Running a business in Melbourne means wearing a dozen hats at once. When it comes to getting finance, many business owners either stay with the same bank out of loyalty — even when it's costing them — or find the whole process overwhelming and put it off indefinitely. Neither is a great outcome.

This guide is designed to cut through the noise. Whether you're looking to fund growth, manage cash flow, buy equipment, or take on commercial property, here's a plain-English breakdown of what's available, what lenders actually look for, and how to give yourself the best shot at approval.

A note on our approach: At Integrated Finance Group, we work across a wide range of lenders and loan types — not just home loans. Our directors have a combined 45+ years of banking experience, which means we've seen almost every business lending scenario you can imagine. We're based in Coburg North and work with businesses right across Melbourne and Geelong.

The Most Common Types of Business Loans in Melbourne

Not all business loans are created equal. The right product depends entirely on what you're trying to do. Here's a rundown of the main options.

Term Loans

A lump sum borrowed over a fixed period — typically 1 to 5 years — with regular repayments. Best suited for one-off investments like a fit-out, purchase of another business, or a major capital expense. Interest rates vary significantly depending on whether the loan is secured or unsecured and which lender you use.

Business Line of Credit

Think of it like a credit card for your business, but with much higher limits and lower rates. You draw down what you need, repay it, and draw again. Ideal for managing cash flow gaps — for example, when you've invoiced clients but are waiting to be paid while still needing to pay suppliers and staff.

Invoice Finance

If your business invoices other businesses (B2B), invoice finance lets you unlock the cash tied up in those unpaid invoices — often within 24 hours. You receive a percentage of the invoice value upfront, and the remainder (minus fees) once your customer pays. There's no property required as security.

Equipment and Asset Finance

Purpose-built for buying machinery, vehicles, fit-out equipment, or technology. The asset itself acts as security, which makes these loans accessible for businesses that don't own property. Repayment terms are structured to match the useful life of the asset. Our team can also assist with car and asset finance across a wide range of business and personal needs.

Commercial Property Finance

When your business is ready to stop renting and start owning its premises — or you want to buy an investment property commercially — this is the product. See our dedicated commercial property finance page for more detail.

Overdrafts

An overdraft facility linked to your business transaction account. You can go into negative territory up to an agreed limit. Most banks will want security for an overdraft above a certain threshold. Useful as a safety net, but typically more expensive to run than a line of credit for larger, ongoing needs.

What Do Lenders Actually Look At?

Business lending is more complex than a home loan because every business is different. While a residential lender mainly looks at your income and property value, a business lender has to assess the underlying business itself. Here's what they focus on:

Factor Why It Matters
Trading history Most lenders want 12–24 months of operating history. Newer businesses face more scrutiny and limited product options.
Cash flow Can the business service the debt from its own revenue? Lenders want to see consistent income, not just a profitable year.
Security Secured loans (backed by property or assets) attract lower rates. Unsecured loans are available but cost more.
Credit profile Both business and personal credit history are assessed. Defaults, judgments, or a history of late payments will limit options.
Industry type Some industries are considered higher risk. Hospitality, construction, and retail can face more conservative lending criteria.
Business structure Sole trader, partnership, company, trust — each structure has different documentation requirements and risk profiles.

How Much Can You Borrow?

Borrowing capacity varies widely depending on the loan type and your circumstances:

  • Unsecured business loans — typically up to $250,000–$500,000, with some lenders going higher for very strong businesses
  • Secured loans (property-backed) — the limit is largely set by the value of your security; commonly up to 70–80% of the property's value
  • Equipment finance — generally up to 100% of the asset's value
  • Invoice finance — typically 70–90% of your eligible outstanding invoices at any time
Important: The amount you can borrow is not always the same as the amount you should borrow. A good broker will help you work out a structure that keeps repayments manageable relative to your business's cash flow — not just the maximum the lender will approve.

Getting Your Documents Ready

Business loan applications move faster when your paperwork is in order. Here's what most lenders will want to see:

  • Last 2 years of business tax returns and financial statements (profit & loss, balance sheet)
  • Last 2 years of personal tax returns for all directors/owners
  • Recent BAS statements (typically last 4 quarters)
  • 6–12 months of business bank statements
  • ATO income tax assessment notices
  • Details of any existing debts (leases, loans, credit cards)
  • If buying property: contract of sale and recent rates notice

Some lenders — particularly fintechs — have streamlined this process significantly. For smaller unsecured loans, bank statements alone are sometimes enough. Your broker will tell you exactly what's needed for each lender.

Why Use a Broker Instead of Going Directly to Your Bank?

Your existing bank knows you — which is sometimes an advantage. But it's also only one option out of many. A commercial finance broker like Integrated Finance Group:

  • Accesses a broad panel of lenders including banks, credit unions, specialist lenders, and fintechs
  • Knows which lenders are currently active and competitive for your industry and situation
  • Submits one application rather than requiring you to approach multiple lenders separately (and rack up multiple credit enquiries)
  • Helps you present your application in the best possible light — packaging matters more than most people realise
  • Negotiates on your behalf — we're not order-takers, we're advocates for your outcome

Our business finance broker service is fee-free to you. We're paid by the lender on settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a business need to be operating to get a loan?
Most lenders want to see at least 12 months of trading history, and many prefer two years. There are specialist lenders who will consider newer businesses, but they typically require stronger security and will lend less. Start-up finance is a very different conversation to established business lending.
Can I get a business loan without property as security?
Yes. Unsecured business loans are available — though borrowing limits are typically lower and interest rates are higher. Invoice finance and equipment finance are secured against the assets themselves rather than property, which makes them accessible for many businesses without real estate.
How much can I borrow for a business loan in Melbourne?
This depends on the loan type, security, and your business's financial position. Unsecured loans generally top out at around $250,000–$500,000. Secured loans backed by property can be much higher, sometimes into the millions, depending on the value of your security and the lender's criteria.
Is it better to use a broker or go directly to a bank for a business loan?
A broker accesses multiple lenders in one conversation and knows which lenders suit different business types, industries, and situations. This saves time, avoids multiple credit enquiries, and often results in better terms than going to a single bank directly. There's no extra cost to you — broker fees are paid by the lender.
How long does it take to get a business loan approved?
Simple unsecured loans through specialist lenders can be approved in 24–48 hours. Traditional bank loans with property security usually take 2–4 weeks. Having your documents ready in advance significantly speeds up the process, and your broker will manage the timeline with the lender on your behalf.

Ready to Talk Business Finance?

Whether you're looking to grow, buy equipment, manage cash flow, or purchase your business premises, we can help you find the right structure. No obligation, no cost to you.

Book a Free Strategy Call Or call Brian on 0401 333 636

Integrated Finance Group is a credit representative of BLSSA Pty Ltd (Australian Credit Licence 391237). Brian Hermosilla — Credit Representative 485802. Frank Marin — Credit Representative 486546. This article is general information only and does not constitute financial or credit advice. Your individual circumstances will determine which products and lenders are appropriate for you. Always seek advice tailored to your situation.