How to Get a Business Loan in India

Wondering how to get a business loan in India? This no-nonsense guide demystifies the process, from eligibility to documents, helping you secure funding.

Let’s face it. You have an amazing business idea. Your PowerPoint presentation is an artwork. You have a vision that is crystal clear. The only tiny, insignificant, microscopic problem? Your bank account is ghosting you. If you are an aspiring or emerging entrepreneur, figuring out how to get a business loan in India is like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube in the dark. There is a maze of jargon, boundless paperwork, and criteria that feels awfully close to the unattainable.

But exhale slowly. I have watched countless founders as they navigate this very loan maze, and I can assure you it’s not unwinnable. It’s a game and you just need to master the strategy. We are not going to make use of the dense, robotic guides riddled with financial jargon. Instead, we are going to unpack the process of securing a business loan with straightforward language, a sprinkle of humor, and steps that are realistic and doable.

Pre-Flight Check: Assembling Your Ducks and Documents

Assembling your documents and organizing your financial paperwork before a meeting with the lender is crucial. An unprepared visit to a bank is akin to taking an exam without a pen. Piles of unorganized paperwork suggest unpreparedness and lack of reliability, which, in the eyes of the lender, is crossing the red flags. Why a bank should trust someone as haphazard as you with money?

Typically, lenders have a very specific reliability criteria; a bank is as reliable and organized as their folders of perfectly ordered documents. Therefore, it is vital to them that file boxes are arranged for seamless access to documents, and folders flat and devoid of wrinkles.

The Multifunctional Business Plan: Furthermore, it needs to be convincing as that will determine how well you engage your stakeholders. A lender would want to see a clear way to his money and how you intend to “pay” him back after your success. Make sure your plan captures your vision, intended market, your strategy for generating revenue, the loan application details, and how you’d spend the money to turn a profit. Add as much detail as possible because accuracy and realism are key. Typos have the same effect.

Your Financial Report Card: Anyone seeking a business loan needs to have a good score in business, with a CIBIL score of 750 being a benchmark. It’s A + credit score, as long as you see that a lender recognizes your credit score and history. Should you be on the other end of that score spectrum, be sure to keep bills in check or the loan idea on pause. The same extends to outstanding dues, credit cards, and new lines of credit for the next 90-120 days.

The Application Everything Pile: A new master folder. Everything that you have and are able to present the lender with is of value, including: Business proof. These range from GST registration to partnership deed and articles of association, as well as identity and address proof with documents. Also included in the folder is your PAN.

Financial Documents: It is essential to have your company’s audited financials for the last 2-3 years, your income tax returns (ITR), profit and loss statements, and bank statements for the last 6-12 months. These documents are the most practical way to assess the health of your business. Most of the time, the bank statements along with the profit and loss statements will tell the accurate story of your business’s health.

Choosing Your Arena: Banks vs NBFCs vs Fintechs

In the era of NBFCs and fintechs, differences in lender types have blurred. It is crucial to understand that not all of them will have the same approach, criteria, or even underwriting standards. As the saying goes, knowing where to apply is half the battle; when it comes to getting a business loan in India, a strategic approach goes a long way.

Traditional Banks (The Old Guard): These are easily the most reliable. Traditional banks are older, more established members of the business ecosystem, with a weak changing adaptability. It’s safe to say they have the slowest response time out of any lender. They do, however, come with their pros. Traditional banks offer the most competitive interest rates. However, they have strict eligibility rules and lots of paperwork. For long-established businesses, banks should be the first choice—unless you need funds quickly.

NBFCs – Non Banking Financial Companies (The Agile Challengers): NBFCs are the equally reliable and infuriating members of the business game. They are the fabled cheetahs in this field. These types of lenders are the most flexible with their criteria, however, they come at the cost of hiring cheetahs. What we mean is, their turnaround times for most applications is anywhere up to 2-3 weeks, and their business willingness is almost unheard of. Their downfall is extending all the speed and flexibility comes at the cost of higher interest rates. For businesses that are fresh and require speed, NBFCs are the first choice.

Fintech Lenders (The Digital Disruptors)

We’ve talked about traditional bank lenders, and now it’s time to discover the digital lenders. These guys really are the new kids on the block and are much easier to deal with because they operate entirely online. They’re really quick with decisions since their application processes are freaking fast. Some even promise decisions within hours. For small and short-term loans, digital lenders are your go to. But don’t forget to check the fine print, while they are faster, sometimes their fees, rate, and payment structures are disguised under fine print.

The Application Tango: Making Your Move

Alright, you selected your arena and now it’s time to ‘dance’.

Shop Around: Just like with loans, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Getting a business loan is like dating, you want to get to know your options. Use online portals to check out interest rates, processing fees, and even the tenure options with different lenders.

Fill the Form Flawlessly: Cross-check every detail on the application form carefully. Small mistakes can cause big problems. Be honest and transparent about your business. Take time to explain all the details and needs clearly.

Face the Music (and the Questions): For In-person Applicants

Be ready for an interview with a loan officer who will interrogate you on the business plan. Know your numbers, be confident in your vision, and respond to each and every query clearly. Use this opportunity to sell them on your dream.

AFTERMATH: THE WAIT

Now, while patiently waiting for your loan approval, you should start your follow-up. When you reach out to your lender for loan evaluation, maintain a polite yet firm professional tone, as this can greatly influence the outcome. Then, once you receive that email stating you have been approved, don’t just rush to sign the loan documents. Instead, take the time to carefully collect and read the loan agreement thoroughly. During your collection, pay attention to the loan fees such as hidden charges, penalty for prepaying, and how interest will be calculated. Knowing this will aid in ensuring that you get the loan that will aid your business.

Conclusion

Getting a business loan in India is no cakewalk. It is a grueling process that requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and a patience. A business loan is by no means an impossible feat. With a proper strategy in place—which includes thorough documentation, selecting the appropriate lender, and selling your idea removing all doubts—your chances of achieving success significantly improve. It is worth the attempt. The resources are available. Now you can get started and create the empire you’ve envisioned.