The Business Credit Blueprint: How to Get Business Funding

How to Get Business Funding: A Straightforward Guide for Entrepreneurs Who Want to Leverage Credit the Smart Way

How to Get Business Funding: When I started my business, my first credit line was only $2,000. Fast-forward two years, and I’ve been approved for over $300,000 in credit across multiple lenders, banks, and institutions—all under my business name.

This didn’t happen by accident. It happened because I followed a disciplined, step-by-step strategy that any entrepreneur can replicate. Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Form Your Business the Right Way

Before anything else, register your business legally—LLC or Corp. Then get an EIN from the IRS. Your business must be real and legit if you want lenders to take you seriously.

Step 2: Register with Dun & Bradstreet

Apply for a DUNS number through Dun & Bradstreet. This is how your business credit profile is created.

💡 Pro Tip: You can start with the free version. Paid versions offer more tools, but you can still build credit by manually reporting trade lines and vendor accounts.

Step 3: Open Business Banking Accounts

Open a business checking account, and then open a business credit card from the same institution. This builds your internal banking relationship. Lenders love consistency.

Step 4: Get a Business Amex & Trade Accounts

American Express is known for extending strong business credit limits. Apply for one early and treat it like gold. Add trade accounts like:

• Home Depot Pro

• Uline

• QuillThese vendors often report to business credit bureaus and help you build a track record.

  
  

Step 5: Let These Accounts Age

Time is a factor. You need at least 2 years of on-time payment history and good utilization for your business credit to mature. Don’t close old accounts—keep them active and clean.

Step 6: Leverage a Personally-Backed Business Loan

Use your personal credit to secure a $10K–$20K loan in your business name. Pay it off aggressively. This demonstrates your ability to repay larger sums and opens the door for bigger approvals.

Step 7: Manage Credit Responsibly

• Keep utilization under 30%.

• Pay off cards in full or within a 6-month timeframe.

• Never miss payments.

• Avoid maxing out any credit lines.

Step 8: Watch the Doors Open After Year Two

By the time you hit your 24-month mark, banks will see your history. Your business will qualify for:

• High-limit lines of credit

• Equipment financing

• Auto loans under the business name

• Unsecured business credit cards

Final Thoughts

Building strong business credit isn’t about tricks or hacks. It’s about discipline, structure, and time. Start small. Stay consistent. And two years from now, you could be borrowing six figures like I did—with no personal guarantee. If you want help forming your business, reach out, I'm here to help!