MAM
Media Expo in September-end in Delhi; to focus on ad solutions
NEW DELHI: The thirty ninth edition of the Media Expo to be held this year will concentrate on indoor and outdoor advertising and signage solutions. Media Expo will be held in New Delhi with a full range of advertising, signage, printing, and Point of Purchase (PoP) solutions from 29 September to 1 October at Pragati Maidan. The meet is being organized by Messe Frankfurt, one of the world’s leading trade fair organisers, generating around €648 million in sales and employing 2,244 people.
The trade fair for modern marketers, brand managers and business professionals will be an important source and facilitator of traditional and modern marketing strategies.
With confirmations from leading brands like Mimaki India, Apsom Infotex, TCS, Rex Tone, ITMS, Fujifilm India, JN Arora, RD LED, Megastar, Neenjas Technologies, Technova, AXYZ Automation, Navratan Speciality, Kartar Corporation, Konica Minolta, SRF, Admart, Infinity Digital Solution, Plasto India, and Arihant Uniglobe, more than 75 percent of the show space of 12,445 square meters is already booked. Companies from China, Japan, Korea, India, and the UK will be on the show floor presenting the very latest in indoor and outdoor advertising and signage solutions and expertise.
Global media management investment conglomerate GroupM’s latest report says that India is the fastest-growing ad market among all the major markets of the world. The country is on its way to achieving the highest growth rate in ad spends in six years at 15.5 percent in 2016.
According to a press release, the Indian signage industry specifically is going through a transformation phase from traditional signboards to digital and several technological advancements surging at a CAGR of around 10 percent from 2013 to 2016.
The market for digital signage systems is projected to reach $ 524 million (Rs 3,510 crores) by 2019. Growth in online services, new printing technologies and laser engraved sign boards are emerging as the predominant trends in the signage board industry.
Brands like Sign Sutra, Cosign India, Associated Plastic, Neenjas Technologies, Promocare, and Monosign will be showcasing these sector advancements at the fair.
Printing industry continues its healthy growth with industry leaders taking innovative leaps with technology. Some of the biggest brands in printing industry will be displaying their high-end technologies at the show. Among the highlights is the first look and live demo of HP’s two new DesignJet post-script printers at the fair. Besides ease of operation and vivid results, the printers are also said to cut costs with its 6-ink printing system and can be web-operated by just sending an email message to the printer. Visitors can also see printing advancements and variations associated with inks and consumables, print heads, and printing machinery by notable brands like Colorjet, Monotech, Daksh Enterprises, Briotmatics, Negi and Axis Enterprises among others.
Featuring more than 100 brands excelling in indoor and outdoor advertising, signage, printing, point of purchase, in-store branding and marketing solutions, Media Expo will cater to the varied needs of new age media, advertising and marketing professionals ensuring ad spends are inclined towards modern, creative and more targeted solutions.
More information about the fair is available on www.themediaexpo.com
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.
