Small business loans in Australia
A small business loan in Australia is finance sized for the everyday needs of a small operator: covering a slow month, buying stock, hiring, or funding a piece of equipment. The main choices are a term loan (a lump sum repaid over a fixed period), a line of credit (a revolving limit you draw as needed), or equipment finance tied to a specific asset. Which one fits depends on whether your need is one-off or ongoing.
The main types, briefly
Most small business borrowing falls into a few clear buckets. Matching the product to the need is half the battle.
- Term loan: a lump sum for a defined purpose, repaid over months or years
- Line of credit: a revolving limit for lumpy or seasonal cash flow
- Equipment finance: tied to the vehicle or machine you're buying
- Invoice finance: borrowing against unpaid invoices
What lenders look for
Small business lending leans on the health of the business now, not just a credit score. Time trading, consistent revenue, and a clean-enough credit file do most of the work.
The lenders on our panel
| Lender | Advertised rate from | Loan size | Typical speed | Products | Industry code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lumi | Quote-based | $5,000 – $1,000,000 | Same business day | Term loan, Line of credit | AFIA Code signatory |
 Moula | From 15.99% p.a. | $10,000 – $500,000 | Next business day | Term loan | AFIA Code signatory |
 Prospa | Quote-based | $5,000 – $500,000 | Funds within an hour of signing | Term loan, Line of credit | AFIA Code signatory |
Terms as at July 2026, from each lender's own site. “Quote-based” means the lender prices each loan individually (Lumi quotes a total repayment; Prospa uses simple interest) rather than publishing a headline rate. Figures are indicative, not a quote; your rate depends on the lender's assessment. Verify current terms with the lender.
Refer Labs may be paid a commission by a lender if your loan settles. This never changes what you pay, and we are not paid to rank one lender above another. How we make money.
Check your options in about a minute
Tell us what you need. A person reviews every enquiry and introduces you to the lenders that fit. No documents to upload.
Common questions
- How much can a small business borrow?
- It scales with revenue. Advertised limits on our panel span from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand, but your offer reflects your turnover and history, not the maximum on the page.
- What's the minimum time in business?
- It varies by lender. Many want at least six months of trading with steady revenue, though the exact bar differs. Tell us your situation and we'll point you to lenders whose minimums you meet.
- Term loan or line of credit?
- A term loan suits a one-off, known cost. A line of credit suits recurring or unpredictable gaps because you only pay for what you draw. Some businesses use both.