The Nepal government has announced startup enterprise loans for the current financial year 2024/25. The loans aim to support innovative entrepreneurs.
Many people are visiting the Department of Industry. They want to learn about starting a business after it issued a notice for startup loans. Approximately 100 to 200 individuals seek information daily.
In the past month, 10 companies have already applied for loans. The companies are in sectors such as tourism, retail business, computer software and more.
In this article, we will cover all the information about the startup loan. This includes what defines a startup, the criteria, and how to apply for a startup loan in Nepal.
What defines a startup?
A startup is a brand-new business or company. It usually stands out for its creative way of solving a specific problem or meeting a particular market need. Startups are commonly associated with technology and innovation. They can be found in different fields like healthcare, finance, education, and more.
Startup Loan Details
- Loan Amount: Eligible startups can receive collateral-free loans up to NPR. 25 lakh.
- Interest Rate: The loans are offered at a 3% interest rate.
- Loan Period: The maximum repayment period is 7 years.
- Government Allocation: In 2024, the government has set aside 25 million rupees for startup loans.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a startup loan, the enterprise must meet specific government criteria. The startup needs to fulfill at least five out of the following seven conditions:
- Paid-up Capital: Should not exceed 50 lakhs rupees.
- Total Income: The enterprise's total income per annum should not exceed 50 lakhs rupees.
- Fixed Capital: Excluding fixed assets, it should not exceed 20 lakhs rupees.
- Number of Employees: The enterprise should have no more than 10 full-time employees.
- Criteria Combinations: At least 2 out of the above four criteria must be met.
Loan Service Fee and Repayment
When you get a loan, the bank charges a small fee of 0.1% during the loan disbursement.
Repayment terms vary based on the loan amount:
| Loan Amount | Number of Installments |
|---|---|
| Up to 5 lakh | One |
| Up to 15 lakh | Two |
| Above 15 lakh to 25 lakh | Three |
How to Apply for a Startup Loan in Nepal?
If you want a startup loan in Nepal, here are two easy ways to apply:
- Email: Send your application to [email protected].
- Visit in Person: Go to the Department of Industry and submit your application.
Required Documents
- Company registration certificate
- Business PAN copy
- Tax filing records
- Citizenship copy of the company’s official representative.
Reference:
Startup Enterprise Loan Fund Procedure 2079
Startup Loan Nepali Language Video Tutorial by Krishi Patrika