
Get a Small Business Loan Fast
Alternate Finance has competitive interest rates on all business loans up to $200K. Our terms for flexible loans can extend up to 48 months. Trusted by thousands of New Zealand businesses.
Business Lending Designed to Meet Your Needs
Do you need supplies or machinery? Do you need to renovate your store premises, or expand your workforce?
Now you don't have to wait for a windfall or a new client to do these. Alternate Finance can be your trusted partner in growing your business.
You can also use our business loans NZ wide for bridging finance, equipment finance, or construction.
Take your business further:
- Our secured loan offers lower interest rates compared to other loan providers
- Cash flow friendly repayment terms
- No hidden fees
- Dedicated finance specialists that will tailor the loan to your business needs
We provide a decision quickly. You'll hear from us in less than one business day, and more likely in one hour.
If you need to borrow more funds after you repay the loan, we can extend you a line of credit. Your chances of getting a new loan also increases if you make payments on time.
Low Interest Alternatives to Business Loans from Banks
It can be hard to take out a business loan in NZ, especially if you're a startup or new business. Most business banking and standard business loans have strict terms and conditions for their loan application.
Fortunately, Alternate Finance takes a holistic approach to business lending. Our criteria for existing businesses is more flexible, as we look at the whole health of your business.
More than a good credit score, our eligibility requirements also include:
- Trading history
- Financial statements or cash flow
- The security for the loan, such as real estate, commercial property, or business assets such as equipment
- Sales or turnover
- Your business goals and business plan
You'll increase your chances of getting one of our traditional business loans the more information you can give us.


Is a Business Loan Right for You?
Business loans may suit you if:
- Your business is actively trading with verifiable revenue
- You can comfortably afford repayments without straining cash flow
- You have a clear purpose (equipment, expansion, fit-out, marketing, or planned investment)
- You’re a registered NZ business with an NZBN and appropriate structure
- You can demonstrate relevant business or industry experience
- You’ve sought basic professional advice where needed (e.g. accounting or legal)
- You have a simple revenue budget and capital expenditure plan
- You’re investing in growth — not covering ongoing operating shortfalls
A business loan may not be suitable if:
- Your business has little or no trading history
- Financials can’t be verified (bank statements, P&L, GST returns)
- You’re insolvent or subject to formal insolvency processes
- Revenue is inconsistent or insufficient to support repayments
- You have recent or multiple business credit defaults
- Your loan purpose is speculative or restricted
- You don’t yet have a clear plan for how funds will be used
👉 For full eligibility details and to explore your options, visit our Business Loans page.

Business Loans Can Give You Working Capital
We offer a wide variety of loan options to support your business purposes. A business loan can be used to expand operations, buy new equipment, or cover general working capital. It takes just a few minutes to apply online, and in most cases, you'll have the cash in your account within as little as one business day. All our fast and flexible loans include credit checks in accordance with the NZ responsible lending code.
Online Personal Loans
We offer a wide variety of loan options to support your business purposes. A business loan can be used to expand operations, buy new equipment, or cover general working capital. It takes just a few minutes to apply online, and in most cases, you'll have the cash in your account within as little as one business day. All our fast and flexible loans include credit checks in accordance with the NZ responsible lending code.
Frequently Asked Questions for those Interested in Borrowing
How Long is the Repayment Period for Small Business Loans?
It depends on the total amount of your loan, but most of our business loans are available on a term of 36 months (48 months in some cases), unless it's for bridging, or cash flow loans. .
Can I Apply For a Business Loan With Bad Credit?
While some lenders may accept an application for a business loan with bad credit, Alternate Finance does not approve loans for borrowers with a history of default. We need applicants with a good credit score and cashflow, for our business accounts. However, we may be able to help you with debt consolidation, or at least advise you of what you need to do to repair your credit profile.
What are the consequences of defaulting on a business loan?
Defaulting on a business loan has consequences, including damage to your credit history, eventual legal proceedings if not paid, and repossession of your asset. It may also be harder to gain approval for future financing, and even if you do, you'll be charged higher interest rates. Always ensure your business can manage repayments and you're okay with the loan term when you apply for a small business loan.
What Are The Fees & Penalties?
Penalties only occur if you default. Always make payments on time to avoid penalties. You can view our up-to-date terms and conditions of the loan in our website footer.
Does Alternate Finance's online Application Affect My Credit Score?
When you apply online, your answers are automatically sent to a credit check organisation. We use Centrix to handle our entire credit check process. Credit bureaus record how often you're borrowing, the loan amount, whether it's secured or not, and if you were approved or declined. This isn't limited to personal loans; it also applies to business loans NZ wide. Note that unsecured loans don't require collateral, while secured loans typically use real estate or business assets to secure the loan. Applying for too many loan applications at once can negatively affect your credit score.
Alternate Finance
Online Business Loans New Zealand Wide
Alternate Finance offers fast loans for businesses in New Zealand and is an established, trusted local financial lender with active charitable undertakings.