25 straight answers
Questions? Good. Here are the answers.
Business Loanz helps NZ businesses find unsecured funding (usually from six months' trading) or property-secured loans from $20,000 to $1m. Below is everything people ask us most — grouped so you can jump to what matters.
The basics
What is Business Loanz?
Business Loanz is a New Zealand business-funding service for younger founders and modern businesses. We connect businesses with funding options from our lending partners — unsecured loans and lines of credit, and property-secured business loans.
Are you a bank?
No. We're not a bank. We work with lending partners to find funding that suits your business.
Who can apply?
Sole traders, companies, partnerships and trusts operating a business in New Zealand. Funding is for business purposes only — not personal or consumer lending.
What kinds of businesses do you help?
All sorts, but especially newer and younger businesses: e-commerce and Shopify stores, marketplace sellers, creators and agencies, SaaS and tech startups, new cafés and food trucks, trades, first-time business owners and side hustles going full time.
Do you lend across New Zealand?
Yes. We're based in Christchurch and work with businesses nationwide — Auckland to Invercargill — by phone and online.
Eligibility
How long do I need to have been trading?
For unsecured funding and lines of credit, usually around six months. For property-secured loans, there's no minimum trading period because the loan relies mainly on the security.
Can a brand-new business get a loan?
Yes, usually with a property-secured loan of $20,000 to $1m against NZ property you or a supporting party own. See our startup loans page.
I don't own property. What are my options?
If you've traded about six months or more, unsecured options sized to your turnover may suit. If you're newer, a supporting party such as a parent may be able to offer their property as security — or you can build a few more months of trading history first.
Can I get funding with bad credit?
Possibly. Weaker credit is considered for unsecured options, and for property-secured loans bad credit, defaults and arrears are considered case by case. Being upfront helps.
Do I need financial statements or tax returns?
Not for the initial assessment of a property-secured loan. Unsecured options are mainly assessed from your business bank statements.
I owe money to IRD. Can I still borrow?
Often, yes. IRD debt is considered case by case, and a property-secured loan can be used to refinance or pay out IRD debt.
Loans and amounts
How much can I borrow?
Property-secured loans range from $20,000 to $1m. Unsecured loans and lines of credit are sized to your turnover and bank statements, so the amount depends on your business.
What's the difference between a loan and a line of credit?
A loan is a lump sum repaid over an agreed period. A line of credit is a limit you draw from and repay as needed. Our guide on lines of credit vs lump-sum loans explains when each fits.
Can I use my home as security if it already has a mortgage?
Yes. A property-secured business loan can sit as a second mortgage behind your existing home loan, as long as there's enough equity.
What types of property can be used?
New Zealand homes, rental and investment properties, commercial property and land — owned by you or a supporting party.
What can I use the money for?
Any genuine business purpose: stock, imports, marketing, equipment, fit-outs, hiring, a second location, software, working capital, or paying GST and income tax.
How long are the loans?
Loans are generally short to medium term, structured to suit the purpose and your repayment plan. Your lending specialist will explain the options for your situation.
Cost, speed and credit
What interest rate will I pay?
Every loan is priced on your individual circumstances — trading history, security, amount, purpose and credit. We don't publish generic rates because they wouldn't reflect your situation; we look for the sharpest option available for it.
How fast can I get funded?
Some unsecured decisions come back the same day. For property-secured loans, funding can be possible within 24 hours of approval in some cases.
Does enquiring affect my credit score?
No. The enquiry takes about 60 seconds and doesn't affect your credit score.
Is there a cost to enquire?
No. Enquiring is free and there's no obligation to proceed.
Will a lender do a credit check?
If you decide to make a formal application, the lender may run a credit check with your consent. Not before.
Process
What happens after I enquire?
A lending specialist calls you back to understand your business and what you need, then talks you through the realistic options. See how it works.
What documents will I need?
For unsecured options, usually around six months of business bank statements plus ID and business details. For property-secured loans, property details, what's owing on it, the purpose of the funds and ID.
Can I talk to someone before I enquire?
Yes — call us on 03 667 4222.
Didn't see your question?
Ask it directly. Send a 60-second enquiry or call 03 667 4222 — a real person will help.