Best Startup Business Loan Rates in Australia - Compare Top Rates
Finding the best startup business loans Australia has to offer is simple when you can review options from 80+ providers. Get the capital you need, from $5,000 to $500,000+, in as little as 24 hours to launch your vision.
How to Get a Startup Loan in 3 Simple Steps
1. Review Rates
Instantly review pre-approved rates from a wide panel of lenders to find the most competitive option for your new business.
2. Submit Application
Our streamlined process lets you apply with your chosen provider in minutes, without damaging your credit score.
3. Get Approved
Receive a final decision and get the funds you need to grow your business, often within a single business day.
Why Compare Business Loans with Lend?
Our smart technology and expert team save you time, protect your credit score, and find you a great deal on business finance.
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"Founders often waste weeks on applications only to be rejected because of a short trading history. Our technology fixes this. We analyse your real time revenue to build a powerful, data backed case, proving your potential to lenders who are ready to say yes."
Andrew Beckett, Head of Broker and Third Party Distribution
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A Guide to Startup Loans in Australia
This guide explains how to secure the best startup business loan with confidence. We'll outline what lenders look for, your options for a business loan, and how to prepare a successful application, all in simple terms.
Updated: 12/11/2025
Your Startup Finance Snapshot
Securing capital is a major hurdle for new businesses. Understanding the landscape gives you a clear advantage. Here are the key figures to know:
71%
Share of Unsecured Startup Loans
69%
Loans to Non-Homeowner Founders
$40,130
Average Startup Loan Amount
19%
Formal Startup Approval Rate
3 Days
Average Time to Receive Funds
Startup Loan Requirements in Australia
Before you apply for a loan to start a business, it is important to understand what lenders look for. Meeting these core requirements is the first step towards a successful application.
- An Active ABN/ACN : Your business must be registered and operational in Australia.
- Minimum Trading History : Most lenders require at least 6 months of continuous business operation.
- Minimum Turnover : Your business should show consistent monthly revenue.
- Personal Credit Score : Because your business has a limited history, lenders will also look at your personal credit score. A clean history improves your options.
- Founder's Industry Experience : This is the number one non-financial factor that gives lenders confidence. Be sure to highlight your background.
How Startup Finance Works
Startup finance provides a new business with capital for growth without requiring the long trading history that many traditional banks demand. Instead, the focus is on your current performance and future potential.
- Borrow from $5,000 to over $500,000.
- Loan terms generally range from 3 months to 7 years.
- Funding is available for purchases from dealerships, auctions, or private sellers.
- Rates are determined by your business's overall risk profile.
- Repayments can be weekly, fortnightly, or monthly to match your cash flow.
- No deposit options are often available, and some products may include balloon payments.
- Any charges and fees on these business loans may be tax deductible (check with your accountant).
Your Business Loan Questions, Answered
Lenders require a business to be operational to qualify. The minimum requirement on our panel is six months of trading to show a history of revenue.
Rates are based on your specific business profile, including revenue, industry, and cash flow. A shorter trading history presents a different risk profile than an established business, which is reflected in the rate.
No. This is the single biggest misconception founders have. Finance can be accessed easily without property backing. Many products we arrange are approved based on the strength of your business's cash flow.
It does not automatically rule you out. We work with lenders who look beyond the credit score to the current financial health of your business.
For the fastest outcome, have these ready: a valid Driver's Licence for all directors, your ABN/ACN, and your last 6 months of digital business bank statements.
How to Apply For a Startup Business Loan
1. Prepare Your Documentation
A well prepared application improves your chances of success. Gather all necessary documents before applying. This typically includes recent business bank statements, proof of identity, and details of your ABN/ACN. Having everything in order shows you are professional and ready.
2. Research & Select the Right Provider
Different providers have different requirements. Traditional banks often have stricter criteria. In contrast, non bank providers can be more flexible, often providing a decision in 24 to 48 hours. Finding a provider that aligns with your business profile is a critical step.
