Small Business Essentials Articles

Set your small business up for success with these banking basics.

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From startup loans to banking tools to small business finance tips, learn the ins and outs of running your company with these helpful articles.

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How to Build Business Credit as a New Business: A Step-by-Step Guide 1. Establish Your Business Plan Creating a business plan is the first step when starting a business. It serves as a roadmap, outlining your goals, target market, financial projections, and strategies for success. A well-crafted, documented plan also conveys your vision to important stakeholders like CPAs and attorneys so they can provide tailored financial and legal guidance. A CPA will use your plan to assess budgeting, tax planning, and funding strategies while attorneys will use it to advise on business structure contracts and compliance. Ultimately, a business plan will transform your vision to actionable steps, ensuring professional advisors can help you build a solid foundation for long-term success. 2. Register Your Business With your business plan in hand, and the direction of your advisors, it’s time to set up your business legally. Incorporate your business as an LLC, corporation, or form a partnership. This not only legitimizes your operations but also separates your personal and business finances. Additionally, you’ll also want to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which acts as a social security number for your business. Make sure your business has a registered physical address and phone number, as lenders and credit bureaus will use this information to verify your business. 3. Open a Business Bank Account A dedicated business bank account is the foundation of good business financial management. By separating personal and business finances, you create clear financial records that help build your business’s financial reputation. At First Bank, we offer tailored business banking solutions to help you manage transactions, track expenses, and monitor cash flow—essential components for establishing your business credit. Pro Tip: Don’t settle for just any bank with business checking options. Spend some time researching banks and meet with a few different bankers to make sure you find a financial institution you believe in and a banker that you resonate with. The right banker will consider your full banking picture – offering holistic financial advice specific to your personal and business needs. At First Bank, we provide customized solutions based on a deep understanding of our customer’s financial history, goals, and needs. We even have a checking account that includes telehealth benefits for your employees. Click here to explore First Bank business checking account options or use this link to reach out to a First Bank Business Development Officer. 4. Obtain a D-U-N-S Number A D-U-N-S number from Dun & Bradstreet is essential for tracking your business’s credit. It serves as a unique identifier for your company, used by credit bureaus to assess your business’s creditworthiness. This step helps ensure that your business credit is separate from personal credit, which can lead to better loan terms and credit card offers in the future. Visit the Dun & Bradstreet website for more information on how to obtain a D-U-N-S number. 5. Establish Trade Lines with Vendors One of the best ways to build business credit is by working with vendors and suppliers that report to major business credit bureaus, such as Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax Business. Establish trade lines by purchasing supplies or services on credit and consistently paying your invoices on time. A strong payment history is one of the most important factors in building a solid credit score. 6. Determine Your Credit Needs Business credit cards are an excellent short-term tool for building credit, especially when used responsibly. Additionally, you may want to consider other forms of credit that compliment your long-term business goals like a term loan for working capital or a commercial loan to purchase a building. Consulting with a trusted banking partner will help you determine the best financing package that makes the most sense for your business. First Bank offers a competitive business credit card featuring a wealth of benefits like 0% introductory APR, no annual fee, and powerful rewards program. To learn more about the First Bank Mastercard Business Card with Rewards, read our article “4 Reasons Why the First Bank Mastercard Business Credit Card is Good for Business”. 7. Monitor and Maintain Personal and Business Credit Personal credit is crucial for business financing, especially for small businesses and startups. Until business credit is established, an owner’s personal credit will be used by lenders to evaluate trustworthiness of the business itself. Everything from loan and credit approvals, interest rates and loan terms, personal guarantees, business credit card approvals, and business expansion opportunities will look at an owner’s personal credit score. Once your credit is established, it’s important to regularly monitor your credit reports for accuracy. Mistakes can happen, and any errors could negatively impact your score. By reviewing your credit reports from major bureaus, you can correct any inaccuracies and keep track of your credit performance. 8. Build Credit Gradually and Diversify Your Portfolio Building business credit is not an overnight process. Start by using small, manageable credit lines and paying them off in full each month. Over time, this demonstrates reliability to lenders and creditors, which can lead to increased credit limits and more favorable terms. Patience and consistency are key to long-term success. As your business grows, diversifying your credit sources can strengthen your overall credit profile. Consider applying for larger lines of credit, term loans, or equipment financing as your company expands. However, be mindful of your credit utilization ratio. Keeping your credit use below 30% of your available credit helps maintain a healthy score and shows that your business isn’t overly reliant on borrowing. 9. Manage Cash Flow Effectively Good cash flow management is the backbone of maintaining strong business credit. Make sure you always have enough cash on hand to cover expenses, ensuring you can make timely payments on any credit accounts. By maintaining a good relationship with your bank, you can improve your chances of securing future loans or credit increases. Why Choose First Bank for Your Business Banking Needs? First Bank is committed to being the best bank for business in North and South Carolina. We offer personalized service, local expertise, and a wide range of business banking solutions tailored to your needs. Our bankers will give you honest and sound advice that considers your unique situation and your long-term goals. Whether you’re looking to open a business account or apply for a line of credit, our team is here to support your financial growth every step of the way. Want to meet with a banker to discuss how you can improve your business credit? Request a meeting with a Business Development Officer or visit your local First Bank branch today to get started! 6 min read

