As technology drives results for small businesses, NAB Executive for Business Direct and Small Business, Krissie Jones highlights why taking the next step now makes sense.
2 March 2026
Set yourself up for funding success
Insights from NAB Regional Manager for Small Business, Carol Taing on steps to take when preparing for business lending in future.
Whether you’re considering business lending in the near term or at some point in the more distant future, there are easy steps you can take now to make it simpler to access funding when you need it.
We sat down with NAB Small Business Regional Manager for Adelaide, Carol Taing, whose experience growing up in a small family business inspired her 20-year career in business banking, supporting numerous small businesses with lending. Carol shares practical steps you can take to prepare your business to successfully apply for growth funding in the future.
What can businesses do in their establishing years to set themselves up to successfully apply for funding in the future?
Early on it’s important to build strong financial habits. Keeping records up to date, clean ATO portals lodging, Business Activity Statements (BAS) and submitting tax returns on time demonstrate reliability.
Adopting quality accounting software early helps owners stay across their numbers and provides clarity when they're ready to explore funding.
New operators who keep clean financials, build trading history with consistent weekly sales and regular bookings, and understand their cash flow – even if turnover is small – find it easier to obtain funding when they’re ready. Ensure you have a good track record with your personal banking by staying up to date with personal or home loan repayments and credit cards.
For example, we recently helped a physiotherapist to set up her own clinic. She was in the industry for over 10 years so already had an existing client base and referral partners to build her own practice and could accurately forecast her cash flow, which made it easier for her to secure finance. She obtained funding and then opened her clinic within 3 months.
Carol Taing: NAB Regional Manager for Small Business Adelaide
How can business owners find out how much they can borrow when they get to that stage?
Online calculators can give a rough guide, but the best place to start is to have a conversation with a business banker. Bankers can assess borrowing capacity based on cash flow, historical trading performance and commitments, and tailor the conversation to an individual business’s needs.
How do you choose what type of loan would be most suitable?
In conjunction with the owner, we need to understand the purpose and timing. For example, equipment finance works well for purchasing assets like equipment and vehicles. If a business needs support with cash flow, we might suggest an overdraft. Term loans can fund growth over a longer period.
By understanding the goals, we can help structure a facility that supports the business without putting pressure on day-to-day operations.
What information does the bank need to provide funding?
We need a clear picture of how the business operates and how repayments will be made. That includes financial statements, tax returns, BAS statements, director statements of position, and an outline of the purpose of funds.
A business plan isn't always required, but a cash flow forecast is very helpful. A good accountant will be able to support with getting the documents together and forecasting cash flows as well.
What are some examples of the kinds of uses small businesses have successfully sought funding for?
NAB supports a wide range of business needs, including fit outs, vehicles, equipment upgrades, business acquisitions, and purchasing their own premises.
For example, we recently provided funding for a wholesaling business to buy baking equipment after it won a new supermarket supply contract. We’ve also helped a local sign maker based in Adelaide to expand into Sydney and Melbourne. In another example, we helped an engineering business acquire a complementary business, which was previously its client.
What factors should business owners consider if they're comparing loans from different providers?
Interest rates are important, but so are fees, flexibility, repayment structures, and the support available when business needs evolve. Our customers value having access to a local banker who they can speak to face to face, who understands the local market and industry, and can work with them through different cycles.
Where can people get more information?
NAB has online resources for small businesses at nab.com.au/business/small-business/moments/grow - Business bankers are available by phone on 13 10 12 or you can find your nearest business banking centre online where we can outline specific steps to strengthen your application and help you prepare for borrowing when you're ready.
Ultimately, businesses that demonstrate discipline, organisation and a clear view of their cash flow put themselves in the best position for future growth and funding.
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