Finance received from banks or other financial institutions for the purpose of investment in a business by way of working capital and term loan is a Business Loan. The term loan is provided for capital investment like the purchase of plant and machinery, repairs of the existing plant and machinery, to build infrastructure, to expand the existing business, and any other requirement to take the business to the next level. The working capital finance is to meet the operational expenses like the purchase of inventory, hiring of staff, payment of utility bills, and so on.
The various types of Business Loans are as follows:
Working Capital Finance:Any businessman who is in the service/manufacturing business or retail/wholesale trading, imports/exports can make use of this facility. This facility is generally opted for when there is a liquidity crunch in the business due to irregular cash flow and funds are required for meeting the day-to-day operational expenses of the business or when there is a sudden increase in the volume of the business. Working Capital finance can be by way of a line of credit, overdraft, packing credit, post-shipment credit or even by way of non-fund based limits like Bank Guarantees and Letter of Credit. This facility will be a revolving credit and can be used as and when required. The utilised amount can be replenished by depositing amount when the cash flow of the business improves. The biggest advantage in this type of finance is that interest is levied only to the extent of the amount utilised and for the period utilised.
Rate of interest is mainly based on the credit appraisal of the business. The working capital finance will be for a period of 6 to 12 months and will be renewed after an annual review. The prime security for working capital finance will be the stocks and receivables of the firm/Company. Collateral security may also be insisted by way of a mortgage of residential/commercial property. It depends on the lender and the quantum of finance.
Term Loans:These loans are given mainly for capital investment, which will be of long-term in nature. It could be for building the factory premises, improving the infrastructure, modernisation of the existing structure, etc. The quantum of loan involved in this facility will be high and will be disbursed in a lump-sum. The repayment period also will be longer and can range between 7 years to 20 years. The rate of interest will be based on the profile of the Company, Credit Rating, the quantum and period of the loan.
The prime security will be the assets created out of the finance and collateral security will be a mortgage of residential/commercial property. To apply for this type of finance, you should have a detailed project ready along with a business charter as to how the loan amount will be utilised.