Why Good Business Credit is Essential for the Success of your Business 1. Better Financing Options When your business has strong credit, it becomes easier to secure loans, lines of credit, and other forms of financing. Not only will you have access to more options, but lenders are also likely to offer you more favorable terms, such as lower interest rates and higher credit limits. Lower interest rates can save your business a substantial amount of money over time, while better terms provide flexibility in managing cash flow, covering operational expenses, or investing in growth. Good business credit reduces the risks for lenders, meaning they are more willing to trust your business’s financial stability. This trust is rewarded through more affordable financing options, which can play a significant role in sustaining and expanding your operations. 2. Higher Credit Limits for Greater Financial Flexibility One of the advantages of good business credit is the ability to secure higher credit limits. For business owners, this is crucial in managing cash flow, especially during times when expenses fluctuate or sales are seasonal. A higher credit limit ensures that your business has the flexibility to cover operational expenses, such as payroll, inventory, or other costs, without having to worry about hitting a credit ceiling too early. Additionally, with a higher credit limit, businesses can take on larger projects, invest in new equipment, or pursue larger contracts without running into immediate cash flow issues. 3. Favorable Vendor and Supplier Terms Suppliers and vendors often evaluate a business’s creditworthiness before extending payment terms. A company with good business credit is more likely to be offered favorable terms, such as net 30 or net 60, which means you have 30 or 60 days to pay your invoice. These terms improve your company’s working capital by giving you the flexibility to pay for products and services after generating revenue from them. Being able to negotiate better terms with suppliers can also allow you to take advantage of bulk purchasing or discounts, further strengthening your profit margins. On the other hand, businesses with poor credit may face stricter payment terms, which can lead to cash flow problems down the road. 4. Lower Insurance Premiums Many business insurance providers look at your company’s credit score when determining premiums. A strong credit score can help reduce the cost of insurance, lowering one of your regular business expenses. Insurance companies view businesses with good credit as being less risky, which leads to lower premiums. For small businesses, every dollar saved is important. Lower insurance premiums mean more capital to reinvest into the business, whether that’s for new equipment, employee training, or marketing initiatives. 5. Business Growth and Expansion Opportunities Strong business credit doesn’t just help you manage daily operations—it also positions your company for growth. With easier access to capital, you can seize opportunities to expand operations, purchase new equipment, hire additional staff, or even launch new product lines. Whether you’re opening a second location or scaling your team, business credit is often the foundation of these major moves. Businesses that can quickly access financing without hurdles are better equipped to take advantage of growth opportunities when they arise. On the other hand, businesses with poor credit may struggle to find the capital they need, missing out on potential revenue and growth. 6. Building Reputation and Trust Having good business credit doesn’t just help with finances—it also signals to potential partners, investors, and customers that your business is financially stable and reliable. A company with strong credit is seen as a trustworthy partner in the marketplace, which can foster stronger relationships with clients and other businesses. Investors are also more likely to invest in a business with good credit, as it reflects sound financial management and lower risk. Similarly, customers often view financially stable businesses as more reliable, leading to increased trust and loyalty. 7. Separation of Personal and Business Finances Establishing and maintaining good business credit allows business owners to separate their personal and business finances. This separation is crucial because it helps protect personal assets in the event of any business-related financial issues. Without business credit, owners often rely on their personal credit to secure loans or credit for their businesses, which can blur the lines between personal and business liabilities. By keeping personal and business finances separate, you also reduce the chances of personal credit being affected by business downturns, which helps maintain financial health on both fronts. Next Steps When you’re ready to expand and grow your business, come talk to us at First Bank. We are dedicated to helping local businesses thrive. Whether you’re looking to improve your business credit or secure financing for expansion, our team is here to provide personalized support every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business succeed. 4 min read

Banking on Business: Webinar Replay, Recap & Takeaways Our recent webinar was an engaging roundtable that brought together financial experts and community business leaders to discuss essential strategies for business growth and financial management. Moderated by Joe Diggs, SBA Sales Leader at First Bank, the discussion covered vital topics, including bank relationships, cash flow management, credit strategies, and fraud prevention. 4 min read

