Funding a Salesforce, Microsoft 365 or AI project

Last updated 3 November 2026 · Reviewed by 360 SaaSFin Compliance

What does a software or AI project usually involve?

Most platform projects have more moving parts than the licence quote suggests. Depending on the project, costs can include:

• Licences and subscriptions: the software itself, such as Salesforce, Microsoft 365, Xero or HubSpot, often billed per user or per year.
• Implementation: consulting, configuration and development by the vendor or a systems integrator (SI).
• Integrations: connecting the new platform to the systems you already use.
• Data migration and AI readiness: moving and cleaning data so the platform, and any AI features, can use it.
• Training: getting your people using the platform.
• Managed services: ongoing support and administration after go-live.

Getting quotes for each part early gives you a clearer picture of the total project cost.

Can licences, implementation and managed services go in one plan?

Yes. Software finance can cover licences, cloud platforms, services, integrations, AI readiness, migrations and expansion in one consolidated payment plan, rather than piecemeal, subject to the lender's assessment. That suits multi-cloud and AI programs where several platforms and partners are involved.

Once the finance is approved and documents are complete, vendors and SIs are paid upfront and implementation can begin. Your business pays over the agreed term.

How does finance fit our budget timing?

Technology projects rarely line up neatly with the budget cycle. A project you need now can end up waiting for next year's budget, or squeezed to fit what's left in this one. Software finance spreads the cost of the project over an agreed term, so more working capital stays available for the rest of the business while the platform is being rolled out and used.

Finance is a commitment for the full term, and fees and charges apply. Make sure the payments fit your cash flow over the whole term, not just this year.

What about capex and opex?

Many businesses plan technology spending in two budget categories: capital expenditure (capex) and operating expenditure (opex). Finance teams often ask which category a project, or a finance arrangement, falls into.

How software finance is classified in your accounts, and how it's treated for tax, depends on your business, the contracts involved and whether the finance is a loan or a lease. That's a question for your accountant, so ask your accountant how it's treated before you sign. We don't give tax or accounting advice.

What should we have ready?

• Project scope: the platforms, number of users, phases and what's in and out of scope.
• Quotes: current quotes or proposals from the vendor and SI, with licences, implementation, integrations and managed services shown separately where possible.
• Timeline: contract signing, project start, key milestones, go-live and any renewal dates.
• Existing contracts: if you're renewing, expanding or refinancing an existing contract, a copy of the current agreement.
• Business details: the lender will ask for information about your business and its finances as part of its assessment. We'll tell you what's needed.

When should we start the conversation?

Early, while you're still planning. Talking to us before you sign with your vendor or SI means you know the finance options before you commit to delivery, and you can agree the scope and timeline with them on that basis. How long a decision takes depends on the project, the documents provided and the lender, so tell us your key dates and we'll give you an expected timeframe.

It's also worth talking to us ahead of a large renewal, when you're adding users or modules, or before the next phase of a program.

FAQs

General information only. It doesn't take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it isn't credit, tax, accounting or legal advice. Finance is subject to the lender's assessment and criteria; fees and charges apply. 360 SaaSFin is a trading name of Kuone Consulting Pty Ltd (ABN 75 647 329 002), Australian Credit Licence 566705.