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Category: Insights

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 […]

Can I Open a Cafe Without a Business Degree? Here’s The Tips

Can I Open a Cafe Without a Business Degree? Here's The Tips

Opening a cafe can seem intimidating, especially if you don’t have a formal business degree. However, many successful entrepreneurs have proven that you don’t need a business degree to start and run a thriving cafe.  If you’re passionate about coffee and customer service, you might be asking, “Can I open a cafe without a business […]

How to Manage Risk from a New Business: A Guide for Entrepreneurs

How to Manage Risk from a New Business: A Guide for Entrepreneurs

Starting a new business can be an exciting journey, but it comes with its fair share of risks. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or a business owner venturing into a new market, understanding how to manage risk from a new business is crucial to your business.  In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies to identify, […]

What is a Commodity Trading Advisor and How They Can Help You

Get to Know More About Commodity Trading Advisor

A Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA) can be a big help if you’re interested in trading commodities. They know a lot about the market and can give you good advice.  CTAs also can help you make smart decisions and get better results. In this part, we’ll talk more about what CTAs do and how they can […]

Suka Koleksi Barang Antik Kuno Langka? Ini Caranya

barang antik

Barang antik kuno langka tidak hanya menyimpan nilai historis yang tinggi, tetapi juga menjadi incaran kolektor dan investor yang menghargai nilai estetika serta sejarah.  Jika kamu suka koleksi barang antik kuno langka, artikel ini akan memberikan apa saja panduan penting bagaimana mengenali dan mengidentifikasi barang antik tersebut dan terbukti keasliannya.  Ketahui selengkapnya tentang barang antik […]

Cara Membawa Tas Branded dari Luar Negeri ke Dalam Negeri Secara Legal

Cara Membawa Tas Branded dari Luar Negeri

Cara membawa tas branded dari luar negeri ke dalam negeri mungkin cukup “tricky” namun memiliki peluang yang besar untuk mendapatkan barang branded dengan harga yang lebih terjangkau.  Seperti yang kita ketahui, membawa kembali tas tersebut ke Indonesia memerlukan perhatian khusus terhadap peraturan dan pembatasan impor.  Oleh karena itu, pada artikel ini kami akan membahas bagaimana […]

How Do You Find Someone’s Email Address? Here is The Answer

How Do You Find Someone's Email Address

If you’re trying to figure out how to find someone’s email address, you’re in the right spot!  You can find someone’s email address online with just a few basic details like their name, where they’re from, and where they work. In this article, we will show you several ways to find someone’s email address. Whether […]

How Do I Find the Best Buyer? Here’s The Ultimate Step to Find Them

How do I find the best buyer?

Finding the best buyers for your products or services is crucial for success. This article will provide you with actionable strategies and insights on how to identify and connect with your ideal buyers, ultimately enhancing your sales and business success. Defining Your Target Audience and Buyer Personas Defining your target audience and buyer personas is […]

Minimum Investment for Import-Export Business

Minimum Investment for Import-Export Business

Starting an import-export business is a tantalizing prospect, one that holds the promise of international adventure and potentially lucrative returns. Yet, as with any venture, it demands a financial commitment that hinges on a critical question: what’s the minimum investment required to embark on this journey? Understanding the minimum investment requirements is your first step […]