Are you a small business owner? Working on the next big idea to launch out into the world? Did you know that most small business owners (75%) depend on personal capital to fund their businesses (U.S. Census)?
Good news.
FICO has committed to educating consumers through their national Score A Better Future program. This program brings together consumer advocates, credit educators, and community leaders in a series of free educational events across the country.
One of FICO’s key initiatives for Score A Better Future is to help communities of color, first time homebuyers, millennials, those with no scores and if you have less than strong credit to improve the understanding of their overall financial health.
Over the next couple of months, we’ll hear directly from small business owners as they share how they’ve utilized credit, are overcoming challenging economic times, and important credit tips that we can all benefit from.
We’ve heard from Taylor, a personal trainer based out of North Carolina.
Next up, let’s hear from Sarah, a Boutique Owner also based out of North Carolina.
Name: Sarah
Location: North Carolina
Occupation: Boutique Co-Owner
How have you utilized credit in business? We have always been a cash business. However, we do have a large line of credit that we didn’t have to use pre-pandemic. As we explore growth opportunities, we may have to pull from it.
What have you learned about credit personally and as a small business owner? I was taught early on by my parents that if you can’t afford, then you can’t afford it and you shouldn’t be getting it. Therefore, as a small business owner, I haven’t been well versed in credit beyond purchasing a home and pursuing a line of credit for our boutique. One thing that I have learned is that if you don’t have credit or the necessary credit scores to obtain it, there will be challenges to getting access to credit when you really need it.
What is one credit tip that you would pass along to other business owners? Even if you don’t need credit or access to capital, it’s important to have an understanding around your financials and the requirements for obtaining a line of credit.
Are you ready to attend an educational session led by experienced and highly accomplished FICO staff about the myths and facts of FICO® Scores and how to build credit? To learn more about Score A Better Future events, visit scoreabetterfuture.com.
I am an official brand ambassador for FICO. While I receive compensation for my participation as a brand ambassador, opinions are mine.
