Trades and manufacturing
Businesses reviewing machinery, tools or workshop equipment needed to fulfil orders or contracts.
Business equipment finance for practical SME costs
A guide to equipment finance for Australian SMEs. Learn how unsecured business funding may support tools, machinery or fit-out costs, subject to assessment.
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 business funding
Equipment costs can include tools, technology, machinery or fit-out items that help a business deliver services, fulfil orders, or maintain day-to-day operations. SimplyFunded provides unsecured business funding that may support an eligible business purpose; this page is a guide, not a standalone equipment finance product.
An equipment-related request is easier to assess when it explains what the item is, how much it costs, and how it supports revenue, capacity, or business continuity. Include quotes and related delivery or installation costs where available.
Funding is subject to assessment. Trading history, revenue, active ABN details, existing commitments and the proposed repayment all matter. Compare unsecured funding with leasing or secured asset finance, including ownership, security, fees and total cost.
Who may be considering equipment funding
Hospitality and retail
Cafes, restaurants and retailers assessing kitchen equipment, refrigeration, fit-out or point-of-sale technology.
Technology and healthcare
Businesses consider computers, software, medical equipment, or diagnostic tools for service delivery.
What lenders may assess
Trading and revenue
Trading history, recent revenue and current commitments help show whether repayments fit normal business activity.
Equipment purpose
Explain how the item supports productivity, fulfils orders, improves capacity, or reduces operating costs.
Affordability and value
Check that repayments and ongoing equipment costs are manageable, and the expected business benefit is realistic.
Equipment funding fit check
Business outcome
Will the item increase capacity, reduce downtime, fulfil an order, or protect existing revenue?
Full project cost
Include delivery, installation, software, training, GST treatment and any required site work.
Useful life
Choose a repayment period that fits the equipment’s practical working life, where possible.
Funding structure
Compare unsecured funding with leasing or secured asset finance based on ownership, flexibility, security and total cost.
Benefits and trade-offs
Funding can preserve working capital, but it adds a repayment commitment alongside operating and maintenance costs.
The equipment should provide a realistic business benefit that supports its total cost.
Leasing may suit equipment that needs regular upgrades; a loan may suit equipment the business intends to keep.
Check out early payout terms and any residual or trade-in value before replacing existing equipment.
Before you apply
Check whether the item will generate income, reduce costs, improve capacity, or protect revenue. Equipment connected to a confirmed contract or order has a clearer business case than an upgrade with uncertain benefits.
Match the requested amount to the full project cost, including delivery and installation. Over-borrowing capacity the business does not need can create unnecessary repayment pressure.
Consider the useful life of the equipment against the proposed repayment term. If it replaces an older item, include any trade-in or residual value when estimating the amount required.
Practical equipment funding examples
Kitchen equipment
A cafe obtains a quote for a commercial oven and refrigeration to support increased catering orders.
Workshop machinery
A cabinet maker assesses the cost of a panel saw and edge bander needed for a commercial fit-out contract.
IT infrastructure
A professional services firm plans laptops, screens, and software for a team of remote consultants.
Related business funding information
Ready? Get funded today.
Ready to explore unsecured business funding? Share your business details and funding purposes online to check your eligibility.
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.
SimplyFunded's unsecured SME funding range is AUD $5,000 to $200,000, subject to assessment and repayment capacity. This is not a separate equipment finance limit.
ABN details, recent business bank statements and trading evidence are typically useful. An equipment invoice or quote, including delivery or installation costs, may also be requested.
SimplyFunded generally looks for at least 6 months of trading history. Newer businesses may need to provide additional evidence of revenue or forward contracts.
This depends on the funding structure. SimplyFunded's unsecured business funding does not require the equipment to be pledged as security; secured asset finance may have different terms.
Replacing equipment before the loan term ends may require settling existing finance early. Check any payout amount, early repayment fees or settlement adjustments.