Please note: This page is for people who are on Centrelink and want a loan for establishing a business.
If you're on Centrelink and need a personal loan for non-business purposes, learn about your options here.
Business loans for Centrelink recipients
Centrelink payments don’t need to stand in your way of receiving a loan. If you have a solid business idea, a proven track record and passion, you can get a business loan.
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If you receive Centrelink payments, you may be eligible to apply for business loans from non-bank lenders and peer-to-peer lenders. If you're looking to start a business, you can apply for NEIS assistance, which provides training and income assistance for Centrelink recipients.
Which lenders offer business loans for Centrelink recipients?
What should I consider before applying for a Centrelink business loan?
What can I use a Centrelink business loan for?
What is the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS)?
Business loans you can apply for while on Centrelink
| How does it work? | What to know | Learn more | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MaxFunding | Business financing up to $1,000,000. Bad credit applicants will be considered. | MaxFunding is a very flexible lender, but you'll need to own an asset to be eligible. If you don't own an asset, other criteria will apply. | |
| MiFinance | If you have an ABN, you can borrow up to $1,000 for business needs. | These are small, short term loans designed to cover essential business costs and get paid off quickly. Keep in mind that your Centrelink payments must make up less than 50% of your total income. | |
| Bigstone | You can borrow between $10,000 and $5,000,000 | Loans are granted and managed online. Once you apply, the loan will be listed on Bigstone's marketplace for up to 14 days. Individual investors can apply to fund you. The interest rate is calculated on your business's risk profile. | |
| ThinCats | You can borrow between $50,000 and $300,000. | You can apply directly through ThinCats, a sponsor or via an introduction. Your application will be assessed by the ThinCats credit team. They will help you prepare an information packet to be presented to investors. A loan auction will be held to fund your loan. Interest rates will be determined during the loan auction. |
Expert overview: The 3 most important things about getting a business loan on Centrelink
- Your options might be limited when you receive Centrelink benefits, but there are still a number of business loan options to choose from.
- The NEIS, which provides New Business Assistance, was specifically designed for Centrelink recipients who want to start and work full-time in their own business.
- The key to being approved for a business loan is to carefully review the eligibility criteria. You should provide a clear, detailed explanation of how you meet the requirements.
Can I apply for a business loan if I am a Centrelink recipient?
If you receive payments from Centrelink, getting a traditional business loan may prove to be difficult. It may also be difficult to find a business loan without an established business history. However, there are business loans you can apply for, such as the following:
- Non-bank business loans. Non-bank lenders include independent lenders and neobanks. These institutions are smaller than traditional banks. They generally provide cheaper, more competitive loans. Their lending criteria are also more flexible.
- Peer-to-peer business loans. A peer-to-peer loan is borrowed from an individual investor and not a traditional lender. Applications for these loans are faster, with competitive rates and flexible lending criteria.
- New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS). This is a government-funded program for applicants who receive payments from Centrelink. It provides training and income assistance for Centrelink recipients who wish to start and work full-time in their own business.
Learn more about Government-backed business loans in response to Coronavirus
Which lenders offer business loans for Centrelink recipients?
You can apply for a business loan from non-bank and peer-to-peer lenders. The following non-bank lenders offer business loans even if you don't have an established business. These lenders will consider your application based on the strength of your ideas, experience and personal drive. They provide financing even if you receive Centrelink payments. There are also options if you already have an established business.
You can also apply for a loan with the following peer-to-peer lenders. If you have a rocky financial history or former unsuccessful businesses, you may find it difficult to convince potential investors.
What fees and charges should I expect?
There are two main costs that come with a business loan:
- Interest rates. This is set as a percentage. It shows how much you will have to repay for the amount you've borrowed. For instance, if you borrow $100 at a 20% interest rate, you'll have to pay back $120.
- Fees. The fee structure of your loan will depend on your lender. There could be fees for establishing your account, ongoing monthly fees, exit fees if you pay off your loan early and early or late repayment fees if you pay outside the schedule. These are some of the main fees to look out for, but there could be others. These fees add to the cost of your loan, so make sure to include them in your calculations. Leaders are required to make all fees clear and comprehensible.
