FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
Information About The Stepney Small Business Loans
Tell me what you think of the Stepney Small Business Loans
Stepney unsecured loans provides amounts of between $5,000 and $100,000. The terms range between 3 and 24 months, cash flow-friendly repayments that are either per day or weekly.
What is how is the Unsecured Loan different from a traditional business loan?
You can apply for the Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes on the internet or on the phone. You’ll receive an answer within the same day and have the funds available in just 24 hours. Traditional company loans reference an interest rate per annum as well as other fees and charges. Our company loan is a cash-based loan which means you know ahead of time the total amount due, which includes the interest, fees and charges. Then, it is broken down into either weekly or daily installment amount.
What could be the Small Business Loan be used for?
A Small Business Loan can be used for virtually every business purpose including control of cash flow business remodels and marketing to purchase inventory, new equipment, to fund general working capital and so much more. The loan cannot be used for personal use.
Concerning Larger Stepney Business Loans
What is the Larger Stepney Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger loan size to support company growth opportunities. Loans range between $100,000 and $500,000 with a fixed-term that can last up to 36 months. Repayments are weekly or fortnightly in order to accommodate your cash flow.
How is the Origination Fee calculated?
A Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee that is determined at 2.5% of the loan amount.
Do I qualify for the Larger Business Loan?
To be eligible for a credit in this amount the company needs to have been operating for a minimum of 3 years with an annual turnover of at least $700K. You must be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) at least 18 years old as well as own a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able of proving at minimum 12 months of business.
What can the funding be used for?
A Business Loan of a larger size can be used for nearly every business purpose including company renovations, purchase of new equipment or inventory as well as for general working capital and much more. The loan is not available for personal purposes.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that requires security?
Asset security is required for funding of more than $150,000. This is as a result of an charge against assets and can include registering this in the PPSR or the registration of a caveat.
A personal or director’s ensure is a promise to pay back a loan that is generally in nature rather than specifying security over a particular asset. The person who is signing the guarantee is personally liable if the company lender is not able to make the repayment.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online central register that is operated by the New Zealand Government. It reflects security interests which are registered with respect to personal property (including items or assets). The PPSR permits preference over private property granted in accordance with the date on which a security interest that is registered.
A caveat is a legal document lodged to offer notice of a legal claim to a property.
What exactly is a preapproval without Credit Check?
If you’re requesting larger company loans of $250,000 or more it is possible to offer an initial pre-approval to simplify the process. We may be able to apply for this without a credit check and within six hours of your initial application. This pre-approval is made based on an initial evaluation that involves you answering a few financial health questions. This is in no way an offer, nor is it a guarantee of finance. A conditional approval is subject an assessment of your creditworthiness and any offer you receive could be on different terms.
The application process
Are I eligible for funding?
You are eligible to apply for an company loan if you:
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are over the age of 18 and have a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- you must prove at least 6 months of trading (for for the unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or three years of trade (for the Larger Business Loan $100K to $500K)
How do I apply?
The process for applying is fast and simple. Just fill out the online application in few minutes and a dedicated company credit specialist will call you to guide you.
For a loan of up to $100,000 you’ll require ID details (valid Driver’s License), a valid NZBN/IRD as well as at least 6 months of bank statements.
If you’re looking for loans with larger sizes, you’ll require:
$100K to $250K: Application details including credit consent, 6 – 12 months of bank statements, IRD statement (if the loan is greater than $150K).
$250K to $500K: Application details including credit consent, 12 months of bank records, IRD statements, last 2 years finalised financial statements, as well as interim financials from the current financial year including Aged Payables, Aged Receivables summary.
What speed will I be able to get a decision?
For an unsecured loan ($5K and up) we usually provide a response in one hour – as long as you submit your request during standard company hours and let us utilise the advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you decide to upload copies of your bank statements , we will be able to provide the decision in just 1 company day.
If you are applying for a Larger Business Loan ($100K or more) we may be in a position to offer you with pre-approval conditional to your application within about six hours. After you’ve signed your pre-approval, turnaround times are between 2 and 3 days for the final approval, however this could be shorter based on the specifics of each application. Certain deals have been approved within 24 hours.
