Top five benefits of getting a business loan for women from NBFCs
Women’s participation in Indian business is meager. This gender gap is especially apparent in small businesses, where women only run 13% of companies. Financial inclusion based on gender is often discussed, and access to credit is an obvious way of achieving it. In NBFCs, women entrepreneurs can find an accessible and user-friendly source of funds.
1. Preferential interest rates
Many NBFCs offer a preferential business loan interest rate to women applicants. It is part of an industry-wide practice to encourage more participation of women in businesses and financial matters. Apart from business loans, products, like home loans, also offer discounts on the interest rate for a woman applicant. Even a slight business loan interest rate reduction can significantly borrow cost savings for women entrepreneurs.
2. Facilitates the government’s women-centric credit schemes
NBFCs are eligible to offer most women-centric plans promoted by the government. For instance, NBFCs can provide MUDRA loans to woman entrepreneurs under the refinance scheme. NBFCs providing loans to women entrepreneurs can avail and pass on the benefits of the MUDRA scheme for working capital loans of up to Rs. 10 lakhs.
3. Better than non-formal sources
Most SME businesses, including women-run companies, rely heavily on non-formal sources of finance for their business needs. Apart from high business loan interest rates, this method also doesn’t guarantee any improvement in their credit score. By opting for a business loan from an NBFC, the repayment history of businesswomen is documented, and their credit history can improve. This can help them avail of bigger business loans should the need arise.
4. Quick loan processing
Almost all lenders are transitioning towards a digital presence. This has quickened the turnaround time in loan applications. With NBFCs, women entrepreneurs can get faster business loan approval and disbursement. The paperwork is digitized, and the processing team checks the credit score online to review the business loan eligibility, reducing the time taken.
5. Collateral-free loan options
Business loans are offered without collateral as the borrower’s credit history and repayment capacity are the primary criteria for loan approval. A woman applying for a business loan with an NBFC doesn’t need to furnish any security-related documents, thus making it easier for her to avail of loans. For a woman who has just started her business, a business loan is one of the fastest sources of cash for her business’s initial financial needs.
As a woman entrepreneur, it is best to approach an NBFC for the business loans offered and inquire about its benefits. Choose a partner who is instrumental in the growth and success of your business.
