FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
Details of The Houghton Small Business Loans
Tell me what you think of the Houghton Small Business Loans
Houghton unsecured loans offers the range of $5,000 to $100,000. The terms range between 3 and 24 month and cash flow-friendly repayments that are either per day or weekly.
How is this Unsecured Loan different from a traditional business loan?
Apply to your Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes online or by phone. You will receive a same day response and the funds could be available in just 24 hours. Traditional company loans are based on an interest rate per annum plus other fees and charges. This business loan is a pre-paid loan so you will be aware in advance of the total amount to be paid, including any interest, fees or charges. Then, it is divided into weekly or daily payment amount.
What could be the Small Business Loan be used for?
A Small Business Loan can be used for almost any business reason, such as the management of cash flow, company improvements, advertising to purchase inventory, new equipment, as general working capital, and much more. The loan is not available for personal use.
About larger Houghton Business Loans
What is the Larger Houghton Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger size of loan that can be used to fund business expansion opportunities. Loans range between $100,000 and $500,000 with a fixed-term up to 36 months. Repayments are scheduled weekly or fortnightly depending on your situation.
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.
Do I qualify for the Larger Business Loan?
In order to be eligible for a loan that is this large, your company needs to be in operation for at least 3 years with an annual turnover of $700K. You must be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) at least 18 years old as well as own a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able to demonstrate at minimum 12 months of business.
How can the funds be used for?
A Business Loan of a larger size is a great option for almost any business purpose including business remodeling, buying equipment or inventory or as general working capital and so much more. The loan cannot be used to fund personal expenses.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that is secured?
Asset security is necessary to obtain funding above $150,000. This can be done by taking a charge against assets, and may include registering this on the PPSR or filing a caveat.
A director’s or personal ensure is a commitment to repay credit that is general in nature rather than specifying the security for a particular asset. The person who is signing the guarantee is personally liable in the event that the business the borrower fails to re-pay the debt.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online, central registry run by the New Zealand Government. It records security interests that have been that are registered for personal property (including goods or assets). The PPSR allows priority over personal property to be assigned according to the date the security interest that is registered.
An affidavit is an official document that is filed to offer the public notice of a legal claim to a property.
What exactly is a preapproval without Credit Check?
If you’re requesting larger business loans that is greater than $250,000 it’s possible to offer an initial pre-approval that will help simplify the process. We could be able to apply for this without credit checks and within six hours of your initial application. This pre-approval is based on an initial assessment that includes you answering some financial health questions. This is neither an offer nor a guarantee of financing. The approval of a conditional loan is subject to an assessment of your creditworthiness and any offer you are offered could have different terms.
The application process
Can I be eligible for funding?
You may be eligible for a company loan if you
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are over 18 years, have a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- you must prove at least 6 months of business (for the unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or three years of trade (for the Larger Business Loan $100K - $500K)
How do I apply?
The application process is simple and simple. Just fill out the online application within a few minutes and an experienced company credit specialist will contact you to help you.
To apply for up $100,000, you’ll need ID details (valid Driver’s License) and a valid NZBN/IRD as well as at least 6 months of bank statements.
For larger loan sizes, you’ll require:
$100K-$250K: Information about the application including credit approval, 6-12 months of IRD statements, bank statements (if credit is over $150K).
$250K to $500K: Application details including credit consent, 12 months of bank statements, IRD statements, last 2 years finalised financial statements, in addition to interim current financial year financials as well as Aged Payables and Receivables summary.
What speed will I be able to get an answer?
For an unsecured loan ($5K or more) we usually provide an answer in just one hour if you submit your request in standard business time and let us utilise the bank verification system to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you want to upload copies of your bank statements we can provide the decision within just one company day.
For Larger Business Loans ($100K or more) we may be capable of offer the conditional pre-approval within about six hours. After you’ve signed your pre-approval, turnaround times are about 2-3 days for final approval, however this could be shorter based on the circumstances of each application. Some deals have been approved in just 24 hours.
