FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
More about the Outer Harbor Small Business Loans
Tell me more about Outer Harbor Small Business Loans
Outer Harbor unsecured loans provides amounts between $5,000 and $100,000. Terms range from 3 and 24 months. They also offer cash flow friendly repayments that are either per day or weekly.
How is how is the Unsecured Loan different from a traditional business loan?
It is imaginable to apply to the Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes on the internet or by phone. You will receive an answer within the same day and have the funds available in just 24 hours. Traditional company loans have an interest rate per annum together with additional fees and charges. We offer a business loan is a loan that is priced upfront therefore you’ll be aware in advance of the total amount payable including any fees, interest or charges. Then, it is divided into a daily or weekly payment amount.
What could you use the Small Business Loan be used for?
The Small Business Loan can be used for almost any company need, such as control of cash flow company remodeling, marketing to purchase inventory, new equipment, for general working capital, and much more. The loan is not available to fund personal expenses.
About the Larger Outer Harbor Business Loans
What is the Larger Outer Harbor Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger size loan to aid in business expansion opportunities. Loans range from $100,000 to $500,000 over a fixed term for up to 36 months. Repayments are weekly or fortnightly to work with you cashflow.
How is the Origination Fee calculated?
The Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee, calculated at 2.5% of the loan amount.
Am I eligible for the Larger Business Loan?
To be eligible for a credit in this amount the business needs to be in operation for at least 3 years with an annual turnover of at least $700,000. Your business must belong to a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) at least 18 years old, own a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able of proving at minimum 12 months of business.
What can the funding be used for?
A Larger Business Loan can be used for almost all company purpose including company remodeling, buying new equipment or inventory as well as for general working capital and so much more. The loan cannot be used to fund personal expenses.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that requires security?
Asset security is necessary to obtain funding above $150,000. It is usually by taking a charge against assets, and could include the registration of this in the PPSR or registering a caveat.
A personal or director’s ensure is a promise to pay back a loan that is general in nature rather than specifying security over an asset. The person signing the ensure is personally responsible if the business borrower 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 records security interests that have been which are registered with respect to personal property (including items or assets). The PPSR gives prioritisation over property that is personal to be granted depending on the date that a security interest that is registered.
An affidavit is an official document lodged to offer an official notice of a claim to property.
What is a pre-approval that does not require Credit Check?
If you’re requesting the Larger Business Loan that is greater than $250K we may be able to provide a preliminary pre-approval to help simplify the process. We may be able to get this done without a credit check and within 6 hours of the initial application. This pre-approval is based on a preliminary assessment which includes you answering a few financial health questions. It’s in no way an offer, nor is it a guarantee of finance. The approval of a conditional loan is subject to an extensive credit evaluation and any offer that you might receive could be subject to different conditions.
The application process
Do I qualify for funds?
You may be eligible for a business loan if you:
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are over the age of 18 and own a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- you must prove at least 6 months worth of trade (for the unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or three years of trading (for the Larger Business Loan $100K or $500K)
How do I apply?
The application process is quick and easy. Just fill out the online application in just a few minutes, and a dedicated business expert in lending will call you to guide you.
To be eligible for up to $100,000, you’ll require the right identification documents (valid Driver’s License) along with an active NZBN/IRD, and at least 6 months of bank statements.
Otherwise, for larger loan sizes, you’ll require:
$100K – $250K: Details of application, including credit consent, 6 – 12 months of IRD statements, bank statements (if you have a loan of more than $150K).
$250K – $500K: Information on the application including credit consent as well as 12 months bank statement, an IRD statement and the last two years’ finalised financial statements, in addition to interim financials for the current financial year as well as Aged Payables and Receivables reports.
How fast will I get a decision?
For an unsecured loan ($5K or more) we can often provide an answer within an hour if you make your application in quality company timings and you allow us to make use of the advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank details online. If you opt to submit copies of your bank statements we can offer the decision within just 1 business day.
For the Larger Business Loan ($100K up to $500,000) we may be in a position to offer you with a conditional pre-approval within about 6 hours. After you’ve signed the pre-approval, the turnaround time is about 2-3 days for final approval. However, this may be quicker depending on the circumstances of each application. Certain offers have been approved within just 24 hours.
