Frequently asked questions

We help Australian businesses hit by a crisis — flood, bushfire, storm, fire, equipment breakdown, cyber attack, a collapsed customer or supplier, an insurance delay or the loss of key staff — with a clear action plan, pointers to the official help worth checking first, and recovery funding for the gap that's left.

No. There's no credit check when you first enquire. A credit check is only discussed once you decide to go ahead with an application.

No. We don't sell, auction or broadcast enquiries. One team works on your situation and a real person calls you.

Property-secured business loans range from $20,000 to $5,000,000 over residential or commercial property. Unsecured, cash-flow and line-of-credit options for trading businesses are typically $5,000 to $500,000, sized on turnover and bank statements.

It depends on the security and documents. Property-secured amounts of $20k to $250k are possible same day, up to $5m is possible within 24–48 hours, and same-day funding is possible for smaller unsecured amounts.

We don't publish rates because every facility is priced on the business's own circumstances — the security, the amount, the term and the risk. We'll explain the total cost clearly before you commit.

Yes. Check DisasterAssist and business.gov.au for help tied to your event, and ask the ATO, your bank and your landlord about hardship options. Our disaster help section explains where to look.

The ATO's Emergency Support Infoline is 1800 806 218. Call before any due date you'll miss — the ATO can discuss deferrals, payment plans and replacing lost records.

Often, if you have property to use as security. Property-secured loans don't rely on this month's trade. Repayment usually comes from an insurance payout, a grant, returning trade or a refinance.

Yes. A short-term loan repaid from the payout is a common structure. Lenders find an accepted claim or a written acceptance in principle very helpful.

Past credit issues and ATO debt are considered case by case. Be upfront about them — a clear explanation and a realistic way to repay make a big difference.

Yes, residential property can secure a business loan, provided the funds are used for business purposes. Think carefully about the exit, because your home is at stake.

Often. The ATO treats business disaster grants as assessable unless they're on its list of non-assessable non-exempt payments, and payouts for trading stock are assessable income. Speak to your accountant before spending the money.

Business purposes only — repairs, replacement equipment, restocking, wages, rent, supplier deposits, temporary premises, tax debts and other costs of getting the business trading again.

Yes. Sole traders, partnerships, trusts and companies can all enquire, as long as there's an ABN and the funds are for business purposes.

None to enquire. If you go ahead, usually recent business bank statements, ID, your ABN or ACN, and property details for secured funding. Insurance claim numbers and grant approvals help too.

Because the amount, purpose, state and property details decide which options are realistic. Accurate answers mean the first call can be about real solutions, not starting over.

The Small Business Debt Helpline offers free, confidential financial counselling on 1800 413 828, including help with grants, concession loans and bill relief.