Business credit refers to a company’s individual credit history, which can be used to evaluate the company’s reliability as a borrower. It has nothing to do with an individual’s personal credit and is instead based on the company’s credit history, as opposed to that of the company’s owners or management. A high business credit score is crucial for a small company since it opens doors to capital, improves loan terms, and builds trust with vendors and customers.
Steps for Starting a Successful Business in 2023
There are a few mandatory steps that must be completed in order to open a business credit account, and they are as follows:
Legal Business Entity
The first step in getting a corporate line of credit is forming a legal business entity. Starting with a legitimate business entity is the first stage in building business credit. You can achieve this objective by filing your business as a corporation, an LLC, or a sole proprietorship. Because of this, you can protect your personal credit while still building your business’s credit.
Tax ID Number
Get a Tax ID Number from the IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN). Getting a Tax ID Number from the IRS is the next step after forming a legal entity for your business. Getting an EIN online is the way to go about doing this. The IRS has assigned your business with a special number that serves as a means of identifying it for taxation purposes.
Company Bank Account
Open a company bank account immediately. After choosing a business structure and acquiring an EIN, the next step is opening a separate bank account for the company. This will make it much easier to keep track of the costs associated with running your business and help you maintain your personal money separate from them.
D-U-N-S Number
Get a D-U-N-S number by filling out an application. Your business will be assigned a D-U-N-S number by Dun & Bradstreet. It’s a way to verify your company’s existence and keep tabs on its credit rating. Applying for a D-U-N-S number is completely free and may be done in its entirety on the internet.
Create New Markets
Create new markets After incorporating a company, acquiring an Employer Identification Number (EIN), opening a business bank account, and registering for a D-U-N-S number, you can begin setting up trade lines. Set up credit accounts, also known as trade lines, with numerous consumers and suppliers. Having one of these accounts set up will help your business get a leg up when applying for future loans. Some vendors and retailers might ask for this data as a personal guarantee for the credit account, so be prepared to give it.
Company Credit Card
Get your company set up with a credit card. One of the most important things you can do to build business credit is to apply for a business credit card. Use of the card should be monitored closely, and monthly payments should be made in full and on schedule. It will help your business build a solid credit profile if you do this.
Business’s Credit Score
Always keep a tight check on your business’s credit score. After establishing credit for your business, it is crucial that you monitor it often. Get a copy of your company’s credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax) at least once a year and examine it to make sure the information is valid.
Networking
Networking is a great way to meet new people and is especially helpful when trying to establish a solid credit history for your business. Join relevant professional organisations, go to networking events, and talk to other business owners in your sector to expand your network and find potential customers. These connections could end up being invaluable as you work to establish credit and open new lines of business.
Financial Papers
Financial papers, such as balance sheets and income statements, will be requested by lenders and suppliers before they extend credit to your business. Make sure your financial accounts reflect the most recent events.
Corporate Credit Profile
Building a solid corporate credit profile takes time and effort, so please be patient. Don’t give up hope if you are denied credit at first. If you keep working on improving your credit, you should be able to get the financing you need to grow your company.
Positive Credit History
Establishing a positive credit history for your company is crucial if you want to attract investors and win over the trust of your suppliers and consumers.