Form a legal business entity
Get an EIN from the IRS
Open a business bank account
Set up a business phone number and address
Create a professional business website and email
Register with business credit bureaus
Obtain a D-U-N-S number
Make sure your business information is consistent everywhere
Open vendor accounts that report to business credit bureaus
Use net-30 or net-60 trade lines
Pay all bills early or on time
Keep business and personal finances separate
Use a business credit card responsibly
Keep credit utilization low
Monitor business credit reports regularly
Build relationships with suppliers and lenders
Apply for financing only when needed
Keep business financial records organized
Maintain strong cash flow
Avoid late payments, defaults, and collections