Every entrepreneur dreams of taking their business to the next level. But business growth often requires capital, and that's where Business Loans come in. However, many micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) do not have a collateral or an asset that they can mortgage.

This blog explores options for securing a collateral-free Business Loan in India. We'll compare it to collateral loans, highlight the advantages, and guide you through the application process.

Different Types of Business Loans

• Secured Business Loans: This type of loan is given in lieu of a collateral, like real estate property, equipment, or other assets of value owned by the business. This collateral provides security to the lender in case the borrower is unable to repay the loan. Secured business loans usually offer lower interest rates and higher borrowing limits compared to unsecured loans. This is due to the reduced risk for the lender. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender may seize and sell the collateral to recover the outstanding debt.
• Unsecured Business Loans: Unsecured business loans offer funds that don’t require collateral. This makes it appealing to small businesses that may not have assets to put up as collaterals. Collateral free loans are easier and quicker to obtain than secured loans as they involve less paperwork, and evaluation of assets. However, they often come with higher interest rates due to increased risk to the lender.

Advantages of Business Loans Without Collateral

• Access to Funds: For businesses that do not have valuable assets to mortgage as collateral, unsecured business loans provide access to much-needed funds to support growth and operations.

• No Risk to Assets: Unlike secured business loans, unsecured loans do not require the borrower to pledge any assets as collateral. This means that your personal or business assets are not at risk if you default on the loan.

• Faster Approval Process: Since there is no need for collateral evaluation, unsecured loans typically have a quicker approval process compared to secured loans. This can be beneficial for businesses that require immediate funding.

• Flexibility: Collateral-free business loans offer flexibility in how the funds are used. Whether it is for working capital, expansion, purchasing equipment, or any other business needs, the funds can be utilized as per the business requirements.

• Build Credit History: Making timely repayments on a business loan without collateral can help build a positive credit history for your business. This can improve your credit score and make it easier to qualify for future financing options.

Also Read: Flexibility of Repayment in Business Loans

How to Apply for a Business Loan Without Collateral in India?

• Check Your Eligibility: To secure funding, lenders will closely examine your credit history, your business's financial health, and your projections for future growth.  A well-crafted business plan is essential in this process. To check business loan eligibility, use business loan eligibility calculator.
• Choose the Right Loan Amount: Don't over-borrow. Be realistic about your needs and repayment capabilities. Use a Business Loan EMI calculator to estimate your monthly payments.
• Prepare the Required Documents: This may include financial statements, business registration documents, and identity proofs.
• Compare Loan Options: Research different lenders and compare business loan offerings and terms to find the best fit for your requirements.
• Apply Online or Offline: Many lenders offer a convenient online application process for business loans.

Eligibility for a Business Loan Without Collateral

The eligibility criteria with unsecured Business Loan may vary between lenders, but some common factors include:

• Business Age and Stability: Most lenders require the business to have been in operation for a minimum period, usually at least 3 years. Some lenders may also have restrictions on the type of business, such as excluding certain industries or business structures. Lenders also often look at the business's revenue and profitability to assess its ability to repay the loan. A consistent revenue stream and positive cash flow are generally preferred.
• Credit Score: Lenders will evaluate the borrower's personal and business credit scores to assess creditworthiness. A good credit score is usually required to qualify for an unsecured business loan, although some lenders may be more lenient with credit requirements compared to secured loans
• Business Plan: Some lenders may request a detailed business plan outlining how the loan will be used and how it will benefit the business. A strong business plan can improve your chances of qualifying for an unsecured business loan.
• Financial Documents: Lenders may require various financial documents, such as bank statements, tax returns, profit and loss statements, and balance sheets, to assess the business's financial health and repayment capacity.
• Personal Guarantee: In some cases, lenders may require a personal guarantee from the business owner or another individual with strong credit to ensure repayment in case the business defaults on the loan.

Also Read: What Can You Do To Improve Your Credit Score?

Documents Required for a Business Loan Application

• KYC documents (identity and address proof) for owner/directors
• Business registration documents
• Bank statements for the past 6 months
• Income tax returns (ITR) for the past 2-3 years

Note: The eligibility criteria and documentation stated is only suggestive. Please check with respective lender for detailed information.

Also Read: Crisis Management: Can a Business Loan Help You?

Godrej Capital Business Loans 

Godrej Capital understands the financial needs and requirements of a business and offer a variety of loans for businesses to facilitate success and growth. The lender offers Loan Against Property and Udyog Loan Against Property as secured loan options for businesses with collateral to mortgage, while it offers unsecured or collateral-free Business Loans for MSMEs and Business Loans for Women, to cater to the borrowers’ specific requirements. With Godrej Capital Business Loan for small businesses, you can avail financial assistance to achieve your entrepreneurial goals.

Benefits of Godrej Capital Business Loans 

• Competitive Interest Rates: We offer attractive business loan interest rates on both secured and unsecured loans.
• Flexible Repayment Options: Choose a repayment plan that suits your cash flow. Our ‘Design Your EMI’ features lets you pay interest-only for select months.
• Minimal Documentation: We streamline the application process to save you time and effort.
• Online Application: Apply for a business loan conveniently from the comfort of your home.
• BizRewards: Get rewarded for timely EMI payments in the form of vouchers.
• Flexi Funds: Borrowers can avail benefits of Flexi Funds, an overdraft like facility. This facility allows the borrower to borrow and repay funds from a pre-determined limit allotted to them, with interest being charged only on the utilized amount. This eliminates the need for a lengthy loan application and gives you instant loan.

Also Read: Overdraft Facility and Flexi Funds: All You Need to Know

How to Apply for a Business Loan with Godrej Capital?

You can easily apply for a business loan  with Godrej Capital:

• Visit our website: Explore our unsecured Business Loan options and choose the one that best suits your requirements. Godrej Capital provides Business Loans for Women and Business Loans for MSMEs with tailored solutions.

• Use our Business Loan EMI Calculator: Get an estimate before you apply for a loan. Calculate monthly EMI with a simple online tool. Click here to access.
• Apply Online: Fill out the online application form with the necessary details.
• Submit Documents: Upload the required documents as per the loan type.
• Quick Processing: Our team will review your application promptly and get back to you shortly.

Remember, a business loan is an investment in your company's future. By carefully considering your options, preparing a strong application, and demonstrating financial responsibility, you can secure the funding you need to achieve your entrepreneurial dreams.

Also Read: Looking to obtain a Business Loan? Avoid these 7 mistakes

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for information purposes only & not a financial advisory. For more details, please refer to the product or service document and/ or connect with our customer representative prior to making any financial decision. The information is subject to update, completion, revision, and amendment and may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject Godrej Capital or its Affiliates to any requirements. Godrej Capital or its Affiliates shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for making any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.

Financing through Godrej Finance/Godrej Housing Finance Limited. Product Terms & Conditions apply, for details visit https://www.godrejcapital.com