Research · Q2 2026
Australian Business Lending Index
Quarterly data on SME lending rates, approval times, and business finance trends across Australia. Published by Avoir.
Last updated: May 2026 · Next update: August 2026
Q2 2026 — Key findings
Interest rates by business profile — Q2 2026
| Business profile | Rate range | Typical loan | Approval rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established (3+ yrs, $500K+ revenue, clean credit) | 9.5% – 14% p.a. | $100K – $500K | Very high |
| Growing (1–3 yrs, $150K–$500K revenue) | 14% – 20% p.a. | $50K – $250K | High |
| Early stage (12–24 months, $120K–$250K revenue) | 20% – 28% p.a. | $10K – $100K | Moderate |
| Credit impaired (minor defaults, strong cash flow) | 22% – 30% p.a. | $10K – $150K | Moderate |
| New business (12–18 months, $120K+ revenue) | 25% – 35% p.a. | $5K – $50K | Selective |
Source: Avoir analysis of non-bank lender published rates and market data, May 2026. Indicative ranges only.
Lending activity by state — Q2 2026
Source: Avoir analysis of publicly available ASIC, RBA, and industry data. Q2 2026.
Top industries for unsecured business lending — Q2 2026
Cash flow gaps between project milestones driving demand
Inventory finance and seasonal working capital needs
Equipment, fit-out, and seasonal cash flow management
Working capital between billing cycles
Vehicle and fleet finance, fuel cost bridging
Equipment and practice expansion finance
Agriculture, manufacturing, creative industries
Source: Avoir analysis of publicly available industry data and Prospa, OnDeck annual reports. Q2 2026.
For media and research
Using this data
Journalists, researchers, and industry professionals are welcome to cite data from the Australian Business Lending Index. Please attribute: “Avoir Australian Business Lending Index, [quarter] [year], avoir.com.au.”
For media enquiries, data requests, or expert commentary on Australian SME lending, contact us at media@avoir.com.au.
Methodology
Rate data aggregated from publicly available lender product pages and disclosure documents
Approval rate estimates based on published lender data and industry reports
State and industry data derived from RBA, ASIC, and lender annual reports
Data updated quarterly — next update August 2026
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