A comprehensive guide to business loans for startups

Are you a startup entrepreneur looking for funding to grow your business? Business loans can provide you with the necessary resources to turn your ideas into reality.
Business Loan
4 min read
05 January 2024

Are you a startup entrepreneur looking for funding to grow your business? Business loans can provide you with the necessary resources to turn your ideas into reality.

Starting a new business is an exhilarating journey, full of potential and possibilities. However, the road to entrepreneurial success is often paved with financial challenges, especially for startups. This is where business loans for startups play a pivotal role, acting as a financial catalyst that empowers entrepreneurs to turn their innovative ideas into thriving businesses.

In this article, we will delve into the various types of business loans available for startups, and the benefits they offer.

Types of business loans for startups

  1. Government-backed schemes: The Indian government has introduced various schemes to support startups, offering loans at favourable terms. Schemes such as the credit guarantee fund scheme for startups (CGSS) provide a safety net for lenders, encouraging them to extend credit to budding entrepreneurs.
  2. Venture debt financing: Venture debt is gaining popularity in the Indian startup landscape. This form of financing combines elements of debt and equity, allowing startups to secure funding without diluting ownership significantly.
  3. Angel investors and seed funding: While not traditional loans, angel investors and seed funding are vital sources of capital for startups. These investors inject funds into startups in exchange for equity, providing crucial early-stage support.
  4. Bank loans and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs): Traditional bank loans and NBFCs remain prominent sources of funding for startups in India. Banks like State Bank of India (SBI), and NBFCs like Bajaj Finserv offer tailored financial products for startups, including Term Loans, working capital loans, and equipment financing.

Benefits of business loans for startups

Empower your business with Bajaj Finserv Business Loan, offering flexible repayment options, and attractive interest rates. Enjoy various benefits, including:

  1. Flexi Loan facility: Reduce EMIs by, withdraw funds as needed, and prepay at your convenience with our Flexi Loan options.
  2. High loan amount: Access substantial funds, up to Rs. 80 lakh, to meet your business requirements.
  3. Collateral-free loans: Obtain a loan without pledging any assets as security.
  4. Convenient repayment tenure: Gain increased flexibility in repaying your loan, with options spanning from 1 year to 8 years.

Requirements to qualify for a startup loan

Qualifying for a startup loan involves meeting certain eligibility requirements. Generally, you need to meet a specific age criteria and should have a good CIBIL score. Factors such as the age of the business, availability of a co-applicant, and so on are also important when you apply for a business loan.

If you need funds for your venture, you can check the eligibility criteria for a business loan from Bajaj Finance.

How to determine how much business funding you need

Determining how much funding your business needs can be a challenging yet crucial task. Here are some steps you can take to arrive at a reasonable estimate:

  • Evaluate start-up costs: If you are setting up a new business, calculate all potential costs - legal fees, initial inventory, license fees, technology, initial marketing, and branding expenses.
  • Operating expenses: Estimate your ongoing costs, such as rent, salaries, utilities, manufacturing costs, and marketing expenses. It's a good idea to calculate these expenses for at least a year.
  • Revenue projections: Based on market research and growth rates, project your expected revenue for the next year. Be realistic and consider various scenarios, including the worst-case one.
  • Create a buffer for unexpected costs: No matter how meticulously you plan, unexpected expenses can always arise. Creating a buffer fund gives you the financial flexibility to handle such situations.
  • Business expansion plans: If you're intending to grow your business, weigh the costs involved. This may include hiring new staff, buying assets, or launching new product lines.
  • Debt servicing: If you're planning to use debt for funding, ensure you account for interest payments in your financial projections.

Once you have listed all costs and potential revenues, the gap between your available capital and estimated costs will give you an approximation of the funding you need. Remember, it is always wise to seek a little more than required to cater to unforeseen business contingencies.

Are you a startup entrepreneur in need of financing? Bajaj Finserv Business Loan offers startups a crucial source of funding to turn their ideas into profitable businesses. As the Indian startup ecosystem continues to evolve, business loans remain a cornerstone, facilitating the transformation of ideas into thriving enterprises that leave an indelible mark on the nation's economic landscape.

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