593 – How to Build Business Credit with Gerri Detweiler

Business credit is a critical but often misunderstood tool that can unlock financing, protect your personal credit, and strengthen your small business.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/593-gerri-detweiler-business-credit/

Many small business owners assume business credit "just happens" once they form an LLC, but that's not how it works.

In this episode, Henry Lopez is joined by Gerri Detweiler, one of the leading experts on small business credit, to break down how business credit really works and why it matters far earlier than most owners realize. They discuss how business credit affects financing, vendor relationships, and even potential partnerships, and why larger companies often check your business credit before working with you.

Gerri explains the fundamentals of establishing business credit, including whether you should start as a sole proprietor or form an LLC, how credit reporting works, and why payment history is the most important factor in building strong business credit scores.

She also shares practical strategies for getting started such as using net-30 vendors, business credit cards, and equipment financing, and how to avoid common mistakes that can quietly damage your credit profile.

"Business credit doesn't build itself. You have to be intentional about it from day one," Gerri explains.

Gerri Detweiler has spent more than 30 years helping people make sense of credit and financing, with a special focus on helping small business owners. As an Education Consultant for Nav, she guides entrepreneurs in building strong business credit and understanding how it can open doors for growth. Gerri has answered thousands of credit questions online, written or coauthored six books, including Finance Your Own Business: Get on the Financing Fast Track, and has been interviewed in thousands of media stories as a trusted credit expert. Through her widely syndicated articles, webinars for organizations like SCORE and Small Business Development Centers, as well as educational videos, she makes complex financial topics clear and practical, empowering business owners to take control of their credit and grow healthier companies.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com