FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
Information About The Ascot Small Business Loans
Tell me how you are able to avail the Ascot Small Business Loans
Ascot unsecured loans offers amounts of between $5,000 and $100,000, with terms ranging from 3 and 24 month and cash flow friendly repayments that are either per day or weekly.
How is how is the Unsecured Loan different from the traditional business loan?
It is possible to apply for this Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes on the internet or over the phone, receive a same day response and the money could be in your account in 24 hours. Traditional company loans refer to an annual rate of interest plus other fees and charges. The company loan is a pre-paid loan and you’ll know in advance the total amount due, which includes any interest, fees or charges. Then, it is broken down into weekly or daily amount to be paid back.
What could the Small Business Loan be used for?
The Small Business Loan can be used to fulfill almost any business reason, such as the management of cash flow, business improvements, advertising to purchase inventory, new equipment, for general working capital and so much more. The loan is not available for personal use.
About larger Ascot Business Loans
What is the Larger Ascot Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger loan size to support company expansion opportunities. Loans are between $100,000 and $500,000 over a fixed term with a maximum of 36 months. Repayments are either weekly or fortnightly to work with your situation.
How is the Origination Fee determined?
A Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee, which is determined at 2.5% of the loan amount.
Can I get the Larger Business Loan?
In order to be eligible for a loan in this amount the company needs to have been operating for a minimum of 3 years, and have an annual income of at least $700K. 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 demonstrate at minimum 12 months of business.
How can the funds be used for?
A Business Loan of a larger size can be used to fund almost any company reason, such as company improvements, purchasing inventory or new equipment, as general working capital and much more. The loan cannot be used to fund personal expenses.
Is the Larger Business Loan one that requires security?
Asset security is necessary for accessing funds over $150,000. It is usually by taking a charge on assets and can include registering this in the PPSR or registering as a caveat.
A personal or director’s guarantee is a commitment to repay credit that is general in nature, rather than stipulating security over a particular asset. The person who is signing the guarantee is personally accountable if the business creditor is unable to re-pay the debt.
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 goods or assets). The PPSR permits priority over personal property to be assigned according to the date a security interest was registered.
An affidavit is an official form of document to provide notice of a legal claim to property.
What is a pre-approval without Credit Check?
If you’re applying for the Larger Business Loan of more than $250,000 it is possible to offer an initial pre-approval that will help ease the process. It is possible to apply for this without a credit check, and within six hours of your initial application. The pre-approval is based upon an initial assessment, which involves answering a couple of financial health questions. This is in no way an offer, nor is it a guarantee of funds. Unconditional approval is subject to a full credit assessment and any offer you might receive could have different terms.
Application process
Are I eligible for funding?
You may apply for an company loan if you
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are 18 years or older, have a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- must show at least six months of business (for a unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or three years of trade (for the Larger Business Loan $100K up to $500K)
How do I apply?
The process for applying is fast and simple. Simply complete the online form in few minutes and an experienced business credit specialist will contact you to guide you.
To be eligible for up to $100,000, you’ll need the right identification documents (valid Driver’s Licence) along with an NZBN/IRD that is valid and at least six months of bank statements.
If you’re looking for loans with larger sizes, you’ll need:
$100K-$250K: Details of application, including credit approval, 6-12 months of bank statements, IRD statement (if you have a loan of more than $150K).
$250K – $500K: Details for application including credit consent, 12 months of bank statements, IRD statement and the last two years’ finalised financial statements, in addition to interim current financial year financials as well as Aged Payables and Receivables summary.
What speed will I be able to get a decision?
For an unsecured loan ($5K or more) we can often provide a response in one hour – as long as you submit your request at standard business times and permit us to make use of the advanced bank verification system to instantly verify your bank information online. If you opt to upload copies of your banking statements we can offer an answer within one business day.
For the Larger Business Loan ($100K to $500K) we might be able to offer the conditional pre-approval within 6 hours. Once you’ve signed the pre-approval document, you will need to wait between 2 and 3 days for the final approval. However, this can be quicker based on the circumstances of each application. Some deals have been approved in less than 24 hours.
