Why Business Owners Choose A Broker
How to Access Business Finance Through a Broker; A Step-by-Step Guide for Surf Coast, Torquay & Geelong Business Owners.
Running a small-to-medium business along the Surf Coast, in Torquay, or across Geelong often means balancing seasonal growth opportunities with the realities of cash flow. Whether you’re looking to expand your premises, invest in new equipment, or smooth out seasonal income, access to the right finance can make all the difference.
Working with a finance broker takes the stress and complexity out of the process. Here are the steps involved when you work with Grace Cartledge to arrange your business finance.
1. Have an Initial Chat
The first step is a simple conversation. Grace takes the time to understand your business, goals, and challenges. This isn’t just about numbers - it’s about listening to your story. Whether you’re a local café owner in Torquay, a trades business in Bannockburn, or a growing professional service in Geelong, the aim is to get a clear picture of your needs.
2. Gather the Right Information
Once your goals are clear, Grace will guide you on what’s needed: financial statements, tax returns or cashflow statements. Don’t worry if this feels overwhelming - Grace knows what lenders are looking for and will help you collate the right documents in the right way. If you’d like her to, she will liaise directly with your Accountant and Solicitor to make sure your whole support team are on the same page.
3. Explore Finance Options
One of the biggest benefits of working with Grace is choice. Instead of walking into one bank and taking what’s on offer, Grace has access to a wide panel of lenders—from the big banks to niche lenders who specialise in business finance. This opens up more options and better chances of finding a loan structure that suits your needs.
4. Tailor a Finance Solution
No two businesses are the same. Grace will match your needs with the right loan product - whether that’s working capital to support seasonal fluctuations, equipment finance to help you expand capacity or a commercial property loan to secure your next premises.
5. Handle the Application Process
Filling out forms, answering lender questions, and chasing updates can take valuable time away from running your business. Grace manages the application end-to-end, making the process smoother and giving you peace of mind that nothing’s missed.
6. Secure Approval and Settlement
Grace negotiates on your behalf, helping to secure not just approval, but terms that support your business goals long-term. Once approved, she will guide you through to settlement so you can focus on what you do best - running and growing your business.
7. Ongoing Support
A good broker doesn’t disappear after settlement. Grace will stay in touch to make sure your finance continues to work for you and can help reassess as your business grows or new opportunities arise.
Why Local Business Owners Choose a Broker
For Surf Coast, Torquay, and Geelong business owners, time is often your most valuable resource. A broker simplifies the finance process, brings local knowledge, and provides access to a wide range of lenders and solutions that you might not find on your own.