All steps

Step 1

Lay the business foundation

Get a real entity with the paperwork lenders expect.

Why this matters

Lenders score your business, not you. An LLC or corporation registered in good standing, with an EIN and a real business phone, separates your personal credit from your business credit.

Do this

  • Form an LLC (or C-Corp) in the state you operate.
  • Get an EIN from the IRS — free, ten minutes online.
  • Open a business bank account in the entity name.
  • Get a dedicated business phone (a virtual number is fine).
  • List your business in 411 and Google Business.

When your business has a name, an EIN, an address, and a phone separate from yours, you're ready for Step 2.

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