The most effective method for you to apply is ensure you apply during standard company hours. Also, let us use the advance bank verification to instantly confirm your bank details online. If you opt to send us the copies of bank accounts, it may take a bit longer.
What is the time frame to receive the funds?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K up to $100,000) We can usually offer an answer in just one hour if you apply within normal business hours and allow us to use the bank verification system link to immediately verify your bank account information online. If you opt to submit copies of your bank statements we can offer the decision in just one business day.
For Larger Business Loans ($100K up to $500,000) We may be capable of provide you with a conditional pre-approval in about six hours. After you’ve signed the pre-approval, turnaround times are between 2 and 3 days for the final approval, however this may be quicker depending on the particular circumstances of each application. Some offers have been approved in less than 24 hours.
The fastest way for you to apply is make sure you apply during standard business hours and allow us to use the advanced bank verification system link to confirm your bank details online. If you choose to send us documents from your account statements, it takes 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 will consider a number of variables that determine the health of the business as well as the amount of the repayments your business will be able to support. The total amount of the loan will be determined by the particular circumstances for your company.
If you apply for a specific amount we look at a range of elements to assess the health of the business and the extent of payments your business is able to afford. The amount you receive from your loan will depend on the particular circumstances the business.
Fees & repayments
How do you charge for an business loan?
When you make an application for the business credit, we’ll assess the risk profile for your company and offer an individualised proposal that includes the loan amount, the terms and interest rates. This company loan is an upfront priced loan so you will be aware in advance of the total amount payable including any costs, fees, or interest rates.
What is the factor that determines the price I pay?
Business loan interest rates depend on a variety of variables like the amount to be borrowed, what company assets the money will be used for in addition to the industry that the business is in, how long the business has been in operation, whether the business has sufficient cash flow to cover the loan, and general health as well as creditworthiness business.
What are the cost?
There are no hidden costs with our company loans, and you’ll know precisely what you need to pay, and when, starting from day one. There’s not any compounding interest and there are no additional charges (as long as you are able to make your payments on time).
We do not charge an Application Fee. You are able to make an application for loans with absolutely no upfront cost and no commitment to apply.
The Origination Fee includes the expenses associated with the setting up and management of the loan. The only way to pay this fee if you decide to take the loan. Our Origination Fee is 2.5 percent of the amount of loan.
Can I repay the loan in advance?
You can decide to repay the entire amount of the advance loan at any time.
If you choose to take this route, please talk to one of our helpful company credit specialists. They will provide you with details for repayment and an early payment figure. The figure will be calculated as the sum of the principal remaining and the accrued interest up to the time of the early payout and 1.5% of the principal amount remaining and any fees that remain unpaid.
How do repayments work?
To help you avoid missing repayments and to fit in your cash flow schedule, we provide payments that are either weekly or daily. These are automatically deducted from your company account.
Security & privacy
Will my data be secure?
Security of your data, and being clear about how we collect the information we collect, use, share and protect your information, is of paramount importance and an integral part of our relationship you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We make use of industry-standard encryption standards to protect your personal, sensitive financial information and our funders are ISO 27001 qualified for our dedication to the security of our customers as well as their security. We make use of an advanced banking verification system to instantly verify your bank account information online so we can offer a fast response.
About business loans
What exactly is an asset-based loan (a secured loan)?
Asset-based borrowing is when an business owner makes use of an asset they own to make a loan. The asset can be a personal asset like the family home or it could be a company asset like a truck or piece of equipment.
The majority of lending institutions, not just the largest banks, are inclined to make loans secured by assets. If you have trouble paying back the loan, then the asset could be sold by the lender. In essence, it is an opportunity to secure additional financing using the worth of the asset you already have.
Should I need security to get a business loan?
For loans up to $150K it is not necessary to secure assets prior to the loan’s access, however we do need an individual guarantee. As long as you follow the loan terms (as detailed in your loan contract) the security of assets will never be needed. For loans of over $150K generally, there is an individual guarantee and security is provided in the form of a charge over assets.