Business loans play a crucial role in the growth and success of an enterprise. Whether you’re looking to expand your operations, purchase equipment or raw materials, lease or rent property, pay salaries, or meet daily working capital needs, finding the right loan option and meeting the business loan eligibility criteria can be challenging, especially for MSMEs and start-ups.
With private banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), and the government offering MSME loans, it’s essential to understand the specific business loan eligibility criteria and the documentation requirements in order to secure funding.
Let us understand the business loan documentation requirements and eligibility criteria in India.
Eligibility criteria for a business loan in India
The eligibility criteria for a business loan generally include the following:
| Age | The applicant must be between 18 and 65 years old. |
| Eligible entities | The loan can be availed by individuals, SMEs, MSMEs, retailers, distributors, sole proprietorships, Partnership firms, Public and Private Limited Companies, Limited Liability partnerships (LLPs), retailers, traders, manufacturers, and other business entities engaged in only services, trading, and manufacturing sectors. |
| Business vintage | The business must have been operating for at least 1-2 years. |
| Business experience | The applicant must have at least 1 year of business experience and the business location must remain the same. |
| Credit score | A credit score of 750 or above is required. |
| Nationality | The applicant must be an Indian citizen |
Note- The above business loan eligibility criteria may vary depending on the lender’s policies and the type of loan you’re applying for. It’s best to check the specific requirements of the lender you are applying to and gather all necessary documents before submitting your application.
Documents required for a business loan
The primary documents required for getting a business loan in India are:
- Duly filled application form
- Passport-size photographs
- A well-defined, detailed and self-drafted business plan (optional)
- Credit score report
- Financial statements for the last 2-3 years, including balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and cash flow statement
- PAN card of the business and the applicant
- GST registration certificate
- Age proof and ID proof of the applicant: KYC documents (PAN card, Aadhaar card, Passport, Utility Bills, etc.)
- If the business is in partnership, then KYC documents of all the partners might be required.
- Bank statements for the last 6-36 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR) for the last 2-3years
- Other relevant documents as per the lender’s requirement
Note- The above list of documents may vary on the lender’s policies and the type of loan you’re applying for. It’s recommended to check the specific requirements of the lender you are applying to and gather all necessary documents before submitting your application.
Factors that determine business loan eligibility
The eligibility for a business loan is influenced by several key factors, including the age of the applicant, the type and nature of their business, their credit score, financial history and income source, business turnover and vintage, repayment capability and creditworthiness, stability or profitability of the business, and any prior loan defaults.
Here’s a list of some key questions to consider when determining business loan eligibility in India:
- What paperwork do I need to have ready before applying for a loan?
- What kind of collateral may be required to secure a loan?
- How can I maintain a good credit score?
- How can I choose the right lender?
- Are there any government schemes and subsidies that I can take advantage of?
- How can I show my potential for growth to a lender?
By keeping in mind these key questions and being prepared, you can boost your chances of being eligible for a business loan in India.
Types of business loans:
Depending on the different lenders and the types of business loans, the criteria for obtaining a business loan can differ greatly. From various banks to credit organisations, securing business loan requirements in India are diverse, with a wide array of loan options to choose from. Here are some of the common types of loans:
- Term loan: A loan with a fixed repayment period and interest rate, typically used for long-term investments such as equipment purchases or real estate.
- Working capital loan: Designed to fund day-to-day operations, such as covering payroll or purchasing inventory.
- Invoice financing: Allows a business to receive funding against outstanding invoices from customers.
- Line of credit: A flexible loan option that provides a pre-approved amount that can be used as needed, with interest only charged on the amount used.
- Equipment financing: Specifically for purchasing equipment, often with the equipment serving as collateral for the loan.
- Microloan: It is designed for start-ups and small businesses with limited access to traditional financing options.
- Government business loans: Financial aid provided by the government to support the growth and development of small businesses.
Note- In addition to the various business loans mentioned, each lender may have their own unique requirements and eligibility criteria for loan approval. So, companies need to thoroughly research and compare the specific business loan eligibility criteria and document requirements before applying for the loan. The eligibility criteria and requirements for each type of loan may vary, and it’s essential to thoroughly research and compare options before applying.
