Short-term business loans for builders and tradesfunded around progress claims, not against them
Short-term business loans in Australia: typically $50k to $5m at up to 70% secured, over 1–24 months, settling in 1–10 days once security and entity documents are in hand. A business-purpose loan of one to twenty-four months, secured or unsecured, used to cover a cash-flow gap, seize an opportunity or bridge to a longer-term refinance.
- Understands progress claims and retentionWhat we bring
- Placed with construction-comfortable lendersWhat we bring
- Fast turnaround on equipment financeWhat we bring
Indicative terms in three minutes
Business-purpose and investment finance only. No credit check at this stage.
“Lenders won't touch construction businesses”
We hear this constantly. The honest answer is that it depends on security, exit and documentation — which is exactly what the enquiry form asks — and that the lenders on our panel — banks, private lenders and specialist funds alike — price those three things, not the label on the borrower.
“I can't wait six weeks for an answer” — a fair concern, and one we address in writing before any application is lodged.
“One bad job shouldn't sink the whole business” — a fair concern, and one we address in writing before any application is lodged.
Typical pain points: Progress claim paid weeks late; Retention money tied up for months; BAS and super falling behind; Need equipment before the job starts; Bank won't touch construction-industry cash flow; Client disputing a claim, cash stuck. What we bring: understands progress claims and retention, placed with construction-comfortable lenders, fast turnaround on equipment finance.
How we work.
From the first call to the final drawdown, each step is led by a principal — not a queue.
Tell us the scenario
Purpose, amount, security and timeframe — the qualifier takes about three minutes and every answer maps to how our lender panel assesses short-term business loans.
Indicative terms
A specialist reviews the scenario and comes back with an indicative structure, pricing range and the documents needed. Urgent scenarios get a call within minutes during business hours.
Credit and valuation
The lender assesses security, entity and exit. For short-term business loans this is typically 1–10 days end to end.
Settlement
Solicitors settle, funds are released, and the deal is tracked to its exit in our CRM so refinancing or the next facility is ready before the term ends.
Questions we are asked.
Can a builder get finance while a progress claim is disputed?
Often, yes. Lenders on our panel look at the broader picture — other contracts, equipment, and the underlying business — rather than treating one disputed claim as disqualifying. A short-term facility or invoice finance against undisputed claims can bridge the gap while the dispute runs its course.
Can I finance equipment before a job starts, not after?
Yes, asset and equipment finance is typically arranged ahead of settlement or the job start date, secured against the equipment itself rather than property. Turnaround is usually faster than a standard business loan because the asset provides straightforward security for the lender.
Will BAS or superannuation arrears stop me getting a loan?
Not automatically. A short-term facility can be structured to clear ATO or super arrears directly, and lenders on our panel routinely see this in the construction sector. What matters most is the exit — how and when the facility gets repaid once cash flow normalises.
Can I borrow against retention money that hasn't been released yet?
Retention held by a principal contractor isn't itself security, but the cash-flow gap it creates can be funded through invoice finance, a general security agreement, or a short-term facility, depending on the rest of the business's position. We size the facility to the gap, not just the retention figure.
Do I need property to get a business loan as a builder?
No. Unsecured facilities, invoice finance and equipment finance are all available without property security, sized to the business's turnover, contracts and asset base. Property security widens the options and improves pricing, but it isn't a precondition for this borrower type.
How fast can a builder get funded against an unpaid progress claim?
Invoice or debtor finance against a verified claim can typically be arranged within days once the claim, the contract and the debtor's payment history are confirmed. Speed depends on how quickly that documentation comes together rather than on the loan amount itself.
How fast can short-term business loans settle?
Typically 1–10 days from a complete application, depending on valuation, legal and lender workload. Speed depends on how quickly security and entity documents are available.
How much can I borrow with short-term business loans?
Our panel typically funds from $50,000 to $5,000,000, at up to 70% secured. Larger or more complex facilities are structured case by case across banks, private lenders and specialist funds.
What security is needed?
Property, GSA, caveat or unsecured. The stronger and more liquid the security, the sharper the pricing.
Is this a consumer loan?
No. Solara arranges business-purpose and investment-purpose finance only. If your purpose is personal or for owner-occupied housing, this product is not suitable and we will say so.
Not quite the right product? Every loan type we arrange.
Most scenarios can be structured more than one way. Browse the alternatives, or tell us the situation and we'll recommend the structure.