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All Protecting Your Assets Managing Cash Flow Employee Benefits Preventing Fraud Scaling and Growth Loans and Credit Small Business Essentials Starting Your Business

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

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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

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

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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

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

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