National Small Business Week is a time to recognize the entrepreneurs who keep the economy moving—and to make sure they have the tools to keep growing. One of those tools is business credit. For many small business owners, credit is often treated as an afterthought or confused with personal credit. But building a strong business credit profile can open doors to financing, improve credibility with suppliers, and create more flexibility to manage cash flow. That’s why Experian is partnering with SCORE to host a special webinar during National Small Business Week: Join us for: Business Credit 101: Build Credit, Access Funding, and Grow Your Business Date: Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 | 11:00 Eastern Register For The Webinar Why Business Credit Matters Unlike personal credit, business credit doesn’t just happen over time. It has to be built intentionally. Without an established credit profile, lenders and suppliers may have limited insight into how your business manages financial obligations. That can make it harder to qualify for funding—or lead to less favorable terms. A strong business credit profile, on the other hand, can help position your business for better financing opportunities and support long-term growth. What you’ll learn in this webinar In this session, Experian’s Veronica Herrera will break down the fundamentals of business credit in a way that’s practical and easy to apply. You’ll learn how to: Understand the difference between a business credit profile and a business credit score See how business credit compares to personal credit—and why both may be considered by lenders Set up the right structure to start building business credit Strengthen your credit profile through trade relationships and consistent payment habits Manage credit utilization and its impact on your score Monitor your credit and prepare for lender evaluation with greater confidence Who should attend This webinar is designed for: New business owners who want to establish credit the right way from the start Established businesses looking to improve their credit profile Entrepreneurs planning to apply for financing in the near future Join us during National Small Business Week If building business credit is on your to-do list—or if you want to better understand how it impacts your ability to access funding—this session will give you a clear path forward. Save your spot today and take the next step toward stronger business credit. Register For The Webinar

Let’s break down what lenders look for, why women-owned businesses are sometimes declined, and how to prepare strategically

Learn how women-owned construction businesses can build stronger credit profiles, improve financing access, increase bonding capacity, and protect personal assets.

When the financial risks are high, business credit monitoring is helping this San Jose, California construction firm minimize risk. In the construction industry, financial risk is a constant reality. Large contract values, long project timelines, supply chain volatility, and bonding requirements all put pressure on a company’s financial health. For Teamwrkx Construction, Inc., a multi-state commercial general contractor based in San Jose, California, staying ahead of those risks requires clear visibility into its business credit profile. With more than 20 years in operation and annual project volumes ranging from $20 million to $50 million, Teamwrkx relies on Experian Business Credit Advantage to monitor its credit, verify accuracy, and help protect the company from fraud. Managing Complexity with Reliable Business Credit Monitoring What began as a business incubator has grown into a complex organization with multiple entities spanning construction, facilities development, nonprofit initiatives, education, and international operations. This level of complexity increases the importance of accurate and timely credit reporting. Teamwrkx conducts internal financial reviews every 30 days and works with nationally recognized accounting firms on a quarterly basis. Alongside these efforts, Experian Business Credit Advantage provides an additional layer of oversight, giving leadership confidence that the credit information being reported to lenders, banks, and partners reflects the true financial position of the business. Accurate business credit data is essential not just for internal decision-making, but also for maintaining strong relationships with financial institutions. Business Credit Monitoring as a Defense Against Fraud Fraud is not limited to small or new businesses. Even established construction firms can become targets, and when fraud goes undetected, the consequences can be severe, ranging from disrupted cash flow to damaged lender trust. Teamwrkx has experienced multiple fraud events over the years. According to CEO and CFO Eric Venzon, Experian has played a key role in identifying suspicious activity early. By flagging potential concerns, Experian Business Credit Advantage has helped Teamwrkx address issues quickly and correct inaccuracies before they created larger operational problems. Once a potential issue is identified, Teamwrkx works closely with its banking partners to resolve it, reducing the risk of long-term financial or reputational harm. Early detection allows the business to stay focused on projects rather than reacting to preventable setbacks. How Business Credit Monitoring Supports Credit, Bonding and Financing For construction companies, business credit health directly affects bonding eligibility, financing options, and the ability to pursue larger projects. Teamwrkx maintains multiple unencumbered lines of credit and keeps balances at zero, but access alone isn’t enough. Lenders and sureties need visibility into creditworthiness. Experian business credit reports provide that visibility. They give lending institutions another way to assess Teamwrkx’s financial stability, reinforcing trust and supporting ongoing access to capital when it becomes strategically advantageous; such as pre-purchasing materials to manage cost increases or supply chain delays. As project sizes grow and timelines stretch over months or years, having strong, well-documented business credit helps ensure the company is ready to act when opportunities arise. Confidence Starts with Knowing Where You Stand For Teamwrkx Construction, business credit monitoring is not about reacting to problems; it’s about staying prepared. Experian Business Credit Advantage supports that approach by helping ensure credit accuracy, detecting fraud early, and reinforcing confidence with banks and bonding partners. In an industry where the financial stakes are high, proactive credit monitoring enables construction businesses to protect their operations, strengthen lender relationships, and position themselves for sustainable growth. About Experian Business Credit Advantage Experian Business Credit Advantage is a self-monitoring tool that helps small businesses stay on top of their credit profile, identify risks, and position themselves for better financing opportunities. By providing ongoing visibility into a company’s financial reputation, Experian helps business owners like Jessica Orcsik focus on what matters most: building, growing, and achieving long-term success. Learn More About Business Credit Advantage

At Experian, we believe every small business has a story—and your story matters. That’s why we’re excited to launch the Experian Small Business Pulse Survey, a quick, credit-focused monthly check-in that amplifies your voice and helps shape the future of small business lending. Please Submit Your Survey by 11/15/2025 Each month, we invite a special cohort of small business owners to share insights and experiences. This feedback helps Experian to better understand what’s driving confidence, what challenges are emerging, and how we—and our partners in lending, insurance, and trade—can better support small business growth. Why Participate? By joining the Pulse Survey, you’ll: View peer insights — See how other businesses are navigating similar challenges and opportunities. Shape the big picture — Your responses help inform lenders and policymakers who play a role in the small business ecosystem. Amplify your influence — Be part of the conversation that impacts access to credit and financial opportunities for businesses like yours. The survey takes just a few minutes to complete each month—but its impact is far-reaching. Together, we can ensure small business voices are heard loud and clear. Ready to make a difference? Take the Experian Small Business Pulse Survey today. Take the Experian Pulse Survey today

Real-life story of a leading vocational school in the entertainment industry building strong credit with Experian.

Did you know your small business has its own credit score? Discover how easy it is to check it with Experian. Just visit https://experian.com/smallbusiness, type your business name, and access your credit profile. Choose from a one-time report or a subscription for ongoing updates. Stay prepared and avoid surprises when applying for funding. Check your business credit today! Check Your Business Credit Score

This post goes in-depth on going from no business credit to being ready for funding through good business credit practices.