How MSME to MSME is solving the financing challenges for tier 2/3 MSMEs

Access to working capital remains one of the biggest challenges for MSMEs in India, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities where formal financing channels are often limited. M1xchange has taken a pioneering step to address this gap with the launch of the MSME-to-MSME factoring facility. This unique offering enables invoice discounting between MSME sellers and MSME buyers, unlocking new opportunities for small businesses to fund growth and maintain liquidity.

Enabling access to capital beyond the balance sheet

Traditionally, invoice factoring relied on the creditworthiness of large, rated buyers. However, many MSME buyers in tier 2/3 cities are unlisted and unrated. Their balance sheets often do not reflect their true financial potential, making it difficult for MSME sellers to get their invoices discounted. With the MSME to MSME facility, M1xchange bridges this gap by enabling MSME sellers to raise liquidity by factoring invoices raised on MSME buyers, provided the buyers confirm invoice authenticity on the platform.

To ensure credit access even in the absence of traditional financial data, M1xchange has integrated a powerful Credit Analytics Engine (CAE) into the platform. CAE leverages alternative data sources such as bank statements, GSTN data, and transaction records on the TReDS platform. By applying this data, M1xchange assesses a buyer’s cash flow patterns, sales volumes, and repayment behaviour. This data-driven credit profiling replaces outdated reliance on static balance sheets and has contributed to a repayment rate of over 99%; a testament to the model’s robustness.

Manufacturing MSMEs: Early adopters of MSME to MSME financing

Manufacturers, especially those fulfilling large orders for corporates and PSUs, have quickly adopted this model. Their operations depend heavily on timely procurement of raw materials and services from smaller MSME vendors. With MSME to MSME financing, manufacturers can ensure early payments to suppliers, thereby reducing supply chain disruptions, enabling smoother procurement, and enhancing delivery timelines.

This timely access to funds empowers MSME sellers to invest in operations, meet new orders, and boost revenues. It also allows them to offload receivables on a non-recourse basis, improving their balance sheet by reducing outstanding receivables and enhancing key financial ratios like Return on Assets.

Mutual benefits for MSME sellers and buyers

The MSME to MSME model is designed to deliver mutual value:

● MSME Sellers benefit from improved cash flow, predictable receivables, reduced Daily Sales Outstanding (DSO), and simplified digital documentation via M1xchange’s platform. They can also increase sales to buyers, knowing that early payment is possible.

● MSME Buyers can improve Daily Payable Outstanding (DPO), strengthen supplier relationships, and get easy access to working capital for procurement. Additionally, they avoid the burden of dealing with multiple financiers, as M1xchange acts as a single window for invoice financing.

Driving financial inclusion from the ground up

M1xchange MSME to MSME Factoring is not just a financing innovation, it’s a step toward transforming the credit landscape for small businesses across India. By enabling cash-flow based financing and offering a truly digital experience, the platform is helping tier 2/3 MSMEs unlock growth and contribute to India’s next economic leap.

As more MSMEs tap into this facility, MSME to MSME financing is poised to become a powerful enabler of equitable and inclusive growth in India’s supply chain financing.