Bentleys Shares Expert Insights on Navigating Business Loans and Funding Trends for Australian SMEs in 2025

Sydney, Australia – September 18, 2025 – Bentleys, a leading network of advisory and accounting firms with over 70 years of experience serving businesses across Australia and New Zealand, today provides comprehensive insights into the evolving landscape of business loans and funding options for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in 2025. As economic conditions continue to stabilize with falling inflation and steady interest rates, Australian businesses are increasingly seeking financing to support growth, manage cash flow, and adapt to sector-specific challenges. Recent data indicates a surge in business lending, with credit growth reaching 8.9% in the year to March 2025, marking the highest annual increase in recent periods. This press release draws on current market trends and Bentleys’ advisory expertise to help SMEs make informed decisions in a competitive lending environment.

Bentleys’ focus on business advisory services, including financial strategies, cash flow forecasting, and startup funding guidance, positions the firm as a key resource for entrepreneurs navigating these dynamics. With recent expansions such as the rebranding of McLean Delmo Bentleys to Bentleys Victoria effective July 1, 2025, and ongoing updates on financial reporting and sustainability, Bentleys continues to enhance its support for Australian businesses, including help and guidance on how to get a business loan in Australia in 2025 and beyond.

A Detailed Overview of the 2025 Business Lending Market in Australia

The Australian business lending sector in 2025 is experiencing robust growth, outpacing residential lending trends. According to Reserve Bank of Australia figures, business lending growth has continued to accelerate since late 2023, with steady increases reflecting improved economic confidence. By July 2025, interest rates for business loans typically range from 6.29% to 15% per annum for secured options, while unsecured loans fall between 12% and 20%, depending on factors like borrower creditworthiness, collateral availability, and lender policies. This variability highlights the importance of thorough preparation when applying for finance, as lenders apply stricter criteria amid ongoing risk assessments.

Economists project a gradual recovery throughout 2025, with key trends including stable interest rates and declining inflation creating a more favorable borrowing environment. The financial services sector is also being reshaped by artificial intelligence (AI), regulatory changes, and evolving customer expectations, which are influencing how loans are processed and approved. For instance, AI is streamlining the business loan journey, with 55% of Australian business owners planning to utilize non-bank lending for new investments in the next six months, compared to just 17% opting for traditional banks.

Non-bank lenders are anticipating increased activity, particularly if interest rate cuts materialize, which could further stimulate demand across various sectors. In the commercial space, lending growth has outpaced residential for several quarters, underscoring a shift toward business-focused finance as companies invest in expansion and resilience. Additionally, initiatives like the expansion of Australia’s Home Guarantee Scheme from October 2025, which allows first-home buyers to enter the market with a 5% deposit and no lenders mortgage insurance, may indirectly free up capital for business owners managing personal and commercial finances.

Sector-specific lending trends are also noteworthy. Agriculture, for example, is seeing implications from domestic recovery and global trade shifts, potentially leading to increased funding opportunities. Meanwhile, startups and emerging businesses are benefiting from tailored funding strategies, with advisors emphasizing the need to explore diverse capital sources beyond traditional loans, such as equity and asset-based financing.

Bentleys’ recent publications, such as the Client Alert for September 2025 focusing on tax updates and ATO news, and the February 2025 alert on small business focus areas including GST refund fraud, provide context for how regulatory environments intersect with lending practices. These updates remind businesses to align their financing strategies with compliance requirements to avoid pitfalls.

Key Challenges for SMEs in Accessing Business Loans in 2025

Despite the positive momentum, SMEs face several hurdles in securing loans. Cash flow management remains a top priority, especially as businesses prepare for the financial year start. With insolvencies rising in pressured sectors like retail and construction, lenders are adopting more conservative approaches, including tighter borrowing bases and enhanced scrutiny of financial statements.

One significant challenge is the end of certain tax-related deductions, such as those for general interest charges (GIC) on refinanced tax debts, which businesses should consider before July 2025. Additionally, limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs) in self-managed super funds require review, as changes could impact overall funding availability. Regulatory shifts, including updates to buy now pay later (BNPL) services and ATO warnings on fraud, add layers of complexity, potentially delaying loan approvals or increasing costs.

Economic projections for 2025 indicate cautious optimism, but polarized SME outlooks— with some expecting growth and others contraction— underscore the need for robust financial planning. For instance, while overall business credit is surging, access for smaller entities can be uneven due to heightened competition and risk aversion among traditional banks.

Sustainability reporting requirements, set to roll out for certain entities from December 2025, also influence lending, as lenders increasingly factor in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria. Businesses not prepared for these standards may find it harder to secure favorable terms, particularly for “green” loans aimed at sustainable projects.

Furthermore, the integration of AI in lending processes, while efficient, raises concerns about data privacy and algorithmic biases, which could affect approval rates for non-traditional borrowers. Currency fluctuations and potential rate adjustments add volatility, making it essential for SMEs to forecast cash flows accurately.

Emerging Opportunities in Business Funding for 2025

Looking ahead, 2025 offers numerous opportunities for SMEs to leverage lending trends. The anticipated refinancing surge, driven by AI-enhanced decision-making, could lower costs and speed up approvals for business loans. Non-bank lenders are expected to play a larger role, with projections indicating growth in alternative financing options like asset-based lending and equity crowdfunding.

For startups, strategies to secure capital include exploring government incentives, such as superannuation payments on paid parental leave starting July 2025, which could indirectly support business owners’ financial flexibility. The dynamic startup landscape in Australia emphasizes the need for diversified funding approaches, combining loans with grants and investor capital to drive growth.

In sectors like agriculture and carbon accounting, political and regulatory developments tied to elections and emissions policies present funding avenues for innovative projects. Overall, with GDP growth forecasted to accelerate into 2026, 2025 serves as a foundational year for building resilient financial structures.

Bentleys’ webinar on FY25 financial reporting and external audit FAQs provide practical tools for businesses to prepare for these opportunities, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment.

Bentleys’ Role in Supporting Australian Businesses

As a network dedicated to helping businesses thrive, Bentleys offers a suite of services tailored to the 2025 lending environment. From cash flow forecasting guidance to startup funding strategies, the firm assists clients in optimizing their financial positions. Recent initiatives, including sustainability reporting updates and client alerts on ATO priorities, demonstrate Bentleys’ commitment to keeping businesses informed.

With offices across Australia, including Bentleys Tasmania led by CEO Robin Allardice, the network provides localized expertise. Bentleys’ international affiliations further enhance its ability to offer global perspectives on local challenges.

Businesses are encouraged to visit bentleys.com.au for resources on financial strategies, audits, and advisory services to navigate 2025 effectively.

About Bentleys

Bentleys is an international network of advisory and accounting firms dedicated to helping businesses and individuals thrive. With offices across Australia and New Zealand, we specialize in business advisory, tax, audit, ESG, and carbon accounting. For more information, visit bentleys.com.au. 

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Bentleys  

Email: directors@bentleysnsw.com.au

Phone: +61 2 9220 0700

Address: 60 Margaret St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Websirte: www.bentleys.com.au