FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
More about the Semaphore Small Business Loans
Let me know how you can avail the Semaphore Small Business Loans
Semaphore unsecured loans offers amounts of between $5,000 and $100,000. Terms range from 3 and 24 months, cash flow-friendly repayments which can be made daily or weekly.
What is what makes the Unsecured Loan different from the traditional business loan?
It is possible to apply to this Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes online or on the phone. You’ll receive an instant response and the funds could be available in just 24 hours. Traditional business loans reference an annual interest rate together with additional fees and charges. The company loan is a pre-paid loan and you’ll be aware in advance of the total amount due, which includes any fees, charges or charges. Then, it is broken down into weekly or daily payment amount.
What could be the Small Business Loan be used for?
It is a Small Business Loan can be used for virtually any company purpose including the management of cash flow, company improvements, advertising to purchase inventory or new equipment, to fund general working capital and much more. The loan cannot be used for personal use.
Concerning Larger Semaphore Business Loans
What is the Larger Semaphore Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger amount of loan to help business expansion opportunities. Loans range between $100,000 and $500,000 with a term fixed with a maximum of 36 months. Repayments are either weekly or fortnightly in order to accommodate your situation.
How is the Origination Fee determined?
This Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee which is determined at 2.5% of the loan amount.
Am I eligible for the Larger Business Loan?
To be eligible for a loan that is this large, your business needs to have been in operation for at least 3 years with an annual turnover of at least $700,000. It is necessary to be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) with a minimum age of 18 years old, own a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able to prove at minimum 12 months of continuous trading.
What can the funds be used for?
A Larger Business Loan can be used for almost any business need, including business renovations, purchase of inventory or new equipment for general working capital, and much more. The loan cannot be used for personal use.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that is secured?
Asset security is needed to access funding over $150,000. It’s by way of charge against assets, which could also include registration in the PPSR or filing a caveat.
A director’s or personal guarantee is a commitment to pay back a loan that is generally based rather than defining the security for a particular asset. The person signing the ensure is personally responsible if the company creditor is unable to make the repayment.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is a central, national online register that is operated by the New Zealand Government. It contains security interests registered in respect of personal property (including goods or assets). The PPSR permits priority over personal property to be assigned in accordance with the date on which a security interest was registered.
Caveats are legal document that is filed to offer notice of a legal claim to property.
What is a pre-approval minus Credit Check?
If you’re applying for an enterprise loan of more than $250K we can offer an initial pre-approval to smooth out the process. We may be able to get this done without a credit check and within 6 hours of your initial application. The pre-approval is based upon a preliminary assessment which includes you answering some financial well-being questions. It is not an offer of credit or guarantee of credit. Unconditional approval is subject to an exhaustive credit evaluation, and any offer you might receive could be on different conditions.
Application process
Can I be eligible for funding?
You may apply for an business loan if you:
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are at least 18 years old, have a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- you must demonstrate at minimum 6 months of business (for a unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or 3 years of continuous trading (for the Larger Business Loan $100K up to $500K)
How do I apply?
The application process is fast and easy. Just complete the online application in just a few minutes, and an experienced business loan specialist will call you to guide you through the process.
For a loan of up to $100,000, you’ll require ID details (valid Driver’s Licence), a valid NZBN/IRD and at least six months of bank statements.
In addition, for larger loan sizes, you’ll require:
$100K-$250K: Details of application, including credit approval, 6-12 months of bank statements, IRD statement (if loan above $150K).
$250K to $500K: Information on the application including credit consent and 12 months of bank statements, IRD statement as well as the two most recent years’ financial statements, plus interim financials for the current financial year, Aged Payables and Aged Receivables Summary.
How soon will I hear a decision?
For an unsecured loan ($5K or more) We can usually provide a response in one hour – as long as you submit your request in quality business time and allow us to use the advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank information online. If you opt to send us copies of your bank statements we can provide the decision in as little as an company day.
If you are applying for a Larger Business Loan ($100K to $500K) we might be able to provide you with a conditional pre-approval in about six hours. Once you’ve signed the pre-approval, the turnaround time is around 2-3 days for final approval, however this may be quicker depending upon the circumstances for each application. Some transactions have received approval in just 24 hours.
