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Business Loans are quite popular amongst business owners. They meet the funding needs of the companies like expanding operations, purchasing equipment or bridging the working capital gap. In India, different types of Business Loans are available for businesses like normal business loans (secured and unsecured), lines of credit, invoice discounting, term loans, equipment financing , etc.We live in an era of immense competition. Running a business without borrowing money is quite difficult, especially when you need to innovate and improve continuously. Business Loans allow you to run your operations smoothly, expand your businesses, grab newer opportunities and stay ahead of the competition.While the Business Loan requirements vary across different lenders, there are certain requirements that are common in almost all Business Loan. Now, let's check out the things you should include in your business loan application and tips to improve your Business Loan application approval.
How to prepare a loan application for your business?
Business Loan application process can prove to be tough sometimes whether you apply for a short-term Business Loan or a working capital loan. But you can significantly improve the chances of your Business Loan application approval by paying close attention to detail and concentrating on some important aspects.Here are a few points to make your Business Loan application effective:
1) Do your research
Do your research on different lenders to find the best one before applying. You need to understand the various loan types available in the market to select the one that meets your business needs. Also learn about the specific requirements of each lender. Certain lenders may specialise in certain types of Business Loans such as line of credit or equipment finance. You should try to find a lender that offers Business Loans at favourable terms and at the same time pioneers in lending in your industry.
2) Gather all necessary documents
Next step is to gather all the required documents. These include business ownership agreement, address proof and other legal documents. It's important to provide all the documents as required by the lender. Missing out on any information or document can delay your loan application processing and approval. In extreme case, it can even result in the rejection of your Business Loan application.
3) Prepare a comprehensive business plan
A business plan is one of the most crucial elements of your Business Loan application process. It is a detailed document that contains all the important information about your business. This helps the lender understand your business well. Hence, you should try to prepare a well crafted and detailed business plan. It must include:
- A summary of your business
- Details of your products or services
- Your target market
- The financial projections
It should also address any potential risks or challenges that your business may face and the steps to reduce their impact. Further, it must include the purpose of the loan, the amount of money you need and how you will utilise your loan. This allows the lenders to ensure that their investment is profitable and sustainable.A good business plan can convince the lenders to approve your application. It must be clear and straightforward. You should avoid using technical jargons or industry-specific terminologies that may be unknown to the lenders. Instead, you should focus on explaining your business in simple terms. You should ensure that you've highlighted the strengths of your business well.
4) Detailed financial information
You need to submit detailed financial information and projections about your business while submitting the loan application. It should include your business's profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow statement. Also, you should providetaxreturns, bank statements and details of collateral, if applicable.It's important to provide all the financial information that shows your ability to repay the loan. Also, you must be realistic about the loan amount and terms.You should only apply for the amount you need to avoid defaulting on your loan . This will also help you save significant interest costs. You should carefully assess your business needs before applying. Further, you should also discuss all the important aspects of Business Loans such as interest rate, repayment schedule and collateral requirements with the lender.Also read: What is Penal Interest? How is it Calculated?
5) Credit report
You must submit the credit report of your company along with the Business Loan application. Several lenders prefer to check the credit reports of promoters as well. But remember to check your personal and business credit reports for any errors before submitting them. A strong credit report will help you win confidence of the lenders easily.
6) Compelling loan cover letter
Your Business Loan application should include a cover letter. Cover letter is basically a clear and brief document that highlights all the key information about your business. These include your business strength, growth potential etc. Also, you should mention why you are seeking the loan and your repayment plan.You can also mention any collateral or personal guarantees that you are offering against the loan in case you are applying for secured business loan .
7) Proofread and review
You should proofread your Business Loan application thoroughly before submitting. This will ensure there is no misinformation or grammatical errors and typos. You should check all the information provided to ensure it is accurate and complete. This will help you save significant time in solving queries that may be raised subsequently.
8) Submit the application form
This is the last step i.e., final submission of your Business Loan application. Ensure to keep copies of all the documents for your records before submitting the loan application.After the lenders scrutinise your application, they may raise certain queries or questions. You must be prepared to answer lenders' questions and queries. Lenders may ask questions about your business model, industry or the financial projections. It's important to be honest and transparent while answering these questions as lenders want to ensure that you clearly understand your business and its potential.Also read: Common Mistakes Businesses Make While Availing a Business Loan
Tips to improve your Business Loan application approval
You can follow the below tips to increase the chances of approval of your business loan:
- Provide complete and accurate information in your Business Loan application. Also, fill out all the required fields in the application form. Incomplete or incorrect information can lead to delay in approval and even Business Loan application rejection.
- Prepare and submit a well-defined business plan to show that your business has a potential to succeed and generate profitability.
- Provide latest financial statements and other relevant financial information to show the financial health and stability of your business.
- Remember to highlight the strengths of your business. It can be its unique selling proposition (USP), market demand or revenue potential.
- Ensure that you follow all the guidelines and meet all the requirements of the lender.
Summing up
Each lender may have specific requirements when it comes to Business Loan. Hence, you need to tailor your Business Loan application according to the specific guidelines of the lender. When you are preparing your Business Loan application, you should follow the above guidelines for quick processing and approval of your loan application. It also improves the chances of your Business Loan approval.Aditya Birla Capital offers several types of Business Loans to address the fund requirements of your business. Click here to learn more about it.Also read: Tax Benefits Of Business Loan
FAQS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the requirements for a Business Loan ?
While the eligibility criteria varies across different lenders, following are some of the basic requirements you should satisfy:
Citizenship: You must be a citizen of India.
Age: You must be at least 21 years old when applying for the Business Loan.
Business existence: Business should be in existence for at least one year or above
Annual turnover: Varies across different lenders and loan amount you need
Credit score: Lenders usually require a credit score of 750 or higher.
Collateral: Depends upon the type of business loan you are trying to raise.
What is a loan checklist ?
A loan checklist is a list of all the information and documents needed for loan application. The loan checklist varies from one type of loan to another. However, the most common documents required for Business Loans include:
Duly filled out application form.
KYC document of all the owners, partners or directors. You may need to produce one or more of the following KYC documents:
Aadhar card
Passport
PAN card
Voter ID card
Driving license
Income proof like copy of the Income Tax Return (ITR) or audit report of the business
Certificate of incorporation or business registration certificate
Credit report
Any other document as may be required by the lender
What are the documents required for overdraft (OD) ?
While the document requirement may vary across different lenders, here are the common documents you may be required to submit for an overdraft (OD) facility:
Any government-issued identity proof such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport etc.
Business existence proof
Income proof such as income tax returns, audit reports etc.
Bank statements for last 6 months to 1 year
GST returns for the last six months
What is the minimum annual turnover needed to qualify for a Business Loan ?
The minimum turnover required varies across different lenders and the type of business loan you are willing to avail. Hence, you must check the lender's requirements before applying to avoid rejection of your loan application.
To what extent does your income affect your Business Loan eligibility ?
Your income is a crucial factor in obtaining a Business Loan. It provides the lender with an idea about your ability to repay the loan on time.
The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.
