Short-term business loans for hospitalitylenders who understand seasonality
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.
- Genuine hospitality-sector experienceWhat we bring
- Revenue-based repayment optionsWhat we bring
- Understands seasonal trading patternsWhat we bring
Indicative terms in three minutes
Business-purpose and investment finance only. No credit check at this stage.
“Hospitality is blacklisted by lenders”
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.
“Our margins won't service more debt” — a fair concern, and one we address in writing before any application is lodged.
“One bad season shouldn't define us” — a fair concern, and one we address in writing before any application is lodged.
Typical pain points: Winter trade barely covers costs; Margins too thin for bank comfort; Equipment breaks down at the worst time; Fit-out costs blew the budget. What we bring: genuine hospitality-sector experience, revenue-based repayment options, understands seasonal trading patterns.
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.
Is hospitality really harder to get finance for?
Some lenders are cautious about the sector's margins and seasonality, but it isn't blanket-excluded across the panel. Lenders who actively work in hospitality assess trading patterns, location and management experience rather than applying a flat sector decline. The right lender for a café is not always the right lender for a pub.
Can repayments be structured around a seasonal trading pattern?
Some facilities can weight repayments toward busier months, particularly revenue-linked structures, rather than a flat monthly amount that ignores a quiet winter or wet season. This needs to be discussed upfront, since not every lender offers it. Ask about this specifically when comparing facilities, since it isn't always advertised upfront.
Can I finance kitchen or bar equipment separately from a business loan?
Yes, asset finance secured against the equipment itself is common in hospitality and doesn't require the broader business to carry the debt unsecured. It's often the fastest way to replace essential equipment without disrupting cash flow. Suppliers can often be paid directly once the facility is approved.
Will one bad season count against a loan application?
Not in isolation — lenders look at the trend and the reasons behind it, alongside current trading, rather than treating a single weak season as representative. A clear explanation and evidence of recovery matter more than the number itself. Being upfront about what happened generally works better than glossing over it.
Can a fit-out or refurbishment be financed?
Yes, through a mix of asset finance for equipment and fixtures and a short-term or commercial facility for the balance, sized to the total project cost and the business's trading position. We structure it to match how the spend actually breaks down.
Do I need to be an established venue to get finance?
No, though a newer venue typically has fewer options and more conservative terms, similar to any early-stage business. Location, the operator's experience, and a realistic budget all weigh into what's available for a newer hospitality business. A strong lease and a realistic opening budget both help the case.
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.