- A structured approach helps brokers and advisors match clients with the right loan type, minimise delays, and spot red flags before they become issues.
- Whether it’s working capital, asset finance, or development loans, understanding what information to capture upfront (like cash flow, assets, or project value) leads to faster, stronger applications.
- Using checklists and targeted questions positions you as a trusted advisor who adds real value, helping clients secure finance quickly and confidently.
Securing funding is one of the biggest challenges business owners face. With so many loan types, lender requirements, and complex paperwork, it’s easy for clients to feel overwhelmed.
That’s where brokers, accountants, and financial advisors like you come in—to guide them through the funding process and help them secure capital faster, with less friction.
This post gives you a sneak peek at the key questions that make client conversations easier and faster. For the full checklist, download our free ebook.
{{first-banner}}
Why a structured approach matters
Clients often don’t know where to start. Asking the right questions early helps you:
- Spot the most suitable loan for their goals
- Reduce delays and back-and-forth with lenders
- Anticipate potential roadblocks before they become problems
- Position yourself as a trusted advisor who adds real value
The result? Faster approvals and happier clients.
Funding types at a glance
Here’s a quick overview of the main funding options and some of the key details you should capture upfront:
Working capital loans
Short-term loans or overdrafts to support day-to-day business cash flow. Ideal for clients needing to manage operational expenses, payroll, or temporary revenue gaps.
Sample questions
- Can your client describe their business operations, including major expenses, revenue sources, and day-to-day cash flow?
- Are there any existing working capital loan commitments?
Invoice finance
Funding based on outstanding invoices, which helps clients access money before receiving customer payments. Often used by businesses invoicing on terms of 30/60/90 days.
Sample questions
- What has been the average monthly revenue over the past 12 months?
- Who are the debtors, and what are the invoice terms?
Asset finance
Allows businesses to acquire essential vehicles or equipment, while spreading the cost over time.
Sample questions
- What’s the asset being purchased (make, model, and year)?
- Does your client own property or other assets that could provide backing?
Commercial property purchase
Used to purchase or refinance commercial property, whether for investment or business operations. Includes both traditional and low-doc lending options.
Sample questions
- Is the transaction a purchase or a refinance?
- What are your client’s details, including name, age, residency, and occupation?
Development finance
Staged funding for construction, development, or renovation projects. Repayments are often staged according to project milestones.
Sample questions
- What type of property is being built (for instance, units or commercial premises)?
- What is the estimated value of the property on completion?
Business acquisition
Provides finance to purchase an existing business, including evaluation of business history, cash flow, and transition plans.
Sample questions
- Does your client have relevant customer or industry experience?
- Is the acquisition intended as an investment or for your client to run directly?
Rent roll financing
Supports the acquisition or expansion of a rent roll, helping property managers grow, diversify, and stabilise their portfolio.
Sample questions
- Is an information memorandum or a copy of the rent roll available?
- How long has your client’s property management business been operating?
Keen to learn more?
Our ‘Partner guide to client funding’ gives you:
- Detailed checklists for every type of funding
- Targeted questions to uncover requirements quickly
- Handy tips to strengthen applications
- Red flags to help you avoid surprises down the track
Don’t leave your clients’ funding to chance. Grab your free guide and get the complete checklist today. Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is always ready to back you and your clients.
