(KMBN302) Unit 3: Entrepreneurial Finance
Entrepreneurial Finance
Entrepreneurial Finance is all about the money matters that help entrepreneurs start, grow, and maintain their businesses. It’s the process of raising and managing funds for a new business or a small company. This might involve using personal savings, getting loans, or attracting investors who believe in the business idea.
Example: Imagine a friend wants to start a coffee shop. To do this, they need money for renting the space, buying coffee beans, equipment, and paying for other expenses. They could use their own savings, ask family or friends to lend money, apply for a small business loan from a bank, or even find investors who might fund the coffee shop in exchange for a share of the profits. All these funding sources together form "entrepreneurial finance."
Assistance for Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurial assistance is the support and guidance provided to entrepreneurs to help them succeed. This support can come from government programs, non-profit organizations, or even private companies. Assistance may include help with getting funds, providing mentorship, giving access to training, or offering networking opportunities.
Example: Let’s say a new restaurant owner needs help creating a business plan and understanding the market. They could reach out to a local government-funded entrepreneurship program, which might connect them with a mentor who has experience in the restaurant industry. The mentor helps them avoid common pitfalls and provides valuable tips for running a successful business.
Entrepreneurial Development Agencies
These agencies are organizations dedicated to promoting and supporting entrepreneurship. They provide resources like financial support, training, business advice, and even market information to help entrepreneurs build their businesses. In some countries, the government sets up these agencies to encourage new businesses, especially in underserved areas.
Example: In India, the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is an example of an entrepreneurial development agency. SIDBI offers loans and financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises. If a local artist wants to start a handicrafts business, SIDBI might provide them with the funds they need, as well as training on how to manage a business and expand their customer base.
Estimating financial funds requirement
Estimating Financial Funds Requirement is the process of figuring out how much money a business needs to start or expand. This helps an entrepreneur plan and ensures they have enough funds to cover all expenses without running out of money. It involves calculating both initial costs (for starting the business) and ongoing costs (for running it).
Steps in Estimating Financial Funds Requirement:
- Identify Start-Up Costs: These are one-time expenses needed to get the business off the ground, like equipment, licenses, and initial inventory.
- Estimate Operating Costs: These are regular expenses for keeping the business running, like rent, utilities, salaries, and supplies.
- Plan for Emergency Funds: It’s wise to set aside some extra funds to handle unexpected costs or emergencies.
Example: Let’s say someone wants to open a small bakery. To estimate their financial needs, they’ll list out:
- Rent for the bakery space: $5,000
- Ovens and baking equipment: $10,000
- Ingredients for initial batches of goods: $2,000
- Marketing and signage: $1,000
- Total Start-Up Costs = $18,000
- Rent: $1,000
- Utilities: $200
- Ingredients and supplies: $500
- Employee salaries: $1,500
- Miscellaneous expenses: $300
- Total Monthly Operating Costs = $3,500
- Extra 10% of total costs, just in case of unexpected expenses.
Based on this estimate, they need $18,000 to start the bakery and $3,500 per month to keep it running. Adding a bit extra for emergencies, they’ll know exactly how much funding to seek to cover both start-up and operating costs for the first few months.
Sources of finance
When someone starts or runs a business, they usually need money from various places, called sources of finance. Let’s look at two major sources of finance: banks and financial institutions. We’ll also discuss how small-scale businesses in developing countries often get funded.
1. Banks
Banks are one of the most common sources of finance for businesses. They offer loans (money that needs to be repaid with interest) to help people start or grow their businesses. Banks may provide short-term loans for immediate needs or long-term loans for bigger, long-term projects.
Example: Imagine a small restaurant owner who wants to open a second location. They might go to a bank to ask for a loan to cover the cost of renting the new space, buying furniture, and purchasing kitchen equipment. The bank assesses their business plan, approves the loan, and the restaurant owner agrees to repay it over five years with interest.
2. Financial Institutions
Financial institutions are organizations other than banks that provide funds to businesses. This can include government agencies, credit unions, or investment companies. These institutions often focus on specific types of businesses or industries, such as agriculture or technology, and they might offer lower interest rates or flexible repayment plans compared to banks.
Example: A government-run financial institution may focus on promoting agriculture by offering low-interest loans to farmers. If a farmer wants to buy new equipment or seeds, they could get funding from this institution, which supports agriculture to boost the economy.
