As end of financial year (EOFY) approaches, brokers are helping SMEs navigate uncertainty by linking asset and equipment funding with longer-term capital planning.
SMEs are operating in a far more uncertain economic environment than many had planned for.
Rising cost pressures and shifting economic conditions have made planning and day-to-day operations more complex. While growth is still a key priority for many businesses, understandably a more cautious focus on stability is also emerging. That focus on stability is shaping the way brokers are engaging with customers, elevating their role from transactional facilitator to long-term funding expert.
By helping customers understand their capital position not just today, but over the coming year and beyond, and understanding the right funding levers to pull, brokers can provide much-needed guidance and certainty.
EOFY decisions with long-term payoff
May and June are traditionally peak months for asset purchases, and EOFY remains a critical window for many SMEs. According to Andrew Wagg, Head of Broker Sales at Shift, a leading provider of credit and payment products to Australian businesses, the opportunity goes well beyond a short-term spike in transactions.
“EOFY presents a great opportunity for brokers and their customers,” Andrew said. “Businesses may be motivated by a short-term tax outcome, but what really adds value is helping them act confidently and efficiently into the next financial year without hitting approval hurdles every time.”
Andrew says that’s why Shift’s Asset Finance and Equipment Line products are designed with flexibility and repeat funding in mind.
A revolving Equipment Line can provide SMEs with a pre-approved funding facility that supports multiple purchases over time. For brokers, it takes conversations away from single transactions towards forward planning, enabling businesses to respond quickly to operational needs such as upgrades, replacements or expansion without having to reassess funding from scratch each time.
Asset Finance can also support a more considered approach to investment, particularly for SMEs managing cash flow alongside growth ambitions. By funding domestic and imported vehicles, plant or specialised equipment over their useful life, businesses can spread costs more evenly and keep capital available for day‑to‑day operations. For brokers, it creates an opportunity to map out ongoing asset purchases within a broader funding strategy rather than as isolated, one‑off decisions.
“With our Asset Finance and Equipment Line solutions, brokers can help set businesses up with facilities in advance, so when a future opportunity arises beyond the initial need, a funding limit is already in place,” said Andrew. “That ability to draw down when needed rather than restarting the approval process each time is critical for SMEs needing to act quickly to grow.”
Helping SMEs plan beyond the immediate need
Clare Sainsbury of Three C Financial agrees that conversations with SMEs have become more strategic.
“Most customers come to us with a one-off asset or equipment funding need, but the discussion doesn’t stop there,” said Clare. “We’re increasingly talking about what they want their business to look like in 12 or 24 months, and how today’s funding decisions can support that journey.”
With EOFY approaching, Clare expects activity to lift as businesses look to capitalise on the instant asset write-off. More importantly, she sees it as an opportunity for brokers to build lasting relationships.
“EOFY always creates urgency,” Clare said. “The brokers who stand out are those who can help customers move quickly by having funding solutions ready to go while having a deep view into their client’s financial situation.”
Funding options built for visibility, access and trust
Shift’s Asset Finance and Equipment Line are structured around taking a whole-of-business view into the customer’s financial health. Using real-time bank feeds and streaming data, facilities are assessed based on the current strength of the business rather than solely on historical bank statements and other documents.
Once established, brokers can see available credit and potential limit increases at any time through Shift Connect — the broker platform designed to provide real-time visibility into a client’s financial position.
For brokers like Clare, that transparency changes the nature of client engagement.
“Having that visibility allows us to be proactive,” Clare said. “Instead of reacting to a funding request, we can help customers plan their next move - whether that’s upgrading equipment, expanding capacity or simply having a buffer in place.”
This approach also aligns with broker sentiment more broadly. While finding new customers remains a key challenge across the industry, many brokers see their biggest opportunity in deepening existing relationships and supporting customers over multiple growth stages.
“When you help a business through several years of change, trust naturally follows,” Clare said. “You’re not just there for one transaction - you’re there through challenges and growth opportunities.”
Simplicity and playing the long game
Part of building trust is making the complex simple, according to Andrew.
“Over the years we’ve worked closely with brokers to simplify complex tasks like funding asset imports and fitouts. The business visibility and digitally-led experience via the Shift Connect platform, put the broker in the driver’s seat to steer the customer relationship and build trust.”
As the economy continues to morph, brokers who combine strong relationships, agile funding solutions and deep business insight will be best placed to support their customers. EOFY may be a timely catalyst, but sustained success comes from being ready all year round.
Asset Finance and Equipment Line – solutions to suit SMEs
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Find out more about how Shift’s Asset Finance and Equipment Line give businesses flex and choice, with businesses that support purchases now and into the future.
