FAQ: business lending & business loans for business owners
Business Loans Frequently Ask Questions
Information About The Cockatoo Small Business Loans
Tell me what you think of the Cockatoo Small Business Loans
Cockatoo unsecured loans provides amounts of between $5,000 and $100,000 with terms between 3 and 24 month and cash flow-friendly repayments that are either daily or weekly.
How is the Unsecured Loan different from a traditional company loan?
Apply to get this Small Business Loan in under 10 minutes over the phone, receive an immediate response, and the money could be on your account within 24 hours. Traditional business loans are based on an annual rate of interest as well as other fees and charges. Our business loan is a cash-based loan which means you be aware in advance of the total amount to be paid, including any fees, interest or charges. Then, it is divided into weekly or daily installment amount.
What could the Small Business Loan be used for?
A Small Business Loan can be used for almost any business use, including cash flow management, business renovations, marketing, to purchase inventory or new equipment, or as general working capital and so much more. The loan cannot be used for personal use.
About larger Cockatoo Business Loans
What is the Larger Cockatoo Business Loan?
The Larger Business Loan is a larger size loan to aid in business expansion opportunities. Loans range from $100,000 to $500,000 over a fixed term with a maximum of 36 months. The repayments are made weekly or fortnightly to work with the flow of cash.
How’s the Origination Fee calculated?
It is important to note that the Larger Business Loan has an Origination Fee that is calculated at 2.5% of the loan amount.
Can I get the Larger Business Loan?
To be eligible for a loan of this size, your company needs to be operating for a minimum of 3 years and have an annual turnover of $700,000. Your business must belong to a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident) with a minimum age of 18 years old as well as own a New Zealand company (with a valid NZBN/IRD) and be able of proving at minimum 12 months of continuous trading.
How can the funding be utilised?
A larger company loan can be used for almost every company purpose including business renovations, to purchase new equipment or inventory, as general working capital, and much more. The loan cannot be used for personal purposes.
Is the Larger Business Loan a secured loan?
Asset security is necessary for funding of more than $150,000. This is in the form of a charge against assets and can be registered in the PPSR or making a caveat.
A personal or director’s guarantee is a guarantee to pay back a loan that is general in nature rather than stating security over a particular asset. The person who signs the ensure is personally liable in the event that the business creditor is unable to make the repayment.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is a central, national online register operated by the New Zealand Government. It reflects security interests that are registered for personal property (including goods or assets). The PPSR gives priority over personal property to be granted according to the date a security interest has been registered.
A caveat is a legal document lodged to provide an official notice of a claim to property.
What is a pre-approval minus Credit Check?
If you’re requesting a Larger Business Loan that exceeds $250K we can offer an initial pre-approval to smooth out the process. We might be able to do this without credit checks and within 6 hours of the initial application. This pre-approval is based on a preliminary assessment which includes you answering some financial well-being checks. It is not an offer or guarantee of credit. Unconditional approval is subject to an exhaustive credit evaluation, and any offer that you are offered could be on different terms.
The application process
Are I eligible for funding?
You may apply for a business loan if you
- are a New Zealand Citizen (or Permanent Resident)
- are over 18 years, have a New Zealand business (with a valid NZBN/IRD)
- you must demonstrate at minimum 6 months’ worth of transactions (for for the unsecured loan $5K – $100K) or 3 years of continuous trading (for the Larger Business Loan $100K or $500K)
How do I apply?
The application process is simple and simple. Complete the online form in few minutes and an experienced business expert in lending will contact you to help you.
To apply for up to $100,000 you’ll require identification details (valid Driver’s Licence) along with an NZBN/IRD that is valid and at least 6 months’ worth of bank statements.
For larger loan sizes, you’ll need:
$100K to $250K: Information about the application including credit approval, 6-12 months of IRD statements, bank statements (if the loan is greater than $150K).
$250K to $500K: Application details including credit consent, 12 months of bank statements, IRD statement, last 2 years finalised financial statements, plus interim financial statements for the current year including Aged Payables, Aged Receivables summary.
How soon will I hear an answer?
For an unsecured loan ($5K or more) we can often offer an answer in just one hour, provided you make your application in standard business times and you allow us to utilise the bank verification system to instantly verify your bank’s information online. If you opt to upload copies of your bank statement, we’ll offer a decision in as little as 1 company day.
