Funding is an essential course of action for fueling growth and expansion of a business. It also helps to improve services and products offered by a company. However, individuals should also keep in mind that business funding can only be beneficial when specific regulations are in place to make sure that available funds are used appropriately to maximize their value.
Importance of loan for a business
The quality of a product or service primarily depends on the financial strength of a company. Any business without proper funding will generate lesser revenue and eventually accumulate a large amount of debt. So, business loan is nothing but the fuel that powers an entrepreneurship venture.
Business owners can opt for various avenues and channels to avail the required funding. The type of funding relies on several factors such as –
- Type of business, along with its products and services.
- The current financial situation of the business.
- The scale at which it intends to grow.
What is a business loan used for?
Funding for a business can be used to either establish a venture or strengthen the financial condition of an existing business. The several ways in which such funding can be utilised include –
- As seed financing
Seed financing, also referred to as seed funding or seed capital, is the funding required to initiate a business and get it up and running. Such type of business loan can be used for the purchase of business property, machinery, supplies, etc. initially. Business owners usually opt for debt financing to acquire seed capital.
- For business expansion
Business expansion is essential for a venture’s growth. However, when an entrepreneur decides to expand his or her business, adequate product and market research are necessary, among other peripheries. Such activities not only require dedication but also add to the existing costs. So, additional funding in a business can help it substantially in its phase of transition and expansion.
- To maintain cash flow
As a business owner, you are required to meet the operational expenses of the business, which include inventory, debtor payments, employee salaries, monthly utility bills, etc. In the case of newly-found businesses, revenue generation is usually low in the initial period. It is one of the several challenges that every small business owner faces. In such cases, business funding can be used to lower the financial worries of the owner.
Sources of business funding
You can avail business funding from multiples sources, such as –
- Venture capitalists
Venture capitalists or VCs are the types of investors who offer working capital to start-ups or small-scale businesses that are struggling to expand due to lack of funding. VCs are willing to provide capital to businesses that hold potential for future growth.
- Angel investors
Angel investors are similar to VCs but different in the sense that they provide funding in exchange for convertible debts, ownership equity, etc.
- Government schemes
Government schemes also facilitate several financing options for both large and small-scale enterprises. They are aimed mainly to promote growth in specific industries or sectors. The MSME subsidy loans are a prime example of such government schemes.
- Business loans
Reputed financial institutions across the country offer unsecured loans ranging up to Rs.30 lakh to business owners. Such business loans come with fast disbursal features to help owners secure funds with minimal hassles.
Make sure to learn about the basic requirements to get a business loan before applying for it. Reputed NBFCs such as Bajaj Finserv also offer business loans for women, which are designed especially for female entrepreneurs.
They also bring forth pre-approved offers which help in availing credits without any hassle. Such offers are applicable to a host of financial products, including personal loans and business loans. You can check your pre-approved offer online only with your name and mobile number.As a business owner, you should also keep in mind that whatever may be the source of your business funding, it is crucial to make a budget before availing one. One must also take care to meet all eligibility requirements before applying for improved chances of securing quick financing.