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Use these articles to familiarize yourself with the different loan products and lines of credit available for your business.

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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

How a Business Credit Card Can Transform Cash Flow Management for Your Business Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, and managing it effectively is crucial for long-term success. Whether you’re running a growing enterprise in Charleston or a small business in Raleigh, a business credit card can be a powerful tool to optimize your financial health. 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

4 Reasons Why the First Bank Mastercard Business Credit Card is Good for Business Running a business is no easy task, and managing your finances should be simple and efficient. That’s why First Bank offers its Mastercard Business Card with Rewards—a credit card designed to help business owners streamline expenses, extend their cash flow, and earn valuable rewards. 3 min read

Hurricane Helene Recovery: Financial Assistance Options 1. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans The SBA offers a range of disaster loans to individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to cover losses not covered by insurance or FEMA. These loans help cover both personal and business expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. October 15, 2024 Update: The SBA announced that it has exhausted funds for its disaster loan program. Until Congress appropriates additional funds, the SBA is pausing new loan offers. The SBA is encouraging individuals and small businesses to continue to apply for loans given assurances from congressional leaders that additional funding will be provided upon Congress’s return in November. Click here to read the press release. Home Disaster Loans: Available to homeowners and renters to repair or replace damaged real estate and personal property, including vehicles. Business Physical Disaster Loans: These loans are designed for businesses of all sizes to repair or replace damaged property owned by the business, such as real estate, machinery, equipment, and supplies. Private non-profit organizations like charities and churches are also eligible. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): These are working capital loans designed to help small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses, and private nonprofits meet financial obligations they can’t cover due to the disaster. These loans are meant to support recovery during the disaster recovery period. For more information, visit the SBA Disaster Assistance website or contact them directly. 2. FEMA Disaster Assistance FEMA offers a wide range of financial assistance programs for those impacted by natural disasters. If you have insurance, file a claim immediately, as FEMA cannot cover losses that are already insured. FEMA provides grants for: Temporary housing Home repairs Other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance You can apply for FEMA assistance online or by calling 800-621-3362. 3. Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Individuals who have lost their jobs or had their employment interrupted due to Hurricane Helene may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). This program extends unemployment benefits to those who may not be eligible for state unemployment, such as the self-employed or small business owners. To qualify, you must: Live, work, or were scheduled to work in a federally declared disaster area. Have lost employment or had employment interrupted due to the disaster. Have exhausted regular state unemployment benefits. Eligibility is determined weekly, so you must continue to be out of work as a direct result of the disaster to maintain benefits. Visit the Disaster Unemployment Assistance page of the NC Department of Commerce website for more information about this program. 4. Freddie Mac, HUD, and FHA Mortgage Assistance If your home has been affected by Hurricane Helene and you are struggling to make mortgage payments, Freddie Mac, HUD, and the FHA offer mortgage relief options. These include: Forbearance plans to temporarily suspend or reduce your mortgage payments. Loan modifications to make your mortgage more affordable over the long term. Mortgage assistance programs designed specifically for disaster recovery. Contact your mortgage provider to inquire about disaster relief programs available through these organizations. 5. NC Bankers Association Disaster Relief The NC Bankers Association provides resources and guidance for individuals and businesses impacted by disasters. Through their network, they can help you access financial institutions offering relief, including special loan programs and deferral options for existing debts. It’s worth reaching out to your local bank or lender to inquire about specific programs that may be available to you. Visit the Hurricane Helene page of the NC Bankers Association website for a comprehensive list of resources. 6. WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund – Mountain BizWorks In response to Hurricane Helene, the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund, led by Mountain BizWorks, is providing financial relief for businesses across Western North Carolina. This fund is designed to support local businesses that were impacted by the hurricane, offering critical recovery resources, including: Low-interest loans to help businesses rebuild. Emergency financial support to address urgent needs like working capital, repairs, and more. Mountain BizWorks is a community-focused lender that helps small businesses in the region thrive, even in the face of disaster. They are committed to supporting business owners through the recovery process with accessible financing options. Visit their website for more details on how to apply. 7. SBA Microlenders for Business Recovery The SBA also partners with microlenders across the country to provide small loans, typically up to $50,000, to businesses in need of capital. These loans can help cover immediate business needs such as payroll, inventory, and repairs. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, these microlenders are valuable resources for small businesses that may not qualify for traditional financing options. To find an SBA microlender in your area, visit the SBA Microlender List. 8. Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative Appalachian Community Capital has partnered with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide relief grants to small businesses harmed by Hurricane Helene. The grant program is called the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative. Small businesses can apply for grants up to $25,000 to cover expenses related to recovery and reopening including repair and replacement of physical damage, environmental cleanup, payment of business-related rents or mortgages, employee retention and hiring, and more. The application window for this grant is from October 30 through November 27, 2024. For more information and to apply, visit their website here. First Bank is Here to Help If you have any questions about these resources, our bankers are more than happy to help you navigate the questions you may have. Recovering from Hurricane Helene is a challenging process, but these resources are designed to provide financial relief when it’s needed most. If you’ve been affected, be proactive in exploring the options available to you, from disaster loans to mortgage forbearance. While the road to recovery may be long, these programs can ease some of the financial burdens and help you rebuild your life or business. 5 min read

