What is Compliance

When looking at compliance from the point of view of the creditor, it is a major risk. Is this business worth the risk? This is the primary concern of creditors before they issue any credit to a business. Business credit rating agencies gauge the credit worthiness of a business with the help of compliance checks.

Listed below are a number of factors that affect the credit compliance of a business.

A. A Well Written Business Plan

Before you attempt to seek any business credit, a professional and complete business plan is a top priority. A creditor will take your business more serious if it shows that an entrepreneur is serious about his business. If a business owner is, than they must have a through plan of action planned out. This is a big step of how to get new business credit. Every aspect of the business should be planned, right from the initial step to the marketing plan.

B. Having a separate Bank Account for Business:

This step is often ignored. In fact, many small businesses do not maintain a separate bank account. The intermingling of business and personal finances sends a red signal to the creditors. Intermingling of personal and business funds indicates that a person is not wholly committed to the business. At least one business bank account is essential before beginning to build business credit.

C. A Business Address and Business Phone number separate from your Home Address:

This is very important. In order to save money, some people might run their businesses from home and either use their home phone or a P.O. Box for communication. A P.O. Box makes your business look suspicious. Using your home address as your business address can ruin your chances of getting new business credit because it might raise red flags in the eyes of creditors.

D. An Employee Identification Number (EIN):

Applying for an EIN will increase your chances of getting a loan as you send out a message that your business is serious business.

E. Having Directory Listings:

Looking at directory listings is another thing that creditors use to verify if your business is authentic. Do not overlook this step.

F. Proper Permits and Licenses:

It is imperative that you have all permits and licenses required to operate your business. Not having even one of these licenses can make a bad impression on creditors.

G. Financial Statements of the business:

A big deal of your credit worthiness depends on the financial statements of your business. Generally the balance sheet and the profit and loss statement of the last two years is seen but if your business is new then the books are seen from the time you started the business.

Following these simple steps will go a long way in showing you how to obtain corporate credit.