The groundbreaking business ideas you have rolling around in your head deserve a chance to develop and grow.  Working hard and being persistent will help you move closer to making your business dreams come true, but you must first wrangle your personal financial success.  

There are various options for obtaining the funding it takes to start a new business, but most of them require you to show that your financial history is reliable.  Before you embark upon your journey of being a business owner, work to make your own financial story a good one.

Become familiar with your credit report

Familiar, in this case, really means intimate.  Become intimate with your credit report. In fact, put an “s” on that, and become familiar with your financial report from all of the three main reporting agencies.  

Dig through the listings on these reports with a fine toothed comb.  You may find things on your credit report that simply don’t belong. You can contest these financial tarnishings by simply reaching out to the reporting agency and following the instruction they provide.  

Work to build your credit scores

Once you’ve gained an intimate knowledge of your personal credit history, the task going forward is to improve upon what you’ve discovered.  Research different ways you can work to build your credit score into something lenders will enjoy seeing.

To get you started on your way to a better credit score, you can invest in a secured credit card, apply for a store or gas card, or become an “authorized user” on someone else’s credit card.  

Be patient while waiting for change

You won’t be able to raise your credit score overnight.  Patience is a virtue that you will need as you work to improve your financial standing.  

It’s best not to go into debt or cash in your retirement fund.  You may need a couple of years to get your credit where you want it to be, but keep working.  You will see a change for the better.

The structure of your business matters

When you get your business on the realm of ready, make sure you legally categorize your establishment as a limited liability company.  An LLC will keep your personal financial standing safe in the case that your business fails. Your business filing bankruptcy won’t affect your personal credit history.  

Remember this when you do start your business

Once your business plans are finally realized, it’s important to live by a strict code of financial separation.  Don’t mix your business finances with your personal finance. Keep your work at the office, and allow yourself to enjoy the spoils of your labor in your home life.