New research finds access to cashflow is the leading driver that will support small businesses as they work towards recovery.
- 57% of SMEs say access to cashflow will help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic
- 69% of SMEs with 6-49 employees say cashflow is the main factor behind their recovery, compared to 49% of sole traders
- 62% of SMEs with annual turnover above $200,000 believe cashflow is critical to recovery, compared to 52% of businesses with turnover below $200,000
- Timely and efficient access to funds is critical for SMEs as we head towards the spring trading season.
SYDNEY (date): Research by leading online SME lender – OnDeck Australia, confirms that cashflow is king when it comes to business recovery.
Three out of five (57%) SMEs say access to cashflow is the main factor that will help the venture head towards recovery.
Need for cashflow increases with scale
OnDeck’s survey also found that larger SMEs are more likely to need a ready supply of cashflow as part of their recovery process. Seven out of ten (69%) businesses employing 6-49 staff agree that cashflow is essential for the business to get back on its feet. This compares to 60% of business with fewer than six employees, and 49% of sole traders.
Six out of ten (62%) SMEs with annual turnover above $200,000 point to the need for healthy cashflow as part of their recovery – significantly higher than 52% of SMEs with turnover below $200,000.
Mr Oliver Wade, Head of Marketing & Partnerships, OnDeck Australia, said, “These results highlight just how critical cashflow is to SMEs, especially in these uncertain times.
“The sector is facing extraordinary challenges, and many SMEs simply don’t have the depth of resources needed to recover from a prolonged period of disrupted trading conditions.
“The Morrison Government’s decision to extend JobKeeper payments until the end of March will definitely be welcomed by many SMEs, particularly when coupled with the extension of the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme until June, which will provide SMEs with up to $1 million in funding options. This will help to support small businesses successfully emerge from ‘hibernation’ and adapt to the new COVID-safe economy and invest for the future.
“OnDeck is delighted to be among the 44 lenders that have signed up to the Scheme, and the commencement of the second phase of the Scheme, starting 1 October 2020, is timely. This marks an important period when many enterprises will be looking to invest in trading stock in preparation for the upcoming festive season,” said Mr Wade.
SME owners want a human touch in the finance process
The same OnDeck survey highlighted that SME owners want to be able to connect with another human being during the commercial finance process.
“Arranging funding to boost cashflow is something SME owners aren’t always familiar with. OnDeck recognises this, and provides an extensive range of person to person support so that SME owners are fully informed and engaged with the process at all times
“Partnering with a broker can be helpful for SMEs especially in terms of confirming eligibility for the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme. Teaming with a broker also leaves business owners free to focus on their enterprise, while their broker manages the loan application process and liaises with the lender on the SME’s behalf,” concluded Mr Wade.
For the latest on JobKeeper refer to:
https://www.ondeck.com.au/blog/covid-19/covid-19-stimulus/ and
https://www.ondeck.com.au/blog/covid-19/jobkeeper-payment-scheme-guide//
For the SME Govt Guarantee Loans refer to:
https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/sme-guarantee-scheme
ENDS
About OnDeck
OnDeck (NYSE: ONDK) is the proven leader in transparent and responsible online lending to small business. Founded in 2006, the company pioneered the use of data analytics and digital technology to make real-time lending decisions and deliver capital rapidly to small businesses online. Today, OnDeck offers a wide range of term loans and lines of credit customized for the needs of small business owners. OnDeck has provided over $13 billion in loans to over 110,000 customers in 700 different industries across the United States, Canada and Australia. In Australia, OnDeck is backed by leading accounting software provider MYOB and has a 5-star rating from Trust Pilot. For more information, visit www.ondeck.com.au
About the research
The independent research was conducted online in April 2020 by Honeycomb Strategy across more than 300 SME owners Australia-wide. The survey included SMEs with less than 50 employees, annual turnover of $50,000-$5 million, and in operation for at least 12 months.
About OnDeck’s COVID-19 Resource Hub
OnDeck’s COVID-19 Resource Hub provides SMEs with details about government stimulus packages, practical tips on managing a small business through uncertain times, case studies of inventive SMEs pivoting their expertise to survive the pandemic and recommended reading from trusted sources. To find out more visit www.ondeck.com.au/covid-19/
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Media Contacts:
Anthony O’Brien
Corpwrite Australia
+61 (0) 411 578 818
