Scaling and Growth Articles

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Put the building blocks in place to learn how to scale or grow a business sustainably with these tips from the experts.

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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

[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

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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

Southern Supreme Fruitcakes & More – Garage Startup to Global Distributer “I don’t like Fruitcake” Not a fan of fruitcake? Neither was Berta Lou Scott until she perfected her version in the 1980s. Her Southern Supreme Fruitcakes have been converting fruitcake foes to fans ever since. Visit the Southern Supreme Fruitcake Online Store A Sweet Success Story Berta Lou Scott’s fruitcake started as Christmas gifts for her friends, family, and clients in their hometown of Bear Creek, NC. Mrs. Scott’s baked goods were always sought after throughout the holidays, but her fruitcake especially garnered attention for its ability to change the minds of those who claim to not like fruitcake. As demand for her fruitcakes increased Mrs. Scott’s late husband, Hoyt Scott, took out a small business loan to increase their production capacity. The Scott family tells their First Bank story like this: “It all started around 1989 when our father/father-in-law “Hoyt Scott” wanted to take out a small business loan. At that time Mr. Jimmie Garner was who we went to see. The story that Hoyt liked to tell was, “I didn’t know who the bigger fool was: the man who wanted to borrow the money to start a Fruitcake business or the man who would loan him the money.” That is what started our relationship with First Bank.” As it turns out they weren’t fools after all. Jimmie Garner went on to become the CEO of First Bank and Hoyt Scott (along with his family) grew Southern Supreme Fruitcakes from their garage to a 40,000 square foot manufacturing, distribution and retail operation where they attract thousands of tourists each year and ship their products globally. Play Not your typical Fruitcake Two big differences set Berta Lou Scott’s fruitcake apart from the rest. Her recipe favors nuts over candied fruit, and her method of slow baking and stirring the dough as it bakes keeps the cakes from becoming dry. In fact, Southern Supreme Fruitcakes will stay fresh and moist without refrigeration for 6 months to a year. This unique baking method has posed a unique set of challenges that the Scott Family has overcome with hard work and ingenuity – something that is on display throughout their manufacturing facility. Thousands of guests tour their kitchen yearly to get a first-hand view of the one-of-a-kind operation which involves a rotating oven that allows trays of dough to move from baking to hand-stirring every 15 minutes until complete. Teams of seasonal workers begin fruitcake production in August and at the height of the Christmas ordering season, they will slowly bake and stir over 3,000 pounds of fruitcake per day. Watch this video to see their kitchen in action > 4 min read

Goombays Grille & Raw Bar Joins First Bank We’re proud to welcome Kill Devil Hills landmark restaurant Goombays Grille & Raw Bar to First Bank. Goombays has been an island hot spot since 1992 and recently changed ownership in March 2023. The vibrant chartreuse and aqua building matches the excitement that Goombays new owners, Tony Sipe and Chris Miller, have for their Kill Devil Hills, NC establishment. First Bank SBA Business Development Officer, Chase Zabriskie, was instrumental in securing the funding that Tony and Chris needed to purchase Goombays from its original owners. Commitment and diligence from everyone involved resulted in a custom SBA financing solution that fit Tony and Chris’s unique needs as first-time business owners. “Chase was so invested in our success that we started to think of him as one of our partners. Chris and I have already referred other friends to First Bank and their SBA program, and we will continue to do so. First Bank and Chase will be the first phone call we make when we are ready for our next project.” – Tony Sipe, Goombays Grille & Raw Bar Co-owner “Quite a few hurdles were jumped along the way. I became not only their trusted banker but a friend who was there to encourage them to keep trying even when it seemed like there was no longer a way forward. Using both our SBA 7a and 504 products, we were able to piece together a creative financing structure that fit the needs of both our borrowers and the sellers. We closed in March 2023 and I was right there with them at the closing table.” – Chase Zabriskie, First Bank SBA Business Development Officer The Goombays Grille & Raw Bar menu is a crowd-pleasing assortment of seafood, shareable appetizers, and menu staples like burgers, sandwiches, and salads. There’s something for everyone and all ages are welcome. Even their cocktail menu is inclusive — all Goombays bartenders are trained on how to transform their island inspired cocktails into non-alcoholic mocktails. We hope you’ll join us in welcoming Goombays to First Bank! As a result of our ability to secure their business financing, Tony and Chris chose First Bank to also be their primary banking partner. They utilize our SBA 7a and 504 products along with multiple Business Elite Accounts, and Business Credit Cards. We’re proud to offer custom financing solutions to help our neighbors pursue their goals and dreams. For anyone considering an SBA loan, get in touch with our First Bank team of SBA Experts. Navigating SBA programs can be difficult if you’re unfamiliar with the programs. Chase offers the following advice: Identify Your Goals: Take time to share as much information as possible about what goals you are looking to achieve through SBA financing. Consult With An Expert: Your First Bank SBA expert can guide you through the process and make recommendations for how best to go about structuring your financing. Start Early: Getting ahead of the game on any potential SBA hurdles is the key to keeping the process smooth and efficient. Having an early conversation and choosing the right lender can be the difference in how quickly you get to the closing table. To celebrate our First Bank partnership, the Goombays team sent us this Blueberry Mai Tai mocktail recipe. Cheers! 4 min read