3. Submit a Strong Application
Your application is your chance to make a strong case for your business. Clearly state the purpose of the business lending and provide realistic financial projections. A common but easily avoidable mistake is failing to provide background on your experience in the industry. To protect your credit score, avoid making multiple applications at once. A targeted approach is the smartest way to secure a loan for your business startup.
Calculators to Plan Your Finance
Unsecured vs Asset Backed Finance: Which Is Right For You?
For most new businesses, the choice comes down to these two main types of startup loans. Understanding the difference is key to choosing the right structure. While flexible unsecured options are ideal for operational funding, low-rate secured financing provides a lower-cost option for purchasing specific equipment.
Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
Unsecured Business FinanceFunding intangible growth and operational needs like marketing, inventory, or working capital. |
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Asset Finance (Secured Loan)Purchasing physical, revenue-generating assets like equipment, vehicles, or machinery |
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A low-doc loan allows you to access capital quickly for either asset finance or working capital. These products don’t require full financial statements or tax returns, making them a perfect tool for a business that doesn't have two years of financials.
In the simplest terms, 'serviceability' is your business's ability to make loan repayments. Lenders assess this by looking at your bank statements for three key things: good consistent revenues from multiple sources, healthy running balances, and no dishonoured payments.
A soft credit check is a review of your credit file that does not impact your score and isn't visible to other lenders. This is vital for founders exploring finance options because every hard credit check can subtract anywhere from 10-50 points from your score, so you should beware of using them too frequently.
A Director's Guarantee is a promise from the business owner to personally repay the loan if the business is unable to. It is required because startup ventures are high risk. As our expert explains it: "If you were lending the money, would you want the director to be liable for the debt? Ultimately someone has to pay, and the director has to provide that signature for it to pass the 'litmus test' with the lender."
The most common challenge is hitting a 'brick wall' with access to capital. Founders often realise that getting a business loan isn’t as straightforward as getting a home loan from their bank, and they need expert help to navigate their options.
What Happens After Your New Business Loan is Approved
Once your application is approved, your lender will send you the formal loan documents to review and sign electronically. After you have signed, the funds are typically transferred to your business bank account, sometimes in just a few hours. Your finance specialist will also confirm your repayment schedule and will be your point of contact for any questions.
Andrew Beckett is a finance executive with extensive Fintech expertise. As Head of Broker and Third Party Distribution at Lend, he fostered key partnerships, including COG aggregation and CAFBA. With prior sales roles in various fintech and finance companies, Andrew has been instrumental in transforming Australia's financial market, shaping new lending practices in the commercial lending space.
Andrew Beckett, Head of Broker and Third Party Distribution
Phil Druce leads the company’s technology and operations. With 20 years of experience in technology businesses, Phil has consistently driven growth through strategic planning and execution. Since 2016, he has been dedicated to creating technology-driven products and services at Lend, optimising processes, and delivering outstanding client experiences.
Phil Druce, Chief Operations Officer
Stories From Successful Startup Loans
24-Hour Funding to Overcome a Cash Flow Crisis
Ben, a concreter, faced a crisis when a client's late payment left him needing an urgent $45,000. A paid default and low credit score meant traditional lenders said no. We looked past his credit history and focused on his business, securing the full $45,000 as a 12-month term loan. With funds settled in just 24 hours, he avoided a shutdown and now has a pathway to rebuild his credit and access further funding.
Overcoming a Credit Blemish to Secure Vital Stock
Ajay, owner of a specialist coffee store, needed a $30,000 line of credit to secure better pricing on bulk stock orders. However, a past supplier dispute had damaged his credit file, blocking him from traditional finance. We connected him with a specialist lender who understood the situation and successfully secured the $30,000 facility. This vital funding allows Ajay to manage his inventory strategically, improve margins, and grow his business.
A Strategic Facility for a Business Rebuild
Commercial builder Geoff was unable to secure traditional finance due to a paid default on his file. This was a major roadblock, as he needed a $750,000 facility to service lucrative contracts with A-rated clients. We looked beyond his credit history and instead leveraged the strength of his invoices, securing a combined $500,000 invoice and $250,000 trade facility. This provided the immediate cash flow required to deliver on his projects and begin rebuilding his financial standing from a position of strength.
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