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Category: Insights

Economic Benefits of Implementing Blockchain for Traceability in Food Supply Chains

Economic Benefits of Implementing Blockchain for Traceability in Food Supply Chains

Food travels. From ocean to plate, farm to fork, or tree to smoothie bottle, every food product has a story—and in today’s markets, that story matters more than ever. But here’s the thing: most of that journey is still opaque, outdated, and vulnerable to error, fraud, or waste. Enter blockchain. Once a buzzword in crypto […]

Financial Planning for Food Suppliers Facing Climate Change Risks

Financial Planning for Food Suppliers Facing Climate Change Risks

Food suppliers have always danced with risk. But now the tempo’s changing—and climate change is calling the tune. Shifting weather patterns, rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, floods, droughts, and supply chain disruptions are no longer hypotheticals. They’re financial realities. If you’re in the food supply game and you’re not rethinking your financial strategy in light of […]

What is an Online Exhibition? A Comprehensive Guide

What is an Online Exhibition? A Comprehensive Guide

Have you heard about the latest buzz in the industry? Hi-Fella is rolling out something super exciting – an online exhibition platform that’s the first of its kind! It’s like a virtual playground where food and beverage manufacturers, producers, exporters, importers, distributors, and buyers from all over the world can hang out and connect.  No […]

How Much to Have Company T-Shirts Made: A Complete Guide for Business Owners

How Much to Have Company T-Shirts Made

Custom company T-shirts are an excellent way to promote your business, unify your employees, and stand out at events. However, many business owners wonder, “How much to have company T-shirts made?”  In this guide, we’ll explore all the factors that affect T-shirt pricing and provide useful insights for getting the best deal on your order! […]

What Companies Are in the Consumer Services Field

Top Companies Dominating the Consumer Services Industry

What Companies Are in the Consumer Services Field? This sector plays a vital role in our daily lives, covering everything from retail and hospitality to food services and entertainment.  In this article, we’ll explore what companies are in the consumer services field and their impact on the global market.. Let’s take a look!  Introduction to […]

Is China’s Economy Emerging or Developed?

Is China’s Economy Emerging or Developed

China’s economy is one of the most debated topics in global economics. Over the past few decades, it has transformed from a largely agrarian society into the world’s second-largest economy. But this transformation raises a crucial question: Is China’s economy emerging or developed?  In this article, we analyze China’s economic trajectory, key indicators, and global […]

How Strong is the U.S. Economy Today? Breaking Down Jobs and Inflation

How Strong is the U.S. Economy Today? Breaking Down Jobs and Inflation

How Strong is the U.S. Economy Today? In 2024, the economy shows both progress and challenges. GDP growth, job creation, and consumer confidence are improving, but inflation and global issues are still concerns.  This article will explain jobs, inflation, and other key trends to help businesses and people understand and adjust to the current economy! […]

Why Inflation is So High When the Economy is Good?

Learn why inflation is so high when the economy is good, and how demand-pull, cost-push, and global factors influence rising prices during economic growth.

Have you ever wondered why inflation is so high when the economy is good? It might seem strange, but when people are spending more and businesses are growing, prices often go up too.  This happens because of things like higher demand for goods and rising costs for businesses. Let’s take a closer look at why […]

