Navigating Business Finance in a Volatile Economy

Stability is rare—but smart finance decisions can keep your business moving forward. 

What Do We Mean by a Volatile Economy? 

Interest rate hikes, inflation, supply chain shocks, shifting consumer demand—today’s business environment is anything but predictable. And whether you’re scaling up, holding steady, or simply trying to protect your cash flow, navigating finance in uncertain times requires more than reactive thinking.  

But volatility doesn’t mean you have to stop growing. It just means you need to get strategic. 

Here’s how Australian business owners can stay resilient, make confident finance decisions, and come out stronger—no matter what the market throws at them. 

1. Assess Where You’re Most Exposed 

Not all volatility is equal. Your first move is to understand how changing conditions affect your business: 

• Are rising rates increasing your monthly repayments? 

• Are suppliers increasing prices or shortening terms? 

• Are customers slowing down their payments? 

Cash flow forecasting is your best friend here. Look ahead 3–6 months and identify any weak spots. Once you’re clear on your risk areas, you can make finance decisions that fill the gaps—not add to the strain. 

2. Don’t Hoard Cash—Use It Strategically 

In times of uncertainty, many businesses default to hoarding cash. But while liquidity matters, idle capital is lost opportunity. 

Instead, consider: 

• Financing large purchases (vehicles, equipment) with a chattel mortgage 

• Using working capital loans to bridge seasonal slowdowns 

• Refinancing or consolidating old debts into lower, more manageable repayments 

This allows you to free up your cash reserves while still investing in essential tools for growth. 

3. Consider Refinancing Before Rates Shift Again 

If you’re carrying older loans secured during higher rate periods—or if your lender’s policies no longer suit your needs—now might be the time to refinance. 

Benefits of refinancing: 

• Lower monthly repayments 

• Better loan structure for your cash flow 

• Option to roll multiple debts into one facility 

• Potential access to equity or additional funding 

Many lenders are still offering competitive terms for businesses with clean repayment history or strong asset backing—even in a volatile market. 

4. Work With a Broker Who Knows the Terrain 

Not all finance partners are created equal. In a volatile economy, working with a broker can: 

• Save you time by identifying lenders who match your needs today 

• Prevent unnecessary hits to your credit score 

• Give you a clearer path forward when funding needs to move fast  

At Thrift Capital, we work with a broad panel of lenders—each with different appetites, industries, and policies. We help our clients stay agile, access capital quickly, and avoid finance pitfalls that others fall into. 

Final Thought: Volatility Doesn’t Stop Growth—But It Demands Strategy 

It’s easy to delay financial decisions when things feel unpredictable. But often, the right financial move during a volatile period can set you up for long-term strength. 

Whether you’re applying for finance for the first time, refinancing old debt, or planning equipment upgrades—smart, well-timed moves will help you ride out uncertainty and find opportunities others might miss. 

Let’s Talk Strategy  

📞 Speak with a Thrift Capital broker to find the right options for your business 

📥 Checkout our Pre-Approval Checklist to get started today 

Top 5 Loan Myths Debunked

Confused by all the loan advice out there? You’re not alone. Let’s set the record straight.

Why This Matters

Whether you’re applying for a vehicle loan, equipment finance, or working capital, there’s no shortage of “advice” online. Unfortunately, a lot of it is outdated, misleading—or just plain wrong.

At Thrift Capital, we help business owners and entrepreneurs navigate the finance world with confidence. So today, we’re clearing up five of the most common myths we hear every day—and giving you the facts to make smarter decisions.

Myth 1: “You need perfect credit to get approved.”

Truth: A less-than-perfect score doesn’t disqualify you.

While credit history matters—especially for unsecured loans—it’s only one part of the equation. Lenders also consider:

• Cash flow or bank statements

• Business stability

• Loan purpose and security

• Industry experience

Plus, we work with specialist lenders who are open to low-doc and new-ABN applicants, even with limited credit history.

Myth 2: “I can only get a loan if my business has been trading for over 2 years.”

Truth: New businesses can get finance too.

Many think they need years of tax returns to qualify. But lenders now offer finance options for:

• Startups

• Sole traders with new ABNs

• Side hustlers going full-time

If you have solid industry experience, a clear loan purpose, or asset security (like a vehicle or machine), you can likely get approved.

Myth 3: “All lenders are the same—just compare rates.”

Truth: Not all loans—or lenders—are created equal.

Rates are important, yes. But so is:

• The speed of approval

• Flexibility of repayments

• Ease of document requirements

• Pre-approval conditions

• Balloon options or seasonal structures

Some lenders are better suited for your industry, cash flow, or equipment type. That’s why working with a broker makes a real difference.

Myth 4: “Applying for finance will hurt my credit score.”