[First Bank Webinar] Banking on Business: Everyday Strategies for Running Your Business Event Details: Date: Tuesday, October 29 Time: 12-1 pm Location: Zoom Webinar What to Expect: Our First Bank experts will share tips and advice on running your business day-to-day in a dynamic roundtable format moderated by Joe Diggs, SBA Sales Leader. Topics covered include: Cash Management: Efficiently managing your cash flow and financial operations Preventing Fraud: Protecting your business from financial threats Access to Capital: Exploring the best ways to secure funding for growth Growth Strategies: Planning for long-term success Employee Engagement: Building a motivated and dedicated workforce Meet our First Bank Experts: Joe Diggs, SBA Sales Leader Jenna Williams, Director of Treasury Services Rob Patterson, Community Banking Executive Karen Smith, First@Work Business Development Officer Our knowledgeable panel will share their experiences and provide actionable insights, helping you make informed decisions for your business. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, expand, or improve employee satisfaction, this webinar has something for everyone. How to Register: [Registration closed] Can’t Attend? We’ve Got You Covered We understand that not everyone may be able to attend due to scheduling conflicts or potential disruptions, especially with Hurricane Helene impacting parts of the Carolinas. If you’re unable to join the webinar live, whether due to internet access issues or other conflicts, don’t worry! We will be recording the session, and it will be available for you to view on our website. The recording will be posted shortly after the event, so you can still benefit from the expert insights and strategies discussed. Keep an eye on our website for updates, and feel free to reach out to your local branch for any specific questions you may have after viewing the recording. 2 min read

Am I Eligible for FEMA Relief? Here’s What You Need to Know Who Qualifies for Assistance? Federal disaster aid is available for residents and business owners in the following counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey. Not sure if you’re eligible? You can verify your eligibility and apply directly on FEMA’s website: DisasterAssistance.gov. What Assistance Does FEMA Offer? FEMA provides a range of relief programs aimed at helping individuals and businesses recover from disasters. Here’s a closer look at what you may be eligible to receive: 1. Housing Assistance This aid helps you secure safe shelter while your home is being repaired or rebuilt. FEMA can provide funds for: Rental Assistance: Financial support to rent a temporary residence if your home is uninhabitable due to disaster-related damage. Lodging Expense Reimbursement: If you had to stay in a hotel or motel, FEMA can reimburse you for these expenses. This is especially helpful if you were unable to find immediate rental options. Home Repair or Replacement: Grants are available to help repair or replace your home and address disaster-specific damages, such as water damage or mold. FEMA may also cover hazard mitigation measures that reduce the risk of future damage. Accessibility Needs: If you or someone in your household has a disability, FEMA can provide funds to make your home accessible. This might include ramps, grab bars, and other necessary modifications, even if these were not originally present before the disaster. Privately-Owned Roads, Bridges, and Docks: If the only access to your home has been damaged, FEMA can help cover repair costs for private infrastructure like roads and bridges. 2. Other Needs Assistance This program helps with essential expenses and serious needs beyond housing. Covered expenses include: Serious Needs: Grants to cover immediate necessities like food, water, first aid, prescriptions, and personal hygiene items, ensuring you have access to essentials during recovery. Displacement: If your home is uninhabitable, FEMA can help cover the cost of staying with family, friends, or in a hotel while you search for a more permanent solution. Personal Property: Financial assistance to repair or replace items essential to daily life, such as appliances, furniture, and work or school-related items like computers and tools. This can also include uniforms, books, and equipment needed for self-employment. Medical and Dental Expenses: If the disaster caused injury or damaged medical or dental equipment, FEMA can help cover the costs for treatment, equipment replacement, and prescribed medications. Funeral Costs: In the unfortunate event that the disaster resulted in a loss of life, FEMA offers support to cover funeral or reburial expenses. Child Care: For families facing increased child care costs due to the disaster, FEMA can provide funds to help cover these additional expenses. Assistance for Miscellaneous Items: Reimbursement for items like generators, dehumidifiers, and chainsaws that were purchased or rented to aid in the recovery process. Transportation: If your vehicle was damaged and you don’t have an alternative mode of transportation, FEMA may help cover the repair or replacement costs to ensure you have a way to get to work, school, or other essential places. Moving and Storage Expenses: FEMA can help with costs associated with moving and storing personal property, especially if it needs to be relocated temporarily during home repairs or if you need to move to a new residence. Each of these programs is designed to provide immediate and practical support, so you can focus on the well-being of your family and community as you rebuild after the disaster. How Do I Apply for FEMA Assistance? Applying for FEMA relief is straightforward. Here are the steps to get started: Apply Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to apply for assistance. You can also download the FEMA App or call FEMA’s toll-free number at 1-800-621-3362. Register for an Account: If you’re applying online, you’ll need to create an account on Login.gov. This will allow you to save your application, upload documents, and check your status. Prepare Your Information: You’ll need details like your home and mailing address, Social Security number, insurance info, and bank details for direct deposit. Submit Your Application: Once you’ve completed the application, review it, make any necessary changes, and submit it. Be sure to save your application ID as you’ll need it for future communication with FEMA. What Happens After You Apply? After applying, FEMA will review your application and may contact you for additional information or to schedule an inspection. You can always log into your account on DisasterAssistance.gov to check your application status and receive updates. If approved, FEMA will disburse funds via direct deposit or a mailed check, based on your preference. For more information or to begin the application process, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362, or use the FEMA App. Recovering from Disaster with FEMA’s Support If you’re affected by Hurricane Helene, you don’t have to face it alone. FEMA offers a range of programs designed to help you get back on your feet. Take advantage of these resources to help ease the journey to recovery. 5 min read

