How to Get Finance Approved Without Years of Financials

Getting started in business shouldn’t mean getting stuck with finance. 

Starting Fresh? You Don’t Need Years of Paperwork to Move Forward 

One of the biggest misconceptions in commercial finance is that you need years of financials, multiple tax returns, accountant-prepared statements, and a long trading history to get approved for a business loan. 

This simply isn’t true. 

At Thrift Capital, we work with self-employed operators, sole traders, and small business owners every day. Many are just getting started or don’t have traditional paperwork in place. Whether you’re applying with a new ABN, growing a cash-based business, or still waiting on your first full tax return, we can help you secure the funding you need with a smarter, more flexible approach. 

Why Traditional Financials Aren’t Always the Standard Anymore 

Lenders today understand that the business landscape has shifted. More Australians are turning to self-employment, launching startups, or working as contractors, and many of these businesses don’t have lengthy financial histories. 

In response, an increasing number of lenders now offer low-doc equipment loans and alternative-documentation finance options. These allow you to apply using more accessible forms of evidence, such as: 

• Business bank statements (typically 6–12 months) 

• ABN registration confirmation 

• BAS statements (last 2 quarters) 

• Invoices or quotes for the asset being financed 

These solutions are especially common in truck finance, equipment finance, and machinery finance where the asset itself provides added security for the lender. 

What Really Matters to Lenders (When You Don’t Have Full Financials) 

If you don’t have formal tax returns or accountant-prepared financials, lenders will focus on other indicators that show repayment ability and business stability: 

1. Bank Statement Activity 

Lenders assess cash flow over the past 6–12 months. They want to see consistent income, responsible spending, and the ability to manage regular loan repayments. 

2. ABN History 

Some lenders prefer an ABN active for at least 12 months, but others will consider businesses with as little as 6 months of trading, especially if you have industry experience or active contracts. 

3. GST Registration 

Being registered for GST signals an annual turnover above $75K, which reassures lenders of your business activity. 

4. Loan Purpose and Asset Type 

Funding a truck, ute, trailer, or machinery used for work is considered lower risk compared to unrelated purchases. A clear loan purpose strengthens your application. 

Real-World Approvals Without Full Financials 

We’ve helped clients across industries secure funding with minimal paperwork: 

• Truck finance for owner-operators with less than 12 months trading history, enabling them to expand into freight contracts. 

• Low-doc equipment loans for tradies and contractors financing utes, excavators, and tools using only bank statements and ABN proof. 

• Machinery finance and fit-out funding for hospitality startups, approved based on projected turnover and 6 months of revenue history. 

The key is knowing which lenders accept alternative documents and how to structure your application effectively. 

Why Using a Broker Like Thrift Capital Makes the Difference 

Submitting a finance application without the right strategy can harm your credit file. Every declined application leaves a mark, and repeated rejections reduce your options. 

At Thrift Capital, we protect your chances of approval by: 

• Assessing eligibility before submitting any application. 

• Matching you with lenders who support new businesses and flexible documentation. 

• Guiding you on document preparation so nothing important gets missed. 

• Structuring repayments and balloon options to suit your cash flow. 

We specialise in truck finance, equipment loans, machinery finance, and business fit-outs. If you’re in transport, construction, trade, or hospitality, we know the lenders who understand your industry and your challenges. 

You’re More Finance-Ready Than You Think 

Waiting until you have years of paperwork could mean missing opportunities right now. 

At Thrift Capital, we look at the business activity you already have and tailor a finance pathway that works. You may be surprised at what you’re eligible for today. 

Ready to Take the Next Step? 

Speak with a Thrift Capital broker today and discover how you can get approved for truck finance, equipment loans, and machinery finance without the wait, the red tape, or the guesswork.