Navigating Small Business Credit: Tips for Startups and Entrepreneurs

Our weekly #CreditChat started in 2012 to help our community learn about credit and important personal finance topics (e.g. saving money, paying down debt, improving credit scores). Each chat is hosted by @Experian on X (formerly Twitter) and all are welcome to participate. DM us any questions.

It’s National Small Business Week! Don’t miss this week’s #CreditChat featuring credit tips for business owners and entrepreneurs.

Topic: Navigating Small Business Credit: Tips for Startups and Entrepreneurs

When: Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 3 p.m. ET.

Where: Join the live hashtag discussion

The panel will include: John Kiernan: Managing Editor at WalletHub; Drew Smith: Regional Managing Partner at J. Galt; Jannese Torres: Latina Money and Business Expert and Host of the Yo Quiero Dinero Podcast; Beverly Harzog: Credit Card Expert, Bestselling Author, columnist and host of Your Personal Economy podcast at BeverlyHarzog.com; Rod Griffin: Senior Director, Consumer Education and Advocacy, Experian; Jennifer White: Consumer Education and Advocacy Team, and Christina Roman: Consumer Education and Advocacy Manager at Experian.

Gift Card Giveaway

Enter here for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card! We will be announcing a winner at the end of the chat. Entry Period: Raffle open now and closes at the end of this chat at 4 p.m. ET. Complete rules here.

Here are the questions we will discuss:

  1. What are the key differences between personal credit and business credit, and why is it important for startups and entrepreneurs to understand these distinctions?
  2. What steps should small business owners take to establish and build their business credit profile from scratch?
  3. How can you access your business credit reports and what should you look for?
  4. Why might you not see a lender on your business credit report?
  5. How can startups and entrepreneurs strike a balance between leveraging their personal credit to benefit their business in the early stages while safeguarding against potential risks to personal finances?
  6. What are some common mistakes that entrepreneurs make when it comes to managing their business credit, and how can they avoid them?
  7. What are the main factors that lenders consider when evaluating a small business’s creditworthiness, and how can entrepreneurs improve these factors?
  8. How can startups and entrepreneurs use business credit strategically to negotiate better terms with suppliers, vendors, or other business partners?
  9. Are there any tools or resources available to help entrepreneurs track and manage their business credit profiles more effectively?
  10. What finals tips can you share with entrepreneurs wanting to establish business credit?

Check out our complete list of upcoming personal finance Twitter chats here.

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