The quickest method for you to apply is ensure you apply during normal company hours. You can also let us use the advance bank verification to instantly verify your bank information online. If you choose to upload copies of your bank statements it can take a bit longer.
What is the time frame to receive the cash?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K to $100K) we typically offer an answer within one hour – provided you submit your request at standard business timings and allow us to make use of the advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank details online. If you choose to upload copies of your banking statements, we are able to provide a decision in just the span of one business day.
For Larger Business Loans ($100K and up) we could be able to provide you with pre-approval conditional to your application in around six hours. After you’ve signed the pre-approval, the turnaround time is approximately 2-3 days to receive final approval. However, this can be faster depending upon the circumstances for each application. Certain deals have been approved within the space of 24 hours.
The fastest way can be make sure you apply during standard business hours, and permit us to use the advance bank verification link to instantly confirm your bank details online. If you choose to send us copies of your bank accounts, it takes a bit longer.
How much can I borrow?
We offer loans ranging from $5,000 and $500,000. If you apply for a specific amount we consider a variety of variables to determine what is the well-being of your business as well as the amount of repayments that your business can afford. The total amount of your loan will be contingent on the specific circumstances the business.
When you submit an application for a set amount, we will consider a number of factors to assess how much we can lend you such as health that is your business and the amount of repayments your business is able to afford. The amount you receive from the loan will be determined by the specifics the business.
Fees & repayments
How do you charge for the cost of a business loan?
When you apply for one of our company financing, we will assess the risk profile the company and offer you with a customised proposal that includes the amount of loan, the term and the interest rates. This business loan is an upfront priced loan so you will be aware 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 vary due to factors like the amount of money of money borrowed, the business assets the money are used to purchase and the sector the company operates in, how long the company has been operating as well as in the event that the company has enough cash flow to cover the loan, and also the general health and creditworthiness of the company.
What are the fees?
There are no hidden fees with our business loans. You’ll be aware of the amount it is that you be required to pay, and when, from the day you sign up. There’s no compounding and the loan comes with no additional fees (as as long as you pay your payments in time).
We don’t charge an application fee. You are able to apply for a loan with no cost upfront or the obligation to take action.
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 percentage of the amount of the loan.
Can I pay out the loan early?
You can decide to repay the entire amount of the loan early at any time.
If you decide to do this please call our helpful business loan experts. They will provide you with details on repayment and an early payment figure. The figure will be calculated as the total of the principal balance and accrued interest to the time of early payment and 1.5 percent of the principal balance as well as any outstanding fees.
What are the repayment methods?
In order to help you avoid missing payments and to work your cash flow cycle we provide repayments either weekly or daily. They are automatically deducted from your designated business account.
Security & privacy
Will my data be secure?
Protecting your information, and making it clear the ways we gather information, use it, and exchange it, as well as safeguard your data, is of paramount importance and is an essential part of our relationship you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We use industry recognised encryption standards to secure your sensitive, personal financial and other data. Our funders are ISO 27001 certified for our commitment to protecting the security of clients and privacy. We use an advanced bank verification system that allows you to instantly verify the bank account details online, allowing us to provide rapid response.
About business loans
What exactly is an asset-based loan (a secured loan)?
An asset-based loan is when a company owner utilises the assets they have to secure the funds for a loan. The asset can be either an individual asset, such as the family home or it could be a business property like a truck or other piece of machinery.
The vast majority of banks, even the largest banks, are inclined to guarantee loans against an asset. If you’re having trouble paying back the loan, then the asset could be transferred to the lender. In essence it is an opportunity to secure new financing taking advantage of the value of what you already have.
What do I require security to secure a business loan?
For loans that exceed $150K, there is no requirement for asset security in advance to gain access to the funds However, we require a personal guarantee. need a personal guarantee. So long as you comply with your loan commitments (as stated in the loan contract) Asset security will never be needed. For loans of over $150K generally there is a personal guarantee and security in the form the charge of assets.