Finding Success Amidst Uncertainty: Lessons from Anne Till Navigate business ownership’s unknown risks with confidence. Here are 3 pieces of advice from Anne Till, owner of Anne Till Nutrition Group, to help you thrive as an entrepreneur. 4 min read

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Defeat the Fraudsters: Protect Yourself Against Account Fraud Account takeover fraud is a form of identity theft where a fraudster gains access to a victim’s accounts and personal information. They can then use the information to perform a number of different fraudulent acts, including transferring funds, modifying personal information, and adding other “authorized” users. Combating this type of fraud requires understanding and action steps to make sure your business or organization is not at risk. Download our checklist to help ensure you are decreasing your risk of account fraud. Need more help with your business? Check out some of our free educational courses: Small Business Banking Services How Businesses Use Credit Opportunities for Women- and Minority-Owned Small Businesses Contact the First Bank Business Support team to learn more about what First Bank can do to keep your business protected. Suspect fraud? Give us a call immediately! 1 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

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

Where to Get Payroll Services If you are wondering where to get payroll services, consider First Bank. With First Bank’s payroll services, you can: Reduce expenses associated with paper-based payment systems like printing and storing of checks. Manage risks by reducing check fraud losses. Submit transaction information directly through our online banking system. Handle direct deposits into employee accounts without having to write checks. Payroll Services from First Bank If you want to cut business costs and start saving money, switching to a payroll service is a great way to begin. Payroll services enable you to maintain control of your funds until you need them, all while eliminating the need to buy paper excess paper or to hire a bookkeeper. With First Bank, you don’t have to wonder where to get payroll services anymore. Our Payroll Direct Deposit service can be used to disburse funds such as:* Direct deposit of payroll Expense reimbursement Royalty payments Vendor payments Our electronic disbursement payments give you control of your funds until the moment you need them to cover disbursements. You can also reduce the time and expense or writing, processing, and reconciling checks when you provide information electronically. If your company uses payroll, pensions, expense reimbursements, annuities, dividends, interest, or royalties and has vendors interested in electronic payments—First Bank’s payroll solutions might be a great solution for your business. Visit a branch near you for a free small business financial consultation or more information. *Subject to credit approval. ——— Sources: Business News Daily: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7477-choosing-payroll-service.html Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/disbursement.asp 2 min read

Wondering Where to Get Mobile Merchant Services? Wondering where to get mobile merchant services for your business? First Bank can help you with all of your business needs, including in-store and mobile merchant services such as payment processing, reporting, and check collection. Find your nearest First Bank location today to find out how doing business can get a whole lot easier. Mobile Credit Card Processing Services at First Bank The ability to accept and process credit and debit card transactions is essential to doing business in today’s market. With an estimated 176 million credit card users in the United States, it’s important to make sure that your business is able to accommodate your customers. By providing a selection of payment options for your customers, you can simplify your business operations and increase your revenue. First Bank’s merchant services can help your business accept several different payment options in-store and mobile, including credit cards, debit cards, electronic checks, gift cards, and more. Our credit card processing can: Reducing payment risks Creating purchasing mobility Expanding your customer base Improving revenue capture Types of Merchant Services Available Here are a variety of merchant services that First Bank offers: Payment Processing & Management These payment processing and management services provide a pricing advantage with equipment and software that allow business owners to process payments through point-of-sale terminals, Internet, wireless, mobile, and integrated solutions. This includes products such as: Credit Card Processing: In-Store & Mobile Reconciliation & Reporting Streamline your payment processing operations with a user-friendly, online management and reporting system. This includes: Comprehensive activity reports that allow access to all your business payment card transactions. User controls that help to create your own reports based on needed required information. The ability to respond online to chargebacks and retrievals, including exporting reports to Excel for further analysis. Reports for adjustment history, authorizations, and merchant statements when you need it. Check Collection With a two-step verification process, you can increase the profitability of your business by reducing liability, get protected against losses, and increase your sales by securely and quickly accepting checks through our verification and guarantee. Get Mobile Merchant Services Today at Your Nearest First Bank Since 1935, First Bank has been helping businesses succeed in an increasingly competitive market. Visit your nearest branch today and see what our friendly staff 2 min read

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