But let’s take a minute to understand what an MSME is.

Expanding the acronym, an MSME is a micro, small, and medium enterprise, that has been classified according to certain predefined parameters. These enterprises or businesses usually engage in the production, manufacturing, processing, or preservation of goods and commodities.

MSME is an important sector of the Indian economy and has contributed immensely to the country’s socio-economic development. This sector not only supports the country’s GDP but also generates employment, developing the nation’s backward and rural classes. Given its immense contribution to nation-building, this sector is known as the ‘Backbone of the Country’.

Today, there are over millions of MSMEs in India that play a central role in writing the growth story of the country. Your business, too, can be a part of this booming sector. Let your search to fund your Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) end here.

We shall take you through the various loan options available to you to fund your dream business. Let us start!

• LOAN AGAINST GOLD
  “Gold loan” or “loan against gold” refers to a secured loan provided by the Lender to a borrower in lieu of gold jewellery. Based on the gold’s current market worth and quality, the loan amount is a percentage of the gold’s value or as may be decided by the respective Lender. You can retrieve the gold items after paying them back in monthly instalments. A gold loan may not have a particular restrictive end use thus, the capital can be used to fund your new business venture or expand the current one.

   

  Interest Rates: Ranges from 9.24% - 17% (based on the lender)

  Additional fee: 3% of the loan amount

  Foreclosure charges: 2% - 4% (However, most lenders don’t charge any fee)

  Loan Tenure: Flexible duration from a minimum of one month to five years

   

• LOAN AGAINST MUTUAL FUNDS & SHARES
  As the name suggests, Mutual Funds (MFs) or share units are pledged as collateral for the loan. Loans taken against such instruments are also called Loan Against Securities. The financial institution holds these units (MFs or shares) as collateral until you have paid your EMIs. While your MFs are still entrusted to your lender as collateral, they will continue to generate returns.

   

  Interest Rates: Low interest rate (depends on the lender)

  Loan Tenure: Flexible duration (up to 3 years)

   

• LOAN AGAINST FIXED DEPOSITS
  A borrower can use the funds invested in a Fixed Deposit as security for this loan. The amount of the FD deposit determines the loan’s amount along with such other eligibility criteria set by the Lender. This may equal 90% to 95% of the initial deposit. You have two options for borrowing against your FDs- apply for a loan or request an overdraft from the bank (OD). You can repay the loan through EMIs. This type of loan is quite common.

   

  Interest Rates: 1% - 3% over FD rates

  Loan Tenure: Cannot exceed the FD term time

   

• LOAN AGAINST PPF
  A Public Provident Fund or PPF can also be utilized to raise money. PPF accounts allow customers to borrow money against the available amount at a favorable interest rate for personal use. This benefits people who want to apply for short-term loans without offering any property as collateral.

   

  One of its benefits is taking out a personal loan against the balance in your PPF account. It comes in handy, primarily if the loan is only being used temporarily. It is also eligible for a tax deduction under Section 80C of Income Tax Act.

   

  Interest Rates: 1% (in case the loan is paid off before the stipulated 36-month period)

  Loan Tenure: 36 months (else ROI of 6% is levied)

   

• AGAINST PROPERTY
  A loan against property is a secure borrowing choice for any person or company. Once you mortgage your home and the bank authorizes the loan amount, you can obtain the loan. Make sure your property title is clear. The loan is repaid in Equated Monthly Installments (EMI). With Loan against Property higher eligibility, longer repayment terms, and reduced interest rate, Loan Against Property (LAP) is one of the most sought-after loan products.

   

  Interest Rates: 9.25% (this may vary from lender to lender)

  Loan Tenure: 25 years

   

Conclusion
There are multiple ways to avail of a loan to fund your dream business, however, due diligence is always recommended in matters of finances! We recommend that you be smart with your research and only select a product that fits your requirement perfectly. Also, once you do avail a loan, it is crucial to not waiver from your repayment schedule so that your assets pledged remain secured.

Godrej Capital through its subsidiaries, Godrej Housing Finance and Godrej Finance, offers products such as Home Loans, Loans Against Property, Balance Transfers, and many more. To know more about our offering, click here

Disclaimer: The names used in this article are fictitious and are used for representational purposes only.

The contents of this article are for information purposes only. For more details, please refer to the product or service document and/ or connect with our customer representative before 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 taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.