Business startup loans rules relaxed

By Dong Hui  |   2009-4-1  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

NON-SHANGHAI natives who graduated from local universities can now apply for government-guaranteed business-starting loans after the Shanghai Human Resources and Social Security Bureau altered its loan policy yesterday.

They can apply for the loans within two years of their graduation under the revised policy. The original policy was limited to applicants with permanent residence permits, or hukou.

The policy will also double the ceiling for government-guaranteed business-startup loans from 500,000 yuan to 1 million yuan (US$146,330). The payback terms have also been extended, from one year to three years.

People will also be able to get the money before they start a business, as long as their business plan is approved.

"We want to make sure business starters receive loans earlier if they need them," Bao Danru, of the Shanghai Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, said.