100K up to $500K)
How do I apply?
The application process is quick and simple. Just fill out the online application within a couple minutes, and an experienced company credit specialist will be in touch to assist you.
To be eligible for up to $100,000 you’ll require identification details (valid Driver’s Licence) and a valid NZBN/IRD as well as at least six months worth of bank statements.
If you’re looking for loans with larger sizes, you’ll require:
$100K-$250K: Details of application, including credit consent, 6 – 12 months of IRD statements, bank statements (if loan above $150K).
$250K to $500K: Information on the application including credit consent, 12 month bank accounts, the IRD statements and the last two years’ finalised financial statements, as well as interim financials for the current financial year, Aged Payables and Aged Receivables summary.
How soon will I hear an answer?
For an unsecured loan ($5K or more) we can often provide an answer within an hour – as long as you make your application during standard company time and let us utilise the bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you choose to upload copies of your bank statement, we’ll offer a decision within 1 company day.
For the Larger Business Loan ($100K or more) we could be in a position to offer you with a conditional pre-approval within six hours. Once you have signed the pre-approval form, it will take approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval, however it could be faster based on the particular circumstances of each application. Some transactions have received approval in 24 hours.
The quickest method would be to make sure you apply during normal business hours. Also, permit us to use the advance bank verification to instantly confirm your bank details online. If you send us copies of your bank statements , it may take a bit longer.
What is the time frame to receive the money?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K up to $100,000) we can often provide an answer within one hour if you submit your request during normal business time and permit us to utilise the advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you want to upload copies of your bank statements, we’ll be able to offer an answer within one business day.
If you are applying for Larger Business Loans ($100K up to $500,000) We may be able to offer the conditional pre-approval within six hours. Once you’ve signed your pre-approval, turnaround times are about 2-3 days for final approval. However, this could be shorter based upon the circumstances for each application. Certain transactions have received approval in just 24 hours.
The most efficient method is to ensure you apply during standard business hours and permit us to use the advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank information online. If you choose to send us the copies of bank statements, it takes 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 take into consideration a range of variables to determine the well-being for your business and the level of payments your business is able to afford. The amount you receive from your loan will be contingent on the specific circumstances the business.
If you apply for a particular amount, we consider a variety of factors to assess how much we can lend you such as health that is your business as well as the amount of payments your company will be able to support. The total amount of your loan will depend on the particular circumstances of your business.
Fees & repayments
How much do you charge for the cost of a company loan?
If you decide to request one of our business credit, we will assess the risk profile the business and provide you with a tailored offer including the amount of loan, the term and interest rates. This business loan is an upfront priced loan which means you know in advance the total amount to be paid, including any charges, interest rates or fees.
What is the factor that determines the price I pay?
Business loan interest rates differ based on various factors such as the amount that is borrowed, what company assets the money are used to purchase in addition to the industry that the company operates in, how long the company has been in operation for, in the event that the company has enough cash flow to fund the loan, and overall well-being and creditworthiness of the business.
What are the charges?
There aren’t any hidden charges with our company loans. You’ll know precisely how much you’ll need to pay, and at what time, from the first day. There’s no compounding interest and there are no additional charges (as long as you make your payments on time).
We do not charge an application fee. You are able to request a credit loan without any upfront costs or any obligation to sign up.
The Origination Fee includes the expenses associated in establishing and managing the loan. The only way to pay this fee if you proceed with the loan. The Origination Fee for us is 2.5 percent of the loan amount.
Do I have the option of paying off the loan early?
You may choose to pay back the entire amount of your loan at any point in time.
If you decide to do this please talk to one of our helpful company lending professionals. The specialists will provide you with details on repayment and an early payment figure. It will be calculated using the total of the remaining principal amount and the accrued interest up to the time of early payment, plus 1.5% of the principal remaining as well as any outstanding fees.
What are the repayment methods?
To make sure you do not miss repayments and to fit in with your cash flow cycle we provide payments that are either weekly or daily. They will be automatically deducted from your company account.
Security & privacy
Will my information be secure?
Protecting your information, and being upfront about how we collect data, process, exchange and safeguard your data, is of huge importance and is an essential part 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 personal, sensitive financial information and our funders are ISO 27001 certified for our commitment to customer security and privacy. We use an advanced bank verification system to immediately verify the bank account details online. This allows us to offer quick responses.
About business loans
What is asset-based borrowing (a secured loan)?
Asset-based borrowing occurs when the company owner utilises assets they own to get a loan. The asset could be a personal asset like the family home, or it could be a company asset like a truck or piece or equipment.
The majority of lenders, including the big banks, tend to secure loans against an asset. If you’re struggling to pay back the loan, then your asset may be taken over by the lender. In essence, it is an opportunity to secure new funding taking advantage of the value of what you already have.
Should I need security to get an company loan?
For loans up to $150,000 the requirement for asset security is not required prior to the loan’s access, however we do need an individual guarantee. In the event that you fulfill your loan commitments (as stated in your loan contract) Asset security will never be required. For loans over $150K generally there is a personal guarantee and security that is in the form the charge of assets.