Business Loans & Unsecured Financing in Australia

Access to finance is vital for the success, growth, and resilience of any business. Whether you’re looking to expand operations, invest in new equipment, or simply cover short-term cash flow gaps, securing the right business loan can make all the difference. At de Jonge Read, we help business owners across Australia navigate the complexities of business lending with clarity, strategy, and confidence.

This guide will walk you through the different types of business loans available in Australia, including unsecured lending options for sole traders and SMEs, how to determine your borrowing capacity, and how to respond to statutory demands or ATO debt.

Business loans come in many forms, and choosing the right one depends on your unique circumstances, goals, and risk appetite. Some of the most common options include:

• Secured business loans: Backed by collateral such as property or equipment. Often attract lower interest rates

• Unsecured business loans: Require no collateral but may have higher interest rates. Ideal for businesses without significant assets

• Lines of credit: Flexible access to a predetermined amount of capital

• Invoice financing: Advances against outstanding invoices to boost short-term cash flow

At de Jonge Read, we assess your business’s needs and help you choose the most appropriate funding option

 

Unsecured Business Loans: A Flexible Option

Unsecured loans are popular with startups and sole traders because they don’t require property or asset backing. These loans are typically:

• Quick to access, often within 24–72 hours

• Based on business turnover or projected revenue

• Short to medium term (typically 3–24 months)

They are well-suited to:

• Hiring staff or expanding operations

• Marketing campaigns or short-term investment

• Managing seasonal fluctuations

We work with a panel of lenders, including traditional banks and fintech providers, to find the best unsecured loan products for your business.

As a sole trader, securing funding can feel more difficult due to perceived risk. However, there are options tailored to you, including:

• Low-documentation loans

• Unsecured small business loans

• Personal loans used for business purposes (where appropriate)

We help sole traders present strong applications by improving financial documentation, clarifying repayment capacity, and engaging the right lender.

Your borrowing capacity depends on a number of factors, including:

• Business revenue and profit margins

• Existing debts and liabilities

• Cash flow stability

• Credit history (both personal and business)

Many lenders offer calculators to provide a basic estimate, but a financial review by de Jonge Read ensures your application is accurate and tailored.

To apply for a loan, most lenders will require:

• Business activity statements (BAS)

• Profit and loss statements

• A clear business purpose for the loan

• Identification and business registration details

Some alternative lenders may also consider future revenue projections and contracts. de Jonge Read assists with loan readiness, application preparation, and lender engagement.

Some businesses use loans, typically external loans (e.g., bank loans, unsecured loans), to settle tax debts with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). While this can provide temporary relief, it’s important to understand the broader implications. Relying on loans to cover ATO debts without addressing the underlying financial issues can lead to increased debt, higher interest rates, and the potential for further ATO enforcement action, such as garnishee notices or director penalties.

Alternatively, if your business receives a statutory demand from the ATO or another creditor, this is a serious legal notice that can trigger liquidation proceedings if unpaid.

de Jonge Read helps you:

• Respond promptly to statutory demands

• Understand your rights and obligations

• Avoid insolvency through proper restructuring or settlement

This depends on your business profile. Traditional banks tend to have stricter requirements but may offer lower rates. Non-bank lenders often approve loans more quickly, with less paperwork.

We match you with lenders most likely to approve your application and structure your loan request for success.

 

Our Business Loan Support Services

de Jonge Read provides end-to-end support in sourcing business finance:

• Assessing loan readiness

• Preparing documents and business cases

• Comparing lender products and interest rates

• Supporting negotiations and compliance

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, we help you access capital without the confusion or delays.

 

Let’s Get Your Business Funded

With expert advice and a tailored strategy, you can secure the finance your business needs to grow, adapt, or survive. de Jonge Read is your trusted partner in sourcing the right business loan, negotiating fair terms, and planning for success.

Need funding advice? Contact our team for a personalised loan assessment today.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Bank Gives Business Loans Easily?
Non-bank lenders and online lenders typically have faster approval processes and fewer documentation requirements. Traditional banks are more conservative but may offer better rates if your business has strong financials.

How Much Can I Borrow for a Business Loan?
This depends on your turnover, profit margins, liabilities, and credit history. Lenders may offer 50%–150% of your monthly revenue as a borrowing limit, subject to eligibility.

How to Get a Business Loan in Australia?
Prepare accurate financials, clarify your loan purpose, and submit an application to a lender that matches your profile. de Jonge Read can assist with application preparation and lender comparison.

Unsecured Business Loans for Sole Traders
These loans don’t require collateral and are ideal for sole traders without significant business assets. Approval is often based on cash flow and trading history.

Unsecured Business Loans Australia
Unsecured business loans are widely available across Australia through banks and alternative lenders. They’re suitable for growth, emergencies, or working capital needs.

Unsecured Business Loans ANZ
ANZ offers both secured and unsecured business lending options. Approval criteria include creditworthiness, trading history, and ability to repay.

ATO Statutory Demand
An ATO statutory demand is a formal request for payment. If unpaid, it can result in company wind-up proceedings. Immediate action is essential—seek advice promptly.