Trades and manufacturing
Workshops, manufacturers and trades who need machinery, tools or workshop equipment to fulfil orders or contracts.
Business equipment finance for practical SME costs
A guide for SMEs considering equipment-related costs. SimplyFunded focuses on unsecured business funding that may support tools, technology or fit-out needs.
Am I eligible?
You probably are, you just need:
- An active ABN or ACN
- 6+ months in business
- $5,000+ in monthly revenue
How equipment costs can fit unsecured business funding
This page is a supporting guide, not a standalone equipment finance product. SimplyFunded's core offer is unsecured business funding for SMEs, which may be used for practical business costs such as tools, technology, machinery or fit-out where the request fits assessment.
Equipment-related requests are strongest when the item supports revenue, protects trading, improves capacity or helps complete a specific contract.
The same core requirements apply: minimum 6 months trading, minimum AUD $5,000 monthly revenue, active ABN details and a clear repayment plan.
Before applying, compare the funding purpose with the basic business loan questions and make sure the amount requested is tied to a practical business outcome.
Key loan details
Use these details as a quick fit check before starting an application.
Requirement
Criteria
Notes
Requirement
Loan amount
Criteria
AUD $5,000 to $200,000
Notes
Subject to assessment
Requirement
Limited company trading history
Criteria
Minimum 6 months
Notes
Australian product criteria
Requirement
Sole trader trading history
Criteria
Minimum 6 months
Notes
Australian product criteria
Requirement
Minimum monthly revenue
Criteria
AUD $5,000
Notes
Recent trading revenue
Requirement
Common uses
Criteria
Cash flow, stock, wages, tax bills, equipment, marketing and growth
Notes
Business purposes only
Who Business equipment finance guide suit
Hospitality and retail
Cafes, restaurants and retailers funding kitchen equipment, refrigeration, fit-out or point-of-sale technology.
Technology and healthcare
Businesses needing computers, software, medical equipment or diagnostic tools to deliver services.
How assessment works
Approval depends on lender assessment. These are the practical points that usually matter.
Trading history and revenue
SimplyFunded checks for at least 6 months trading and AUD $5,000 monthly revenue before assessing equipment funding fit.
Equipment purpose and benefit
Equipment that improves productivity, fulfills orders or reduces costs is clearer to assess than open-ended asset purchases.
Affordability and ROI
The loan repayment should fit within ordinary revenue, and the equipment should support enough income or savings to justify the cost.
Benefits and trade-offs
Equipment finance preserves working capital but adds a fixed repayment commitment.
The equipment should generate enough income or savings to cover the repayment and ongoing costs.
Leasing may be an alternative for equipment that needs regular upgrades, while loans suit equipment the business intends to keep.
Before you apply
Before applying for equipment finance, check whether the item will generate income, reduce costs, improve capacity or protect revenue. Equipment that directly supports a confirmed contract or order is easier to assess than an upgrade with uncertain benefits.
The loan amount should match the equipment cost including delivery, installation and any ancillary items. Over-borrowing for features or capacity the business does not need can create unnecessary repayment pressure.
Consider the useful life of the equipment compared to the loan term. Financing a piece of equipment over a period longer than its useful working life can leave the business paying for something that is no longer generating value.
If the equipment replaces an older item, factor in any residual value or trade-in. This gives a clearer picture of the net funding requirement and may reduce the loan amount needed.
A short written summary of the equipment, its cost, how it supports business income and the expected benefit can strengthen the application and speed up the review.
Practical business examples
Kitchen equipment upgrade
A cafe needs AUD $22,000 for a new commercial oven and refrigeration to handle increased catering orders.
Workshop machinery
A cabinet maker needs AUD $30,000 for a panel saw and edge bander to complete a large commercial fit-out contract.
IT infrastructure
A professional services firm needs AUD $15,000 for laptops, screens and software for a team of remote consultants.
Related funding options
vehicle financeunsecured fundingline of creditbusiness loan calculatorbusiness loan ratesapply for equipment funding
Compare business loan rates, check business loan requirements or learn how to get a business loan before applying. You can also review business loan FAQs or speak with the team through the contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
It may be considered if the equipment supports a clear business purpose and the request fits the business profile. This is not a dedicated used equipment finance product.