FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
Details of The Semaphore Small Business Loans
Let me know what you think of the Semaphore Small Business Loans
Semaphore unsecured loans provides amounts of between $5,000 and $100,000. Terms range from 3 and 24 months. They also offer cash flow-friendly repayments, which are either daily or weekly.
What is this Unsecured Loan different from an ordinary business loan?
The application for this Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes via the internet or by phone. You will receive an answer within the same day and the money could be in your account within 24 hours. Traditional company loans reference an annual rate of interest as well as other fees and charges. We offer a business loan is a cash-based loan which means you know ahead of time the amount you will have to pay, including any fees, interest or charges. Then, it is broken down into weekly or daily amount to be paid back.
What could be the Small Business Loan be used for?
It is a Small Business Loan can be used to fulfill almost every company reason, such as the management of cash flow, business remodeling, marketing for purchasing inventory or new equipment, or as general working capital and so much more. The loan is not available for personal use.
About larger Semaphore Business Loans
What is the Larger Semaphore Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger amount of loan to help business growth opportunities. Loans range from $100,000 to $500,000 for a fixed period of with a maximum of 36 months. Repayments are scheduled weekly or fortnightly to work with the flow of cash.
How’s the Origination Fee calculated?
This Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee, which is determined at 2.5 percentage of the amount of the loan.
Am I eligible for the Larger Business Loan?
To be eligible for a loan of this size the business needs to have been operating for a minimum of 3 years and have an annual turnover of at least $700,000. Your company must belong to a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) over 18 years as well as own a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able to demonstrate at minimum 12 months of continuous trading.
How can the funds be used for?
A large company loan can be used for nearly all company use, including business remodeling, buying new equipment or inventory for general working capital and much more. The loan is not available for personal use.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that requires security?
Asset security is required to access funding over $150,000. It is usually in the form of a charge on assets, and could be registered through the PPSR or making as a caveat.
A director’s or personal ensure is a commitment to pay back a loan that is generally based rather than stating the security of a specific asset. The person who signs the ensure is personally accountable if the company borrower is unable to make the repayment.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is a central, national online register operated by the New Zealand Government. It records security interests that have been registered in respect of personal property (including goods or assets). The PPSR allows the priority of personal property granted according to the date the security interest has been registered.
The caveat can be described as a formal form of document to offer the public notice of a legal claim on a property.
What exactly is a preapproval without Credit Check?
If you’re requesting larger company loans of more than $250,000 we may be able to provide an initial pre-approval that will help simplify the process. We may be able to make this decision without credit checks and within six hours of your initial application. The pre-approval process is based on a preliminary assessment which includes answering a couple of financial health questions. It’s not an offer of credit or guarantee of financing. Acceptance without condition is subject to an assessment of your creditworthiness and any offer that you receive could be subject to different terms.
The application process
Are I eligible for funding?
You may be eligible for an business loan if you;
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are over 18 years, own a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- can demonstrate at least 6 months of business (for the unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or three years of trade (for the Larger Business Loan $100K up to $500K)
How do I apply?
The application process is fast and simple. Just complete the online application within a few minutes and an experienced business expert in lending will contact you to guide you.
For a loan of up to $100,000 you’ll need identification details (valid Driver’s License) as well as a valid NZBN/IRD and at least 6 months’ worth of bank statements.
For larger loan sizes, you’ll require:
$100K to $250K: Application requirements, including credit approval, 6-12 months of IRD statements, bank statements (if credit is over $150K).
$250K to $500K: Application details including credit consent twelve months of bank statements, IRD statement and the last two years’ finalised financial statements, plus interim current financial year financials as well as Aged Payables and Receivables summaries.
What speed will I be able to get an answer?
For an unsecured loan ($5K or more) we typically offer an answer within one hour if you make your application during quality company time and allow us to use the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you want to upload copies of your banking statements , we are able to provide an answer within 1 company day.
For Larger Business Loans ($100K or more) we may be capable of offer you with pre-approval conditional to your application in about six hours. Once you’ve signed the pre-approval form, it will take between 2 and 3 days for the final approval, however this can be quicker based upon the circumstances for each application. Some offers have been approved in the space of 24 hours.
