How to Build Business Credit & Secure Funding

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Welcome back to I Know A Guy!

Today, we meet Janet Orozco Feller, a seasoned entrepreneur, business consultant, and expert in business credit and financing. Janet has spent over two decades helping businesses secure the financial resources they need to scale and succeed. She is also the host of the Spanish-language podcast Impulso Latino, where she shares valuable insights from Hispanic entrepreneurs.

From her own experiences as a business owner to her expertise in building true corporate credit, Janet provides a wealth of knowledge for entrepreneurs looking to separate their personal and business finances, improve their creditworthiness, and position themselves for long-term success.

Why Business Credit Matters

Many small business owners unknowingly operate without establishing business credit, relying instead on personal credit for financing. This can lead to higher financial risk, limited funding opportunities, and difficulty scaling. Janet explains that business credit isn’t just about securing loans; it’s an asset that increases the value of a company and provides access to better financing options.

Common Business Credit Mistakes

One of the biggest mistakes Janet sees is business owners using personal credit to fund their companies. While this may work in the short term, it can hurt both personal and business financial health.

Other common mistakes include:
✅ Not building business credit early
✅ Ignoring lender compliance rules
✅ Assuming vendors automatically report to business credit bureaus
✅ Lacking proper banking relationships

Steps to Building Business Credit the Right Way

Janet outlined four key components to successfully building business credit:

1. Lender Compliance

Lenders evaluate businesses based on risk pools. If your business doesn’t meet certain compliance standards, it may never even be considered for financing. Janet helps businesses align with lender expectations so they qualify for funding.

2. Business Credit Scores

Your Paydex Score and SBSS FICO Score are crucial indicators of financial health. A low score can prevent you from securing capital when you need it most. Janet emphasizes the importance of actively managing these scores.

3. Trade Lines & Vendor Credit

A business needs at least 10 active trade lines reporting to business credit bureaus before being considered "bankable." However, since only 5% of vendors report to credit agencies, many business owners are unaware that their credit history may not be growing as expected.

4. Bank Ratings

Banks evaluate businesses based on their average daily balance and overall financial activity. A strong banking history signals to lenders that you are a low-risk borrower.

By optimizing these four pillars, Janet helps business owners build credit profiles that banks, lenders, and investors take seriously.

The Biggest Funding Challenges for Small Businesses

Janet frequently works with business owners who are maxed out on personal credit, struggling with cash flow, or unable to secure financing despite strong revenues. Many find themselves waiting months for payments from clients while still needing to cover operational expenses.

Her approach ensures that business owners have the capital they need, whether for growth, emergencies, or new opportunities, without jeopardizing personal assets.

Advice for Aspiring and Early-Stage Entrepreneurs

Janet’s advice for new entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful:

➡️ Plan before you execute. Business mistakes are expensive. Research, consult with experts, and set up your financial foundation correctly before making major moves.
➡️ Seek mentorship. Find people who have successfully done what you’re trying to achieve. Most experienced entrepreneurs are happy to share insights to help others avoid costly missteps.
➡️ Believe in yourself. Business ownership is a journey filled with challenges. Stay committed to your vision, and don’t stop until you achieve your goals.

The Importance of Hispanic Business Networks

As the host of Impulso Latino, Janet provides a platform for Hispanic entrepreneurs to share their stories and support one another. She highlights the unique challenges that many Hispanic business owners face, such as language barriers, financial literacy gaps, and difficulty accessing resources.

She encourages Hispanic entrepreneurs to leverage community networks, business mentors, and financial education programs to enhance their chances of success.

Connect with Janet Orozco Feller

If you're a business owner struggling with funding, credit, or financial growth, Janet is the expert to call. She can help you build true corporate credit, access better financing, and set up your business for long-term success.

📌 Find Janet Here:
🔗 LinkedIn: Janet Orozco Feller
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 718-869-0903

Final Thoughts

Business credit is an underutilized asset that can be the difference between struggling with cash flow and scaling a thriving company. Janet Orozco Feller has mastered the art of business credit building, and her insights are invaluable for any entrepreneur.

Don’t let a lack of funding hold your business back. Start building your business credit today and set yourself up for a strong financial future!

Watch The Full Interview Here:

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