Being an entrepreneur can be a very exciting business! The satisfaction of creating a new business from scratch and making it grow is a unique experience, both exhilarating and frustrating in equal measure.  As always, money plays an important part in converting dreams into reality and a business loan is probably one of the simplest and most effective ways to fund your independent venture.

Can I get a loan to start a new business?

A business loan is a simple way of raising funds to start a new business or expand an existing business. It is often an unsecured loan which means that you do not have to provide collateral. This can be a big relief for a small entrepreneur who might not have any ready asset to offer as collateral.

Typical amount and tenure

 The loan amount can vary with each lender but can go up to Rs 30 lakhs, depending on the borrower’s eligibility.   A new business might not be eligible for a large loan, but if the repayments are made on time and you build a good credit record, you will qualify for a larger loan. Business loans are generally short term loans and the repayment period ranges from 1- 5 years.

Documents required

 The documents required differ from bank to bank and could include:

       -  Completed application form

       -  Bank Statements

       -  Income Tax returns

       -  KYC of the co-applicant

       -  Proof of business practice

How to apply

You can apply online at many lender websites for a loan to start your new business. Alternatively, you can also ask to be contacted by a representative of the bank or NBFC for further details on the loans offered and to check your eligibility.

Tips for a successful application

1. Offer a good business plan with cash flow projections: Banks will lend you money if they think that you have a clear idea on how the money will be used and if they feel reassured that their money will be used productively.

2. Check your eligibility: Lenders have a set of eligibility criteria which could include a minimum turnover, number of years in business and minimum annual income. It is important to make sure that you qualify for each of these before you apply for the loan to avoid the possibility of being rejected. Some banks allow you to check your eligibility online in a couple of minutes. 

3. Have the required documentation ready: Many applications are rejected because the documentation is incomplete. If necessary, speak with a bank official so that you have an exact list of the documentation required. Make sure that you include every document when you submit your application.