Opportunities do not wait for credit approval
Every business owner has a story about the one that got away. The competitor who retired and sold the client list to someone else. The building next door that sold before the bank called back. The liquidator's stock sale that closed on Friday. The tender that needed proof of funds by Monday.
Opportunities share three features. They are unplanned, they are time-limited, and someone else usually wants them too. The business that can move first gets them, and moving first means having funds ready when the bank is still asking for last year's tax return.
The kinds of opportunities we fund
- A competitor or complementary business for sale. Often sold quickly and quietly to whoever can settle. Read fast finance for buying a business.
- Premises next door or nearby. Expansion space rarely comes up twice. See commercial property loans.
- Discounted stock or equipment. A supplier clearance, a closing-down sale or a bulk deal. See supplier discount and bulk stock funding.
- A large new contract. The work is yours if you can resource it from day one. See large contract upfront costs.
- A licence, franchise territory or distribution right. Available to the first party that can commit.
Why speed decides who wins
A bank loan for a new purpose commonly takes up to three months or more, and you may not be approved for the amount you need. Banks and trade credit providers usually want years of financials and check credit history. Cash flow lenders are faster but often lend too little for a real acquisition and want frequent repayments from day one.
Equity Tap is a direct, independent private business lender lending its own money. Conditional approval can often be given on the phone and a term sheet issued in about 30 minutes once we have the scenario. Eligible loans can settle in as little as 24 hours. There is no credit committee; the person who answers the phone is often the person who decides. That turns a vendor's "first in, best dressed" into something you can actually act on.
How opportunity funding works
We lend from $50k to $5m for one to twelve months, secured by a first mortgage, second mortgage or caveat over residential or commercial property anywhere in Australia. You use the equity you already have to grab the opportunity now, then put long-term arrangements in place without the deadline. A second mortgage lets the existing first mortgage stay where it is, with the first lender's consent where needed. See equity release business loans and second mortgage business loans.
Because the loan is property-secured, we do not need tax returns, BAS, profit and loss statements, an accountant's letter or bank statements. We do not order a valuation before approval. No credit check is made at initial assessment.
Short term on purpose
You get the money fast and only have it for the time you need it. If you need it for two months while a bank processes long-term finance, take it for two months, not a 20 to 30 year refinance. Interest for up to the first six months can be prepaid or added to the loan, so there are no scheduled payments in that period while the opportunity starts paying its way. Interest is not waived. Each loan is priced on your individual circumstances, aiming for the sharpest rate available, with the full cost shown before you proceed.
Planning the exit
Every opportunity loan needs a way out. The common ones:
| Opportunity | Typical exit |
|---|---|
| Buying a business or client list | Bank refinance once settled, or the acquired business's cash flow |
| Buying premises | Long-term commercial refinance |
| Discounted stock | Sale of the stock over the term |
| Large contract | Progress payments and final invoice |
| Equipment bought at auction | Equipment finance once owned, or resale of surplus items |
Our guide to business loan exit strategies goes deeper.
From phone call to funds
- Call and describe the opportunity, the deadline and what you need.
- Tell us about the property security and any existing mortgage.
- Get conditional approval, often on the phone, and a term sheet in about 30 minutes.
- We explain the costs and the exit, then documents are signed.
- Eligible loans can settle in as little as 24 hours.
For example, an electrical contractor who hears a retiring competitor will sell their maintenance contracts to the first buyer with funds might take a six-month second mortgage over an investment property to settle the purchase within the week, then refinance once the contracts are generating income.
What we need
- ID for borrowers and guarantors
- Property details and existing mortgage balances
- Something showing the opportunity: a contract, offer, quote, tender or heads of agreement
- Your plan for repaying the loan
Brokers
If a client needs to commit before the bank can, send the scenario through our broker page. A fast indicative answer helps your client win the deal and keeps the long-term refinance with you.
Be the one who says yes first
Apply online or call 1300 123 024. Tell us what has come up and how long you have.
Business-purpose lending only. Approval, timing and terms depend on the scenario.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get funding for an opportunity that came up this week?
What sort of opportunities do you fund?
Do I need to show how profitable the opportunity will be?
Can I use the equity in my home?
How do I repay it?
Is there a minimum loan?
Brokers: send the scenario through the Equity Tap broker channel and you will deal with the same lending team.