Why are Australian SMEs reluctant to take up Covid SME Guarantee Scheme?

Australian Small Businesses are reluctant to take up loans offered by commercial banks and guaranteed by the state.

The Federal Government announced the Covid SME Guarantee Scheme March 22, and earmarked A$40 billion to guarantee 50% of loans.

RIABU’s Simon Littlewood and Mark Laudi debate why SMEs are reluctant, whether they should take on such debt now, and whether SMEs can even meet the criteria of the banks to take them out in the first place.