What is a Capitalist Economy? Key Features, Benefits, and Examples

How to Establish Business Credit: A Guide for Entrepreneurs Building strong business credit is essential for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and startup founders who want to secure financial growth and stability. This guide explains how to establish business credit step by step, offering insights into its benefits and practical tips for success. What Is Business Credit and Why It’s Important? Source: CRED Business credit is a measure of your company’s financial reputation. It shows how well your business can handle borrowing money and paying it back on time. Unlike personal credit, which focuses on your individual finances, business credit is all about the financial health of your company. Why Is Business Credit Important? Strong business credit offers several advantages that can help your business grow: 1. Better Loan Opportunities Lenders are more likely to approve loans for businesses with good credit. You’ll also enjoy benefits like: Lower interest rates. Access to larger loan amounts. Easier approval for financing. 2. Stronger Supplier Relationships Good business credit makes suppliers more willing to work with you. It can help you: Get better payment terms, like paying later for goods or services. Build trust and secure reliable partnerships. 3. Protection for Personal Finances Keeping your personal and business finances separate protects your personal assets. This separation ensures that your personal credit won’t be affected by your business activities and vice versa. In short, building and maintaining strong business credit is a smart move for any business owner. It opens doors to more opportunities, improves cash flow, and ensures financial stability for your company. Steps to Establish Business Credit Source: Smart Business Funding To understand how to establish business credit, follow these actionable steps: 1. Set Up a Legal Business Structure The first step in building business credit is to establish your business as a separate legal entity. This means creating a clear distinction between your personal finances and your company’s finances. How to Do It: Choose a legal structure such as an LLC (Limited Liability Company), corporation, or partnership. Register your business with the appropriate government authorities in your region. Obtain all necessary business licenses and permits. Why It Matters: Lenders and suppliers are more likely to trust and work with a business that operates as a formal entity. Additionally, this step protects your personal assets from business liabilities. 2. Obtain a Business Tax ID (EIN) An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is essential for identifying your business for tax purposes and building credit. Think of it as a Social Security number for your business. Steps to Get an EIN: Visit the IRS website and complete the free online application. Provide basic information about your business, such as its name, address, and structure. Once approved, you’ll receive your EIN instantly. Why It’s Important: An EIN is required to open business bank accounts, file taxes, and apply for loans or credit. It’s the first step toward establishing your business’s financial identity. 3. Open a Business Bank Account A dedicated business bank account helps separate your business and personal finances, creating a clear financial paper trail. This separation is crucial for managing cash flow and demonstrating financial responsibility to lenders. Steps to Open an Account: Research banks offering business accounts with low fees and benefits tailored to businesses. Provide your EIN, business registration documents, and ID. Use the account exclusively for business transactions. Benefits: Simplifies bookkeeping and tax preparation. Establishes financial credibility with banks and lenders. Enables easy tracking of income and expenses. 4. Apply for a Business Credit Card or Trade Lines To start building your business credit, apply for credit tools designed for businesses. These can include: Business Credit Cards: These cards are designed for business expenses and often come with rewards, cashback, or low-interest rates. Trade Lines: Work with suppliers who extend credit for purchases, allowing you to "buy now and pay later." How to Use Them Effectively: Only spend what you can afford to repay. Always pay your balances in full and on time. Look for credit providers that report to business credit bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, or Equifax. Why It’s Important: These tools help establish a payment history, which is a key factor in building business credit. 5. Build Relationships With Suppliers and Vendors Your relationships with suppliers and vendors play a significant role in improving your credit score. Partnering with reliable suppliers who report payment histories to credit bureaus can give your credit a substantial boost. Tips for Building Strong Relationships: Pay invoices early or at least on time. Communicate openly with suppliers about payment schedules. Use platforms like Hi-Fella to find reputable suppliers who can support your credit-building efforts. Benefits: Improves your payment history, a major factor in credit scoring. Strengthens trust and reliability within your industry. 6. Monitor Your Business Credit Regularly Keeping track of your business credit is essential for understanding your financial standing and identifying areas for improvement. How to Monitor Your Credit: Use services like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, or Equifax to check your business credit reports. Sign up for credit monitoring tools that send alerts for changes or potential issues. Regularly review your credit score to track progress. Why It’s Important: Ensures your credit information is accurate. Helps you spot and fix errors that could harm your score. Allows you to address negative changes before they escalate. 7. Address Credit Issues Quickly If your credit score is not improving, take action to resolve the issues. Common steps include: Paying down high balances on credit cards or trade lines. Avoiding maxing out your available credit. Building a strategy to pay bills consistently on time. Consider Professional Help: Consult with financial experts who can provide tailored advice to improve your credit profile. Statistics Highlight Small Business Credit Struggles Amid Banking Stress According to Goldman Sach, small businesses in the U.S. face growing challenges accessing affordable capital as regional banks tighten credit due to rising interest rates and banking system stress. While 77% of small business owners expressed confidence in accessing funding last year, the same percentage now voices concern. With smaller banks providing nearly 70% of small business loans, their struggles disproportionately impact smaller enterprises, further exacerbated by recent bank failures such as Silicon Valley Bank. Rising interest rates are making it harder for small businesses to manage their existing debt, with 60% of business owners reporting difficulty in servicing their loans. At the same time, many small business owners feel the economy has worsened, and inflation pressures continue to rise despite government reports suggesting moderation. However, most are still focused on growth, with 59% looking to hire, though finding qualified candidates remains a challenge. A lack of affordable childcare is another major barrier to getting more workers into the labor market. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of business owners are worried about the potential impact of a failure to raise the U.S. debt ceiling. Why Use Hi-Fella to Build Business Credit? Hi-Fella connects businesses with trustworthy suppliers and partners, enabling you to establish and strengthen your credit profile. By fostering reliable partnerships, Hi-Fella helps: Improve payment histories Build financial credibility Secure better trade terms for long-term success Understanding how to establish business credit is crucial for long-term financial success. By setting up a legal structure, maintaining separate finances, and building strong relationships with suppliers through platforms like Hi-Fella, you can get better financial opportunities and grow your business confidently!

A capitalist economy is one of the most widely adopted economic systems in the world today. In this article, we will explore what a capitalist economy is, how it functions, its core features, and the role it plays in global markets.  We’ll also dive into the advantages and challenges of capitalism and discuss real-world examples […]