HDFC Bank, a prominent as initiated a collaborative effort with Ashv Finance, a non-banking financial company affiliated with the Aavishkaar Group, specialising in impact investing. This initiative aims to improve credit accessibility for micro and small enterprises (MSEs).

Under this agreement, Ashv Finance will extend unsecured business loans, ranging from Rs 2 million to Rs 5 million, to eligible MSEs. Repeat customers may qualify for loans up to Rs 7.5 million. The loan terms will vary from 12 to 36 months.

Nikesh Kumar Sinha, the Managing Director of Ashv Finance, praised the partnership, emphasising that it validates their data-driven approach to underwriting MSME businesses. He highlighted that this collaboration contributes to the 'Make in India' initiative by offering credit to MSMEs nationwide.

These unsecured business loans are tailored to support various aspects of MSME operations, including infrastructure investments, working capital needs, acquisition of new equipment, technology integration, and covering overhead expenses like salaries, rent, and office costs.

To be eligible for these loans, MSMEs must have a minimum operational history of three years, with an annual turnover ranging from Rs 30 million to Rs 1billion. They are also required to furnish GST and income tax returns for the preceding three years.

Raveesh Bhatia, the Group Head of the Emerging Corporates Group at HDFC Bank, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating that it aims to enhance financial inclusion for underserved customers, empowering individuals and businesses to achieve their goals.

Ashv Finance has been actively seeking co-lending partnerships to strengthen its MSME lending capabilities.