How to Protect and Improve Your Business Credit Rating
Credit-reporting agencies track the creditworthiness of businesses like yours to help suppliers and lenders make decisions about which companies to do business with. These agencies collect data for reports from banks, retailers, government records, and other sources.

Small Business Investment Corporations
Small business investment companies (SBICs) supply equity capital, long-term loans, and management assistance to qualifying small businesses. They are privately owned and operated, and use their own capital as well as funds borrowed from the US Small Business Administration. While they are profit-seeking enterprises, SBICs select small businesses to be financed within the rules and regulations set by the SBA - therefore, only firms defined by the SBA as "small businesses" are eligible for SBIC financing.