The 3 Keys to Unlocking Business Funding: Be Legit. Be Reliable. Be Responsible.
Apr 05, 2025
When it comes to business funding, one of the most common questions I get is:
"What do lenders and credit providers actually look for?"
It’s not just about how much money your business is making. In fact, many businesses miss out on funding simply because they don’t appear fundable on paper—even when they’re profitable.
The good news? There’s a simple framework to help you get in the right position to access capital, credit lines, and real financial growth.
At Clear Financial Concepts, we call it the Three Keys to Fundability:
1. BE LEGIT
Before a lender or vendor trusts your business with money, they want to see that it’s set up professionally and legally. That means your business should look like a real business—not a side hustle or hobby.
Ask yourself:
- Is my business registered as an LLC or a corporation?
- Do I have an EIN (Employer Identification Number)?
- Do I have a business bank account, website, and a dedicated business phone number?
These may seem small, but they make a huge difference in how your business is perceived. Being legit is the foundation of fundability.
2. BE RELIABLE
Once your business is set up, the next step is to build trust with lenders by showing a reliable pattern of borrowing and repayment.
The easiest way to do that is by opening starter vendor accounts that report to the business credit bureaus (like Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax, and Experian Business). These small accounts—think office supplies or net-30 vendors—help create a credit history that lenders can reference.
In other words: if no one reports on your business activity, it’s like it doesn’t exist in the funding world. Building that initial history is what makes your business look reliable and trustworthy.
3. BE RESPONSIBLE
You’ve heard it before: pay your bills on time. But in the world of business credit, early payments are even better.
Lenders and bureaus track something called your payment experience or PAYDEX score. The earlier you pay, the stronger your score. One missed or late payment can set you back, while consistent, responsible behavior moves you forward.
Want to show lenders you can be trusted with larger lines of credit or loans? Be responsible—pay early and stay organized.
Ready to Find Out If You’re Fundable?
Take my Fundability Readiness Assessment to see where your business stands and what steps you need to take to unlock funding.
You’re only a few smart moves away from getting the funding your business deserves. Let's build it the right way.
J. Whitner
Clear Financial Concepts | Ask Whit
