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Business funding and finance.
The right funding could take your business to the next level. Know your options so you can grow your operation with confidence.
Types of business funding.
There are two types of funding available to small businesses - debt financing and equity financing.
Debt financing is receiving money as a loan, which includes borrowing from a lender like a bank, or from friends or family members.
Equity financing is receiving money in exchange for some ownership in the business. That might come from an organisation or from people you know.
Before you seek funding.
The first step in thinking about funding your business growth is to work out how much money you will need. This the ‘capital’ required for you to take the next step – for instance, buying a ute, employing a salesperson, or spending on advertising.
When you know how much capital you need, think about where it might come from. Sources of funding might include:
- Your own savings
- Selling personal or business assets
- Restructuring costs to help you save over time
- Grants or other types of subsidies.
If you can’t reach your target through any of these sources, or by funding using profits from the business, you will need to use debt or equity financing, or a combination of both.
Funding your business
More guides.
Balancing debt and equity
Learn more about how to strike the right balance between debt and equity.
Improving cashflow
Before you borrow, it's worth investigating how you could free up cash within your business.
Considering a business loan?
As an ambitious business owner, you might have plans for the future that require extra financial backing. A little preparation could help.
How to raise capital from angel investors
What to do to be prepared before you ask, and what angels are looking for before they invest in a business.
Government grants and business support.
For established businesses
You may be eligible for government grants or other help to subsidise training costs and business activities.
For new businesses
If you’re a start-up, have a look at government information on grants available.
R & D funding
Callaghan Innovation is a government agency supporting research and development with funding support.
For Māori businesses
Find a raft of helpful services including Te Puni Kōkiri Māori Business Growth Support information, on the MBIE site.
Things you should know.
Eligibility criteria and lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. An establishment fee may apply.
The material on this webpage is provided for information purposes only and is not a recommendation or opinion.
The material on this webpage does not take your particular financial situation or goals into account. We recommend you seek independent legal, financial and/or tax advice.
Links to other sites are provided for convenience only and Westpac accepts no responsibility for the availability or content of such websites.
Business Lending products are only available for business and/or investment purposes and not for personal, domestic or household purposes.
Westpac accepts no responsibility for the availability or content of any third party websites linked on this page.