Protecting Your Business from Counterfeit Currency Know Your Money The first step to fighting back against counterfeit currency is to know the ins and outs of what a legitimate bill looks like. Familiarize yourself with the security features of true U.S. currency so you know what to look out for. You can view examples of all denominations through the U.S. Currency Education Program website. Each note issued by the Federal Reserve includes unique security and design features that are periodically redesigned by the U.S. government to make them more difficult to counterfeit, so make sure you stay up-to-date on what’s new. Feel the Difference Embrace your tactile senses and take time to feel the quality of the cash you are being presented with. U.S. currency paper consists of 25% linen and 75% cotton with red and blue security fibers embedded throughout the paper that is not sold commercially, giving them a unique texture and feel. If you are presented with a bill that feels slick, there’s a good chance it was printed on lower-quality paper and has been counterfeited. In addition to the feel of the paper, genuine bills will have raised ink which adds to their unique feel. 4 min read

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5 Ways to Thank Your Customers Expressing gratitude to your customers is a fundamental aspect of fostering lasting connections and building loyalty. While traditional methods remain effective, let’s explore some creative ways to convey your heartfelt thanks. Here are five thoughtful methods to express your gratitude. 2 min read

FinCEN BOI Reporting: What’s Required & Resources The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) now requires certain newly-formed and start-up businesses to report their Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI). Here are a few helpful tips to get you started from the FinCEN BOI website. 3 min read

4 Questions to Ask Yourself as a Business Owner As a business owner, there are an endless number of questions you could be asking yourself to keep your business on the right path. Here are four questions that successful business owners consider when planning for the future: Am I setting SMART business goals? How can I invest in my staff? What are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of my business? What does growth look like for my business? Download our printable questionnaire to help you brainstorm ideas for your business as you read this article. 1. Am I setting SMART business goals? Every entrepreneur has aspirations for their business. That’s the easy part. Achieving those goals is where it gets tricky. Have you heard of the SMART acronym? Goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely ensure that you will be more successful in accomplishing them. Think of your SMART goals as the road map to your success. Giving yourself a specific and measurable direction will help to hold yourself accountable. Outlining achievable goals that are relevant to your business will ensure you are moving your business in the right direction, and having a set timeline will encourage you to stop dragging your feet and get moving! Set your own SMART goals Here is an example to get you started: Increase our total number of Instagram followers 15% by the end of the second quarter Social media is a powerful tool for your business. A growing social media community can correlate to a growing bottom line for your business. More followers could mean more potential customers and deepening relationships with current customers. Additionally, your business gains credibility and a competitive edge against other businesses in your industry. Specific Increase how many followers you have on Instagram by 15%. Clearly define the goal and what needs to be achieved clearly and concisely. Avoid broad statements. Measurable Increase in followers from 5,000 in the first quarter to 5,750 in the second quarter. Determine how the goal will be measured so you can track the progress. Establish specific metrics, either something quantitative, a numeric value that can be assigned; or qualitative, based on its overall quality. Achievable You already have someone on staff managing your social media and keeping up 8 min read

