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Securing small business funding can be tricky if you have a sub-par credit score. Lenders might not extend loans to business owners who do not have solid business credit scores. One thing to remember is that you are not alone. Small business owners throughout the country have poor credit scores for one reason or another. Fortunately, there are things you can do.
This Balboa Capital blog post has some real-world tips on how to boost your business credit score. These tips can guide you in the right direction and prepare you for success when applying for small business funding.
Benefits of good credit score.
Having a good credit score does more than help you get funding for your small business. It also enables you to save money because you will most likely get a more favorable rate. You can then pass the savings onto your customers in the form of lower prices, which is one way to give your business an advantage over the competition.
Next, a good credit score opens the door to new opportunities to grow your business without any personal liability. It enables you to acquire the funding your business needs while protecting your assets and working capital. Of course, this also reduces the stress that comes with using up your credit line.
It is never too late.
To develop good business credit and keep it in good standing, you need to pay your bills on time, keep your debt low, manage your credit, and maintain a reasonable cash balance in your corporate bank account. Every small business has its unique situation, so it may take several months or longer to achieve good business credit.
However, always remember that it is never too late to improve your credit score. The success of your business depends on your ability to borrow money, so do not wait to rebuild your credit. Here are some easy ways to start.
Review your credit profile.
Do you know what your credit profile looks like? If not, you should contact one of the leading credit bureaus and get a complete credit check. It will give you a full snapshot of your credit profile and let you know if you are in good standing. Checking your credit profile is the only way to see if it has any inaccuracies that might prevent you from securing a loan or other type of business funding.
Register your small business.
Ensure that your small business is registered correctly with the major business reporting agencies, such as Dun & Bradstreet®, the company that reports PAYDEX® scores. Lenders often refer to data made available through these agencies to determine a business’s creditworthiness.
If your small business is incorporated, stay up-to-date with the necessary filings with your Secretary of State. This will keep your business listed with the State as an active corporation and in good standing.
Review UCC and SIC information.
Carefully review any UCC filings on leases or liens that have been placed on your business. Like a personal credit profile, inaccurate information filed on your business can hurt your credit score and hinder your ability to get funding or lessen the amount extended to your business. Next, check to see that your SIC code is correct, as the numerical code can affect how a lender views your specific industry.
Your SIC code is a numerical code assigned to your business by the United States government, categorizing the industry you are in. Therefore, it is essential to position your business in the best light possible by focusing on critical information lenders use in their evaluation.
Balboa Capital, a Division of Ameris Bank, is not affiliated with nor endorses Dun & Bradstreet or PAYDEX. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.