Basics of Short-Term Business Loans

Temporary funding solutions are designed to strengthen your operations when you need funds without the wait or long-term obligations of bank lending.

Most South African companies don’t have the luxury of holding when opportunity knock. These loans give you use to between R1 million and R15 million—fast. Geddes Capital, for instance, can process in just five working days.

What Lenders Look For

If you’ve been in operation for more than a year, and you generate at least R2 million a year in revenue, you're already in range. Your company must be CIPC-verified. You don't need a perfect credit profile—but you do need something bankable.

These aren’t unsecured loans. Most are connected by assets, sometimes a property or valuable business equipment. That’s what helps keep approval fast. You offer ownership. They offer the capital. It’s balanced.

Repayment Options

The loan terms range from six months up to five years. That said, many businesses prefer to keep it short and manageable. You repay monthly, or sometimes quarterly, based on what suits your structure.

Repayment structures vary. Some choose interest-only options, others go for partial capital payments with a balloon at the end. Fixed interest rates typically sit between 3% and 5%, depending on your profile. And there’s no penalty for settling early.

To understand all the details, you can visit Geddes Capital’s Business Loan page.

Situations That Fit

Let’s say you land a contract that needs more stock than usual, or you need to hire staff for a three-month project. You’ve got the plan—but not the cash flow to match it yet. That’s when this funding model starts to make a lot of sense.

Short-term loans help with:

• Buying equipment or machinery


• Bulk stock purchases


• Covering payroll during a growth spurt


• Cashflow mismatches


• Project launches or expansions

 

You’re not borrowing to survive—you’re borrowing to move forward.

Steps to Get Funded

Geddes Capital uses a streamlined process. No mountains of paperwork. No weeks of back and forth. Fill in a basic application. Share some numbers. Then it goes through credit assessment. If you qualify, they issue an offer. Once you sign and secure it, the funds land. Usually within five working days.

Need Funding Now?

You don’t have to wait until it’s urgent. You can reach out and check your options. Knowing what’s possible—even if you don’t act right away—can help shape your strategy. Timing plays a big role. And you don't need to rush blindly, but if an opportunity is real and you’re prepared, the loan gives you space to step in with confidence.

To learn more about tailored lending structures, visit Geddes Capital and start a conversation with someone who understands real-world business pressure.