What should I consider before applying for a Centrelink business loan?
Before applying for a business loan, you need to make sure you're ready to start making repayments. Keep in mind that you'll be paying back more than you borrowed. You will need to plan for it.
- Getting a loan will not be easy. Lenders and investors may be more hesitant to lend to someone on Centrelink. You will also need to be prepared to pay higher rates. You may be able to convince them if you have an outstanding business idea or if you can demonstrate the profitability of your new business.
- Plan for how you'll spend the money in as much detail as possible. The lender will want to know how the money is being spent and if it's being spent wisely. They will also want to know if they can expect a return on their investment.
- Set up a calendar around your repayment schedule and work according to it. Keeping up with repayments will help you keep costs down. Missing repayments will result in extra fees and can harm your credit rating.
- Money may be tighter after you've taken out a business loan. All proceeds of the loan will have to be used for business purposes only. Having to make repayments can make finances tight unless you're sure your business can turn a profit.
What can I use a Centrelink business loan for?
There are several uses for a business loan, including the following:
- Starting your own business
- Growing your existing business
- Boosting your cash flow
- Buying inventory, commercial property, vehicles, machinery, equipment and tools
- Exporting goods overseas
- Conducting research and development
Does Centrelink give business loans?
Technically, no. Centrelink doesn't give business loans. But some Centrelink recipients can apply for NEIS assistance. NEIS is managed by Centrelink and the Department of Human Services. It is not a business loan, but it can help you get self-employed and start your own business.
What is the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS)?
NEIS is a government-funded program. It is designed to help Centrelink recipients start their own businesses.
It offers accredited small business training, business mentoring, business-plan development and allowances for eligible participants. This includes NEIS allowance for up to 39 weeks and NEIS Rental Assistance for up to 26 weeks.
It is part of the New Business Assistance initiative.
If you're on Centrelink, NEIS can help you start and work full-time for your own business. It counts as Centrelink-approved activity for up to 13 weeks from commencement. The business is required to be upstanding, lawful and preferably not-for-profit. There are 6,300 places available each year.
- If you're currently participating in jobactive as a volunteer and enter the NEIS assistance program before the end of your service, you may be able to secure a place in the program.
Am I eligible for the NEIS program?
If you're interested in NEIS, a good first step is to register for jobactive if you haven't already. You'll have to be registered if you want to get into the program. You can learn more about it here.
In the aftermath of COVID-19, the eligibility criteria for NEIS were expanded.
- From 15 October 2020, people can access NEIS and start their own businesses if they are working 25 hours per week or less.
- From 7 December 2020, existing micro-business owners impacted by COVID-19 can access NEIS if they need help keeping their business running or if they need to refocus their operations to meet new areas of demand.
The selection criteria for the NEIS are fairly strict. To qualify for the application alone, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be 18 years of age or older and on an eligible Centrelink scheme. You must be fully eligible for jobactive or disability employment services.
- Be participating in jobactive as a volunteer and commence in NEIS Assistance before the end of your service period.
- Not convert to an Age Pension before or during NEIS.
- Be available to participate in NEIS training and work full-time in the proposed NEIS business.
- Not currently be going through bankruptcy.
- Not have received NEIS assistance in the last 3 years or have ever received it for a similar business activity.
Additionally, your business must meet the following criteria:
- Not be already operating on a commercial basis
- Be independent when established
- Be legal, upstanding and capable of withstanding public scrutiny
- Have been assessed as commercially viable
- Not be based on the takeover or purchase of an existing business
- Not directly compete with an established business unless your business will do it differently or if you can prove there's unsatisfied demand in the area.
- Be operated and located entirely within Australia
- Be structured so you'll always have a controlling interest over it.
- Not be a for-profit organisation, unless approved by the Department of Employment.
How can I apply for a Centrelink business loan?
Whether you're eligible for a business loan will depend on the provider. For many business loans, your business needs to be established for a certain amount of time. There are also requirements around monthly or annual turnover. Your chances of getting a business loan increase in the following situations:
- Your business has been continually operating for a long time.
