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Should you apply for a business loan yourself or use Valiant?

Valiant exists to remove the headaches of applying for a business loan.
by
Carolina Mateus
3
min read
Published:
February 20, 2026
Last updated:
February 20, 2026
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Key Takeaways:
    • DIY loans can be time-consuming, confusing, and limited in options.
    • Valiant provides access to 90+ lenders, expert guidance, and a streamlined process.
    • Using Valiant increases your chances of approval and reduces stress.
    • A single application can get you faster funding, often within 24 hours.
  • If you’re a business owner looking for finance, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Should I go straight to the bank, or is there a better way?”

    Fair question. Banks are the obvious first stop, but going it alone can be complicated and time-consuming. Luckily, it’s not your only option.

    Navigating bank loans on your own

    Going straight to the bank and DIY’ing a loan application might sound like an easy feat at first. You fill out a form, submit it, and get approved… right? Well, it’s not always that straightforward.

    Here’s the reality:

    • Limited choices: Banks only offer their own loan products. It’s a bit like going to a shoe store and only finding one size – you might end up compromising on fit.
    • Red tape overload: Each bank has its own forms, approval processes, and paperwork requirements. Multiply that by the number of lenders you want to approach, and it can quickly become overwhelming.
    • Time cost: While you’re juggling applications and deciphering fine print, valuable time (and energy) is taken away from focusing on your business.
    • Decision stress: You’re pretty much on your own to understand whether a loan is right for your needs. Missteps could lead to a rejection or leave you with a solution that isn’t ideal.

    How Valiant simplifies the loan journey

    Valiant exists to remove the headaches of applying for a business loan so you can focus on running and growing your venture. 

    Think of us as your personal lending guide, helping you navigate the financing landscape efficiently and make informed decisions without the guesswork.

    Access to more loan products

    With Valiant, you’re not limited to one single option. With a panel of 90+ lenders (including bank and non-bank providers), our product-matching system connects you with the solution that’s genuinely the best fit. This way, you get more choices, better alignment, and a higher chance of approval.

    Expert guidance every step of the way

    Our team is there to make your loan journey as clear as possible. From the moment you request a quote, you're paired with a broker who'll guide you from application to settlement. In other words? You’re never left guessing.

    A few ways we support you:

    • Recommending the right type of business loan for your goals
    • Explaining what each lender is looking for
    • Clarifying confusing terms and fees
    • Helping you put together a strong application for the best chance of approval

    And if you have questions at any point, answers are one call or email away.

    Streamlined process, faster approvals

    At Valiant, we do the heavy lifting of your loan application. All you need to do is complete one easy form in just 5-10 minutes, with no endless paperwork or back-and-forth with lenders. Better yet, funding can land in your account in as little as 24 hours.

    How Valiant compares to going DIY

    Feature Valiant DIY
    Lender access 90+ lenders matched to your business profile Limited to the lenders you can find
    Expert guidance Lending expert with you every step of the way You're on your own to understand requirements and loan options
    Time investment One single application Multiple applications and follow-ups
    Matching accuracy Software + human insight pairs you with best-fit lenders Trial and error; may apply to unsuitable lenders
    Application process Streamlined, digital, and guided Manual; varies across lenders
    Approval speed Funding in as little as 24 hours Slower; each lender has own process
    Chances of approval Higher with tailored lender matching Risk of rejection when applying to wrong lender/product
    Understanding loan terms Experts ensure you fully understand terms You interpret lender jargon yourself

    So, should you go DIY or use Valiant?

    Look, if you enjoy paperwork, have time to navigate multiple lenders, and are confident interpreting complex loan terms, DIYing might work for you.

    But if you value:

    • Access to a wide range of lenders
    • Expert guidance that saves time and reduces errors
    • Faster approval and funding
    • Confidence that your loan actually fits your business

    …then using Valiant is the smarter choice. We remove the stress, handle the fine print, and put time back in your hands (along with the capital you need).

    Get a quote today and see how simple financing your business can be.

    The content in this blog is provided for general information purposes only. It doesn't constitute financial advice and shouldn't be relied upon as such. Always consult a licensed financial advisor, accountant, or legal professional to consider your personal circumstances before making financial decisions.

    References:

    About the author
    Carolina Mateus is an SEO Content Specialist at Valiant Finance, creating content that helps SMEs navigate business finance with confidence. She develops clear, actionable guides to simplify complex topics and support smarter funding decisions.
    Ryan Ragland is VP of Enterprise Solutions at Valiant Finance, partnering with OEMs, resellers, and lenders to embed finance directly into their sales workflows. He designs scalable solutions that speed up deal cycles, improve customer experience, and unlock new revenue opportunities for partners.
    Richie Cotton is Co-Founder and CTO at Valiant Finance, driving the company’s technology strategy and product innovation. He oversees the development of Valiant’s embedded finance platform and scalable solutions that make accessing business funding faster, simpler, and more reliable for SMEs.
    Alex Molloy is CEO and Co-Founder of Valiant Finance, leading the company’s mission to make business finance more accessible and efficient. Since founding Valiant, he’s guided its growth from an Australian startup to a global fintech powering embedded finance for major institutions and platforms.
    Henry Baker is Head of Working Capital at Valiant Finance, leading the company’s working capital solutions. He helps SMEs unlock funding to smooth daily operations and support strategic growth without additional financial burden.
    Luke Saleh is Head of Asset Finance at Valiant Finance, leading the company’s vehicle and equipment lending solutions. He helps SMEs access loans that match their goals, enabling them to scale efficiently and invest in essential assets.
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    James Pattison is National Business Development Manager at Valiant Finance, enabling brokers and accountants to diversify into asset finance and working capital funding, backed by 20 years in finance.
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