Small business owners stay the course even as demand drops, CommBank report
It stands to reason that higher costs of living can impact the costs of doing business, as new survey research from CommBank indicates.
Of the small businesses surveyed, dropping consumer demand was chief among all concerns, noted by 36% of respondents.
The worry is that inflation and other related financial pressures will curtail consumers' ability to spend, and recent slumping retail numbers support this notion.
The cost of business insurance was the next major concern among businesses (31%), followed by transportation and logistics costs (28%).
Despite these worries and growing anticipation that 2023 could be a tough year for business, some are well prepared.
According to the survey, 33% of respondents have already reduced spending on non-essentials, while another third have adjusted their personal spending.
Budgeting and expense tracking has also been top of mind, as per the results of this survey.
Business as usual: Higher costs yet to hit for some
The tone of CommBank's report suggests small businesses remain pragmatic and focused on being prepared, no matter the hurdles placed before them.
This latest feedback also suggests small business owners generally have lower levels of concern than consumers.
CommBank's group executive, business banking Mike Vacy-Lyle says business owners have adjusted to changing demands and noted that "Australian entrepreneurs continue to show considerable grit" following the pandemic period.
All up, small businesses appear to be optimistic and determined, based on the survey's results, despite some uncertainty and caution.
If you're a small business in need of funding by way of a loan, Mozo's experts handpick the best on the market. Be sure to check out our Business Loans Hub to start comparing.
Compare business loans
Unsecured Business Loan
A straightforward business loan with no hidden Lumi fees or charges. Speedy application and approval process with fast access to funds according to Lumi.
Interest Rate
Upfront Fee
Funding speed
from 9%-Within same dayUnsecured Business Loan
A straightforward business loan with no hidden Lumi fees or charges. Speedy application and approval process with fast access to funds according to Lumi.
- Interest Rate
- from 9%
- Upfront Fee
- -
- Ongoing Fees
- 2.5% establishment fee of the disbursed amount.
- Late payment fee
- $50.00
- Transaction fee
- $0.00
- Early repayment penalty
- $0.00
- Other fees
- -
- Loan type
- Loan
- Security type
- Unsecured
- Minimum loan amount
- $10,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $750,000
- Minimum loan term
- 3 months
- Maximum loan term
- 5 years
- Repayment frequency
- Weekly
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Minimum trading period
- 6 months
- Minimum annual turnover
- $60,000
- Application speed
- within 24 hours
- Approval speed
- 2 hours
- Funding speed
- Within same day
- Extra repayments allowed
- yes
- Redraw allowed
- yes
- Other benefits
- Early payout options and early repayment discounts are available. Principal-only payout available after 6 months.
- Other restrictions
- Loans above $300,000 must be secured by property.
Prospa Plus Business Loan
Prospa uses risk-based pricing to determine your interest rate. They look at factors including your industry, years in business, cash flow, creditworthiness and the overall financial health of your business.
Interest Rate
Upfront Fee
Funding speed
Interest rates vary based on risk.3.5%from 24 hoursProspa Plus Business Loan
Prospa uses risk-based pricing to determine your interest rate. They look at factors including your industry, years in business, cash flow, creditworthiness and the overall financial health of your business.
- Interest Rate
- Interest rates vary based on risk.
- Upfront Fee
- 3.5%
- Ongoing Fees
- $0.00
- Late payment fee
- $0.00
- Transaction fee
- -
- Early repayment penalty
- $0.00
- Other fees
- -
- Loan type
- Loan
- Security type
- Secured
- Minimum loan amount
- $150,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $500,000
- Minimum loan term
- 3 months
- Maximum loan term
- 3 years
- Repayment frequency
- Weekly
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Minimum trading period
- 3 years
- Minimum annual turnover
- $1,000,000
- Application speed
- 10 Minutes
- Approval speed
- Same-day approval
- Funding speed
- from 24 hours
- Extra repayments allowed
- yes
- Redraw allowed
- no
- Other benefits
- -
- Other restrictions
- -
Unsecured Business Loan
Business Loans from $5,000 to $5,000,000 with high approval rates. Access to funds on loans up to $500,000 in as little as 3 hours. Cash flow friendly repayments and open minded offers.
Interest Rate
Upfront Fee
Funding speed
On Application3%, starting at $399from 3 hoursUnsecured Business Loan
Business Loans from $5,000 to $5,000,000 with high approval rates. Access to funds on loans up to $500,000 in as little as 3 hours. Cash flow friendly repayments and open minded offers.
- Interest Rate
- On Application
- Upfront Fee
- 3%, starting at $399
- Ongoing Fees
- no
- Late payment fee
- $50.00
- Transaction fee
- -
- Early repayment penalty
- no
- Other fees
- -
- Loan type
- Loan
- Security type
- Unsecured
- Minimum loan amount
- $5,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $5,000,000
- Minimum loan term
- 3 months
- Maximum loan term
- 1 year
- Repayment frequency
- Weekly, flexible
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Minimum trading period
- 4 months
- Minimum annual turnover
- $144,000
- Application speed
- 10 Minutes
- Approval speed
- within 1 hour
- Funding speed
- from 3 hours
- Extra repayments allowed
- yes
- Redraw allowed
- no
- Other benefits
- Daily repayments available.
- Other restrictions
- Fast Business Loans for amounts up to $500,000 are funded in 3 hours, Small Business Loans can take 24 hours.
Fixed Rate Unsecured Business Loan
Interest Rate
Upfront Fee
Funding speed
-On applicationVariesFixed Rate Unsecured Business Loan
- Interest Rate
- -
- Upfront Fee
- On application
- Ongoing Fees
- $0
- Late payment fee
- $0.00
- Transaction fee
- $10 ($50 for staff assisted withdrawals)
- Early repayment penalty
- not disclosed
- Other fees
- -
- Loan type
- Loan
- Security type
- Unsecured
- Minimum loan amount
- $5,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $250,000
- Minimum loan term
- -
- Maximum loan term
- -
- Repayment frequency
- -
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Minimum trading period
- Varies
- Minimum annual turnover
- Varies
- Application speed
- Varies
- Approval speed
- Varies
- Funding speed
- Varies
- Extra repayments allowed
- yes
- Redraw allowed
- yes
- Other benefits
- LVRs available of up to 100% residential property or 80% owner-occupied non-specialised commercial property for secured loans up to $3 million.
- Other restrictions
- Eligible Westpac customers only. Annual turnover less than $50m.
Read reviews and learn more about Westpac business loans
Business Overdraft
Interest Rate
Upfront Fee
Funding speed
10.47% p.a. variableNegotiableVariesBusiness Overdraft
- Interest Rate
- 10.47% p.a. variable
- Upfront Fee
- Negotiable
- Ongoing Fees
- Fees and charges apply
- Late payment fee
- $0.00
- Transaction fee
- not disclosed
- Early repayment penalty
- 0
- Other fees
- -
- Loan type
- Overdraft
- Security type
- not disclosed
- Minimum loan amount
- $20,000
- Maximum loan amount
- -
- Minimum loan term
- -
- Maximum loan term
- -
- Repayment frequency
- n/a
- Repayment types
- n/a
- Minimum trading period
- Varies
- Minimum annual turnover
- $75,000
- Application speed
- Varies
- Approval speed
- Varies
- Funding speed
- Varies
- Extra repayments allowed
- n/a
- Redraw allowed
- n/a
- Other benefits
- -
- Other restrictions
- Must link with a NAB business transaction account and is repayable on demand
Read reviews and learn more about NAB business loans
Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.
While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.