The most effective method for you to apply is make sure you apply during standard company hours. Also, permit us to use the advanced bank verification system to verify your bank account information online. If you opt to send us the copies of bank accounts, it can take a bit longer.
How fast will I get the cash?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K up to $100,000) we typically offer an answer within an hour – as long as you submit your request in normal business times and permit us to use the bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you decide to send us copies of your bank statements, we’ll be able to provide the decision in just the span of one business day.
If you are applying for Larger Business Loans ($100K and up) we may be able to offer you with a conditional pre-approval in around 6 hours. Once you’ve signed the pre-approval, the turnaround time is around 2-3 days for final approval, however this could be shorter based on the specifics of each application. Some deals have been approved within 24 hours.
The fastest way for you to apply is make sure you apply during standard business hours and allow us to use the advance bank verification link to instantly confirm your bank details online. If you send us duplicates of your banking statement, it may take a bit longer.
How much can I borrow?
We provide loan amounts between $5,000 to $500,000. When you make an application for a certain amount we consider a variety of aspects to determine the health of your business and the amount of repayments your business can support. The total amount of your loan will depend on the specific circumstances the business.
When you submit an application for a specific amount we take into consideration a variety of variables to determine your well-being for your company and the extent of the repayments your company is able to afford. The total amount of the loan will be determined by the specifics for your business.
Fees & repayments
How do you charge for a company loan?
When you make an application for business loans with us business loan, we will assess the risk assessment for your business and offer you with a customised offer, including loan amount, term and interest rates. A business loan is an upfront-priced loan which means you be aware of the total amount you will have to pay, including charges, interest rates or fees.
What determines the amount I am charged?
Interest rates for company loans rates differ based on various factors like the amount of money borrowed, what business assets the money will be used for as well as the field the company operates in, the long the business has been in operation, what percentage of the company has enough cash flow to pay for the loan, as well as the overall well-being and creditworthiness of the company.
What are the costs?
There aren’t any hidden charges with our business loans, and you’ll know precisely what it is that you be required to pay and when, from the day you sign up. There’s no compounding and there are no additional charges (as as long as you pay your payments in time).
We do not charge an application fee. You are able to apply for a loan with without any upfront costs or the obligation to take action.
The Origination Fee covers the costs associated with setting up and managing the loan. You are only charged this fee if you choose to proceed with the loan. Our Origination Fee is 2.5 percent of the amount of loan.
Do I have the option of paying off the loan in advance?
You can choose to repay the total amount of your loan in full at any time.
If you decide to pursue this option, please contact our helpful business credit specialists. The professionals will offer you with repayment details and an early payout figure. The figure will be calculated as the sum of the principal remaining and any accrued interest at the time of early payment, plus 1.5 percent of the principal balance and any outstanding fees.
How do repayments work?
To ensure that you don’t miss due dates and also to be in line with your cash flow cycle we offer repayments that are either daily or weekly. They will be automatically deducted from your business account.
Security & privacy
Will my data be protected?
The security of your personal information, as well as making it clear the ways we gather the information we collect, use, share and safeguard your data, is of huge importance and an integral element of our relationship with you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We utilise industry-recognised encryption standards to protect your personal, sensitive financial and other data. Our funders are ISO 27001 qualified for our commitment to protecting the security of customers and security. We make use of an advanced bank verification system that allows you to instantly verify your bank account details online. This allows us to offer rapid response.
About business loans
What’s an asset-based borrow (a secured loan)?
Asset-based borrowing occurs when a business owner utilises an asset they own to obtain the loan. The asset may be an individual property, such as the family home or an company asset such as a truck or piece or equipment.
The vast majority of the lenders not just the banks with the biggest size, prefer to guarantee loans against assets. If you are having difficulty paying back the loan then the asset might be sold by the lender. In essence it is an opportunity to secure new financing by using the worth of the asset you already have.
What do I require security for an company loan?
Up to $150K in loans the requirement for asset security is not required upfront to access the money but we require a personal guarantee. need the personal guarantee. In the event that you fulfill the loan terms (as specified in the loan contract) the security of assets will never be needed. For loans of over $150K generally there is an individual ensure and security that is in the form charges on assets.