- Your business has demonstrated earning capability.
- You and your business are currently debt-free and have a strong credit history.
To apply for a business loan, you will need to do the following:
💵 Work out how much you need to borrow and what you can afford.
🔎 Look for lenders. Check their eligibility criteria to ensure you can apply.
🖨️ Organise and prepare the required documentation. This can include the following:
- Proof of identification, such as a driver's licence or passport
- Your business's ABN/ACN
- Your personal and/or business financials
- Your business plan
- Financial forecasts
How long lenders take to respond will vary between lenders and their processing times. Some lenders may allow you to repay your loan early without penalties.
Image: Shutterstock
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Ask an Expert
Hi
Im about to open a cafe in a rural area of Australia
Popelation here is 22,000
The town is about to expan here due to a new developments by goverment and a steelworks inverstor.
The food here is not the best
Due to my own medical condition I would like to offer a healthier choice of foods in my cafe.
I am on a dsp payment but subjected to change as soon as Im open for business due to centrelinks policy
Im currently a volunteer jobseeker.
Is there any start up loans I may be eligible as I need to hire staff at a minimum wage I will be needing to pay them $548.70 wage + $52.18 superannuation uniform.
Then my other expenses power water rent set up cafe dinning and kitchen.
Is there any help or loans i could be eligible please?
Hi Kylie,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well for you. :)
Being on a Centrelink means you might have a limited option when it comes to business loans. Nevertheless, as long as you can demonstrate the viability of your business idea plus be able to meet your lender’s requirements, then you should be able to obtain a business loan.
On this page, you will find on our table one of your options. You may give it a try, directly get in touch with them by clicking on the “Go to site” green button.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
Hi im on new start centrelink. I have spent 16,000 all ready on my new business. Hot dog cart. And im short $3,500 . Who lends to someone on a benefit.
Hi Janice,
Thanks for your question.
Generally, if you are receiving Centrelink payments and do not have an established business history, it might be difficult to find a loan. However, there are lenders above that may consider your application based on the strength of your ideas, experience, and personal drive. Kindly refer to the table above and review the “How does it work?” and “What to know” columns to learn more. You may also click on the More icon. This will redirect you to our review page for that particular loan where you will find more details such as features and steps to apply for the loan.
You may also refer to other lenders financing Centrelink recipients. When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button if available and you will be redirected to the lender’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Alternatively, you may also consider the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS program). This scheme gives outstanding applicants a range of free ongoing business support and mentoring services in addition to an allowance to help with successful establishment. More information is found above.
Cheers,
May
I have started my own real estate business i have sold 1 block of land and have 10 listings . As i have put all my money into setting up this business could i apply for a loan for more advertising
Hi Kevin,
Thank you for your inquiry.
As we are a comparison website, we may not able to recommend you a specific lender, although you can possibly compare different brands from our list of business loans. There is also a guide on this about the different types of business loans you can go with depending on your needs. Best to contact a lender directly to discuss your eligibility or options. When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the lender’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Cheers,
May
How many years can I apply for the loan
Hi Ebenezer,
Thanks for contacting finder, a comparison website and general information service.
It would depend on the lender that you would choose. On the page you’re viewing, you may click “Go to site” and “More” to find out more information about the loan options.
To improve your chances of getting approved for a loan, please ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and requirements of the loan option or lender and make sure to read the details, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements / Terms & Conditions of the loan option before making a decision and consider whether the product or option is right for you.
I hope this helps.
Best regards,
Judith
I am on Centrelink disability job search.
I have been making arrangements with a Swidish company that exports stockfish but I have not been able to raised the money involved in order for me to recieve my first shipment. I have already gotten buyers who will clear the goods as soon as it arrived.
Do you think I can get a loan to start this business? What’s my chance of getting this and how soon?
Hi Greenlite,
Thank you for your inquiry.
The chance of your approval may very depending on the lender. As long as you can meet the eligibility criteria and the requirements you may be considered for the loan.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold