Business Loans
in Australia
Looking for business loans Australia wide? Dark Horse Financial is a licensed business loan broker with access to a panel of 100+ bank and non-bank lenders, not a single financial institution. Rather than being tied to one lender's credit policy, we compare unsecured, secured and asset-backed options across the market to match the right facility to your business. One application, multiple lenders, and a clear path to funding.
Quick Enquiry
Get a free, obligation-free assessment. Usually responds within 2 hours.
How to Apply for Business Loans
Four straightforward steps from enquiry to funds in your account.
Contact Our Team
Submit a quick enquiry or call us directly. We'll ask a few questions to understand your business and shortlist the right lenders.
Contact Us →Submit Your Application
Provide your business details and documents. We match your profile to lenders offering the loan type that fits: secured, unsecured or asset-backed.
Start Application →Sign Electronically
Review your offer and sign documentation online, with no branch visits and no chasing paperwork.
Sign Documents →Access Your Funds
Once approved, funds are released to your business account, often within 24–48 hours of a complete application.
Get Funded →Rated by Our Clients on Google
How Do Business Loans Work?
A business loan provides a lump sum of funding, repaid over an agreed term with regular instalments. As a business loan broker, Dark Horse Financial compares business loans from banks, non-bank lenders, and private financiers, so you're not limited to one lender's criteria. Loans can be secured against property or assets, or arranged unsecured based on your trading history and cashflow.
Lump sum funding
Receive the full approved amount upfront, rather than drawing down as needed.
Fixed or variable terms
Repay over an agreed term, from a few months to several years, depending on the lender and loan type.
Secured or unsecured
Use property or business assets as security for a lower rate, or borrow unsecured based on revenue and trading history.
A business loan differs from a revolving facility such as a business line of credit, where you draw and redraw funds as needed rather than receiving one fixed payout.
Common Uses for Business Loans
A business loan is best suited to funding a specific, upfront cost rather than day-to-day cashflow gaps. Here's where it typically earns its place.
Purchasing equipment, vehicles or machinery outright
Expanding into new premises or renovating existing ones
Hiring and onboarding new staff ahead of growth
Refinancing existing business debt onto better terms
Funding a marketing push or new product launch
Covering a large one-off expense, such as stock for a major contract
Bridging the gap between signing a new contract and receiving payment
Consolidating multiple smaller debts into a single repayment
Business Loan Products We Arrange
Dark Horse Financial brokers a full range of business loan structures. Explore each product below for the full detail.
Unsecured Business Loans
Fast finance approved on your trading history and cashflow, without needing property as security. Ideal for businesses that want funding without tying up assets.
Learn More →Business Lines of Credit
A revolving facility you draw, repay and redraw as needed, paying interest only on funds you've actually used, not a lump sum loan.
Learn More →Secured Business Loans
Larger loan amounts and lower rates by offering property or business assets as security, typically suited to bigger funding needs.
Learn More →Asset Based Loans
Borrow against property, equipment, vehicles or receivables you already own, unlocking funding secured by assets rather than cash flow alone.
Learn More →Equipment Finance
Chattel mortgages, hire purchase and leasing options tailored to the specific equipment your business needs to buy.
Learn More →Private Lending
Fast, flexible funding from private financiers when speed matters more than the lowest rate, often secured against property.
Learn More →Need funds tied to unpaid invoices instead? Explore working capital financing, invoice finance, or a short-term caveat loan secured against property.
Is My Business Eligible for a Business Loan?
Lending criteria vary by lender, but most applications are assessed against a similar set of factors:
- Your business is registered and actively trading in Australia
- You hold an ABN and, in most cases, are GST registered
- You can show a minimum trading period, typically 6–12 months, though this varies by lender
- Your business generates regular revenue, evidenced through bank statements or accounting software
- Your business and personal credit history will be considered, though options exist for less-than-perfect credit
- You can provide security if applying for a secured loan, or meet cashflow criteria for an unsecured loan
Business Loan Rates and Fees
The cost of a business loan depends on how it's structured, not a single headline rate. Several factors determine what you'll actually pay.
- Whether the loan is secured or unsecured
- Your time in business and trading history
- Monthly revenue and cashflow consistency
- Your business and personal credit profile
- The loan term and repayment frequency
- Whether the lender charges establishment or ongoing fees
Compare Your Costs
See how different loan structures affect your repayments before you apply.
Compare Costs →Business Loan Success Stories
Bridging a Retention Cash Flow Gap for a Construction Business
Challenge: A commercial construction business had significant funds tied up in retention on completed work and needed $250,000 in working capital to take on its next phase of contracted projects.
Solution: Dark Horse arranged a $250,000 unsecured term loan over a 5 year term, with no security required and approval within 48 hours. The facility also included flexible early repayment terms, so if the client repaid early once funds came through, they'd only owe the next fortnight's scheduled interest, with the remainder forgiven.
Outcome: The business accessed the working capital it needed without waiting on retention releases or turning to costlier progress claims finance, while keeping the option to cut its interest costs if it repaid ahead of schedule.
Why Choose Dark Horse Financial?
Broad Lender Access
Broker access to 100+ lenders, bank and non-bank, so you're not limited to one credit policy.
Broker, Not a Lender
We compare business loans across our panel instead of offering just one product, so you see more of the market.
Fast Turnaround
Approvals typically within 24–48 hours, so funding doesn't hold up your plans.
Established & Proven
Trusted by Australian businesses since 2013.
Specialist Expertise
Led by a working capital specialist with nearly 15 years' experience and industry recognition in SME business lending.
No-Obligation Assessment
A free initial assessment, with no obligation to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business loans in Australia, answered directly.