The quickest method is to ensure you apply during normal company hours. Also, allow us to use the modern bank verification to instantly verify your bank account information online. If you decide to send us duplicates of your banking statements it takes a bit longer.
What is the time frame to receive the funds?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K and up) we typically offer a response in one hour, provided you submit your request during normal business time and you allow us to make use of the advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank information online. If you want to upload copies of your bank statements, we’ll be able to offer a decision within one business day.
If you are applying for Larger Business Loans ($100K or more) we might be in a position to provide the conditional pre-approval within 6 hours. Once you have signed the pre-approval, turnaround times are around 2-3 days for final approval. However, this could be shorter based on the specifics of each application. Some agreements have been approved within just 24 hours.
The fastest method can be ensure you apply during standard business hours, and allow us to use our advance bank verification link to instantly verify your bank information online. If you choose to send us the copies of bank statements, it may take a bit longer.
How much can I borrow?
We offer loan amounts between $5,000 to $500,000. When you submit an application for a specific amount we consider a variety of aspects for determining your well-being that is your business and the amount of repayments that your company is able to afford. The amount you receive from the loan will be determined by the specific circumstances that are unique to your business.
When you submit an application for a certain amount, we consider a variety of factors to assess how much we can lend you such as health for your business as well as the amount of repayments that your company is able to afford. The total amount of your loan will be determined by the specifics of your business.
Fees & repayments
How do you charge for an business loan?
If you decide to apply for business loans with us company loan, we’ll assess the risk assessment for your company and provide an individualised offer that includes the amount of loan, the term and the interest rates. A business loan is an upfront priced loan which means you know the exact amount payable including any charges, interest rates or fees.
What determines the rate that I’m charged?
The interest rates on company loans rates depend on several factors including the amount borrowed, what business assets the money are used to purchase and the sector the business is in, how long the business is in operation, in the event that the company has sufficient cash flow to pay for the loan, and also the general health as well as creditworthiness business.
What are the costs?
There aren’t any hidden charges with our company loans. You’ll be aware of the amount you’ll need to pay and at what time, from the very first day. There’s not any compounding interest and no extra fees (as as you make your payments punctually).
We do not charge an Application Fee. You are able to get a cash loan with with no upfront cost or the obligation to take action.
The Origination Fee is the cost associated with setting up and managing the loan. It is only charged for this fee if you choose to proceed with the loan. The Origination Fee for us is 2.5 percent of the amount of the loan.
Can I pay out the loan in advance?
You may choose to pay back all of your advance loan at any time.
If you are deciding to do this please talk to one of our helpful company lending professionals. We will offer you with details on repayment and an early payment figure. This is calculated as the total of the remaining principal amount and the accrued interest up to the time of the early payout plus 1.5% of the remaining principal and any fees that remain unpaid.
How do repayments work?
In order to help you avoid missing repayments and to fit in with your cash flow general, we offer repayments that are either daily or weekly. They will be automatically deducted from the nominated company account.
Security & privacy
Will my information be secure?
Security of your data, and knowing the ways we gather information, use it, and exchange it, as well as secure your information, is of huge importance and a vital part of our relationship you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We make use of industry-standard encryption techniques to protect your personal, sensitive financial information and our funders are ISO 27001 qualified for our commitment to security for our clients and security. We employ a highly sophisticated bank verification system link to instantly verify the bank account details online, allowing us to offer quick responses.
About business loans
What is asset-based borrowing (a secured loan)?
Asset-based borrowing is when an company owner borrows from an asset they own to get the funds for a loan. The asset can be an individual asset, such as the family home, or an business asset like a truck or other piece of machinery.
The majority of the lenders even the banks with the biggest size, prefer to secure loans against an asset. If you’re having trouble paying back the loan then the asset might be sold by the lender. In essence it is an opportunity to secure new financing using the worth of the asset you already have.
Are I need security to get a company loan?
Up to $150K in loans there is no requirement for asset security before you are able to access the money, however we do need an individual guarantee. If you adhere to the loan terms (as detailed in the loan contract) and you are able to meet your obligations, asset security is not needed. If you take out loans in excess of $150K generally, there is the option of a personal guarantee and security in the form of charges on assets.