How to get a Business Loan?

Synopsis:

  • Business expansion requires substantial funding for premises, machinery, staff, and marketing.
  • Savings and IPOs are options, but business loans are often more accessible for funding.
  • Check interest rates carefully, as they impact overall loan costs and repayment.
  • Choose a lender, ideally your bank, for smoother processing and potential benefits.
  • Apply online, select the right tenure, and prepare the required documentation.

Overview

As a business expands, the need for more substantial funding becomes apparent. Larger premises, advanced machinery, higher salaries for skilled staff, and increased marketing efforts all demand greater financial resources. But how to meet the capital requirements? Well, many entrepreneurs rely on savings to avoid interest and debt, but not everyone has the financial capacity.

An IPO is another route, but it requires a minimum paid-up capital of ₹10 crore and a market capitalisation of at least ₹25 crore post-IPO—challenging for most small businesses. That is where business loans step in to assist.

To Apply for a Business Loan?

Step 1: Check interest rates

Checking the interest rate on a business loan is crucial as it directly impacts the cost of borrowing and your overall repayment amount. A lower interest rate implies lower monthly payments and less financial strain.

Factors affecting business loan interest rates include the borrower's credit score, business financial health, loan amount, loan tenure, and the lender's policies. Macroeconomic conditions and market trends can also impact rates.

You can go to business loan aggregators' websites to review the rates of different banking institutions on a single web page.

Step 2: Choose a lender

When considering how to get a loan for your business, it is wise to start with the bank where you already have an account. The process is often smoother since the bank already has your details and credit history.

If you have previously taken a loan and maintained timely repayments, you may qualify for lower interest rates and quicker disbursal. For instance, HDFC Bank disburses loans in seconds for specific preferred customers, making choosing your existing bank for a business loan advantageous.

Step 3: Online application 

Wondered how to apply for a Business Loan online? Many banks do offer this kind of facility, allowing you first to check your eligibility for a Business Loan online.

If eligible, you can proceed to the application stage, where you will need to provide details such as your name, address, the industry you are involved in, your annual net profit, and the number of years you have been in business. Additionally, you may be asked for a business plan and other relevant details associated with your company's financial health.

Step 4: Choose the right tenure

Choosing the right tenure for a business loan is crucial as it directly impacts your financial stability and repayment burden. A longer tenure might result in lower monthly instalments, making it easier to manage cash flow. However, it also means paying more interest over the life of the loan, increasing the overall cost. Conversely, a shorter tenure leads to higher monthly payments but allows you to repay the loan faster and with less interest.

The right tenure balances affordability to reduce the loan's total cost while helping you meet your working capital needs.

Step 5: Documentation

How to apply for a Small Business Loan with minimal documentation? The documentation will be minimal if you are an account holder in the bank. Otherwise, you may have to provide proof of income like income tax returns, bank statements and balance sheets, and ID and address proofs like Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport etc.

Conclusion

Obtaining a business loan involves several key steps: checking interest rates, choosing the right lender, applying online, selecting an appropriate loan tenure, and preparing the necessary documentation. By carefully navigating these steps, you can secure the funding needed to support your business's growth while maintaining financial stability and managing repayment effectively.

Looking to apply for an HDFC Bank Business Growth Loan? Click to get started! Take advantage of offers like quick collateral, no capital and the best industry rates!

Want to know more about Business Loan benefits? Click here to get started.

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