Nadine Connell
Co-Founder, Smart Business Plans
I’ve spent over 15 years helping Australian business owners secure the commercial finance they need to grow, buy property, and build real wealth. I work exclusively in commercial finance, and that specialist focus is what matters for my clients.
Background
Who I Am
I'm Nadine Connell, co-founder of Smart Business Plans — Australia's specialist commercial finance brokerage. While most mortgage brokers focus on residential home loans, I made a deliberate choice 15 years ago to work exclusively in commercial finance — covering commercial property, business acquisitions and business consultancy. They are more complex, more technical disciplines, and it's where I can genuinely make a difference for business owners and investors.
I co-founded Smart Business Plans in 2009. Since then, we've helped more than 3,300 Australian business owners arrange over $550 million in commercial finance — from GP surgeries and childcare centres to industrial warehouses, mixed-use developments, and SMSF property purchases.
Before specialising in commercial finance, I spent over 8 years in international business management — experience that gives me a commercial lens most brokers simply do not have. I am a proud member of the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA). Smart Business Plans operates as an Authorised Credit Representative (CR553930) of LMG Broker Services Pty Ltd (ACL517192). You can verify our ASIC registration at any time on the ASIC Professional Registers.
Point of difference
Why Specialist Matters
Commercial finance is not residential lending with bigger numbers. Banks assess commercial deals on completely different criteria: the strength of the business, the quality of the lease or tenants, the property's income yield, the borrower's balance sheet, and the sector risk of the asset class.
I work exclusively in commercial and business finance. That means I understand how different lenders price risk for a medical centre versus a warehouse, what documentation a construction lender needs, when a deal is right for the big four versus a specialist or private funder, and how to structure a transaction to maximise approval probability without compromising the client's position.
The result: consistent approvals for business owners who came to us after being knocked back by their bank — or who simply wanted the right deal, not just any deal.
Areas of expertise
My Specialist Areas
Published work
The Premise Effect
The Premise Effect — now on Amazon Kindle
My book for Australian business owners considering commercial property finance. It covers loan structures, deposit strategies, lender selection, and the mistakes that cost buyers time and money — the same thinking I bring to every client conversation. Written for business owners, not finance professionals.
Licences & memberships
Credentials & Licences
ASIC Registration |
Authorised Credit Representative CR 553930 |
Licence held through |
LMG Broker Services Pty Ltd — Australian Credit Licence ACL 517192 |
Industry membership |
MFAA — Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia |
Find a Broker listing |
|
LinkedIn |
|
Aggregator |
|
Complaints body |
|
Verify credentials |
|
In practice since |
2009 (15+ years) |
My approach
How I Work
Every engagement starts with a genuine conversation — not a form, not a chatbot, not a junior staff member. I do the discovery call personally, I ask the questions your lender will ask, and I tell you honestly whether a deal is achievable before we invest any more time.
If we proceed, I prepare your deal properly: financial modelling, a business plan if the lender requires one, lender selection from our panel of 60+ based on your specific circumstances, and a submission strategy built to maximise approval probability. I stay involved from first call to settlement — you won't be handed off.
Ready to talk commercial finance?
Free 30-minute consultation. No obligation. Just an honest conversation about your options.
Or email Nadine directly: nadine@smartbusinessplans.com.au
Frequently asked questions
What types of loans does Nadine Connell specialise in?
I specialise exclusively in commercial finance — commercial property loans, medical and allied health property finance, SMSF commercial property loans, construction and development finance, business acquisitions, and commercial property refinancing. I don’t do residential home loans. Commercial finance is all I do, every day.
How is working with a specialist commercial broker different from going directly to a bank?
When you go directly to a bank, you’re limited to their products and their credit appetite. I work with a panel of 60+ lenders — major banks, non-bank lenders, and private funders — and I know which ones are actively lending in your sector and at what terms. I also prepare your application properly, which makes a significant difference to approval outcomes and the rates you’re offered.
Is Nadine Connell a licensed finance broker?
Yes. I’m an Authorised Credit Representative (CR 553930) of LMG Broker Services Pty Ltd, which holds Australian Credit Licence ACL 517192. I’m also a member of the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA). You can verify my credentials at any time on the ASIC Professional Registers.
How do I book a consultation with Nadine?
The easiest way is to book a free 30-minute phone consultation directly in my diary — there’s a booking link at the top of every page.
You can also call 1300 262 098 or email nadine@smartbusinessplans.com.au. I do the discovery call personally — you won’t be speaking to a junior broker or generic call centre.
Does Nadine work with clients outside Queensland?
Yes — I work with business owners and investors across Australia. While we’re based on the Gold Coast, the majority of our commercial finance work is national. Commercial property finance doesn’t require face-to-face meetings and we’re set up to work efficiently with clients in every state and territory.