Changes to SBA 7(a) Program for Business Acquisitions Changes to SBA Loans for Business Acquisitions Coming August 1, 2023 If your client is considering an SBA Loan to acquire or change ownership percentage of a business, they could be impacted by the recent changes announced by the Small Business Administration (SBA). A number of updates to their Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), will be made effective August 1, 2023. The following is an overview of the updates. Our Business Development Officers are well-versed in these changes and ready to discuss how they may impact your client’s SBA lending opportunities. Read more about these upcoming changes based on the type of acquisition or ownership change you would be making: Complete change of ownership Complete partner buyout Partial change of ownership or any other change in ownership SBA Loans financing a complete change of business ownership At a minimum, SBA requires an equity injection of at least 10% of the total project costs. This means that in order to qualify, you’ll need to provide 10% of all costs required to complete the change of ownership, including working capital needs regardless of the source of funds. Seller debt may not be considered part of the equity injection unless it is on full standby for the first 24 months of the SBA 7a loan or it is a debt that is on partial standby (only interest payments are being made). Partial standby debt will be considered equity if there is historical business cash flow available to make the payments and at least a quarter of the SBA-required equity injection is from a source other than the seller. If the buyer owns a business that is in the same 6 digit NAICS code, will have identical ownership and located in the same geographic area as the entity being acquired, SBA considers this to be a business expansion and SBA will not require a minimum equity injection. However, depending on the strength of the buyer, the bank may require an equity injection. SBA Loans financing a change of ownership between existing owners If the 7(a) loan will finance more than 90% of the purchase price of a partner buyout, both of the following must be met: The remaining owner(s) must certify that they have been 4 min read

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A Complete Guide to Business Loans Owning a business comes with tremendous opportunity, but it also takes significant amounts of discipline, time, effort, and of course, money. Whether you are running a major corporation or starting a small business from the ground up, capital is vital for your growth and success. For this reason, many organizations seek business loans to obtain the financing they need. Loans in general are very common. Most people are familiar with personal loans, such as student loans, car loans, and mortgages. Business loans are actually quite similar, but they can certainly seem overwhelming at first glance. And while they are an effective tool to kickstart your business, there’s a bit more to them than that. But not to worry, we have you covered! Before applying for a business loan, it is critical to understand what they are, the standard terms and language used in business loans, what you’ll need to apply and qualify for a business loan, and the different types of business loans and their advantages. Some of this guide may seem straightforward, but at First Bank, we take pride in keeping you informed and in‑the‑know. Additionally, business loans can be hard to get, and the requirements can be strict. But that’s exactly what we’re here for — we want to help your business grow. Follow our step‑by‑step guide to prepare your business loan application and improve your odds of being approved. What This Guide Covers: What is a business loan? What are key terms to know regarding business loans? What factors do most lenders consider for business loan approval? What documents might you need to apply for a business loan? How can you improve your odds of being approved for a business loan? How does a typical business loan process work? What are the advantages of business loans? What are the different types of business loans? What Is a Business Loan? Business loans are used to finance a variety of business operations and expenses by borrowing money from a lender under specific terms and conditions. When a company needs financing or capital, it can turn to a bank or other financial institution for a business loan. Whether you’re starting, acquiring, or expanding a business, you won’t want to drain 28 min read

How to Get the Most Out of Your Commercial Line of Credit A commercial line of credit offers flexibility and quick access to liquidity, but it can be misused, which can lead to turbulence either for your company or for your relationship with your bank. 4 min read

3 Reasons to Use a Commercial Building Loan Calculator If you’re looking to build or to purchase a commercial building, it’s a great idea to start with a commercial building loan calculator. It can give you a sense of how much to borrow for the property you’re hoping to purchase, what your loan payments might look like each month, what amortization does to your loan, and whether the provider of the commercial building loan calculator might make a good financial partner. First, let’s start with what a commercial building loan is. Much like a mortgage loan is used to purchase or refinance a home, a commercial building loan is used for an office space or piece of property that will be used or owned by a business. Commercial building loans (aka commercial mortgages) are typically funded by a bank or another type of financial institution and often require collateral. The collateral for your commercial building loan is usually the commercial property or real estate that your business wants to buy, build, or refinance. As with most type of loans, the lending partner will take into account your creditworthiness and ask for documentation of your business (e.g. tax returns, bank statements, balance sheets, etc.). See what it takes to apply for a business loan. Commercial Building Loan Calculator Benefit One: Get a Sense of Payment Amounts By using a commercial building loan calculator, you can figure out how different interest rates impact your loan. Plus, you can adjust the term of the commercial building loan to see the amount the lender expects you to pay back each month and how long it might take you to pay off your loan. The “term” of a commercial building loan is the time limit (in years) within which the loan must be repaid. Commercial building loans are offered in a variety of terms lengths. Commercial Building Loan Calculator Benefit Two: What Does It Mean to Amortize A commercial building loan calculator can also give you an idea of what different amortization does to your commercial mortgage. This is because amortization determines how much principal and interest you pay back each month on your commercial building loan. Note that if the number of years you choose to amortize is longer than the term of 4 min read

