Questions main-street owners ask us

No. There's no credit check when you first enquire. We only talk about a credit check once you've chosen to go ahead with a particular option.

No. Your enquiry stays with one team, who work out where your business genuinely fits. We don't sell or broadcast enquiries.

A person who works with main-street businesses reads your enquiry and phones you, usually within business hours on the same or next working day. The call may come from a number you don't recognise.

Because the amount, purpose, region, trading history and whether you own property decide which option fits. Accurate answers mean the first option we raise is the right one, rather than wasting your time.

Fit-outs and refurbishments, a lease bond or security deposit, seasonal stock, staff costs ahead of a busy season, kitchen and salon equipment, buying an existing café or shop, taking on the tenancy next door, GST and provisional tax bills, and recovering after a disruption such as roadworks or a weather event. Lending is for business purposes only.

Property-secured business loans run from $20,000 to $5,000,000. Unsecured, cash-flow based options for trading businesses are typically $5,000 to $500,000, sized on turnover and bank statements. What's sensible for you depends on the business and its cash flow.

Often, yes. Trading businesses with steady takings through the bank can look at unsecured options. Larger amounts, or businesses with a short history, usually suit property-secured borrowing better.

Yes. Funding the purchase of an existing business — including stock at valuation and a refresh after settlement — is common. See our page on buying a café or shop for what lenders want to see.

It's harder without trading history. A brand-new business usually needs property security or a strong track record from a previous business. Tell us your situation and we'll be honest about what's realistic.

Past credit problems and IRD debt are considered case by case. What matters most is what happened, whether it's been dealt with and how the business is trading now. Be upfront on the form — it helps.

Yes. Some owners use funding to clear GST or provisional tax arrears, and some lenders will work with an existing IRD instalment arrangement. We'll talk through which route makes sense.

No — it's normal on the main street. Twelve months of bank statements show lenders the pattern, and the cash gap estimator can help you see when the tight months are.

Smaller unsecured amounts can sometimes come together quickly. Property-secured loans need a valuation and legal work, so allow more time. We'll give you a realistic timeline once we understand the request.

Because there isn't one price. Every facility is priced on the business, the security, the amount and the term. A headline rate would mislead more people than it helped. You'll see the full costs before you sign anything.

Usually recent business bank statements, photo ID and your NZBN or company number. For property-secured loans, property details and any existing mortgage statements. Larger requests may need financial statements or a cash-flow forecast.

Funding Square helps businesses find and arrange suitable business finance. We'll always tell you who the lender is before you commit to anything.