# 593 – How to Build Business Credit with Gerri Detweiler

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-how-of-business-how-to-start-run-grow-and-exit-a-small-business-435204/593-how-to-build-business-credit-with-gerri-detweiler
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-how-of-business-how-to-start-run-grow-and-exit-a-small-business-435204/593-how-to-build-business-credit-with-gerri-detweiler.md
Podcast: [The How of Business - How to start, run, grow and exit a small business.](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-how-of-business-how-to-start-run-grow-and-exit-a-small-business-435204)
Published: 2026-01-19T08:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://howofbusiness.libsyn.com/593-how-to-build-business-credit-with-gerri-detweiler
Audio file: https://pdcn.co/e/dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/howofbusiness/Episode_593_-_Gerri_Detweiler.mp3?dest-id=346019
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Duration seconds: 2387

## Resource

Business credit is a critical but often misunderstood tool that can unlock financing, protect your personal credit, and strengthen your small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/593-gerri-detweiler-business-credit/ Many small business owners assume business credit "just happens" once they form an LLC, but that's not how it works. In this episode, Henry Lopez is joined by Gerri Detweiler, one of the leading experts on small business credit, to break down how business credit really works and why it matters far earlier than most owners realize. They discuss how business credit affects financing, vendor relationships, and even potential partnerships, and why larger companies often check your business credit before working with you. Gerri explains the fundamentals of establishing business credit, including whether you should start as a sole proprietor or form an LLC, how credit reporting works, and why payment history is the most important factor in building strong business credit scores. She also shares practical strategies for getting started such as using net-30 vendors, business credit cards, and equipment financing, and how to avoid common mistakes that can quietly damage your credit profile. "Business credit doesn't build itself. You have to be intentional about it from day one," Gerri explains. Gerri Detweiler has spent more than 30 years helping people make sense of credit and financing, with a special focus on helping small business owners. As an Education Consultant for Nav, she guides entrepreneurs in building strong business credit and understanding how it can open doors for growth. Gerri has answered thousands of credit questions online, written or coauthored six books, including Finance Your Own Business: Get on the Financing Fast Track…

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