FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
Information About The Highgate Small Business Loans
Let me know more about Highgate Small Business Loans
Highgate unsecured loans provides the range of $5,000 to $100,000, with terms ranging from 3 and 24 months and cash flow friendly repayments, which are either daily or weekly.
What is how is the Unsecured Loan different from an ordinary company loan?
It is possible to apply to this Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes via the internet or by phone. You will receive a same day response and the money could be in your account in 24 hours. Traditional business loans reference an annual rate of interest plus other fees and charges. The business loan is a loan that is priced upfront therefore you’ll know ahead of time the total amount payable including the interest, fees and charges. This is then divided into weekly or daily payment amount.
What can the Small Business Loan be used for?
The Small Business Loan can be used for virtually any company use, including control of cash flow business improvements, advertising for purchasing inventory or new equipment, for general working capital, and much more. The loan is not available for personal reasons.
Concerning Larger Highgate Business Loans
What is the Larger Highgate Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger size of loan that can be used to fund business expansion opportunities. The loan ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 with a term fixed up to 36 months. Repayments are scheduled weekly or fortnightly, depending on the flow of cash.
How is the Origination Fee determined?
The Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee which is calculated at 2.5 percent of the loan amount.
Am I eligible for the Larger Business Loan?
To be eligible for a credit in this amount, your company needs to have been operating for at least three years, and have an annual income of $700,000. You must be a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) who is over the age of 18, own a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able of proving at minimum 12 months of business.
How can the funds be used for?
A Larger Business Loan can be used for almost all company purpose including company renovations, purchase of new equipment or inventory or as general working capital and much more. The loan cannot be used for personal use.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that requires security?
Asset security is required for accessing funds over $150,000. This can be done by taking a charge against assets and can include the registration of this through the PPSR or the registration of as a caveat.
A personal or director’s ensure is a commitment to pay off a credit line that is general in nature, rather than stipulating the security for a particular asset. The person who is signing the ensure is personally liable in the event that the business the borrower fails to make the repayment.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is an online central register operated by the New Zealand Government. It reflects security interests granted to individuals who own personal property (including the assets or goods). The PPSR permits prioritisation over property that is personal to be granted according to the date a registration of a security interest.
A caveat is a legal document filed to offer the legal claim to a property.
What is a pre-approval minus Credit Check?
If you’re requesting larger company loans that exceeds $250,000 it is possible to offer an initial pre-approval that will help smooth out the process. It is possible to do this without a credit verification and within 6 hours of your initial application. The pre-approval is based upon an initial assessment, which involves the answer to a series of financial health questions. It is neither an offer nor a guarantee of financing. A conditional approval is subject an extensive credit evaluation and any offer you receive could be on different terms.
The application process
Do I have the right to receive funds?
You may apply for a business loan if you:
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are over the age of 18 and have a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- must show at least six months of trading (for for the unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or 3 years of trading (for the Larger Business Loan $100K or $500K)
How do I apply?
The application process is fast and simple. Just complete the online application in just a few minutes, and a dedicated business credit specialist will contact you to guide you.
For a loan of up to $100,000, you’ll need proof of identity (valid Driver’s Licence), a valid NZBN/IRD as well as at least 6 months of bank statements.
In addition, for larger loan sizes, you’ll also 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 twelve months bank statement, an IRD statements as well as the two most recent years’ financial statements, as well as interim financials from the current financial year, Aged Payables and Aged Receivables summaries.
How soon will I hear a decision?
For an unsecured loan ($5K to $100K) we usually offer an answer within an hour, provided you apply in quality company times and let us utilise the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank information online. If you want to submit copies of your bank statement, we’ll offer an answer within just an company day.
For the Larger Business Loan ($100K up to $500,000) we may be capable of offer you with conditional pre-approval within six hours. Once you’ve signed the pre-approval, the turnaround time is about 2-3 days for final approval. However, this may be quicker depending upon the circumstances for each application. Certain agreements have been approved within just 24 hours.