3. Financing Small-Scale Industries in Developing Countries
Small-scale industries are smaller businesses that don’t need huge amounts of money to operate, such as small shops, workshops, or local food producers. In developing countries, these businesses are important for job creation and economic growth but may face challenges accessing finance. To support them, the government and international organizations often step in with targeted financing solutions.
How Small-Scale Industries are Financed:
- Microfinance: Small loans given by microfinance institutions to people without access to traditional banking. These loans help small business owners buy supplies or expand their businesses.
- Government Grants and Subsidies: Sometimes, the government provides financial support that doesn’t have to be repaid. This helps encourage local businesses.
- Development Banks and NGOs: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and development banks provide funding and training to small business owners, especially in rural areas, to help them grow their businesses and improve their income.
Example: A woman in a rural area might want to start a handicraft business. However, she may not qualify for a regular bank loan due to limited credit history. A microfinance organization could provide her with a small loan and training on how to manage her finances, allowing her to start her business and repay the loan gradually.
Promoting entrepreneurship with various incentives
The central (national) government and state (local) governments play a big role in promoting entrepreneurship by creating a supportive environment for businesses to start and grow. They offer various incentives to encourage people to launch and expand their businesses. These incentives can include financial aid, tax breaks, training programs, and infrastructure support, all aimed at reducing the risk and costs of starting a business.
Role of Central Government in Promoting Entrepreneurship
The central government creates nationwide programs and policies to support entrepreneurs. These are often big, structured programs that reach a wide audience. They also create special initiatives for certain sectors, like technology or manufacturing, which can contribute to the national economy.
Common Incentives from the Central Government:
- Loans and Grants: The central government may offer loans at low-interest rates or grants (money that doesn’t have to be repaid) to help start-ups cover initial costs.
- Tax Benefits: Start-ups may get tax holidays (periods where they don’t have to pay certain taxes) to help them save money in the early stages.
- Skill Development Programs: The government often provides training programs to improve skills in areas like management, marketing, and technology
- Infrastructure Development: The government might set up industrial parks or zones with basic facilities (like water, power, and internet) to help businesses operate smoothly.
Example: In India, the Startup India Initiative is a central government program that offers funding support, tax exemptions, and mentorship to start-ups. For instance, a young entrepreneur with an innovative idea for a tech product can register under Startup India and receive tax breaks and funding, making it easier for them to turn their idea into a business.
Role of State Government in Promoting Entrepreneurship
State governments focus on local businesses and regional development. They tailor their incentives based on local needs and available resources, aiming to create job opportunities and boost the regional economy.
Common Incentives from the State Government:
- Subsidies: States may provide subsidies for specific industries that are common or important in their region (e.g., agriculture, textiles). This reduces costs for entrepreneurs in these fields.
- State-Level Grants and Loans: Like the central government, states offer loans and grants, often with a focus on local businesses or industries.
- Marketing Support: States might organize fairs, exhibitions, or marketing support to help local businesses reach wider markets.
- Land and Infrastructure: States may offer land at a lower cost or develop special economic zones (SEZs) where businesses can operate with additional tax benefits.
Example: In the state of Maharashtra, India, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) offers subsidized land, infrastructure, and facilities to new businesses in designated industrial areas. If a local entrepreneur wants to start a small factory, they could get land at a reduced rate and enjoy tax benefits provided by the state government, making it more affordable to set up the business.
In Short, the central government provides broad, large-scale support through funding, policies, and training programs, while the state government focuses on the specific needs of their local businesses with tailored subsidies, land access, and marketing support. Both levels of government work together to create a supportive environment for entrepreneurship.
Subsidies
A subsidy is financial help from the government or another organization to reduce the cost of certain products, services, or activities. It’s like a discount, provided to make it cheaper for people or businesses to buy or produce certain things. Governments offer subsidies to encourage the growth of certain industries or make essential goods more affordable.
In other words, A subsidy is financial support provided by the government to make things more affordable for businesses. It’s like a discount that reduces certain costs, such as the price of raw materials, machinery, land, or utilities (like electricity and water). Subsidies are often given to businesses in specific industries that the government wants to encourage, such as agriculture, manufacturing, or renewable energy.
