Managing a business usually requires
capital support; it could be for either business expansion or covering
operational expenses. This is when a business loan may serve as a practical
funding option. It usually helps enterprises meet their diverse capital needs
without diluting ownership. With increasing demand for formal credit, many
Indian lenders are offering tailored financing solutions that could suit
different business profiles. This article delves into various types of business
loan options available in India, eligibility, documents required, and the
step-wise application process.
Evaluate the Types
of Business Loans Available
Business loans come in various forms, and
knowing about them may help applicants choose the most suitable funding
instrument based on their business requirements.
Term Loan:
A term loan is a fixed amount loan, which
is usually repaid in a fixed time period. It is either secured or unsecured
based on the lender's terms and the borrower's requirements. Term loans are for
companies to expand or for operational expenses. The business loan interest rate for term loans
mostly varies based on tenure, credit history, and business category.
Working Capital Loan:
This loan is used for financing day-to-day
business costs. It is used for paying salaries, rent, and electricity bills
during shortfalls in cash flow. Working capital loans may be secured or
unsecured. It is evaluated based on the financial stability of the business,
the creditworthiness of the business, loans of high amounts and a few other
factors.
Machinery Loan:
Businesses involved in manufacturing or
production usually borrow machinery loans to purchase or replace their
equipment. The machinery loans are usually secured against the machinery being
financed, and the lenders usually look at the cost and productivity impact
before approving the loan amount.
MSME & SME Loan:
These loans are typically for small and
medium-sized businesses that may be in need of capital for capital needs,
machinery, or technology upgrades. MSME loans are typically easier to access
with streamlined processes and may include government-sponsored schemes.
Assess Your
Eligibility
Being aware of and meeting the eligibility
criteria of a business loan may make a significant difference in your approval.
Company Age:
To qualify for a business loan, most
lenders usually consider a business to be operational for at least 3 to 5
years. This duration allows them to study the financial health and long-term
sustainability of the business before issuing a business loan.
Annual Turnover:
Turnover requirements may differ with
lenders. Lenders would generally like steady annual turnover, which may reflect
good business and repayment capability.
Credit Score:
A company with a good credit rating,
typically above 700, is considered a reliable borrower. It indicates proper
management of finances. The lenders may also look at the business's credit
history and the key stakeholders.
Age of the Applicant:
Most lenders mandate the age of the primary
borrower to be between 21-60 years. Age is computed from the date of loan
maturity.
Documentation and
Compliance:
Borrowers are expected to provide accurate
and verifiable documents, including proof of business ownership and financial
statements. Proper compliance with statutory filings such as GST or ITR may
help improve loan processing efficiency.
Documents Required
for Business Loan
To start the business
loan procedure, lenders usually require a standard set of documents
for identity verification and financial assessment. Some commonly asked
documents may include:
●
KYC Documents: PAN card, Aadhaar card,
and passport or driving license.
●
Business Proof: GST registration
certificate, trade license, or partnership agreement.
●
Financial Statements: Bank statements
usually over the last 6 to 12 months.
●
Income Verification: Income Tax Returns
(ITR), usually of the last two to three years.
●
Address Proof: Lease agreement for
business premises or utility bill.
●
Ownership Documents: Ownership documents
to avail a secured loan.
Business Loan
Application: Step-by-Step Process
The procedure of getting a business loan
usually follows a structured process for effective loan processing. Some
commonly used steps include:
Choose the Right Loan
Type
Select a loan product that aligns with your
business requirement, working capital, expansion, or machinery purchase.
Check Eligibility
Refer to the lender’s website to review the
eligibility checklist and verify whether your business qualifies for the
selected product.
Gather Documents
Collect all necessary KYC, financial, and
business-related documents. Keeping them ready may speed up the approval
process.
Apply Online or
Offline
Several lenders today offer an online
application process that may save time and effort. You can visit the official
website, fill out the form, and upload the necessary documents. You may also
apply the offline method, which usually involves visiting a branch and
submitting physical copies of documents.
Wait for
Verification and Approval
Post
submission, the lender verifies the documents, evaluates the credit profile,
and assesses the business viability before sanctioning the loan.
Conclusion
A business loan may support growth
initiatives, cash flow management, and operational stability when availed of
thoughtfully. It is often beneficial to evaluate eligibility, prepare accurate
documentation, and choose the loan type that aligns with your requirements.
Financial service providers often offer structured solutions that may suit
various enterprise needs. Exploring these options and following the formal
process could enable smoother loan access for Indian businesses aiming to
strengthen their operations.