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Business finance guides and tools
Plain-English guides and calculators to help you size up a deal before you talk to a lender. For a real answer matched to your business, Finstead arranges finance from our lender panel.
Business finance guides
Plain-English answers on brokers, secured vs unsecured loans, ATO debt, documents and more.
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All of Finstead's finance tools in one place.
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Estimate monthly repayments, total interest and total repayable on a loan.
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Popular business finance questions
Each guide answers one question directly, then explains the detail: how lenders assess the deal, what it costs and the options available.
Business loan to expand: how to choose the right funding and get approved
Match the funding to what you are expanding, know how lenders assess growth finance, and prepare a file that gets considered. A practical guide for Australian business owners.
Small business restructuring: how it works and how it differs from voluntary administration
Small business restructuring lets eligible companies with up to $1 million of liabilities propose a plan to creditors while directors stay in control. How it works, who qualifies and how it differs from voluntary administration.
ATO payment plan or refinance? How to compare the real cost
An ATO payment plan keeps charging 11.51% interest and it is not deductible. A lender facility has its own rate and fees. How to compare the two on cost, risk and cash flow.
ATO debt in 2026: what it costs, what the ATO can do and your options
The ATO charges 11.51% a year on tax debt and it is no longer deductible. What it costs, what the ATO can do, and your options. Sourced from the ATO.
What is a commercial finance broker and how do they get paid?
A commercial finance broker arranges business finance from multiple lenders on your behalf. How brokers work, how they are paid and when to use one.
Secured vs unsecured business loans: what is the difference?
Secured business loans are backed by an asset. Unsecured loans rely on cash flow. How they differ on amount, cost, speed and risk, and how to choose.
How do you refinance ATO debt?
Refinancing ATO debt means replacing it with a commercial facility from a lender. How it works, what lenders look at and the alternatives to consider.
What documents do you need for a business loan in Australia?
The documents lenders typically ask for on a business loan: ID, financials, tax returns, BAS, bank statements and security details. A practical checklist.
Invoice finance vs a working capital loan: which suits your business?
Invoice finance releases cash tied up in unpaid invoices. A working capital loan provides a lump sum. How they differ and which suits your cash flow.
What should you do if a bank declines your business loan?
A bank decline is one lender's view, not the market's. Why business loans get declined, how to find out why and the options for getting funded.
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