Truth: Not always—and not if you do it properly.

Multiple applications with the wrong lenders in a short time can hurt your score. But when you work with a broker:

• Your application is strategically placed with the right lender

• We often start with a soft credit check or pre-assessment

• We avoid unnecessary rejections

Bottom line: one well-placed application is far better than going it alone and hoping for the best.

Myth 5: “If I got rejected before, I won’t get approved now.”

Truth: Rejection isn’t final—and it’s often fixable.

Many applicants get declined simply because they:

• Applied with the wrong lender

• Had missing documents

• Didn’t structure the application clearly

We’ve helped dozens of clients who were previously rejected get approved within days—just by matching them with the right lender and repackaging the deal.

Final Thought: Know the Facts Before You Apply

Finance doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does require clarity.

By knowing what lenders actually look for—and avoiding the common myths—you can make better decisions, access better deals, and save time (and money) in the process.

Need Help Navigating Your Options?

 Talk to a Thrift Capital broker today.

New ABN? How to Get Approved Even If You’re Just Starting

Starting a business is a bold move—and one that often requires funding early on, especially if you’re purchasing vehicles, equipment, or preparing for a contract. But if you’ve only just registered your ABN, you might be wondering: 

Can I even get finance this early? 

The short answer: Yes, you can. While some lenders still favour businesses with 12 months of trading history, many now offer finance solutions specifically for new ABNs, startups, and sole traders—especially when your application is structured properly. 

This guide breaks down how finance works when you’re just getting started, what lenders actually look for, and how Thrift Capital helps you improve your chances of fast approval—even in your first weeks of trading. 

---

The Misconception: “I Need 12 Months in Business to Qualify” 

This is one of the most common myths we hear.

While it’s true that major banks usually want to see trading history, this isn’t the case across the board. In fact, Australia’s non-bank and specialist lenders are increasingly offering products built specifically for early-stage businesses, many with no minimum ABN age requirements. 

That means if you’ve just registered your ABN—whether as a tradie going out on your own, a side hustler formalising your business, or a company director launching a new venture—you can still qualify for funding with the right lender and the right documentation. 

---

What Lenders Look for When There’s No Trading History 

When you don’t have BAS statements or financials to show, lenders shift their attention to other key areas: 

• Your personal credit profile. This becomes your main credibility indicator. A good score shows reliability, especially for low-doc or unsecured loans. 

• Your industry experience. If you’ve been working in the field—even as an employee—lenders view you as “low risk” despite the new ABN. 

• The asset you’re financing. Tangible assets like vehicles or machinery often make approvals easier, especially if they hold resale value. 

• The loan purpose. If you can show what the funds will be used for—via quotes, invoices, or a supplier proposal—that helps lenders gain confidence in your plan. 

• Supporting documentation. Items like your driver’s license, ABN certificate, past payslips, or a simple business plan can help complete the picture. 

It’s less about being a “fully established” business and more about demonstrating that you’re serious, stable, and ready to generate income. 

---

What Finance Can a New ABN Access? 

You might be surprised by what’s available. 

Vehicle finance, for example, is commonly approved for new ABNs—particularly for utes, vans, or work vehicles. So is equipment finance for tradies, creatives, or professionals buying tools or machinery.

Other lenders may offer unsecured business loans, especially if you have payslips or contract agreements that show your ability to repay. There are even low-doc and no-doc loans tailored to sole traders and directors starting fresh. 

And while your interest rate may be slightly higher than an established business, the key benefit is access: you get the asset now, build credit, and refinance later at better terms.

---

How Thrift Capital Makes It Easier 

As brokers, we act as your bridge to lenders who are open to working with new ABNs.

We know which lenders are comfortable with minimal trading history, and we help you: 

• Avoid unnecessary paperwork (no one-size-fits-all applications here) 

• Show your strengths, whether it’s experience, credit, or clear purpose 

• Get matched with the right lender from our diverse panel 

• Fast-track approvals, with many clients approved within 48 hours 

We’ve helped dozens of new ABN holders get funded—some within a week of registering their business. 

---

Real-World Example

Recently, we assisted a carpenter from Western Sydney who had just gone out on his own. He registered his ABN two weeks prior and needed $38,000 to buy a ute and trailer setup. 

He had no trading history—but he had: 

• 12+ years’ experience in construction 

• A clean personal credit record 

• A vehicle quote ready to go 

We matched him with a flexible lender that supports new ABNs in the trades. He was approved within 48 hours—no BAS, no tax returns, just smart structuring. 

---

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Too Early—It’s Just a Different Path 

Starting a business is a leap. And while funding a new ABN isn’t always as simple as ticking a box, it’s absolutely achievable with the right approach. 