The most efficient method for you to apply is make sure you apply during standard company hours. You can also let us use the modern bank verification link to instantly verify your bank information online. If you opt to send us copies of your bank statement, it takes a bit longer.
How soon will I receive the cash?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K and up) we can often offer a response in one hour, provided you submit your request within standard business times and allow us to use the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you want to send us copies of your bank statement, we’ll provide a decision within an business day.
For the Larger Business Loans ($100K to $500K) we may be capable of provide you with a conditional pre-approval in about six hours. Once you’ve signed your pre-approval, the turnaround time is approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval. However, this could be shorter based upon the circumstances for each application. Certain deals have been approved in the space of 24 hours.
The fastest way for you to apply is ensure you apply during standard business hours. You can also allow us to use our advanced bank verification system to instantly check your bank’s information online. If you choose to upload documents from your account statements, it may take a bit longer.
What is the maximum amount I can borrow?
We provide the loan amount between $5,000 and $500,000. If you apply for a certain amount we consider a variety of aspects for determining what is the health of the business and the extent of payments your company can afford. The amount you receive from your loan will be contingent on the specifics the company.
When you submit an application for a certain amount, we look at a range of factors to determine how much we can lend you such as well-being that is your business and the level of payments your company will be able to support. The amount you receive from your loan will depend on the particular circumstances of your company.
Fees & repayments
What is the cost for the cost of a company loan?
When you apply for the business loan, we will assess the risk assessment for your company and provide you with a customised proposal that includes loan amount, term and the interest rates. The business loan is an upfront cost loan which means you know the exact amount payable including any charges, interest rates or fees.
What is the basis for the rate I’m charged?
The interest rates on business loans rates vary due to variables like the amount to be borrowed, the business assets the money will be used for in addition to the industry that the business is operating in, how long the company has been in operation and what percentage of the business has enough cash flow to pay for the loan, as well as the overall health or creditworthiness of the company.
What are the costs?
There aren’t any hidden costs for our business loans, and you’ll be aware of the amount you’ll be required to pay and when, from the very first day. There’s no compounding and the loan comes with no additional fees (as as you make your payments on time).
We do not charge an Application Fee. You are able to apply for a loan with absolutely no upfront cost and no obligation to proceed.
The Origination Fee includes the expenses associated with setting up and managing the loan. This is only a cost if you take out the loan. The Origination Fee for us is 2.5 percent of the amount of loan.
Can I pay off the loan in advance?
You can choose to repay the entire amount of your loan at any point in time.
If you do decide to pursue this option, please speak to our friendly company credit specialists. The specialists will provide you with the details of your repayment as well as an early payout amount. This will be calculated as the total of the principal remaining and accrued interest to the time of early payment, plus 1.5 percent of the remaining principal as well as any outstanding fees.
What is the process for repayments?
To make sure you do not miss payments and to work your cash flow cycle we provide repayments either daily or weekly. These are automatically deducted from your designated business account.
Security & privacy
Will my data be protected?
The security of your personal information, as well as being clear about the ways we gather data, process, exchange and secure your information, is vital and is an essential part of our relationship with you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We utilise industry-recognised encryption standards to secure your sensitive, personal financial information and our funders are ISO 27001 certified for our commitment to protecting the security of customers and security. We utilise a sophisticated bank verification system link to immediately verify your bank account details online. This allows us to provide quick responses.
About business loans
How do you define asset-based lending (a secured loan)?
The term "asset-based" refers to borrowing where an business owner borrows from an asset they own to make a loan. The asset can be an individual property, such as the family home, or it could be a business asset such as a vehicle or piece of equipment.
The vast majority of lenders, including the largest banks, are inclined to make loans secured by assets. If you’re struggling to pay back the loan, then the asset might be transferred to the lender. In essence it’s an opportunity to secure new financing by making use of the value of what you already have.
Are I require security to secure a business loan?
For loans of up to $150K, it is not necessary to secure assets in advance to gain access to the funds, however we do require a personal guarantee. As long as you follow your loan commitments (as stated in your loan contract) the security of assets will never be required. For loans over $150K generally, you can get personal guarantee and security in the form an asset charge.