When you’re running a business whether you’re a sole trader, tradie, or growing SME access to the right finance can make all the difference. It could mean jumping on a golden opportunity instead of letting it slip by because of cash flow constraints.
In Australia, business owners commonly turn to these asset finance and business loan solutions to stay ahead:
Truck & Vehicle Finance
For many Australian businesses, vehicles are essential to operations. Whether you’re a construction company needing a new tipper, a courier service expanding its fleet, or a rideshare driver upgrading your car financing your next vehicle can free up cash and boost productivity.
Popular options include:
Chattel mortgages: You own the vehicle, the lender holds a mortgage over it until it's repaid.
Finance leases: The lender owns the vehicle, and you pay to use it.
Instead of outlaying $60,000 upfront on a new ute and fit-out, a plumbing business could pay around $1,000 per month over five years. The ute starts generating income immediately essentially paying for itself.
Key benefits:
Spread large costs over time
Potential GST and tax deductions
Tailored solutions: commercial hire purchase, lease, or chattel mortgage
Equipment Finance
From high-end espresso machines to earthmovers, equipment finance helps businesses acquire the tools they need without the heavy upfront cost. This finance option covers almost any physical asset: tradie tools, office technology, medical gear, commercial kitchen equipment, and more.
Businesses can choose between loans or leases depending on cash flow and asset life.
For example:
A cafe upgrades to a premium espresso machine.
A doctor’s clinic leases a new ultrasound machine.
A farm finances a new tractor to boost productivity.
Many lenders offer industry-specific equipment finance with flexible repayments that align with seasonal or project-based income.
Why choose equipment finance?
Maintain cash flow
Match repayments to the asset’s useful life
Keep working capital free for other needs
Working Capital Loans
When you need quick cash to manage day-to-day operations, a working capital loan can provide the breathing room your business needs. These loans aren’t tied to purchasing an asset instead, they’re designed to support cash flow.
Use cases include:
Covering payroll during seasonal slowdowns
Funding inventory before peak seasons
Managing upfront project costs
Terms usually range from 6 months to 3 years, with loan amounts from $10,000 to $250,000+. These loans may be unsecured or backed by business assets, depending on the lender.
Benefits:
Fast access to cash
No need to sell or refinance fixed assets
Flexible usage across business expenses
Line of Credit / Business Overdraft
Think of a business line of credit like a financial safety net. It’s a revolving facility that lets you draw funds as needed, up to an agreed limit perfect for smoothing out cash flow bumps or managing short-term expenses.
How it works:
Only pay interest on the amount you use
Reuse the facility without reapplying
Ideal for unpredictable cash cycles
Example: A business with a $100k limit might draw $30k to cover wages while waiting on invoice payments, then repay and reuse the funds later for equipment or supplier costs.
Lines of credit may be secured (e.g. by property or business assets) or unsecured for businesses with strong financials.
Which Finance Option is Right for You?
Choosing the right finance depends on your goals:
Buying a vehicle or equipment? Asset finance is likely your best bet.
Need extra cash for operations? A working capital loan or line of credit can help.
Most growing businesses use a blend of these solutions for example, financing trucks and tools, while keeping an overdraft for regular expenses.
Pro tip: A finance broker like Finwave can compare options across lenders and tailor a strategy that fits your business goals, cash flow, and industry.
Case Study: How John Scaled His Construction Business
John owns a small construction company in Brisbane. When a lucrative contract came up, he needed an excavator and a tip truck a $150,000 investment he couldn’t cover upfront.
With Finwave’s help, John secured an equipment loan with just a 10% deposit and a 5-year term that suited his cash flow. The finance was approved within a week, allowing him to start the job immediately. The new equipment helped his team complete the project on time, boosting revenue significantly.
John also set up a line of credit to cover materials and fuel costs while waiting for client payments. His business didn’t just survive it thrived.
“The finance was a game-changer for our growth.” John D.,
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