The most effective method is to ensure you apply during normal business hours and let us use the modern bank verification link to verify your bank account information online. If you choose to send us documents from your account statements it will take a little longer.
How soon will I receive the funds?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K to $100K) We can usually offer an answer within one hour – provided you submit your request within standard business times and let us use the advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you want to upload copies of your bank statements, we’ll be able to offer a decision within 1 business day.
For the Larger Business Loans ($100K and up) we may be likely to provide the conditional pre-approval within 6 hours. After you’ve signed the pre-approval form, it will take around 2-3 days for final approval. However, it could be faster based on the circumstances of each application. Some deals have been approved within just 24 hours.
The fastest method 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 opt to upload copies of your bank statement, it takes a bit longer.
How much can I borrow?
We provide loan amounts between $5,000 and $500,000. If you apply for a certain amount, we take into consideration a range of factors to determine your well-being for your business and the amount of repayments your business can support. The amount you receive from your loan will depend on the particular circumstances the company.
When you make an application for a certain amount, we consider a variety of elements to determine how much we can lend you such as health for your business and the extent of repayments your business can afford. The total amount of your loan will depend on the particular circumstances that are unique to your business.
Fees & repayments
How much do you charge for an business loan?
When you apply for the company loan, we will assess the risk profile the business and provide you with a customised offer, including the amount of loan, the term and the interest rates. A company loan is a loan that is priced upfront so you will know the exact amount you will have to pay, including interest rates, fees or charges.
What determines the rate that I will be charged?
The interest rates on business loans rates differ based on various variables like the amount to be of money borrowed, the business assets the funds are used to purchase as well as the field the business is operating in, how long the business is in operation for, what percentage of the company has enough cash flow to support the loan, and general health or creditworthiness of the company.
What are the costs?
There are no hidden fees with our business loans, and you’ll know exactly how much it is that you be required to pay and when, from day one. There’s no compounding interest, and no extra fees (as long as you make your payments in time).
We do not charge an Application Fee. You are able to apply for a loan with no cost upfront or commitment to apply.
The Origination Fee includes the expenses associated with the setting up and management of the loan. This is only a fee if you proceed with the loan. Our Origination Fee is 2.5 percent of the loan amount.
Do I have the option of paying off the loan early?
You can choose to repay the entire amount of the loan in full at any time.
If you do decide to take this route, please call our helpful company credit professionals. We will offer you with details on repayment and an early payment figure. This is calculated as the total of the principal amount remaining and the accrued interest up to the time of early payment plus 1.5% of the principal balance as well as any outstanding fees.
How do repayments work?
To make sure you do not miss payment dates and to align with your cash flow general, we provide payments that are either weekly or daily. These are automatically withdrawn from your designated business account.
Security & privacy
Will my information be protected?
Security of your data, and knowing the ways we gather, use, exchange and secure your information, is of paramount importance and an integral part 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 sensitive, personal as well as financial data. Our funders are ISO 27001 certified for our commitment to protecting the security of clients and privacy. We employ a highly sophisticated bank verification system to instantly verify the bank account details online, allowing us to offer an immediate response.
About business loans
What’s an asset-based borrow (a secured loan)?
The term "asset-based" refers to borrowing where an company owner uses an asset they own to obtain the funds for a loan. The asset could be an individual asset, such as the family home or it could be a company property like a truck or piece or equipment.
The majority of the lenders even the banks with the biggest size, prefer to make loans secured by an asset. If you’re struggling to pay back the loan, then your assets could be transferred to the lender. In essence it is an opportunity to secure new funding making use of the value of what you already have.
Do I need security to get an company loan?
For loans up to $150,000 it is not necessary to secure assets in advance to gain access to the funds, however we do need an individual guarantee. So long as you comply with the loan terms (as specified in your loan contract document) and you are able to meet your obligations, asset security is not needed. For loans of over $150,000 generally there is personal ensure and security in the form a charge over assets.