Trade finance for small businesses
Keep stock moving and cash flow healthy by paying suppliers over time.
Requesting a quote has no impact on your credit score.
About
What is trade finance?
Trade finance covers the upfront cost of goods, repaid over 2-9 months with a flat fee or interest on the loan, up to a set lending limit. Lenders often monitor your business’s performance and adjust your limit as it changes.
Typical uses
- Renovating your business premises
- Moving to a new location
- Buying inventory
- Hiring and paying employees
- Buying equipment
- Increasing working capital
- Covering marketing costs
- Making tax payments
Eligibility
You may be eligible for a Trade finance if your business:
0 of 3 ready. Tick what you already have.
Specific criteria can vary between lenders and products.
Requesting a quote has no impact on your credit score.
- Ordering stock ahead of a busy period
- Covering the cost of a big order before your customer pays
- Paying for an overseas shipment before it lands
You may be eligible for a trade loan if your business:
- Has an active ABN or ACN
- Is registered and operating in Australia
- Has been trading for at least 6-12 months
Specific criteria can vary between lenders and products.
Why it works
The benefits of trade finance
Save by buying in bulk
Buy stock in larger quantities and lower your cost per unit.
Access higher borrowing limits
Trade finance often offers larger credit facilities than other loans, supporting bigger or more frequent purchases.
Keep cash free for other expenses
Free up working capital and use it to cover day-to-day costs like wages and rent.
Support ongoing inventory purchases
Continue buying stock without waiting for previous sales cycles to complete.
- Am I ready to provide the extra documentation trade finance usually requires?
- Do I only need the funds for stock or materials, not other costs?
- If my limit dropped with performance, could I be left short next time I need it?
- Trade finance often requires extra paperwork compared to term loans.
- Funds are strictly for purchasing stock or materials, not for general expenses.
- Lending limits may drop if your business performance declines.
Getting started
How to apply for trade finance
Step 1: Get a quote
Tell us what your business needs and get quotes from 95+ bank and non-bank lenders.
Step 2: Get approved
Confirm your quote and we'll manage the application with your lender, so you can focus on running your business.
Step 3: Get funded
Sign your finance documentation and receive funding. It is that simple.
Requesting a quote has no impact on your credit score.
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Why Valiant
Just one simple application.
Let us do the heavy lifting, comparing the panel and negotiating. You get all the options side by side and choose the one that’s right for you.
Dedicated specialists by your side.
You get a personal specialist who knows which lenders suit your industry and how to structure a deal so it actually works for you.
Your credit score, protected.
Explore with no credit check. See all your options, compare them properly, and choose with confidence.
30,000+ SMEs we've worked with.
Construction, hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare. Whatever your business needs, we know how to get it funded with the right loan.
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FAQs
How long does it take to get trade finance?
Trade finance timeframes vary widely, from a few days to weeks, depending on the lender and the transactions being financed. We work with 95+ lenders, so we can look for one that fits your trade and timeline.
How much trade finance can my business get?
Trade finance facilities vary widely, but most start from around $50,000, and many are $100,000 or more.
What's the difference between invoice finance and trade finance?
Trade finance helps you purchase goods before they're sold, while invoice finance helps you unlock cash tied up in unpaid customer invoices. They solve different cash flow challenges and can be used together by some businesses.
When is trade finance a better option than a business loan?
Trade finance is generally better suited when you're purchasing stock, inventory or materials from suppliers. If you need funding for broader business expenses such as equipment, renovations or hiring staff, a business term loan may be more appropriate.
What are the requirements for trade finance?
Requirements vary between lenders, but typically include consistent revenue, a trading history and supporting financial information such as BAS and financial statements. Lenders may also consider your supplier relationships and purchasing history.
Can I use trade finance for local purchases?
Yes. Trade finance isn't exclusive to international transactions—you can also use it for local purchases.
Who is trade finance suitable for?
Trade finance loans are primarily designed for businesses that import or export goods and common sectors include manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and construction.
What is trade finance?
Trade financing helps you cover the upfront cost of goods, allowing you to spread your expenses over time while still being able to benefit from discounts and lower shipping per unit.