Quick answer
Startups and businesses with a new ABN can get fast funding, but the route depends on security. With little trading history, unsecured lenders have less to assess, so property-secured loans from $20k to $5m with no valuation are usually the fastest path. Businesses with six months or more of trading may access unsecured funding.
Key points
- Trading history is what unsecured lenders read
- Property security is usually fastest for new businesses
- Six months or more of statements opens more options
- A clear plan and purpose matter more for startups
Starting a business costs money before it makes money. Fit-outs, equipment, stock, marketing and the first months of wages all come before customers. For new owners, the frustration is that most lenders want to see trading history, which by definition a startup does not have. The fastest route depends on what you can offer instead.
Why trading history matters
Unsecured business lending is sized on bank statements: how much comes in, how steadily and what goes out. With a brand-new ABN, there is little to read. Some lenders will consider businesses with a few months of trading; many prefer six to twelve months. That is not a judgement on your plan. It is simply what unsecured lending runs on.
The fastest route for new businesses
| Your position | Usually fastest |
|---|---|
| Own property with equity | Property-secured loan, no valuation, interest prepaid or added |
| Six months or more of trading | Unsecured funding on bank statements |
| Bought an existing business | The business’s own history may help |
| No property, no trading | Grants, supplier terms, savings and partners first |
If you would rather talk than read, enquire online or call 07 3106 8922 and a person will walk you through it.
Hour by hour, roughly
| Time | Milestone | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00 | Enquiry submitted | Do it early in the business day |
| 0:10 | First conversation | Have your deadline and amount clear |
| 0:15 to 1:00 | Approval | Share bank statements or property details immediately |
| A few hours | E-signing | Warn everyone who needs to sign |
| 24:00 | Funds possible | Give the payee details at the start |
Interest prepaid or added helps a startup
New businesses rarely want repayments in their first months. Property-secured loans can have interest prepaid or added, so nothing is paid during the start-up period, and the loan is repaid once the business is trading or from another source.
What makes a startup application stronger
- A clear statement of what the money is for.
- Realistic costs and a simple forecast.
- Evidence of demand: signed customers, pre-orders, a lease.
- Relevant experience in the industry.
- Your own contribution to the venture.
A worked example (illustrative)
A chef with 15 years’ experience opens her own restaurant. She needs about $280,000 for the fit-out and equipment and owns a home with equity. With a signed lease and builder quotes, she is approved within the hour for a second mortgage business loan with interest added for 12 months. The restaurant opens on schedule.
Look for help too
Government programs, grants and advisory services can support new businesses. Business.gov.au lists many of them. Use them alongside funding.
What to have ready
Have these within reach and you remove the usual causes of delay:
- Your business plan in one page
- Quotes for fit-out, equipment or stock
- Lease or contracts
- Property details if offering security
- Photo ID and ABN
Common delays and how to avoid them
The usual suspects when things drag:
- No property and no trading history
- Unclear use of funds
- Quotes still being gathered
- Co-owners of security property not consulted
The fastest enquiries have one thing in common
The enquiry form asks for the amount, purpose, time trading, monthly revenue, credit history, state and whether you own property. Each answer points your enquiry towards the right lane. When the answers are accurate, the first call can go straight to approval. When they are rounded up, guessed or left vague, the assessor has to unpick them, and that is where hours turn into days. If you are unsure of a figure, give your best honest estimate and say so.
The short version
- Trading history is what unsecured lenders read
- Property security is usually fastest for new businesses
- Six months or more of statements opens more options
- A clear plan and purpose matter more for startups
How we keep it fast
The clock starts when you submit the enquiry. In business hours a real person usually picks it up within minutes, checks the amount and purpose and asks for what is needed. For unsecured funding that is mostly bank statements. For property-secured funding it is the property details, with no valuation required. From there, approval can be given in as little as 15 minutes and is commonly given within the hour. E-signing and payment follow, and funds within 24 hours is a realistic target when everything is ready.
What to do next
The quickest way to find out is to ask. It is a 60-second form with no credit check attached, your details stay with us, and someone real gets back to you. Please take care with the amount, revenue and property questions, because accurate answers are what make fast funding possible. Check your options.
Frequently asked questions
Can a startup get a business loan?
Yes, though the route depends on security. Property-secured loans are often fastest for brand-new businesses.
How long do I need to trade for an unsecured loan?
Lenders vary, but six to twelve months of business bank statements opens more unsecured options.
Can I use my home to fund a new business?
Yes, property-secured business loans can fund a new venture, with interest prepaid or added during the start-up period.
What if I bought an existing business?
A purchased business may have its own trading history, which can help even if your ABN is new.
Start the clock right here
The same 60-second enquiry, on this page. No credit check to enquire, and a real person picks it up fast.