Where small business borrowers get caught out, what security and guarantees really mean, and where to complain or get free help.
Most expensive business loan problems start before settlement: a personal guarantee signed without advice, a general security agreement that covers more than expected, a covenant nobody tracked, or a short-term loan used for a long-term need. These guides describe the common patterns and what to do instead.
Start with business loan mistakes to avoid. Then read about personal and director guarantees, the PPSR and general security agreements, what to do when a loan is declined, and covenants, defaults and loan reviews. The complaints and official sources guide lists the regulators, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman and state small business commissioners.
These guides are general information. If you are already in arrears, facing enforcement or being asked to sign a guarantee, get independent legal or financial counselling advice before acting.
Mistakes, Disputes and Official Sources
How to complain about a business lender in Australia: internal dispute resolution, AFCA, ASBFEO, state small business commissioners, farm debt mediation and free counselling.
Mistakes, Disputes and Official Sources
Why Australian lenders decline small business loan applications, how to check business and personal credit files and ATO records, and a step-by-step recovery plan.
Mistakes, Disputes and Official Sources
The most common and costly small business loan mistakes in Australia, from unadvised guarantees and broad GSAs to short-term debt spirals, with what to do instead.
Mistakes, Disputes and Official Sources
Financial covenants, non-monetary defaults, cross-default and annual reviews in Australian small business loans, with a worked covenant breach and what to do next.
Mistakes, Disputes and Official Sources
How personal and director guarantees work on Australian business loans, all-monies vs limited guarantees, Banking Code protections, key cases and how to reduce your exposure.
Mistakes, Disputes and Official Sources
How general security agreements, ALLPAAP registrations, PMSIs and priority work on Australia's PPSR, how to search your business, and how to clear old registrations.
