Questions, answered in plain English

No. There's no credit check when you first enquire. A credit check is only discussed once you've heard your options and decided to go ahead.

No. A real person reads your enquiry and matches your situation carefully. We don't spray your details across a list of lenders hoping one bites.

About 60 seconds. You'll be asked for the amount, purpose, your state and a few questions about your business and any property.

A lending specialist, who'll call you to talk through your situation. Keep your phone handy, as the call may come from a number you don't recognise.

Because the amount, purpose, state and property details decide which options fit. Accurate answers let us match you properly on the first call instead of starting again.

Property-secured options run from $20,000 to $5,000,000. Unsecured, cash-flow and line-of-credit options for trading businesses are typically $5,000 to $500,000, sized on turnover and bank statements.

No. Many trading businesses borrow unsecured. Property helps with larger amounts, longer terms and situations where credit history or an ATO debt needs to be looked past.

Often, yes. Bad credit is considered case by case. The age of the problem, whether it's resolved and whether there's property security all matter.

Yes, ATO debt is considered case by case. It's also worth checking whether an ATO payment plan suits; the ATO says debts of $200,000 or less can often be set up online.

It's harder without trading history, but possible. Property-secured lending and asset finance are the most common paths for new ventures.

Because every business loan is priced on the business's own circumstances. A published rate would only be a guess, so we talk through what your situation could realistically support.

It depends on the product. Common items include establishment fees and, for property-secured loans, valuation and legal costs. Always compare the total cost of finance over the full term.

Many loans allow it, but some charge early repayment or break costs. Check the terms before you sign, especially for short-term and property-secured loans.

Yes. Everything we arrange is for business purposes, such as working capital, equipment, stock, tax obligations, fitouts, premises or buying a business.

Most loans start with photo ID, your ABN and six months of business bank statements. Larger amounts may add BAS and financial statements; property-secured loans add property details and a valuation.

It depends on the loan type and how ready your documents are. Unsecured loans with clean statements usually move fastest; property-secured loans add a valuation and legal steps.

Not always. Many unsecured options lean mainly on bank statements, and property-secured lenders focus on the property and the exit plan.

123 Business Finance is based at 412 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004, and helps businesses right across Australia. Call us on 03 9072 0200.