Start-ups and new ABNs
New in business? You may not have to wait two years.
Many banks want a couple of years of financials. You're trying to start now. Some lenders may look at a new ABN from day one, depending on the lender and your situation. We know where to look, and how to present your deal.
OzCap Finance is a Sunshine Coast business finance broker, working with lenders Australia-wide. Prefer we call you? Leave your number. Lenders set their own rules.
What's realistic in year one
The right option depends on what you're buying and what you can put behind it. The asset is often the security, which is why equipment is usually the easiest place to start. Large unsecured loans are rarely available in the first year, and we tell you what's realistic.
- Equipment and vehicle finance. Utes, trucks, tools and plant. The asset is the security, so some lenders can say yes without years of financials. See equipment and vehicle finance →
- Set-up costs. Fit-out, technology, software and the other costs of getting the doors open. Some lenders will look at these as part of a start-up deal, with quotes to back them up.
- Capital raise. Own equipment or a fleet already? A capital raise against it may help fund the start-up. See capital raise →
- Finance from bank statements. Once you've started trading, some lenders assess on a few months of business bank statements. Amounts are smaller and rates are higher.
Starting up? Tell us the plan.
One call and we'll tell you what lenders are likely to look at.
What lenders look at
No trading history? They look at you.
Your credit file
A clean personal credit file often matters most. Adverse entries can close many doors, so tell us up front.
Your experience
Years in the trade or industry can count for a lot.
Your own money in
A deposit shows you're serious.
Your security
The asset you're buying, or other business assets.
Realistic numbers
Lenders want to see that the business stacks up: what it costs to start, what you expect to sell, and how you'll cover the repayments.
Personal guarantees
Lenders commonly ask directors to guarantee a new business's debt. A guarantee can put your personal assets at risk if the business can't pay. We explain what that means before you sign.
Hiring your first person?
Plan for Payday Super from day one.
Since 1 July 2026, super goes out with every pay run. Build it into your cash flow before you hire. See Payday Super cash flow.
Don't apply everywhere.
Every application can leave a mark on your credit file, and a string of knock-backs can make the next one harder. Talk to us first, then apply once, to the right lender.
How it works
Three steps.
Tell us the plan
What you're starting, what it costs and what you've got in.
We shape the deal
We present it the way lenders want to see it, then match it to the right lender.
We run the process
Paperwork, lender questions and updates until settlement.
Who it suits
- You're starting out on a new ABN.
- You're buying your first ute, truck or plant.
- You own equipment and want to fund the start-up without two years of financials.
- You've been told your trading history is too short.
When it's not the answer
- You need a large unsecured loan in your first year. That's rarely available.
- You have no money of your own in the deal and no industry experience. Lenders usually need one or the other.
What to bring
- A simple plan or forecast: what it costs to start, what you expect to sell and how you'll cover the repayments
- Quotes or invoices for what you're buying: equipment, fit-out or technology
- Your experience: work history and licences
- Your personal position: assets and debts
- What you're putting in yourself
- Business bank statements, if you've started trading
- Photo identification
A new ABN usually means tougher terms.
Deposits, security and rates are usually tougher when you're new. We show you the total cost first.
Questions people ask
Can I get finance on a brand-new ABN?
Some lenders will look at it. Asset finance is often the most accessible because the asset is the security. Terms are usually tougher. Talk to us before you apply anywhere.
How long should I trade before I apply?
There's no single number. Some lenders look at a new ABN from day one. Others want several months of bank statements or more. That's why the match matters.
Will I need a personal guarantee?
Often, yes. Lenders commonly ask directors to guarantee a new business's debt. A guarantee can put your personal assets at risk if the business can't pay. We explain what that means before anything is signed.
Can I use equipment I already own?
Often, yes. A capital raise against gear you own can help fund the start-up. Lenders value it first, and we go through the risks before anything is signed.
Do I need a business plan?
It helps. The numbers matter more than the number of pages. We'll help you pull it together.
Tell us the plan.
What you're starting, what it costs and what you've got in.