Whether you’re applying as a sole trader, company director, or trust, we’ll help you understand what’s needed and guide you through every step—without delay or confusion. 

---

Ready to Apply? 

Checkout our Pre-Approval Checklist to see what documents you might need 

Or speak with a Thrift Capital broker to find out what your options are today 

You don’t need to wait 12 months. You just need someone who knows how to help you get started. 

Post-EOFY Finance: Why July Is the Smartest Time to Apply

Fresh financials. Flexible lenders. Faster approvals. 

Here’s why early in the financial year is the best time to apply for business finance. 

---

A New Financial Year = New Opportunities

If you’re planning to invest in equipment, vehicles, or working capital, applying for finance in July can give you a head start. 

Why? Because you’re armed with fresh numbers, and lenders are more responsive early in the financial year. 

Your Financials Are Fresh and Ready

At this time of year: 

• Your FY23–24 financials are complete or in final stages 

• You’re working with your accountant to wrap up reports 

• Lenders can make faster decisions with up-to-date data  

It’s the perfect moment to apply while everything is still recent and accessible. 

Lenders Are More Flexible in July

Post-EOFY, lenders are looking to kickstart their new-year lending goals. That often means:

• Faster approvals

• Competitive rates

• More flexible terms

And as brokers, we know exactly which lenders are ready to move—and how to match them with your needs.

Beat the Rush Before Peak Season

Many business owners wait until March–June to sort their funding.

By then, lenders are busier and policies can tighten.

**Applying now puts you ahead of the rush—**with more options and faster results.

What You Might Need

Every application is different, but here’s a general list to prepare: 

• FY23–24 Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet 

• Last 6 months of bank statements 

• Recent tax returns and ATO portals 

• BAS for the last 2 quarters 

• Asset invoice or quote (if buying equipment or vehicles) 

Don’t stress—you might not need all of these. Your Thrift Capital broker will guide you through exactly what’s required.

Ready to Move Forward? 

We’ll help you: 

• Know exactly what to submit 

• Get matched with the right lender 

• Secure funding faster, with less stress 

Checkout our free Pre-Approval Checklist 

Or speak with a finance broker today.

Free Pre-Approval Checklist for Business Loans Over $300K

Know what you need before you apply—and get approved faster. 

Applying for a business loan over $300,000? Lenders typically require more detailed documentation at this level. That’s why we’ve created this free Pre-Approval Checklist—to help you prepare, avoid delays, and give your application the best chance of success. 

Whether you’re a sole trader, company director, or applying through a trust, this checklist covers the documents that matter most. 

Note: For business loans up to $250,000, approvals can often be secured with just basic identification and minimal paperwork. Speak with a Thrift Capital broker to determine the right path for your business. 

What’s Inside the Checklist?

1. Personal Identification (ID) Documents 
   Confirm the identity of the director or business owner: 

   a.) Director’s Driver’s licence or Passport (front & back) 
   b.) Medicare card 

2. Business Information 
   Provide evidence of your business registration and trading status: 
   a.) ABN/ACN 
   b.) Business registration certificate 

3. Financials 
   Help lenders assess your business performance and serviceability: 
   a.) Business bank statements – last 6 months 
   b.) Profit and Loss (Dated from July 2024-June 2025) 
   c.) Balance Sheet (Dated from July 2024-June 2025) 
   d.) Accountant Prepared Financial Statements for Previous FY (2023-24) 
   e.) Most Recent FY’s Individual Tax Return 
   f.) 12-month ATO Portals – ITA & ICA  
   g.) Business Activity Statements (BAS) – last 2 quarters 

   NOTE: We may only need a handful of the above documents to get your business approved. Speak to your Thrift Capital Finance Broker to find out what documents you need. 

4. Loan Purpose Documents(Recommended but not always required) 
   These are useful when applying for asset, equipment, or vehicle finance:
   a.) Invoice or quote for equipment purchase 
   b.) Lease agreement (for property-related loans) 
   c.) Vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN) for car/truck loans 

5. Other Supporting Documents (if applicable) 
   These documents can enhance your application and speed up processing: 
   a.) Trust deed (if applying through a trust) 
   b.) Existing loan contracts (that can be used as a reference) 
   c.) Rates Notice or other document to verify property ownership 

---

Need Help Getting Started? 

Fill out the quick form below and we’ll guide you through the next steps. No pressure—just practical, expert support to help get your business finance-ready. 

---

Why It Matters 

Being well-prepared can mean the difference between: 

• Waiting two weeks vs. getting approved in 24 hours 

• Rejection due to missing documents vs. smooth, fast-track success 

At Thrift Capital, we help you cut through the paperwork and match you with the right lender—so you can secure funding faster, simpler, and smarter.