What Are Private Business Loans and When Should Australian Businesses Consider Them?

Business moves fast, but traditional lenders often don’t. Whether you’re managing cash flow gaps, pursuing an acquisition, or refinancing existing debt, accessing capital quickly can be the difference between seizing an opportunity and missing out entirely.

That’s where private business loans come in. Flexible, fast, and tailored to your unique needs, they offer an alternative to the rigid criteria and slow response times of the major banks.

In this article, we’ll explore exactly what private business loans are, who they suit, how they work, and when they can be the right move for your business. We’ve also included a real-world scenario that shows how this type of lending can be a strategic financial solution.

What Is a Private Business Loan?

A private business loan is funding provided by a non-bank lender or private funder rather than a traditional financial institution. These loans are often used by businesses that:

• Require urgent access to capital

• Don’t meet a bank’s strict credit or documentation requirements

• Need a more flexible loan structure

• Have an asset-rich position but limited cash flow

Private lenders assess risk differently from banks. They focus more on the commercial viability of the loan, the security offered, and the exit strategy rather than just historical financial performance.

Key Features of Private Business Loans

Feature	Details
Loan Amounts	Typically from $50,000 to $20 million+
Loan Terms	Usually 3 to 12 months
Security	Secured (often by real estate, business assets or invoices)
Approval Time	Often within 24 to 72 hours
Interest Rates	Varies based on risk, generally higher than banks
Repayment Options	Interest-only paid monthly or capitalised interest.

Real Scenario: Business Sale and Bridging Refinance

A recent case handled by Innovate Funding illustrates the value of private lending in a time-critical scenario.

The Situation:

A manufacturing business in Brisbane was being sold. The business operated from a property owned by the same directors, but the property was not included in the business sale. The directors wanted to retain the property, lease it to the new owner, and continue earning rental income post-sale.

However, the business had an existing loan secured against the property. To finalise the business sale, that loan needed to be refinanced quickly.

The Challenge:

The directors approached their bank for a refinance. Despite having substantial equity in the property and a sound lease agreement in place, the bank's process was slow. Documentation delays and internal requirements meant settlement would not occur in time, jeopardising the business sale.

The Solution:

Innovate Funding arranged a two-month bridging facility. We provided:

• Fast approval and settlement within five business days

• A short-term loan secured against the property

• A clear exit strategy through refinance after the lease commenced

Following the sale, we arranged a low-rate refinance into a longer-term commercial facility. This allowed the directors to retain ownership of the property and earn income from the lease without delaying the sale.

When Does a Private Business Loan Make Sense?

While not a fit for every scenario, private business loans can be ideal in the following situations:

You’ve Been Declined or Delayed by the Bank

Even profitable businesses can face bank declines due to inconsistent cash flow, tax debt, or documentation issues.

Time-Critical Transactions

Whether it's seizing a business acquisition, bridging a settlement, or funding a large order, private lenders can move quickly where banks can’t.

Property-Backed Lending

If your business owns property, you may unlock capital without waiting for lengthy bank assessments.

Cash Flow Gaps

Seasonal businesses, long invoice cycles, or project-based contracts can create cash flow stress. Private loans can help bridge those periods.

Pros and Cons of Private Business Loans

Pros

• Fast approvals and settlements

• Flexible lending criteria

• Custom repayment structures

• Minimal documentation requirements

Cons

• Higher interest rates than traditional lenders

• Shorter loan terms

• A clear exit strategy is essential

How Private Lenders Assess Applications

Private lenders are not restricted by the same regulations as banks. Their decision-making is commercially focused.

Key considerations include:

• Asset security: What’s being offered as collateral?

• Exit strategy: How will the loan be repaid?

• LVR (Loan-to-Value Ratio): Typically up to 70 to 75%

• Purpose of funds: Is there a solid commercial reason for the loan?

Choosing the Right Private Lender

When selecting a private lender, consider the following:

Experience

Do they understand your industry or funding requirement?

Transparency

Do they clearly outline fees, terms, and rates?

Speed and Service

Can they meet your timeline and handle complex transactions?

Broker Support

Working with a broker like Innovate Funding provides access to trusted lenders and properly structured deals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are private business loans legal in Australia?

Yes. Private lending is a legal and regulated part of commercial finance. However, it is not covered by the National Consumer Credit Protection Act, so choosing a reputable lender is critical.

Do I need real estate to get a private business loan?

Not always, but property security helps achieve better terms. Some lenders offer invoice financing, equipment finance, or cash flow loans.

How fast can a private loan be approved?

Some approvals happen in 24 hours with settlement in three to five days, depending on documentation and security.

Can I repay a private loan early?

Some loans allow early repayment without penalty, but this varies. Check the loan agreement for details.

What types of businesses use private lending?

Common industries include property development, construction, wholesale, manufacturing, transport, and professional services.

Final Thoughts

Private business loans provide a fast, flexible, and commercially focused alternative to traditional finance. They offer speed, tailored structures, and funding based on real-world business needs rather than outdated credit policies.

If your business needs funding quickly, or if the banks are too slow or inflexible, a private loan could be a strategic solution.

As always, work with a specialist broker to ensure you access the right lender and structure for your situation.