MAM
Fastrack to up communication spends by 50% next fiscal
BANGALORE: Titan Industries Limited youth fashion accessories brand Fastrack is targeting a CAGR of 50 per cent on its way to Rs 30 billion over the next five years from its current fiscal expected closure of Rs 6 billion. The brand spends around 5-6 per cent of its revenues towards communications and mass media spends, and its next fiscal spends on this head will be proportionate with the revenue growth. This was revealed by Fastrack and New Brands VP and business head Ronnie Talati.
Talati attributes Fastrack’s communications to the brand’s success and its growth. He claims that it is the largest player in all the categories that it sells – this includes watches – around 3 million pieces an annum, sunglasses – around 1 million pieces a year and even other youth fashion accessories. Its brand communications have been crazy and funky and it has become a trendsetter for its TG – the youth of today. “We set the trends, we don’t follow international trends,” averred Talati.
Fastrack has a strong presence in the digital space. It has following of 3 million plus fans on Facebook and wants to increase the number of fans to 10 million by the end of the year. It has launched its own instore Internet radio channel where it plays international music and customised content across all its outlets. It has plans to employ Radio Jockeys for the station.
Lowe Lintas generally handles the creative duties for Fastrack, and Maxus the media buying.
Talati was speaking with www.indiantelevision.com during the launch of the 100th Fastrack outlet in the country in Banaglore, and the 60th store launched this year. It has planned a digital and instore campaign – ‘Like bunnies we multiply’ for the 100th store launch. Creative work for this campaign is being done by Black Swan.
At present Fastrack stores are present in 44 towns and cities in the country. The brand is targeting 280 stores in 108 cities and towns in the country during the next fiscal. Fastrack has plans to open around 500 outlets over the next 2-3 years. “We want to increase the consumer touch points and will follow a hub and spoke model – A major Fastrack store in a locality, city or town that will retail all our products and supply to smaller Fastrack stores in the vicinity that will specialize in a particular category,” said Talati.
Talati plans to add more categories like helmets and bicycles to Fastrack sales inventory. He is also looking at opening Fastrack stores in emerging markets like China, Brazil, Vietnam and growing the brand there.
Talati revealed that Fastrack standalone stores currently contribute 15 per cent to revenues and this figure would go up to 25 per cent by the next year. He said that watches contribute 50 per cent to the revenue, with other categories pitching in the rest. With growth in numbers and increase in categories, Talati expects watches share to revenue to go down to 40 per cent next year and further down to 25 per cent over the next five years or so.
Starting a business is one of the most financially demanding transitions a person can make. In the early months, expenses are immediate and often unpredictable, while revenue streams may take time to stabilise. For first-time entrepreneurs, securing small business loans can feel like a paradox: lenders expect a clean financial track-record before approving a loan, but the business cannot establish that track record without funding. Understanding the start-up lending environment in India and knowing the realistic funding options make this process far less daunting, allowing entrepreneurs to plan strategically.
Why Traditional Business Loans Are Harder for Start-ups
Most financial institutions require a minimum business vintage of 2 to 3 years before approving a term loan. This is because the first two years of operations carry the highest risk of failure. For start-ups less than 12 months old, traditional loan options are limited, and lenders often ask for substantial collateral to mitigate risk.
The vintage requirement is not arbitrary. Businesses that have survived their first two operating cycles demonstrate market viability, which significantly lowers the lender’s risk. Until this milestone is reached, entrepreneurs often rely on bootstrapping, personal savings, or alternative financing to build a stable business foundation. Understanding this reality helps first-time entrepreneurs set practical expectations when seeking funding.
Government-Linked Schemes for Startups
India offers several government-backed schemes to support first-time entrepreneurs. One such scheme is the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), which provides collateral-free loans for micro and small enterprises in three categories:
● Shishu: up to Rs. 50,000
● Kishore: Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 5 lakh
● Tarun: Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh
These loans are available through eligible lending institutions, making them suitable for early-stage businesses. For first-time entrepreneurs, a Mudra loan not only provides initial working capital but also helps establish a credit history. Repaying a Mudra loan on time strengthens the entrepreneur’s profile and increases the chances of securing larger loans in the future.
Using Personal Loans to Fund Early-Stage Needs
When business loan eligibility is not yet established, a personal loan can serve as bridge funding. These loans are assessed on the individual’s credit profile and income rather than the business’s financial history, making them accessible to salaried individuals or those with a strong personal credit record.
Personal loans have limitations: the loan amount is capped based on personal income, and the interest rate is typically higher than secured business loans. Nevertheless, taking out a personal loan during the first 12 to 18 months can provide crucial support as the start-up builds its financial profile. It is especially useful for covering immediate expenses such as inventory, marketing, or office setup costs.
Alternative Financing Options for Startups
For start-ups that are not yet eligible for traditional business loans, other financing options are available through financial institutions. Many lenders offer startup-focused or small-business loans designed for early-stage businesses. These loans evaluate the entrepreneur’s personal credit profile, business plan, and projected revenue rather than relying solely on business vintage. Financial institutions such as Tata Capital provide these loans with minimal documentation and fast disbursal, enabling entrepreneurs to manage operational expenses, purchase equipment, or fund early growth initiatives without pledging collateral.
Some lenders also offer flexible loan amounts, quicker approvals, and streamlined processes, making them well-suited for first-time entrepreneurs. Exploring these options early allows start-ups to access working capital while gradually building a credit history that will support larger loans in the future.
Building the Right Financial Profile Before Applying
For entrepreneurs planning to apply for a business loan in 12 to 18 months, the preparation period is critical. Key steps include:
● Filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) consistently and accurately from the first year
● Maintaining a clean current account with regular deposits and no overdraft patterns
● Keeping the promoter’s CIBIL score above 750
Lenders assess start-ups by examining these signals. Entrepreneurs who maintain financial discipline from the start will have stronger loan applications after two years. Additionally, tracking cash flow and avoiding irregular withdrawals can further enhance the business’s credibility.
Collateral-Based Options for Larger Requirements
Startups requiring larger amounts beyond government schemes can consider loans against property. These loans allow entrepreneurs to access larger amounts of funding at lower interest rates, as the property secures the lender’s risk.
This option carries significant risk: using personal or family assets as collateral can result in a loss if the business does not perform as expected. Such loans should be considered only when the business plan is validated, the entrepreneur has clear cash flow projections, and the repayment strategy is realistic. Careful assessment of risk versus reward is essential before pledging assets.
Practical Steps to Strengthen Your Loan Application
To maximise the chances of approval, entrepreneurs should:
● Maintain accurate financial statements, bank records, and GST returns.
● Avoid over-borrowing; apply for realistic amounts that match business needs.
● Keep personal and business credit profiles in good standing.
● Explore lenders that offer startup-friendly products.
● Be transparent and complete in all documentation.
Taking these steps early ensures a smoother and faster loan process when the business is ready for formal financing. A well-prepared application reduces processing delays and demonstrates professionalism to the lender.
Conclusion
First-time entrepreneurs often face a funding gap in the early stages, but it is usually smaller than it appears. Maintaining clean banking records, filing ITRs consistently, and exploring personal loans, government schemes, and alternative financing options help build a strong financial profile. Entrepreneurs who plan systematically from day one are better positioned to access formal credit sooner, giving their start-ups financial stability through small business loans.
The ideal time to start building a credit-worthy business profile is the very first month of operations, not when applying for a loan. By understanding available funding options and acting proactively, first-time entrepreneurs can confidently apply for a business loan and set their businesses on a path to long-term growth.