For Larger Business Loans ($100K or more) we may be able to offer the conditional pre-approval within 6 hours. Once you’ve signed the pre-approval, turnaround times are about 2-3 days for final approval, however this can be quicker based on the particular circumstances of each application. Some deals have been approved within the space of 24 hours.
The most efficient method for you to apply is make sure you apply during standard business hours. Also, allow us to use the advanced bank verification system to verify your bank information online. If you upload duplicates of your banking statements , it will take a little longer.
What is the time frame to receive the cash?
For the Small Business Loan ($5K up to $100,000) we typically provide a response in one hour – provided you make your application during normal business hours and let us use the advanced bank verification system link to instantly verify your bank information online. If you opt to upload copies of your banking statements we can provide the decision in as little as an business day.
For the Larger Business Loans ($100K to $500K) We may be able to provide you with a conditional pre-approval in around 6 hours. After you’ve signed the pre-approval, the turnaround time is around 2-3 days for final approval. However, this could be shorter based on the circumstances of each application. Some transactions have received approval in less than 24 hours.
The fastest method is to ensure you apply during standard business hours. You can also permit us to use the advance bank verification link to confirm your bank details online. If you send us copies of your bank statements it may take a bit longer.
How much can I borrow?
We offer loans that range from $5,000 and $500,000. When you submit an application for a certain amount, we look at a variety of variables that determine your health that is your business and the extent of payments your company can afford. The amount you receive from the loan will be determined by the specifics that are unique to your company.
If you apply for a certain amount, we will consider a number of factors to assess how much we can lend you such as health of the company and the extent of payments your company can afford. The total amount of your loan will be determined by the specific circumstances the company.
Fees & repayments
How much should you charge for a business loan?
When you make an application for the business financing, we’ll assess the risk profile for your business and provide you with a customised offer that includes the loan amount, the terms and the interest rates. The company loan is an upfront-priced loan therefore you will know in advance the total amount to be paid, including any costs, fees, or interest rates.
What determines the amount I will be charged?
The interest rates on business loans rates depend on a variety of factors such as the amount that is borrowed, the business assets the funds will be used for, the industry the company operates in, the long the business has been operating as well as how long the company has sufficient cash flow to support the loan, and the general health and creditworthiness of the company.
What are the cost?
There are no hidden fees for our business loans, and you’ll know exactly how much you be required to pay and when, starting from the very first day. There’s not any compounding interest and no additional fees (as as you make your payments punctually).
We do not charge an Application Fee. You can get a cash loan with absolutely no upfront cost and no the obligation to take action.
The Origination Fee is the cost associated with setting up and managing the loan. This is only a fee if you proceed with the loan. The Origination Fee for us is 2.5 percentage of the loan amount.
Can I pay off the loan early?
You can choose to repay the entire amount of the advance loan at any time.
If you are deciding to take this route, please talk to one of our helpful company loans specialists. They will provide you with details for repayment along with an early payout estimate. This is calculated as the sum of the principal remaining and accrued interest to the time of the early payout plus 1.5 percent of the principal remaining plus any outstanding fees.
How do repayments work?
To ensure you do not miss payments and to work your cash flow schedule, we provide repayments either weekly or daily. They will be automatically deducted from your nominated company account.
Security & privacy
Will my information be secure?
Protecting your information, and being transparent about how we collect the information we collect, use, share and secure your information, is of paramount importance and an integral aspect of our relationship with you.
Is it safe to link my bank account to the platform?
Yes. We use industry recognised encryption protocols to safeguard your sensitive, personal as well as financial data. Our funders are ISO 27001 certified for our dedication to customer security and privacy. We employ a highly sophisticated bank verification system that allows you to instantly verify the bank account details online to provide rapid response.
About business loans
What exactly is an asset-based loan (a secured loan)?
An asset-based loan is when the company owner utilises assets they own to obtain a loan. The asset could be an individual property, such as the family home, or it could be a company asset such as a truck or other piece of machinery.
The vast majority of lending institutions, including the major banks, prefer to make loans secured by assets. If you’re struggling to pay back the loan, then the asset might be taken over by the lender. In essence it is an opportunity to secure new financing using the value of what you already own.
Are I require security to get an business loan?
Up to $150K in loans no asset security is required before you can access the money However, we do need a personal guarantee. If you adhere to your loan obligations (as stipulated in your loan contract document) and you are able to meet your obligations, asset security is not needed. If you take out loans in excess of $150,000 typically, you will need the option of a personal ensure and security that is in the form a charge over assets.