Guiding business owners through financial decisions with clarity and confidence.
Finance decisions shouldn't feel overwhelming, and you shouldn't have to navigate them alone.
Finance decisions shouldn't feel overwhelming, and you shouldn't have to navigate them alone.
I'm Grace Cartledge, a mortgage broker based in Torquay, and I've spent over 20 years helping business owners and self-employed professionals across Geelong, Surf Coast, and Western Victoria make confident financial decisions.
Rather than just arranging loans, I work alongside my clients as a strategic partner, someone who understands both their business and personal goals, simplifies complex lending, and stays involved as their situation changes.
How I Came to Specialise in Business Owner Lending
I started Grace Cartledge Finance after more than 20 years working in lending, where I saw firsthand how business owners were often passed between bank staff, given unclear answers, or left with lending structures that no longer fit where they were headed.
What should support growth often became a source of stress. Banks didn't always understand complex income structures, and many brokers weren't equipped to handle the nuances of business lending.
Through working directly with business owners, people running trades, construction businesses, medical practices, professional services, and consulting firms, I learned that what clients really needed wasn't just someone to arrange a loan. They needed someone to help them understand their options, talk through the hard things, and make decisions they could feel confident about.
That's what I do now. I guide business owners through significant financial decisions with clarity, honest advice, and ongoing support, so they can focus on their business and family, not on worrying about whether their lending is right.
The Clients I Work With
I primarily work with established business owners and self-employed professionals, people who are managing both business operations and personal financial commitments, and need someone who understands how it all fits together.
My clients are typically:
Business owners in trades, construction, medical, consulting, and professional services
Self-employed professionals with complex income structures
People operating through companies, trusts, or partnerships
Growing businesses considering expansion or property purchase
Established business owners looking to refinance or restructure
Anyone who's felt confused or frustrated by traditional bank processes
‘I believe in giving back - learn about my donation program here.’
How I Work With Clients
I don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions or pushing clients toward what's easiest to approve. Every business owner's situation is different, and my role is to understand yours, your business structure, how you draw income, your family commitments, and what you're working toward.
From there, I help you understand what's possible, what the options mean for you, and which approach makes sense for your circumstances. I coordinate with your accountant and solicitor, handle lender communication, and manage the details so you stay informed without having to chase everything yourself.
I'm Honest, Even When It's Uncomfortable
If I think a decision doesn't suit your long-term position, I'll tell you. If refinancing won't actually save you money once costs are considered, I'll explain why staying put might be better. My job is to help you make the right decision for your situation, not just the one that gets a loan approved.
I Explain Things Clearly
Finance can feel full of jargon and confusing terms. I explain things in plain language so you actually understand what you're committing to. No rushed decisions, no pressure, just clear, straightforward guidance.
I Stay Involved After Settlement
My work doesn't end when your loan settles. Clients come back to me as their circumstances change, when they're ready to expand, invest, refinance, or review their position. You have a consistent person who understands your history and can guide you forward.
I Consider the Whole Picture
Business and personal finances are connected. A decision that looks good on paper might create stress for your family or cash flow issues for your business. I consider both sides together, so the solutions I recommend actually support your life, not just get approval.
Great service. Simple.
Local to the Surf Coast, Serving Western Victoria
I'm based in Torquay on the Surf Coast and work with clients across Geelong, Bellarine, Armstrong Creek, Ballarat, Bendigo, and throughout Victoria.
Living and working in the region means I understand the local property market, the businesses that drive it, and the challenges business owners face here. Face-to-face meetings matter, and building real relationships is important to how I work.
Let's Have a Conversation
If you're a business owner navigating a significant financial decision, whether that's purchasing property, expanding, refinancing, or just wanting to understand your options, I'd be happy to talk it through with you.
Book an obligation-free consultation and we'll discuss your situation, goals, and what makes sense for your circumstances.