Business Loans are an important source of capital for Indian businesses. A Business Loan can help finance working capital requirements, purchase equipment and machinery, or expand your business operations.
If you plan to apply for a Business Loan in India, this guide will help you learn about that. In this, you will learn about different loan options available in the country. Also, it will provide you with tips on applying for one successfully. We will also be discussing loan options for ladies.
- Know Your Business Loan Options
There are two types of Business Loans in India. The first one is the secured loan, which is backed by collateral. This type of loan can be used for any purpose and comes with lower rates than unsecured loans. The second type is an unsecured Business Loan, which is several factors, including credit score, business vintage, turnover, etc. These loans have competitive interest rates and flexible repayment tenures.
2. Identify Your Business Loan Requirements
Identifying your business loan requirements is crucial in applying for a Business Loan. The factors that influence your Business Loan requirements include:
- Business size and type
- Loan purpose (for example, working capital or equipment financing)
- Loan amount you’re seeking
3. Check Your Credit Score
The next step in the Business Loan application process is to check your credit score. Your credit score will determine whether or not you are eligible for a business loan. Also, what type of interest rate will you be charged?
A good rule is – your debt-to-income ratio should be less than 30%. In such a case, the business loan approval process remains unaffected. However, if this ratio is higher than 30%, there may be some difficulty securing the Business Loan. It is because they consider this high level of personal debt a risky behaviour that may lead to payment default (and thus losing money).
4. Gather Your Business Loan Documents
- Business Plan: It is a vital document that describes your business, its goals and objectives, and how it will be run. It should include a financial forecast for at least three years.
- Financial Statements: An accountant certified by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) should prepare your financial statements.
- Audited Financials: If you have been operating for over two years, then audited financials are required.
In addition, the applicant should have other documents like address proof, identity proof, business continuity proof, and signature proof.
5. Shop Around for Business Loans
You should shop around for Business Loans in India. There are various factors to consider when comparing Business Loans, such as interest rates, loan terms and repayment schedules. Here are some tips for negotiating with lenders:
- Be prepared with your financial statements and other documents the lender requires (e.g., audited financial statements).
- Ask about any special features available on this type of loan (e.g., no prepayment penalty).
6. Submit Your Business Loan Application
Once you’re through with the above steps, it’s time to submit your Business Loan application. The procedure for Business Loan application in India is similar to that of other countries: You must provide information about your company and its financial status. Also, including details about its assets and liabilities is essential.
Once you have followed the steps mentioned in this article correctly, your application may get approved easily! However, if something goes wrong from your side, it can hinder the application process. You must follow up with your lender immediately so they can address any problems before they become too big.
7. Understanding the Terms
Understanding the terms of your loan is a crucial step in the process. It will help if you are prepared to take the loan, as you will be informed what you’re getting into.
Understanding the terms can be helpful, especially if this is your first time. Also, some simple steps can help you understand the terms and conditions better:
- Ensure you know all terms before agreeing (and ensure they’re in writing). These include interest rates, fees associated with your loan, and any penalties for late payments or other situations.
Loan for Ladies
In addition, it’s worth noting that there are specific Commercial Business loans for lady entrepreneurs in India. These loans are designed to provide financial support to women-owned businesses. They can use these loans to manage or grow their businesses and achieve their organisational goals.
Conclusion
Here’s a ready reckoner for applying for a Business Loan in India.
- Research and prepare the necessary documents.
- Choose a reliable and recognised financial institution.
- Apply on the website or app of the lending institution.
- Wait for approval and funding to be processed by the lender, which is usually quicker in the case of online lending institutions.
Happy borrowing!