Small Business Startup Loans in North Carolina If you have a good idea and a little bit of business savvy, a small business startup loan can serve as the cornerstone to your fortune. Whether it’s a traditional business loan, credit line, commercial mortgage, construction loan or business credit card, First Bank* can provide the foundation you need to become your own success story. Sign up for a free small business financial consultation with one of our experts or visit your nearest North Carolina First Bank to learn more about a small business startup loan. Small Business Loans from First Bank First Bank’s small business startup loan offerings include: Lump-sum loan to finance equipment or vehicles Business credit card for all those everyday business expenses Business line of credit for continued borrowing Commercial mortgage so you can buy the business space of your dreams Construction loan for starting from scratch or renovation projects Learn more about how First Bank’s small business start up loans can help you succeed. Using a Loan to Start a North Carolina Small Business Our support for small businesses extends well beyond startup loans. Utilize our Financial Education Center to read about valuable information for small business owners including: How to evaluate a location for business potential. Tips for marketing a small business and social media strategies. Common cash management mistakes and how to avoid them. How to utilize Google to help new customers find you. Ways to thank your customers and cultivate loyalty. How to gather customer data. Come to First Bank for a small business startup loan and turn your idea into a success story! Contact us or stop by a North Carolina First Bank location near you. For even more information on First Bank, read our articles on what’s required to open a business checking account, construction loans in North Carolina, and small business credit card comparisons. Loans subject to credit approval. ——— Sources: Small Business: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/definition-business-loans-1902.html 2 min read

Commercial Financing Finding the right commercial financing is easier said than done. If you’re starting a business or trying to grow, finding the right option can be a tough task. Learn more about different commercial financing options and how First Bank can help. Commercial Financing Questions and Options While finding commercial financing can be critical to business development, navigating the process is never easy. Understanding your financing options can be the difference between success or stagnation. Whether it’s knowing how much to borrow or finding a good rate, few business owners can do it alone. There are a range of products for business owners to get capital. Here are some options you will find at First Bank: Lines of Credit First Bank offers several different lines of credit for small business owners. Whatever your needs, you’ll find the flexibility to access your money both quickly and conveniently. And the good news is, once your credit line is repaid, you can reuse it as needed to keep pace as business opportunities arise. SBA Loans Perfect for small business owners, SBA loans are government sponsored. This can help people get started when traditional commercial financing isn’t an option. Learn more about First Bank SBA and how we help small businesses. Loans for Construction Whether you’re building, remodeling, or expanding your space, we can help you find a solution. First Bank’s financing specialists help connect builders and borrowers with the loans they need to get the job done. Business and Commercial Loans Business owners are able to quickly enhance their financing with First Bank’s competitive loans and mortgages. If you’re financing small items or need real estate expertise, these are the best options for you. Find a First Bank Branch Near You We take pride in getting small businesses the financing they need to be successful. Whether you’re just starting up or are looking to grow, we can find the money you need so you can spend time building your business. Get started today by finding a First Bank branch near you! Loans Subject To Approval 2 min read

What Are Commercial Loan Interest Rates? Starting and running your own business takes hard work, time, and money. If you are an entrepreneur or a business leader in need of financial help, you are probably wondering about current commercial loan interest rates. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t cut and dry. Commercial loan interest rates vary depending on a variety of factors, such as: The amount of the loan The type of lending institution The type of business Market-based-factors Credit score Getting Some of the Best Commercial Loan Interest Rates Choosing a lender dedicated to helping businesses grow and succeed is an effective method to receive some of the best commercial loan interest rates. First Bank* has a history helping business owners manage their funds and grow their businesses. That is why we offer a variety of commercial loan** products with highly competitive interest rates. Our commercial loan offerings include: Mastercard Business Card with Rewards with low rates, no annual fee, and rewards. Loans that provide business owners with lump sums for long-term financing. Commercial mortgage products that can be customized to meet your needs. Lines of credit that provide business owners with the flexibility to access cash quickly. Construction loans for new construction, remodeling, expansion, and other building projects. Interest rates on each of our commercial loan products vary, but we will work with you to find a loan that meets the needs of your business and provide you with great interest rates. Getting the help you need is simple. Visit a First Bank branch near you to discuss your options for business loans. If you need a commercial loan but aren’t sure where to begin, our online Financial Education Center offers tips, tricks, and resources for business owners on staring, managing, and growing a business. *Member FDIC.Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #474504. **Loans subject to credit approval. ——— Sources: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/average-interest-rate-small-business-loans-15342.html http://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/080713/how-banks-set-interest-rates-your-loans.asp https://localfirstbank.com/business/business-loans/ https://localfirstbank.com/locations 2 min read

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