Find the money. Check what it buys.
Lenders that publish a product for buying a business, investors who back people who buy them, the official guidance, and the marketplaces where businesses are sold. Each one checked on its own site.
Start with the official guidance, then the lenders. Every lender will ask how the price was reached and whether the figures hold; have that answer before the meeting.
business.gov.au: Buy an existing business Official
The Australian Government's step-by-step guide to buying a business, from finding one to due diligence and making an offer.
Free. It says to "independently collect and check the financial information", examining "the past three to five years of financials": tax returns, BAS, receivables and payables, balance sheets, profit and loss, cash flow and sales records.
business.gov.au: Choose your funding Official
The Australian Government's overview of funding options, matched to the reason you need the money.
Free. For buying an existing business or franchise it lists a loan, private investors such as angel investors, hire purchase and chattel mortgage.
NAB Business Options Loan Bank
A term business loan NAB describes as able to "help you purchase an existing business, fund expansion or invest to grow".
"A fixed term of up to 30 years"; secured and unsecured; principal and interest, interest only or a mix; fixed or variable. No deposit or price cap published.
NAB: Buy a business (guide) Bank guide
NAB's guide to buying a small business, and the one bank page that explains paying the seller over time.
"Try asking the seller if you can pay off the business over a period of time rather than in a lump sum." It notes sellers usually prefer a lump sum.
Westpac Business Loan Bank
Westpac's business loan, which lists "Business acquisition" first among what it can be used for.
From $10k; variable rates from 7.91% p.a.; monthly service fee from $14; establishment and other fees apply. The unsecured loan goes to $250k over 1 to 5 years.
CommBank: a bank loan to buy a business Bank guide
CommBank's guidance on borrowing to buy a business. Its product page does not name a business purchase, so this is its closest page.
You will "need equity in your business", may need security such as a home, and the banker may ask for the business's balance sheet, a tax return under two years old, your assets and liabilities, and two years of forecasts.
ANZ franchise banking Bank
ANZ's franchise banking, offering "growth and acquisition funding" to franchisees.
Better loan-to-value ratios for franchisees of ANZ's preferred franchisors; no amounts published. ANZ's online GoBiz loans are not for buying another business, so a purchase goes through a banker.
BOQ Specialist practice purchase loans Bank
Loans to buy a professional practice or a share in one, lent against the practice's goodwill and equipment.
"Borrow up to 100% of the purchase price of an existing practice, or a share in a partnership (subject to credit approval)". For doctors, dentists and vets.
Liberty business loans Non-bank
Business loans with "Purchase a business" among the stated purposes, including for self-employed and low-doc borrowers.
Secured loans up to $2M*, terms up to 30 years, from 8.70% p.a.; low-doc up to $2M* against property, from 9.20% p.a.; short-term commercial loans from 9.80% p.a.
ScotPac mergers and acquisitions finance Non-bank
Asset-based funding for an acquisition, secured against the receivables, stock, property or equipment of the buyer and the target.
"Facility sizes up to $200M". For existing B2B businesses, "typically, a minimum of 12 months in operation", registered and operating in Australia.
Banjo franchise funding Non-bank
Loans and asset finance for franchisees, usable for "buying an existing franchise business".
From $20k to $5m*; terms of 12 to 60 months; no early payout penalties.
SMEVentures Investor
A search fund accelerator: it backs an operator to find, buy and run one established business in Australia or New Zealand, with capital from family offices and individuals.
"A business generating $1.5 - 6 million EBITDA is right in our sweet spot", usually $5 to 50 million in sales; prefers asset-light B2B services. Apply through "Search with us".
Moneysmart: vendor finance Official
ASIC Moneysmart's definition of vendor finance: the seller lends you part of the price as part of the sale.
A general definition; for how it works in a business purchase, see the NAB guide above.
US SBA 7(a) loans United States
The US Small Business Administration's main loan program, a government guarantee to lenders that can fund a "change of ownership".
"The maximum loan amount for a 7(a) loan is $5 million." Apply through an SBA lender.
Marketplaces and brokers, in Australia and online. A listing is the seller's account of the business; it is not a check of it.
SEEK Business Australia
Australian marketplace for businesses and franchises for sale, with hubs for brokers and franchisors.
Private sellers: Free (6 months); Standard $949 + GST and Accelerate $1,299 + GST (until sold). No commission or minimum size published.
Business for Sale Australia
Australian business-for-sale listings, operating since 1987 by its own account, with a broker directory.
"List your business free for 30 days"; a paid six-month featured plan. No commission or minimum size published.
Bsale Australia
Australian marketplace for businesses and franchises for sale, by industry and city.
Owner packages from $250 + GST (3 months) to $550 + GST (until sold). "0% Commissions".
Anybusiness Australia
Australian business-for-sale listings by state and city, with a broker directory.
90 days $250 inc GST; 180 days $450 inc GST. "No commission".
Flippa Online
Marketplace for websites, apps, ecommerce and SaaS, self-service or brokered, of any size.
USD. Entry package from $29; success fees from 5%, brokered packages from $399 per six months. No minimum size.
Acquire.com Online
Marketplace for buying and selling startups: SaaS, apps, ecommerce, content and AI businesses.
USD. Under $250k asking: 8% closing fee plus $25 a month; $250k to $1M: 7% plus $50; above $1M: 6% plus $100. Fee only on a sale.
Empire Flippers Online
Brokered marketplace for profitable online businesses, priced on the last 12 months' net profit.
Needs "$24,000 per year or more in net profit" and 12 months of earnings. Commission from 15% down to 2.5% as the price rises.
Microns Online
Marketplace for micro startups: micro-SaaS, apps, newsletters and small online businesses.
No listing fee; success fee 10% to 6%. Revenue-generating businesses only, up to $1M, at least six months old.
SideProjectors Online
Marketplace and community for buying and selling side projects: web apps, SaaS, mobile apps and games.
Basic listings free; every project reviewed before approval.
FE International Online
Self-serve marketplace for tech businesses, alongside FE International's M&A advisory.
Designed for businesses valued at $100K to $10M. Fees not published.
Quiet Light Online
Advisory brokerage for profitable online businesses: ecommerce, Amazon, SaaS, content and membership.
No minimum or fee published; valuation free.
A lender will lend against the seller's numbers. Find out first whether they can all be true at once: the first two tests are free, in your browser, and nothing is sent.
Checked on each organisation's own site on 6 October 2026. Terms, rates and fees change; read theirs before you rely on them. APIR has no arrangement with any organisation listed and is paid by none of them. General information, not financial advice.