What does it mean for a business to be fundable?

A fundable business is one that meets the criteria lenders and investors look for when approving funding. This includes having a proper business structure (LLC or Corporation), an EIN, a DUNS number, established business credit, clean personal credit, organized financial statements, and a solid business plan. FundReady walks you through each step.

How do I build business credit from scratch?

Building business credit starts with incorporating your business, getting an EIN from the IRS, obtaining a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet, opening a business bank account, and establishing trade lines with Net 30 vendors that report to business credit bureaus like Experian Business, Equifax Business, and Dun & Bradstreet.

What grants are available for small businesses?

Small business grants are available from federal agencies (SBA, USDA, NIH), state and local governments, private foundations, and corporations. Both non-profit and for-profit businesses can qualify. Key steps include registering on SAM.gov, getting a UEI number, and ensuring your organization meets the specific eligibility requirements of each grant program.

What credit score do I need for an SBA loan?

Most SBA loans require a personal credit score of 680 or higher, though some lenders may accept scores as low as 620. You'll also need a strong SBSS (Small Business Scoring Service) score of 170 or above. Beyond credit scores, SBA lenders evaluate your business plan, cash flow, collateral, and time in business.

How do I know if my business is grant ready?

A grant-ready business has proper legal structure, tax-exempt status (for non-profits), SAM.gov registration, a UEI number, organized financial statements, a clear mission statement, and a track record of impact. FundReady offers free interactive audit worksheets for both non-profit and for-profit organizations to assess grant readiness.

Your Fundability Journey Starts Here

Make Your Small Business Fundable

A free step-by-step guide for small business owners who want to build business credit, find small business grants, and secure SBA loans. Start from the very beginning.

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82%

of businesses fail due to cash flow problems

29%

of small businesses are denied funding

680+

credit score needed for most SBA loans

5 Cs

of credit that lenders evaluate

The Fundability Roadmap

Four Steps to Build Business Credit & Get Funded

Every funded business started somewhere. Follow this proven path from business formation to building business credit and securing small business loans, grants, and startup funding.

Build Your Foundation

Choose the right business entity, register your business, and get your EIN. These are the building blocks lenders look for.

Establish Business Credit

Get your DUNS number, open trade accounts, and start building a credit profile that's separate from your personal credit.

Prepare Your Financials

Organize financial statements, create a solid business plan, and build the documentation lenders require.

Secure Your Funding

Apply for SBA loans, lines of credit, and other funding options with confidence, knowing your business is fundable.

Explore the full roadmap

Why It Matters

Your Business Structure Is Your First Impression

Before a lender ever looks at your revenue, they check how your business is set up. The right entity type, a proper EIN, a dedicated business address, and a professional phone number all signal that you're serious about your business.

LLC or Corporation — not a sole proprietorship
EIN from the IRS (your business's Social Security number)
Dedicated business phone number and address
Professional business bank account

Learn the Full Process

Video Lessons

Learn by Watching

Curated educational videos from trusted experts to guide you through every stage of making your business fundable.

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8:42

What is Fundability?

Understand what fundability means and why it matters for your business beyond just credit scores.

12:15

6 Steps to Make Your Business Fundable

Learn the essential steps to make your business ready for higher approvals and better terms.

45:00

Small Business Funding 101

A beginner-friendly breakdown of the basics of small business funding and where to start.

Build Your Profile

Business Credit Is Your Ticket to Funding

Your personal credit score is important, but business credit is what separates funded businesses from denied ones. Learn how to build a strong business credit profile from scratch.

Get Your DUNS Number

Open Net 30 Accounts

Start with vendor credit accounts that report to business credit bureaus.

Monitor Your Scores

Track your Paydex, Intelliscore, and SBFE scores regularly.

View the Full Checklist

New: Grant Readiness

Is Your Business Grant Ready?

Grants are free money — but 85% of applications get rejected. Our interactive audit worksheets help you prepare your non-profit or for-profit business before you apply.

Non-Profit Grants

Audit your 501(c)(3) organization across 34 items covering legal status, governance, financials, programs, and registration.

Start Non-Profit Audit

For-Profit Grants

Audit your business across 43 items covering legal structure, identity, financials, business plan, registration, and credit.

Start For-Profit Audit

Explore Grant Readiness Center

Ready to Make Your Business Fundable?

Stop guessing and start building. Our step-by-step roadmap, video lessons, and interactive checklist will guide you from wherever you are to wherever you want to go.

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