Need working capital loan for new business in India? Our guide demystifies the process, helping you secure the cash flow to fuel your startup’s growth.
So, you did it. You have launched the business. The sleepless nights you endured thinking about ideas are finally over. Now you have a company with a logo, and a great idea. Congratulations! Just as you begin to enjoy success, cash flow hits you with harsh reality—erratic and lumpy timing.
You are over the moon with the new sales, but the revenue will only reflect in your account after 30, 60, or even 90 days. Let’s face it—your rent is due, your team superstar expects payment, and you need to place the inventory shipment.
. Suddenly, you find yourself in desperate need of a working capital loan for new business in India, frantically searching the internet. But don’t worry—you’re not alone. In fact, this is a common issue that most entrepreneurs face. And that’s why I’m here for you, as your ultra-caffeinated guide through the labyrinth.
What the heck is working capital?
We can put all the jargon to the side. You can compare your business to a car. The big, shiny assets—your office and fancy equipment—all form part of the car, and you should treat them that way.
. Working capital is the gasoline. It is not the long term investment you are after, but rather your daily operations that keeps the business the engine running. You need it to keep the business in working shape. Without working capital, your company is a very fancy expensive lawn ornament.
A working capital loan helps you out with short-term operational activities. These include:
Making payroll (which we all know is crucial)
Paying rent and utilities
Buying stock or raw materials
Funding a marketing campaign to help bring in new customers
Covering unexpected expenses (which is a given)
As long as you are receiving funding, a working capital loan will help to ensure that there is no gap between your expenses and revenue, and that operations are running smoothly.
The New-Business Hurdle: Why Lenders Get Scared
The rough truth is that working capital loan for new business in India will feel like a job that entails five years of prior experience, for a position that is classified as entry-level. It is a catch-22. You need a working loan to create a history of revenue, and in turn, lenders will not grant you a working loan without a history.
So, why are lenders this cautious?
No Track Record: You’re an unknown quantity for a lender. Lenders can’t trust you because you have no history to help them predict your success.
High-Risk Category: New businesses, though they are a blessing in the world of innovation, are a financial risk that lenders are not willing to invest in.
Weak Cash Flow: The reason a start-up is seeking a loan is a major red flag for the lenders – inconsistent cash flow.
Don’t fret too much. It’s highly achievable. However, it does mean you require a robust strategy.
Your Strategy: How to Get Cash Lenders to Impress With and Get
Okay, time to prep some sleeves. All the focus is in getting approved, and is in preparation, in proving you are a capable risk.
Arranging your Financials
Show with no money in the bank does not walk in and says “I NEED MONEY”. It is best in preparation to spoon feed a story of the odd missing pieces.
The Business Plan: To begin with, you need to clearly define your business model. Then, showcase your targeted market, detailing how you plan to earn revenue. Most importantly, clearly explain the reasons you’re taking a loan and how you intend to generate a return from it.
Financial Projections: Realistic cashflow and balance sheet projections, month on month and year on year for no less than 5 years. With your thinking, show the work. You convince lenders best when you show commitment to repayments and make payments on time.
Your Personal Credit Score: With your thinking, prove that you are committed to and trust your verify other debts.
With this, charm those offsets.
Know Your Options (Because You Have Them!)
Your first move shouldn’t be to walk through the door of the bank. The world of working capital loans for new businesses is wider than you think.
Your Options:
SBA Loans: While the Small Business Administration doesn’t offer money straight away, they do guarantee parts of loans. This makes you a lot less risky to banks. Most people turn to the SBA 7(a) loans but set aside a chunk of time as the application is quite long. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Companies like OnDeck, Kabbage, and Bluevine have earned a reputation for their speed, turning them into the speed demons of the industry.
Their focus on working capital loans makes them quite flexible. Their main setback includes their higher interest rates. If your business needs a cash replenish to tackle new chances, these loans are a lifesaver.
Business Line of Credit: Loans of a set amount are not ideal for businesses looking their loans to be freed up as needed. This is my personal favorite as the interest rates kick in for only the amount you use, making it ideal for unpredictably cash flow.
Invoice Financing: Are you overlooking unpaid invoices? Invoice financing (or factoring) companies will provide you with a significant percentage of the invoice value up front. They will then collect payment from your client and settle with you for the balance, less their charges. It’s a great way to access cash that you have already earned.
For new businesses, obtaining a working capital loan can be very challenging. However, this remains a pivotal step to take in order to build a sustainable business. Securing funding is always challenging but in this case, it can be a lot easier with a strategic, prepared, and proactive approach. Understanding the business needs and cleaning up the financials while exploring all possible options transforms the desperate founder into a savvy CEO. That funding is not just cash; it’s the freedom for the business leader to focus on their strength: scaling the business. It starts with a plan – now go make it happen.
