What is business loan?
A Business Loan is a form of debt financing provided by a bank or financial institution specifically for commercial purposes to an SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) or a larger Corporation for various needs including:
- Capital Expenditure (Capex): To finance the purchase of long-term assets, such as equipment, machinery, or commercial real estate.
- Expansion: To fund growth initiatives, open a new branch or outlet
Loans can be SECURED and UNSECURED. Secured Loans requiring collateral like property or assets where businesses can benefit from lower interest rates, higher loan amounts and longer repayment terms whereas UNSECURED are instant generally provided against company’s financial strength and creditworthiness for urgent business requirement.
ROLE OF “MAESTRO” A SEASONED FINANCIAL ADVISORY FIRM
MAESTRO plays a critical and multifaceted role in helping SME and Corporate sectors secure the necessary funding at competitive prices.
1. Strategic Needs Assessment and Structuring
- Diagnose the Need: They first conduct a comprehensive analysis of the business’s financial health, objectives, and actual funding requirement to determine the most suitable type and quantum of finance. This ensures the funding matches the use (e.g., long-term loan for Capex vs. short-term working capital).
- Optimize Capital Structure: They advise on the right mix of debt and equity to maintain a healthy capital structure and repayment capacity.
2. Preparation and Documentation
- Enhance Presentability: MAESTRO helps prepare a robust and compelling loan proposal, including detailed business plans, financial models, cash flow projections, and accurate financial statements. This meticulous preparation reduces the perceived risk by lenders.
- Valuation and Collateral: They assist in the proper valuation and documentation of any collateral being offered, ensuring it meets the lender’s requirements.
3. Market Access and Negotiation
- Leverage Network: MAESTRO utilizes their extensive network of banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and alternative lenders to identify the best-fit financing sources that are most likely to approve the specific loan structure.
- Competitive Pricing: MAESTRO manages the entire negotiation process—not just for the interest rate, but also for fees, repayment schedules, and loan covenants—to secure the most competitive price and favorable terms.
4. Efficient Deal Execution
- Streamline Process: MAESTRO actively manages the application, due diligence, and closing process, ensuring all documentation is submitted correctly and on time. This significantly reduces the time-to-disbursal and allows management to focus on core business operations.
- Mitigate Risks: By anticipating and proactively addressing lender queries or concerns, MAESTRO helps to mitigate the risk of rejection or delays in the loan sanctioning process.