Four Tips Before Starting Your Business According to research from the SBA.gov in a 2020 report of small businesses, North Carolina had a total of 934,604 small businesses. And despite everything the last year threw at us, the number of new businesses in the state continues to grow as many have been tapping into their creativity\, making the leap from side business or unemployment to self-employment. If you’re exploring the idea of starting a business, you should know that in the first two years of a business’ life, an average of 68% survive. Then after five years, 49% of those are in business, and 34% make it to that 10-year mark. The trick to being one of those survivors? Be well prepared with the right financial tools. To help, we collected the following 4 tips to help you start your business off on the right foot. Consider where you want your business to go. Before you start, think about your daily life and understand your market. Why do you want to start your own business? Do you understand your industry or your customer base? What is your daily activity like? Do you have extra income? Think about your long-term goals. What risks are you willing to take? Then, think about your business idea. Do you have a business plan? How will you purchase necessities you will need to start out? Do you have a plan for growth? Answers to these questions will be different for every potential business owner, but making a decision on these topics may lead you to tip number two. 2. Get your finances in order. Start by making a budget for your business. Things to include might be the cost of supplies, equipment, rental fees for your storefront, travel, or anything else that is a requirement for your startup. Next, consider your initial financial goals for your new business. Establishing financial goals (annual, monthly, weekly, and even daily) can keep you on track if you are planning to open or accept customers in the near future. Need help sticking to the plan? Take our financial course on creating a budget, which teaches you strategies and tips to help you stay on track. 3. Consider how you will fund your business. Once you 5 min read

Bank Accounts for North Carolina Businesses If you’re running a business, you want to make sure your finances are in good order. First Bank* offers North Carolina businesses the bank accounts and merchant services tools needed for success. Financial Services at First Bank First Bank is headquartered in North Carolina and boasts over 80 locations across the Tar Heel State. We got our start in the town of Troy, NC, back in 1935. With an array of business bank accounts and other services, we make it our business to help yours. First Bank has multiple business checking options and business savings accounts. A First Bank account was named one of the “Best Bank Accounts for Small Businesses” in 2019. North Carolina businesses utilize First Bank merchant services for operations including online payments, payroll direct deposit, and more. Put your business in the hands of First Bank can increase efficiency, satisfy customers, streamline operations and elevate your bottom line. Start by comparing our business bank account offerings, and contact your nearest First Bank location for more information. First Bank’s Business Bank Accounts Not all businesses are alike, nor are all business bank accounts. At First Bank, we are proud to offer multiple types of business checking and savings accounts so every company can find the financial foundation it needs. Business Checking Accounts in North Carolina Business Essentials If you are self-employed or own a small business, a Business Essentials account may be right for you. This basic account was named one of the “Best Bank Accounts for Small Businesses” by WalletHub in 2019. Business Interest Why not get a little more out of your business earnings? Our Business Interest account offers all of the same features as the basic Business Essentials, while also allowing you to accrue interest on your account. Business Advantage If your business processes a higher volume of transactions, the Business Advantage account might be a good fit for you. Commercial Analysis Larger organizations need more financial resources and that’s where our Commercial Analysis account comes in. In addition to the basic features of Business Essentials, you’ll also have access to custom programs for your large business needs and can offset service fees with a monthly credit that is earned on your balance. Business Savings Accounts in 12 min read

6 Steps to Starting a Small Business in North Carolina First, you had an idea for a small business. Now, you want to set that idea in motion. If you are looking to start a small business in North Carolina, here are the first steps you can take to make your idea a profitable reality. Steps to Starting a Small Business in North Carolina Small businesses account for the majority of new job creation in North Carolina. They are an integral feature of the state economy and can be easily established in a few steps. Create a business plan — Clearly identify the objectives of your business and why it will be successful. Search out examples of business plans if you are unfamiliar with the process. Decide on your business structure and register your business name — Register the name of your business and the type of business (nonprofit, private corporations, LLCs, etc.) In order to operate legally, you will need to be registered as a business in the State of North Carolina. Get license requirements — Obtain any necessary licenses required for operation. Be sure to adhere to county and federal requirements, as well. Obtain the necessary tax information — In order to move forward with opening a business, you must be registered with the State and Federal taxation departments. Once you have your tax ID number, you are one step closer to opening for business. You can use this business tax information to identify your requirements. Identify sources of financing (apply for small business loans) — If you are starting a small business in North Carolina, you may need financial backing to support your first or second year of operation. This money will cover expenses such as property leasing, salaries and product stock. Find a bank that will lend to your business with a reasonable interest rate and a short repayment term to minimize the cost. Learn about employer reporting requirements and responsibilities — You’ll need to register as an employer, and for unemployment insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. You’ll also need to apply for federal and state withholding numbers. The Right Bank for Your Small Business Needs First Bank* offers the comprehensive range of financial services you need to start a small business in North Carolina. With dedicated service to our community since 1935, 3 min read

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