CreditGuard

Business Foundation Setup

Module 2: Build the professional infrastructure lenders verify before approving credit

Foundation Progress0 / 5

Foundation Readiness Audit

2 agents verify your business infrastructure passes lender checks

Business Bank Account
⏱ Week 1💰 $0-$100⚠️ CRITICAL

Setup Steps:

Bring EIN letter, Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement
Best banks: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo (report to D&B)
Open with minimum deposit ($25-$100)
Get business debit card
Set up online banking

🚫 Avoid These Mistakes:

  • • Don't use credit unions (terrible for business credit)
  • • Avoid prepaid/fintech banks initially
Business Phone Number
⏱ Week 1💰 $15-$50/month⚠️ CRITICAL

Setup Steps:

NEVER use your personal cell on applications
Get dedicated business line (RingCentral, Grasshopper, Google Voice)
Toll-free 800 number adds credibility
Set up professional voicemail
Configure auto-attendant if available
Professional Business Address
⏱ Week 1-2💰 $25-$100/month⚠️ CRITICAL

Setup Steps:

Never use your home address (privacy risk + credibility killer)
Virtual office acceptable if from reputable provider
Must be a street address (no PO boxes)
Use same address everywhere (consistency is key)
Check that address is deliverable via USPS
Professional Website
⏱ Week 1-2💰 $10-$30/month⚠️ CRITICAL

Setup Steps:

Must have .com domain (not .net, .biz, etc.)
Include: Services, About, Contact (with address), Privacy/Terms
Professional email: you@yourcompany.com (never Gmail/Yahoo)
SSL certificate (https) is required
Mobile-friendly design
Professional Email
⏱ Week 1💰 $6-$18/month⚠️ CRITICAL

Setup Steps:

NEVER use Gmail/Yahoo/Hotmail for business
Get yourname@yourbusiness.com
Google Workspace or Microsoft 365
Use professional signature with phone and address
Set up auto-responder if needed

🚫 Avoid These Mistakes:

  • • Free email = amateur hour
  • • Lenders auto-reject @gmail.com business applications