Business Finance

Many new businesses will exhaust the internal financial resources which are used during the start-up phase, and will eventually seek additional capital to continue growing.

It takes money to make money, and every small business needs money to get started, to operate, and to expand and grow. Many new businesses will exhaust the internal financial resources, which are used during the start-up phase, and will eventually seek additional capital to continue growing.

Why does your business need finance?

It is important to clearly identify the purpose of the funds. Business finance is generally used to acquire assets which are employed to help the business achieve its profit-making objectives, such as:

• to purchase capital items (fixed assets) e.g., plant, equipment, land or buildings, motor vehicles;
• to increase holdings of trading stock and supplies;
• to fund research and development;
• to expand distribution or develop new markets.

Types of Finance

There are two main types of finance available to small business:

Debt Finance

The majority of small businesses in Australia use debt finance, by borrowing from banks or other financial institutions. Debt finance is provided subject to specific terms and conditions for repayment (eg, overdraft or bank loan). The lender (e.g., bank) will evaluate the risks of a business and seek security (collateral) to cover the risk of default. The borrower repays principal and interest.

Equity Finance

An investor provides funds in exchange for a "share" in your business. Equity investors provide total risk capital, and have no security to call upon if the business does not perform as expected. Equity finance may be sourced through a joint venture, venture capital funds (such as the Australian Stock Exchange's new Enterprise Market), or private investors commonly known as "Business Angels". The equity investment process is more complex and time-consuming than the process involved in raising debt finance.

Applying for Finance

Bank overdrafts and loans (debt finance) are the most important source of funds for small business. When seeking finance, it is usually necessary to make a formal application to the financial institution.

Because the bank (lender) can only make decisions based on the information you supply, you should try to give them as much detail as possible on all matters relating to your business venture. Remember that banks do credit reference checks, so there is no point in withholding information.

What does the bank look for?

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have a plan, and that they manage their finances and cashflow carefully. The real issue is giving the bank confidence in your ability to repay the debt.

You need to convince the bank that your proposition is practical and that your business will be able to service all borrowings. The lender will have to be confident that you have the skills and ability to manage your business in order to repay the loan and interest.

A well-researched and well-presented application is critical. Be prepared to seek and accept independent, professional advice from your accountant.

Banks look at several factors when assessing a business loan application:

• How much money you are seeking and why is the loan required ? (Be careful not to under-estimate the amount you want to borrow)
• Have you considered any other options (such as reducing costs, tougher debtor terms, capital injections from partner/s) ?
• Do you have a clear business strategy (a business plan) ?
• Is there a clear plan to service and repay the debt from cash flow ? (The bank will want to see financial records and/or estimates)
• Does your business have good cash flow management ?
• Is there a good track record of success ?
• How much can you contribute and what security can you offer ?
• Have you sought professional advice from your accountant ?

Reasons why a bank will reject a finance application:

Rejection of a loan application predominantly revolves around the bank not having full confidence in your ability to repay it.

Other reasons why an application might be rejected include lack of collateral (especially if cashflow is not adequate), inadequate information and unacceptable operating risks.

Some tips:

Talk to the bank as early as possible when you are considering borrowing money.

Remember that it is not a pre-requisite to have borrowed money before. Many people think that a bank will only lend money if you can show a prior repayment history. However, banks are in the business of lending money, so the real issue is giving your bank confidence in your ability to repay the debt.

Department of Business and Employment
Development House	Tel: +61 8 89821700
76 The Esplanade, Darwin	Fax: +61 8 89821725
NT 0800 AUSTRALIA	Toll Free: 1800 193 111 (within Australia)
GPO Box 3200, DARWIN NT 0801	Email: info.dberd@nt.gov.au

The material contained in this publication is intended for use as a guide and for general information only. It is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional advice. The Department of Business and Employment of the Northern Territory Government accepts no responsibility or liability for the correctness, accuracy and completeness of any of the material contained in this publication and recommends that users of this publication exercise their own skill, care and judgement in the application of the information contained in the publication.