Questions people ask after being declined

It's business finance from lenders other than the major banks: private lenders, non-bank lenders, caveat lenders, and invoice, equipment and revenue-based financiers. They set their own policies, so they can often help where a bank's standard rules said no.

Pause before applying anywhere else. Ask the lender for the reason, check your free credit reports, and work out whether the issue is your credit, your tax position, your paperwork, your trading history or the security. Our Decline Decoder can help you narrow it down.

No. There's no credit check when you first enquire. We only discuss a credit check if you decide to go ahead with a specific option.

No. We don't spray enquiries around. A real person works out which route suits you and approaches only that lender, with your agreement.

Often, yes, case by case. Lenders who specialise in this look at what the listing is, whether it's paid, how long ago it happened and what security or trading supports the loan. A clear, honest explanation helps a lot.

In many cases. Some lenders will lend with a tax debt in place, particularly if you're on a payment plan, and property-secured loans can be used to clear the debt altogether.

Once you're discharged, yes, it's possible, particularly with property security. While you're still bankrupt, borrowing is restricted and you'd need to speak to your trustee first.

A current or completed debt agreement doesn't automatically rule you out. Some lenders will consider it, especially once it's finished or when there's strong security.

Possibly. Property-secured lenders can help a business with very little history. Some cash-flow lenders will look at you after around six months of steady trading in your business account.

Not always. Low doc and bank statement lenders work from other evidence, such as BAS, accountant's letters and account history. Getting lodgements under way still helps.

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

No. In alternative lending every loan is priced on the security, the business and the risk. Anyone quoting a headline rate before they know your story is guessing. We explain the full cost in dollars before you commit.

Often. A private second mortgage sits behind your existing home or property loan and borrows against the remaining equity, without refinancing the first loan.

A short-term loan where the lender lodges a caveat on the title of a property you own, rather than a full registered mortgage. It suits urgent or bridging needs where there's a clear way to repay.

No. Everything we arrange is for business purposes only.

Just the 60-second enquiry. If we can help, we'll then ask for things like ID, business bank statements and details of any property. Please answer the form accurately; it helps us match you properly first time.

Our office is at 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone VIC 3148, and we help business owners right across Australia.