Example: Imagine a farmer wants to buy fertilizer to grow crops, but the fertilizer is expensive. The government may offer a subsidy that covers a portion of the fertilizer’s cost, making it cheaper for the farmer. This encourages the farmer to buy the fertilizer, helping him grow more crops and supporting the agricultural sector.
Let’s say a state government wants to encourage more people to start textile businesses. They may offer a subsidy on electricity costs for textile factories. This means that textile businesses will pay a lower rate for their electricity than other industries, helping them save money on their utility bills. This can make it easier for someone to start a textile factory because their ongoing costs will be lower.
Grants
A grant is money given by the government or another organization that doesn’t need to be repaid. Grants are typically given to support a specific purpose, like starting a business, conducting research, or improving a community. Unlike loans, grants don’t accumulate interest and are essentially "free money," but they usually have specific guidelines on how the funds should be used.
A grant is a sum of money given by the government to a business, individual, or organization for a specific purpose. Unlike a loan, a grant doesn’t need to be repaid. Governments offer grants to support new businesses, promote job creation, or encourage innovation in certain areas. However, grants often come with conditions; for example, the recipient might have to use the funds for a particular project or achieve certain goals.
Example: A young entrepreneur wants to start a small business making eco-friendly bags. To help fund her idea, she applies for a grant provided by the government to support eco-friendly businesses. If she receives the grant, she can use the money to buy materials and equipment to start her business. She doesn’t have to repay the money, as long as she follows the grant's guidelines.
Imagine the central government has a program to encourage young entrepreneurs to start tech companies. As part of this program, they offer startup grants to cover initial expenses like buying computers, renting office space, or developing software. A young entrepreneur with a great tech idea could apply for this grant. If approved, they’ll receive money from the government to get their business off the ground, without having to pay it back.
In Short,
- Subsidies help lower the cost of certain things, making them more affordable for buyers or producers.
- Grants provide money that doesn’t need to be repaid, often given to support specific projects or causes.
Both subsidies and grants are tools the government uses to encourage activities that benefit the economy, the environment, or society.
Export Oriented Units (EOUs)
Export Oriented Units (EOUs) are businesses that focus mainly on producing goods or services for export to other countries. The government supports EOUs because exporting products brings foreign money into the country, strengthens the economy, and creates local jobs.
To encourage businesses to export, the government offers various benefits, especially around fiscal and tax concessions—essentially, cost-saving measures to make it easier and more profitable for EOUs to operate.
Fiscal & Tax Concessions for EOUs
Fiscal and tax concessions are benefits given by the government to reduce the costs of running an export business. These include:
- Tax Exemptions: EOUs may not have to pay certain taxes for a specified period, which helps them save money that they can invest in growing the business.
- Duty-Free Imports: EOUs can import raw materials, machinery, and other supplies without paying customs duties (taxes on imports). This reduces the cost of production.
- Reduced Export Duties: EOUs may pay lower taxes on the products they export, making it more profitable for them to sell internationally.
Example: Imagine a company that produces handmade jewelry for export. Since they are an EOU, they get tax exemptions and don’t have to pay customs duties on the imported materials like gold and gemstones. This reduces their costs, making it easier to compete with other global jewelry brands and boost profits.
Other Government Initiatives for EOUs
Apart from fiscal and tax concessions, the government supports EOUs in other ways:
- Financial Assistance: The government may provide loans at low-interest rates or even grants to help EOUs buy equipment or expand their business.
- Infrastructure Support: Export processing zones (EPZs) and special economic zones (SEZs) are set up with infrastructure (roads, electricity, warehouses) to help EOUs operate smoothly. These zones often have additional tax benefits, making them attractive for exporters.
- Simplified Export Procedures: The government simplifies paperwork and processes, making it quicker and easier for EOUs to export their goods.
- Skill Development Programs: The government often provides training programs to enhance the skills of workers in EOUs, helping them produce high-quality products that are competitive in international markets.
Example: In India, the government has set up SEZs where businesses can set up their export units and benefit from tax breaks, infrastructure support, and faster export processing. If a garment manufacturer sets up an EOU within an SEZ, they’ll have access to better facilities, a streamlined export process, and significant tax savings.
Inclusive Entrepreneurial Growth
Inclusive entrepreneurial growth means creating opportunities for a wide range of people—especially those from underserved or economically disadvantaged backgrounds—to participate in entrepreneurship and benefit from government support. This approach not only helps individuals improve their income but also spreads the economic benefits of entrepreneurship across the community.
