MAXLEND
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Business Loans

From managing cash flow to funding growth, we help you find business finance that matches how your business runs.

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Funding that works for your business

Every business has different funding needs. You might need working capital to cover a seasonal gap, finance to buy stock, or funding to purchase or expand a business. The purpose matters, because a facility that suits one need can be an expensive way to meet another.

Business lending covers a wide range of products, including term loans, overdrafts, lines of credit and invoice finance. Each has its own security requirements, costs and repayment pattern. We help you understand which may suit your purpose and how each one would sit alongside your existing commitments.

How lenders assess a business

Lenders want to understand the business as well as the request. They generally look at trading history, financial statements, tax returns and activity statements, existing debts and the experience of the people running the business. Some loans are secured against property or business assets and others are unsecured, which affects the amount, the term and the cost. Directors are often asked for a personal guarantee, and it is important to understand what that means before agreeing to one.

Presenting your application well

A clear application makes a difference. We take the time to learn how your business operates, then set out the purpose of the funds, the numbers behind it and how the loan will be repaid in a way lenders can assess quickly. If your figures are not up to date, we will tell you what to prepare with your accountant before applying.

If the funding is for vehicles or machinery, equipment finance may be a better fit, and for premises see commercial loans.

How a MAXLEND broker helps

  • We learn your business

    Understanding how you operate helps us match the facility to the need and present your application well.

  • The right kind of facility

    We explain the differences between loan types so short-term needs are not funded with long-term debt, or the reverse.

  • Security explained

    We set out what each lender would ask for as security, including personal guarantees, before you commit.

  • Less time away from work

    We prepare the application and deal with the lender so you can keep running the business.

Types of business finance

  1. Term loan

    A set amount repaid over an agreed period, commonly used for growth, fit-outs or buying a business.

  2. Overdraft or line of credit

    A flexible limit you draw on as needed, often used to manage seasonal or uneven cash flow. Interest applies to what you use.

  3. Invoice finance

    Funding secured against your unpaid invoices, which can release cash tied up while you wait for customers to pay.

  4. Unsecured business loan

    Borrowing without property as security. These loans are usually smaller, with shorter terms and higher costs than secured lending.

How business lending works with us

A clear process from first conversation to settlement, with a MAXLEND broker beside you at each step.

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  1. Understand the purpose

    We discuss what the funds are for and how your business operates.

  2. Review your financials

    We look at your financial statements, cash flow and existing commitments.

  3. Compare options

    We identify suitable lenders and products and explain the differences.

  4. Apply and settle

    We prepare the application and manage it through to funding.

What lenders look at

Business lenders look at the purpose of the funds, how long the business has traded, its turnover and profitability, existing debts and the security available. Directors are often asked to give personal guarantees, which makes them personally responsible if the business cannot repay.

Secured loans generally cost less than unsecured ones but put the security at risk if things go wrong. The right structure depends on what the money is for and how the business earns its income.

Documents you may be asked for

  • Business financial statements and tax returns
  • Recent business activity statements
  • Business bank statements
  • Details of existing business debts and leases
  • Identification for directors or owners

General information only. A broker can explain how it applies to your circumstances.

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Business Loans: common questions

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Can a new business get a loan?

It can be harder for a new business because there is little trading history to assess. Some lenders will consider start-ups, often relying more on the owner's position, security or a clear business plan.

Do I need property as security?

Not always. Some business loans are unsecured or secured against business assets, though this usually affects the cost and the amount available.

What is a personal guarantee?

It is a promise by an individual, usually a director, to repay the business debt personally if the business does not. It is a serious commitment, and we recommend getting independent legal advice before signing one.

Can you help with business and commercial loans as well as home loans?

Yes. As well as residential lending, we help with business loans, commercial property loans and equipment finance.

See our services

What will a lender want to see for a business loan?

This varies with the type and size of the loan, but lenders commonly ask for business financial statements, tax returns, business activity statements and details of existing debts. We will let you know what applies to your application.

Preparing for a business loan

Lenders want to understand the business as well as the request. These points help you prepare.

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  • Be specific about the purpose

    Working capital, buying stock, buying a business and funding growth are assessed differently. A clear purpose leads to better matched options.

  • Have your financials up to date

    Recent financial statements, tax returns and activity statements are usually the first things a lender asks to see.

  • Secured or unsecured

    Offering property or business assets as security can change the amount, term and cost of a loan. Understand what you are putting at risk.

  • Match the term to the need

    Short term needs and long term investments suit different facilities. Using the wrong one can strain cash flow.

Ready to talk about business loans?

Book a time with a MAXLEND broker. There is no obligation.

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