The fastest way is to make sure you apply during normal company hours. Also, allow us to use our modern bank verification to verify your bank information online. If you decide to send us copies of your bank statements , it may take a bit longer.
How fast will I get the cash?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K to $100K) We can usually offer an answer within an hour – provided you submit your request during normal business times and allow us to make use of the advanced bank verification system link to immediately verify your bank account information online. If you want to submit copies of your bank statements, we are able to offer a decision in just an business day.
If you are applying for Larger Business Loans ($100K up to $500,000) we could be capable of provide you with pre-approval conditional to your application within about six hours. Once you have signed the pre-approval, turnaround times are about 2-3 days for final approval, however this could be shorter based upon the circumstances for each application. Some deals have been approved within the space of 24 hours.
The most efficient method would be to make sure you apply during normal business hours. You can also allow us to use the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank information online. If you upload the copies of bank accounts, it will take a little longer.
How much can I borrow?
We provide loan amounts between $5,000 and $500,000. If you apply for a specific amount we consider a variety of factors that determine your well-being for your business and the level of payments your business can support. The amount you receive from the loan will be determined by the specific circumstances that are unique to your company.
If you apply for a certain amount, we look at a range of variables to assess your well-being of the business and the extent of repayments your company can support. The total amount of the loan will be determined by the specific circumstances of your company.
Fees & repayments
What is the cost for an business loan?
When you request one of our business financing, we’ll assess the risk assessment of your company and provide you with a customised offer including loan amount, term and interest rates. A business loan is an upfront cost loan which means you be aware in advance of the total amount payable including any charges or interest.
What is the factor that determines the price I am charged?
Business loan interest rates differ based on various factors such as the amount that is borrowed, the company assets the funds will be used for as well as the field the business is operating in, how long the business has been running, what percentage of the company has sufficient cash flow to fund the loan, and also the overall health as well as creditworthiness business.
What are the fees?
There aren’t any hidden charges for our company loans, and you’ll be aware of the amount you’ll need to pay, and when, starting from day one. There’s no compounding interest and no additional fees (as long as you are able to make your payments in time).
We do not charge an application fee. You are able to get a cash loan no cost upfront or any obligation to sign up.
The Origination Fee includes the expenses associated in establishing and managing the loan. The only way to pay this 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 repay the entire amount of your loan at any point in time.
If you decide to do this please talk to one of our helpful business loan experts. They’ll offer you with the details of your repayment and an early payout figure. This is calculated as the total of the remaining principal amount plus any accrued interest as of the time of early payout plus 1.5 percent of the remaining principal and any fees that remain unpaid.
What is the process for repayments?
In order to help you avoid missing payments and to work with your cash flow standard, we provide payments that are either daily or weekly. They are automatically deducted from the nominated company account.
Security & privacy
Will my information be protected?
Protecting your information, and being upfront about how we collect the information we collect, use, share and secure your information, is of paramount importance and a vital part of our relationship with you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We utilise industry-recognised encryption techniques to protect your sensitive, personal as well as financial data. Our funders are ISO 27001 certified for our commitment to security for our clients and security. We use an advanced banking verification system to immediately verify the bank account details online so we can provide rapid response.
About business loans
What exactly is an asset-based loan (a secured loan)?
Asset-based borrowing is when a company owner makes use of the assets they have 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 piece or equipment.
The majority of lending institutions, even the major banks, prefer to make loans secured by an asset. If you have trouble paying back the loan, your asset may be taken over by the lender. In essence it is the process of securing new financing by using the value of what you already have.
Should I need security for a company loan?
For loans up to $150,000 the requirement for asset security is not required before you are able to access the money, however we do require an individual guarantee. As long as you follow your loan commitments (as detailed in your loan contract document) Asset security will never be required. If you take out loans in excess of $150,000 typically, you will need personal guarantee and security in the form the charge of assets.