Governments often encourage EOUs to contribute to inclusive growth by:
- Hiring Locally: EOUs are encouraged to create jobs for local workers, providing training and stable employment.
- Promoting Small-Scale Suppliers: EOUs often source materials from local small businesses, supporting the growth of these suppliers and boosting the local economy.
- Supporting Women and Minority-Owned Businesses: Government initiatives may encourage EOUs to partner with women or minority-owned businesses as suppliers or distributors.
Example: A food processing EOU, producing organic spices for export, might hire and train local farmers and workers in rural areas. They could also source organic spices from small-scale farmers, ensuring that these farmers have a steady income and gain access to global markets through the EOU's export activities. This type of inclusive growth helps elevate the local community economically and socially.
In short, EOUs get tax breaks and other government support to encourage exports, while initiatives for inclusive growth ensure that the benefits of these EOUs reach a broader population, creating a more balanced economic development.
Overview of MSME policy of Government in India
The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) policy in India is a government initiative designed to support small businesses. These businesses are crucial to the economy because they create jobs, promote innovation, and help boost exports.
Key Aspects of MSME Policy
1. Categorization of MSMEs:
MSMEs are categorized based on their investment and annual turnover.
- Micro Enterprises: Investments up to ₹1 crore and turnover up to ₹5 crore.
- Small Enterprises: Investments up to ₹10 crore and turnover up to ₹50 crore.
- Medium Enterprises: Investments up to ₹50 crore and turnover up to ₹250 crore.
For example, a small local bakery with less than ₹10 crore investment and up to ₹50 crore turnover would be classified as a small enterprise.
2. Financial Support:
- The government provides loans at low-interest rates to MSMEs to help them grow and stay competitive.
- For instance, if a furniture maker wants to expand by buying more equipment, they can apply for an MSME loan with a lower interest rate compared to regular business loans.
3. Subsidies and Tax Benefits:
- MSMEs can get subsidies on things like setting up production facilities or adopting new technology.
- For example, a textile factory may receive a subsidy for installing energy-efficient machinery.
4. Ease of Registration (Udyam Registration):
5. Skill Development and Training:
- The government offers training programs to help MSMEs upskill their workforce.
- A small manufacturing company might enroll its employees in government-supported training to improve productivity and quality.
6. Marketing and Export Assistance:
- MSMEs receive help with marketing their products both within India and internationally.
- For instance, a small handicrafts business might get help setting up stalls at international trade fairs to showcase and sell their products.
Real-Life Example
Imagine a family-run food processing business in a small town. They make pickles, jams, and spices. With the MSME policy:
- They can register as an MSME for easier access to resources.
- They can get a low-interest loan to buy new machines for faster production.
- They could participate in government-organized trade fairs, helping them reach new customers.
The MSME policy thus enables small businesses to grow, sustain, and compete, which benefits the economy as a whole
Role of agencies assisting entrepreneurship
Agencies in India play an essential role in assisting entrepreneurs by providing resources, guidance, and support to help businesses grow and succeed. Here’s a breakdown of some key agencies and how they help:
1. District Industries Centers (DICs)
DICs are local-level offices that help entrepreneurs start small businesses in rural and urban areas.They offer information on government schemes, provide financial support, and assist with licensing and registration.
Example: Suppose a person in a small town wants to start a small dairy business. They can visit the DIC to get details on financial aid, licenses, and advice on setting up their business.
2. Small Scale Industries (SSIs)
SSIs are industries that operate on a small scale with limited investment, focusing on manufacturing, production, and services.The government provides subsidies, low-interest loans, and marketing support specifically for SSIs.
Example: A small textile manufacturer producing handcrafted clothes can register as an SSI to receive subsidies for machinery and get guidance on marketing the products.
3. National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC)
NSIC aims to support small businesses by providing financial, marketing, and technology assistance. NSIC helps small businesses secure raw materials, provides credit, and offers training to upgrade skills.
Example: A small electronics startup looking for affordable raw materials and training for its team could reach out to NSIC for support with inventory and skill development.
4. Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDI)
EDI is dedicated to building entrepreneurial skills in people and helping them turn ideas into businesses. They offer courses, workshops, and mentorship programs for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Example: If someone has a unique idea for an eco-friendly product but doesn’t know how to start, they can join EDI's program to learn business planning, marketing, and finance management.
