Short answer
What matters first
Businesses trading for less than 12 months can sometimes get funding, but options are narrower and amounts are smaller. Many non-bank lenders set minimums of around 3 to 6 months of trading, while banks often prefer two years of financial statements. Most unsecured business lenders also expect consistent monthly revenue, commonly $10,000 or more, shown through business bank statements. A business that has traded for six months with steady deposits may be considered for a modest short-term loan, while a pre-revenue start-up generally will not be. Buying an existing business, operating a franchise or having strong industry experience can help, but the lender still needs evidence that current revenue can support repayments.
Detailed explanation
Lenders use trading history to judge whether revenue is reliable. In the first year, there is simply less evidence, so lenders lend less and look harder at what there is.
This guide explains the common minimums, what newer businesses can realistically access and how to present an early application well.
Why trading history matters
A longer history shows how a business performs through quiet and busy periods. With only a few months of data, a lender cannot tell whether revenue is stable or a short-lived spike.
That is why many lenders measure trading time from when the business began receiving regular revenue into its own business bank account, not only from the ABN registration date.
Common minimums
Minimums vary by lender and product and change over time. The ranges below are typical rather than fixed rules.
- Non-bank unsecured loans: often from about 3 to 6 months of trading
- Lines of credit: often 6 to 12 months
- Bank business loans: often two years of financial statements
- Invoice finance: can start earlier when invoicing reliable business customers
- Merchant cash advances: based on card sales history, sometimes from a few months
What newer businesses can realistically access
Early funding is usually smaller and shorter. Lenders often size it as a fraction of monthly revenue rather than a multiple, and terms tend to be shorter until the business has a longer record. Our guide on how much funding turnover can support explains how limits are commonly set.
A business that bought an existing operation with its trading history, or a franchisee in an established system, may be assessed more favourably than a brand-new independent start-up.
How to strengthen an early application
Run all revenue through one business bank account, avoid dishonours, and keep personal and business spending separate. Request a specific amount with a clear purpose rather than a general buffer.
Have your ABN, GST registration details, any contracts or purchase orders and a short explanation of the business ready. If invoices to business customers are the main asset, compare invoice finance with a loan.
Illustrative comparison
A cafe that has traded for seven months with deposits that are steady week to week may be considered for a small short-term loan for stock or repairs. A consultancy registered eight months ago but with only two irregular client payments may not yet show enough revenue history for an unsecured loan.
These are illustrations only, not lender rules.
Caveats
Early-stage funding typically costs more and may involve daily or weekly repayments. Test repayments against your slowest recent month.
Start-ups without revenue are generally better served by owner capital, grants or specialist programs than by unsecured business loans.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a business loan after 3 months of trading?
Some non-bank lenders consider it for smaller amounts when revenue is consistent. Many prefer 6 months or more.
Does buying an existing business count as trading history?
It can help, because the business has its own revenue record, but lenders also look at how it has performed since you took over.
Can a start-up with no revenue get an unsecured business loan?
Generally no. Unsecured business lenders assess repayments from existing revenue.
Business Funding Support
Newer business with steady revenue?
Share how long you have traded and your recent monthly revenue. We can review whether any lender pathways look realistic yet.