For a long time, I believed that starting a business meant relying on personal savings, side hustles, or even family loans to fund my vision. I didn't know there was a smarter, more strategic way to secure funding for my business without putting personal finances at risk. When I started out as a new entrepreneur, the concept of business credit wasn't on my radar, and honestly, I wish I had known about it sooner.
If you are a Christian woman entrepreneur looking to build a profitable business, invest in the vision God has given you but lack funding, keep getting denied for traditional funding this guide is for you.
I’m sharing the steps to position yourself for funding and help you understand the basics of business credit—because yes, you can access over $50K in funding, even as a first-time business owner with a new LLC!
What Is Business Credit?
Business credit is like your personal credit, but it’s specifically for your business. It’s a way for lenders, suppliers, and vendors to evaluate your company’s ability to repay debts or financial obligations. Building strong business credit can help you secure loans, credit lines, and better financing options without needing to rely on your personal credit.
Many entrepreneurs mistakenly assume they must use their personal credit to fund their businesses, but business credit provides a separate financial identity for your company. This allows you to protect your personal assets and, over time, establish a financial foundation that supports your business’s growth.
Do You Need Business Credit?
If you’re still wondering whether business credit is necessary, here are some key reasons why it matters:
Access to Larger Funding Amounts: Lenders are more likely to offer higher credit limits to businesses than individuals. This can provide the capital you need to invest in growth.
Separate Personal and Business Finances: With business credit, you can keep your business expenses separate from your personal finances, which is crucial for tax purposes and financial organization.
Build Credibility: Establishing business credit makes your company look more professional and trustworthy to vendors and lenders.
Protect Your Personal Credit: By using business credit, you won’t risk maxing out your personal credit cards or damaging your credit score.
If you plan to scale your business, hire a team, or purchase equipment and inventory, business credit is not just a good option—it’s essential.
How to Position Yourself for Funding
Here are the steps to prepare your business to secure funding and build strong credit:
Set Up Your Business Properly
Register your business as an LLC, S-Corp, or other legal structure.
Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS. This serves as your business’s Social Security Number.
Open a business bank account. Keep all business income and expenses separate from personal accounts.
Create a professional business email address, phone number, and physical address (even a virtual address works).
Start Establishing Credit
Open accounts with vendors and suppliers that report to business credit bureaus (like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business).
Apply for a business credit card and use it responsibly. Pay bills on time to build your credit score.
Maintain Financial Responsibility
Pay all your business bills early or on time. Payment history is a key factor in building business credit.
Monitor your business credit reports regularly to ensure there are no errors and track your progress.
Avoid overextending your credit. Use only what you need and keep balances low.
Position Yourself for Funding
Demonstrate consistent revenue in your business bank account, even if it’s small amounts.
Use small vendor accounts to show positive credit behavior before applying for larger funding.
Have a clear business plan that outlines your goals and revenue streams. Lenders want to see that you have a strategy for growth.
How to Get Business Funding
When you’re ready to secure funding, here are a few ways to get started:
Leverage Your Existing Bank Relationship: Speak to a bank relationship manager at the bank where you already have a business or personal account with. Many banks offer credit options tailored to small businesses, and having an established relationship can increase your chances of approval.
Apply Online Through Credit Unions: Credit unions, like Navy Federal Credit Union, are often more flexible and offer competitive rates. Many allow you to apply for business credit online, making it a convenient option for new entrepreneurs.
Work With a Funding Expert: If you’re looking to secure higher credit limits or need professional guidance, consider working with a funding expert. I took this route, and it allowed me to access funding that exceeded what I could have secured on my own.
What Do I Use Business Credit For?
Business credit isn’t just about accessing funds—it’s about investing in the growth and stability of your business. Here are some impactful ways to use business credit:
Coaching and Training: Invest in coaching programs, courses, and certifications to expand your skill set, gain new strategies, and grow as a leader. Continuous learning will allow you to serve your clients at a higher level.
Hiring and Outsourcing: Use business credit to bring in team members, virtual assistants, or specialists who can take tasks off your plate so you can focus on what you do best—leading and scaling your business.
Investing in Systems and Software: Upgrade your business operations by purchasing tools, systems, and software that streamline processes, improve efficiency, and help you serve your clients more effectively.
Purchasing Equipment: Whether it’s a new laptop, video gear, or tools specific to your business, having the right equipment ensures your business runs smoothly and professionally.
Business credit can be a powerful resource for Christian women entrepreneurs who are called to the marketplace. It allows you to grow, serve, and walk confidently in your purpose without risking your personal finances. By understanding business credit, positioning yourself for funding, and investing wisely, you can access the tools and resources you need to build a profitable and impactful business. By using business credit strategically, you’re not just borrowing money—you’re positioning your business for growth, sustainability, and long-term success.
Did You Know You Can Secure $50K in Business Funding?
Yes, it’s possible to access $50K or more in funding, even as a first-time entrepreneur with a brand-new LLC! The key is understanding how to position your business and build credit strategically.
Remember, business credit is a game-changer for Christian women entrepreneurs like you who are called to the marketplace. Don’t let lack of knowledge keep you from securing the resources you need to grow a profitable, impactful business.
If you’re ready to take your business credit journey to the next level check out the resources in the About the Author section!
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About the Author:
Odaisha Calderon is a Certified Life & Business Coach, founder of The Woman of Power Group and Host of the Call Her Profitable Podcast. Odaisha empowers Christ-centered women to use their gifts to build Kingdom businesses for income and impact so they can be self-sufficient financially. You can connect with Odaisha on instagram @Thewomanofpowergroup, through email at Odaisha@thewomanofpowergroup.com or tune into the Call Her Profitable Podcast Here.
Need more help with this? Tune into Episodes 13 & 14 of the Call Her Profitable podcast, where I interview my funding expert on how to obtain business credit and position yourself for success.
If you’re ready to secure funding, connect directly with my funding guy—the one who helped me access over $100K in business credit as a new LLC. [Click here to get started!]
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