5. National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD)
NIESBUD is an organization that focuses on developing entrepreneurial skills and creating job opportunities through small businesses. They conduct training programs, online courses, and workshops to improve skills in business management and planning.
Example: A young person interested in starting a graphic design agency could join a NIESBUD training program to learn about digital marketing, customer management, and business strategy.
6. North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDB)
NEDB supports entrepreneurs specifically in India’s northeastern states by providing financial assistance and development programs. They offer loans, venture capital, and business guidance tailored to the unique challenges in the region.
Example: A small tea producer in Assam can approach NEDB for a loan to expand operations, helping them buy equipment and access larger markets.
Summing it Up with an Example
Imagine someone wants to start an organic food business. They can:
- Go to the DIC to understand government support and financial aid.
- Register as an SSI to access subsidies and loans.
- Seek NSIC help to source materials and get marketing support.
- Enroll in EDI or NIESBUD programs to learn business skills.
- If they’re in the Northeast, they could approach NEDB for additional support.
These agencies together create a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs to build successful businesses, boost employment, and contribute to the economy.
New initiatives taken by the government to promote entrepreneurship
The Indian government has launched several new initiatives to promote entrepreneurship, aiming to make it easier for people to start and grow their own businesses. These initiatives focus on providing financial support, simplifying regulations, and encouraging innovation.
1. Startup India Initiative
- Launched in 2016, this initiative encourages new startups by providing them with various benefits like tax exemptions, easier registration, and funding support.
- Example: Imagine a group of friends with an idea for an app that connects local farmers directly with consumers. Through Startup India, they can register their startup easily and receive funding to develop and market their app, while also enjoying tax benefits for the first three years.
2. Stand-Up India Scheme
- This program focuses on empowering women and people from marginalized communities by offering loans to help them start their businesses.
- Example: A woman from a rural area who wants to open a dairy farm can apply for a loan under Stand-Up India. This loan would help her buy the equipment, cows, and other supplies needed to start the farm.
3. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
- AIM promotes innovation by setting up innovation labs and incubation centers in schools, colleges, and communities.
- Example: A college student with a project on solar-powered water pumps can join an AIM innovation center, get mentorship, access equipment, and develop their idea into a business.
4. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)
- PMMY provides small loans to help people start small businesses. It targets micro and small businesses with low-cost loans.
- Example: A tailor who wants to expand their business by buying a few more sewing machines can apply for a Mudra loan to support this purchase, making it easier to grow without a big financial burden.
5. Digital India Initiative
- This initiative focuses on making government services and processes available online, simplifying access for entrepreneurs.
- Example: A small business owner selling handmade goods can easily register their business online, apply for licenses, and use digital payment methods to reach customers across India.
6. Skill India and Kaushal Vikas Yojana
- These programs provide skill development training to help people learn new skills needed for entrepreneurship and job creation.
- Example: A young person interested in opening a bakery can join a baking and business management course under Skill India, giving them both the technical and business skills to start their own bakery.
7. Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)
- The government provides funding to venture capital firms, which then invest in promising startups. This ensures startups have access to necessary funds.
- Example: A startup developing sustainable packaging materials can secure funding from a venture capital firm supported by the Fund of Funds, helping them cover the costs of production and scaling.
8. E-Marketplace (GeM)
- Government e-Marketplace is an online platform where small businesses can directly sell products to government departments.
- Example: A small furniture manufacturer can list their products on GeM and get orders from government offices, giving them a reliable and large customer base.
9. Make in India Initiative
- This initiative encourages companies to manufacture products in India, reducing imports and creating jobs.
- Example: A person with a plan to start a company making eco-friendly clothing can get incentives and support under Make in India to set up manufacturing locally rather than relying on imports.
Bringing It All Together with an Example : Imagine someone wants to start a company making biodegradable tableware. They can:
- Get a Mudra loan for initial costs.
- Use Digital India for easy online registration and digital payments.
- Register under Startup India for tax benefits.
- Seek GeM to sell to government departments.
- Use Make in India to manufacture locally with incentives.
These initiatives collectively make it easier for people to bring their business ideas to life, support economic growth, and create more job opportunities across India.
Unit 4: From Idea to opportunity and Developing a Business Plan