SME Loan Guarantee Scheme: How many businesses have been approved, and do you fit the bill for phase 2 and 3?
With phase two of the government’s SME Loan Guarantee Scheme in full swing and phase three just released, businesses across Australia now have plenty of opportunity to access cheaper funding to boost their cashflow.
Under the first phase, the government guaranteed half of all unsecured three-year business loans of up to $250,000. But under phase two which is set to run until 30 June 2021, the loan terms have been extended to five years, and loan amounts increased to $1 million, with 39 lenders including the Commonwealth Bank and ANZ participating in the scheme.
Phase three, known as the SME Recovery Loan Scheme, has also begun as of 1 April 2021, with the caps for loan amounts and loan terms once again raised to $5 million and 10 years.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said more than 35,000 business loans - over $3 billion of the planned $44 billion - have so far been provided to small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under the scheme.
And with over 350,000 businesses now left without JobKeeper payments to cover staff costs, even more may jump on board and apply for a government-backed loan.
What to expect from phase two and three
While phase one was focused on assisting small businesses with short-term survival amid the pandemic, phase two was designed to help SMEs shift gears to longer-term investment.
The Australian Financial Review (AFR) reported that another key difference with phase two is that the government capped the interest rate at just over 10% , following reports that some lenders were charging scheme borrowers rates as high as 18%.
But while lower interest rates could benefit some industries, it may exclude others, said the Australian Finance Industry Association’s chief executive, Diane Tate.
“For example, fit-outs for restaurants, cafes or event spaces, some equipment used in gyms, and some IT equipment frequently used in offices in our cities and regional centres, will likely be out of scope,” she told the AFR.
However, “if you’re a manufacturing, mining, construction, transport or agriculture business who wants to use, say, a three- or five-year loan to purchase a motor vehicle or other high-quality assets, this is good news.”
To be eligible for phase two, you must be a small to medium-sized business with a turnover of up to $50 million (this includes sole traders and not-for-profits).
Now with phase three also in the mix, even lower rates capped at around 7.5% may be on the table for eligible businesses, thanks to the government’s decision to guarantee 80% (instead of 50%) of loans from participating lenders.
For instance, the Commonwealth Bank recently announced that their new rates will be up to 75 basis points better than its government-backed loans from last year.
To be eligible though, you’ll need to either have been on JobKeeper between 4 January and 28 March 2021 with a turnover of less than $250 million, or have been affected by the recent NSW and Queensland floods. Your application must also be approved before 31 December 2021. You'll still be eligible even if you've accessed loans in phase one and two.
Ready to explore your business loan options? Scroll down below for a snapshot, or jump over to our business loans comparison table for a more extensive list.
Compare business loans
Business+ Unsecured Loan
A simple way to fund your business’s big plans. Borrow up to $50,000 without using your assets as security. A fixed interest rate means your repayments don’t change over the life of the loan. Apply in minutes with the Business app. Enjoy a fast approval process. $495 establishment fee.
Interest Rate
Upfront Fee
Funding speed
Rates range from 11.95% p.a. to 22.95% p.a.$495VariesBusiness+ Unsecured Loan
A simple way to fund your business’s big plans. Borrow up to $50,000 without using your assets as security. A fixed interest rate means your repayments don’t change over the life of the loan. Apply in minutes with the Business app. Enjoy a fast approval process. $495 establishment fee.
- Interest Rate
- Rates range from 11.95% p.a. to 22.95% p.a.
- Upfront Fee
- $495
- Ongoing Fees
- $20 per month
- Late payment fee
- $0.00
- Transaction fee
- -
- Early repayment penalty
- Early Payout Costs apply during fixed rate period.
- Other fees
- -
- Loan type
- Loan
- Security type
- Unsecured
- Minimum loan amount
- $20,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $50,000
- Minimum loan term
- 1 year
- Maximum loan term
- 3 years
- Repayment frequency
- Fortnightly, Monthly
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Minimum trading period
- 1 year
- Minimum annual turnover
- $75,000
- Application speed
- Varies
- Approval speed
- Varies
- Funding speed
- Varies
- Extra repayments allowed
- yes
- Redraw allowed
- no
- Other benefits
- -
- Other restrictions
- -
Read reviews and learn more about the Great Southern Bank 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
- $500,000
- Minimum loan term
- 3 months
- Maximum loan term
- 4 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
- -
Business+ Unsecured Overdraft
Manage the cash flow in your business with ease. Access up to $50,000 without using your assets as security. Lending criteria apply. Access your available limit from your linked Business+ Account. Use your Debit Mastercard for added convenience. Interest is charged on your balance owing, not your limit. Easy online application. $495 establishment fee.
Interest Rate
Upfront Fee
Funding speed
Rates range from 14.95% p.a. to 25.95% p.a.$495VariesBusiness+ Unsecured Overdraft
Manage the cash flow in your business with ease. Access up to $50,000 without using your assets as security. Lending criteria apply. Access your available limit from your linked Business+ Account. Use your Debit Mastercard for added convenience. Interest is charged on your balance owing, not your limit. Easy online application. $495 establishment fee.
- Interest Rate
- Rates range from 14.95% p.a. to 25.95% p.a.
- Upfront Fee
- $495
- Ongoing Fees
- $30 per month
- Late payment fee
- $0.00
- Transaction fee
- -
- Early repayment penalty
- $0
- Other fees
- -
- Loan type
- Overdraft
- Security type
- Unsecured
- Minimum loan amount
- $10,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $50,000
- Minimum loan term
- -
- Maximum loan term
- -
- Repayment frequency
- flexible
- Repayment types
- n/a
- Minimum trading period
- 1 year
- 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
- -
Read reviews and learn more about the Great Southern Bank business loans
Boost Business Loan
Whether you’re looking for a quick cash boost for your business or are ready to invest in growth, ScotPac offers a range of unsecured and secured loans from $10,000 up to $500,000. For loan terms of 6 months to 3 years. No application or account keeping fees to pay. Funds available in 24 hours or less once approved. Repayment options available.
Interest Rate
Upfront Fee
Funding speed
On applicationDetails on applicationFrom 24 hoursBoost Business Loan
Whether you’re looking for a quick cash boost for your business or are ready to invest in growth, ScotPac offers a range of unsecured and secured loans from $10,000 up to $500,000. For loan terms of 6 months to 3 years. No application or account keeping fees to pay. Funds available in 24 hours or less once approved. Repayment options available.
- Interest Rate
- On application
- Upfront Fee
- Details on application
- Ongoing Fees
- $0
- Late payment fee
- -
- Transaction fee
- -
- Early repayment penalty
- -
- Other fees
- -
- Loan type
- Loan
- Security type
- Secured or Unsecured
- Minimum loan amount
- $10,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $500,000
- Minimum loan term
- 6 months
- Maximum loan term
- 3 years
- Repayment frequency
- Weekly
- Repayment types
- -
- Minimum trading period
- 1 year
- Minimum annual turnover
- $120,000
- Application speed
- From 24 hours
- Approval speed
- From 24 hours
- Funding speed
- From 24 hours
- Extra repayments allowed
- -
- Redraw allowed
- -
- Other benefits
- All industries supported.
- Other restrictions
- Loans up to $100K: No upfront collateral required Loans between $100K to $200K: Borrower must be a property owner Loans over $200K: Borrower must be a property owner, and the loan will be secured
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