Pre-Exit Credit Structure

Clean, Strengthen, and Separate Credit Before You Exit

Harvest prepares your company for acquisition or succession by restructuring business credit, removing personal guarantees, and eliminating compliance red flags.

Common Painpoints

Owner still personally tied to key financing

Credit structure too weak to transfer cleanly to buyer

Poor vendor or lender compliance signals

Unclear financial history or liabilities

Low valuation due to risk profile

Vision For Success

Create a transferable, credible, and high-value credit foundation

57%

57% of small business owners rely on personal credit cards for business purchases

— Nav, 2023

85%

85% of small businesses are unaware they even have a business credit score.

— Manta, 2022

2-5x

Businesses with strong commercial credit can qualify for 2–5x higher capital limits than those without

— Dun & Bradstreet, 2023

90%

On average, companies with three or more tradelines have 90% greater funding visibility

— Dun & Bradstreet, 2023

The Foundation of

Pre-Exit Credit Structure

Credit Restructure Strategy

Reorganize credit lines and obligations for post-exit continuity.

Personal Liability Mitigation

Remove or reduce personal guarantees on active accounts.

Lender-Facing Docs Audit

Ensure buyer-ready financials and underwriting packages.

Due Diligence Prep

Organize and validate the information required for acquisition reviews.

Financial Narrative for Exit

Develop a story that reflects strong governance, growth, and future viability.

Want More Information?

Take positive action towards measurable results within your business.

Click below and learn the next steps for building business credit with Harvest Solutions!

How It Works

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can we become eligible for fleet financing or capital?

In many cases, lenders look for 60–90 days of visible EIN-based activity, at least 3 vendor tradelines, and compliance alignment before extending non-PG credit or funding. We help accelerate this process by guiding every step.

What if we run multiple trucks under one company — does each unit need separate credit?

No. We help you structure one commercial credit profile at the entity level. This allows you to build centralized credit strength while allocating funding and credit cards by vehicle or department internally.

Will working with Harvest affect our DOT or FMCSA standing?

No. Our services don’t interfere with your compliance systems. However, we do ensure your business structure, EIN data, and UCC filings align across DOT records, credit bureaus, and funders to prevent red flags during underwriting.

Can you help if our business has taken out short-term or MCA loans?

Yes. One of our core services is cost-of-capital optimization. We work to consolidate or restructure high-interest debt and prepare your business to qualify for lower-cost, long-term financing aligned with lender expectations.

We already have a fuel card — why would we need business credit?

A fuel card tied to your SSN doesn’t help your business credit profile. Establishing EIN-based credit opens access to larger limits, better repayment terms, and builds credibility for future equipment or working capital loans.

How does business credit apply to a trucking or logistics company?

Business credit allows your company — not your personal credit — to secure fuel cards, equipment financing, and vendor terms. This separation protects your personal finances and makes your operation more attractive to lenders, brokers, and shippers.

What kind of credit can my logistics company get without a personal guarantee?

With proper structuring, your business may qualify for net-30 terms with fuel and maintenance vendors, fleet-specific credit cards, and even vehicle financing — all based on your EIN and commercial credit profile.

What’s the biggest mistake franchisees make with business credit?

Relying on personal credit or failing to separate finances. Without proper structuring, you remain personally liable for business obligations. We ensure your entity stands on its own and qualifies as a creditworthy business.

Can Harvest help with SBA loans or other government-backed financing?

Yes. We align your compliance, documentation, and fundability profile to meet the standards of SBA lenders and institutional partners, helping you avoid delays and increase approval likelihood.

How can Harvest help with multi-unit expansion?

We prepare your business to scale by building commercial credit, optimizing your capital structure, and presenting a stronger underwriting profile — all of which are crucial when applying for new locations or renegotiating leases.

Our franchise brand already offers funding options — why use Harvest?

Brand programs can be limited, competitive, or restrictive. Harvest ensures your entity is eligible with multiple lenders, giving you flexibility, leverage, and often better terms outside of brand-specific financing.

Will I need to change how I report my finances?

Possibly. Most businesses under $10M in revenue are not presenting their financials in a format lenders expect. While we do not directly alter your financial reporting or structure in any way, we may recommend best practices—like pro forma statements, lender-facing narratives, and underwriting-friendly documentation—to increase fundability and reduce perceived risk.

If we operate under a national brand, why do we need business credit?

Even if your franchise carries brand recognition, your business entity is evaluated independently when it comes to financing and credit. Building your own EIN-based credit profile strengthens your position with lenders, landlords, and suppliers.

What type of credit can franchisees qualify for?

Franchise operators can access vendor credit, business credit cards, equipment financing, and even term loans or credit lines, all under the business name. This allows you to preserve liquidity and maintain growth momentum.

Can franchisees get funding without using personal credit?

Yes — but only if your business is structured correctly. We help position your entity to qualify for credit and funding based on its own merit, reducing the need for personal guarantees or risking your personal credit score.

How does EIN-based credit benefit contractors with crews or trucks?

It lets you finance equipment, fuel, or uniforms through the business — preserving personal credit and enhancing your eligibility for larger projects, vendor relationships, and government contracts.

How long does it take to build credit as a contractor?

Most clients see credit file visibility and initial tradeline reporting within 30–60 days, with stronger lending eligibility typically following in 90–120 days, depending on compliance and credit activity.

Can this help us win larger contracts or RFPs?

Yes. Institutional clients often check for compliance and credit strength before awarding large contracts. A healthy commercial credit file signals stability and professionalism, giving you a competitive edge.

What if our company is small or family-owned — do we still qualify?

Absolutely. In fact, small service companies often benefit the most. As long as your entity is properly structured and compliant, we can help you establish a commercial credit profile and access real financing opportunities.

We already have equipment loans — how can Harvest help?

We can help restructure your existing debt, reduce your cost of capital, and optimize your credit position to qualify for better terms or access to additional lines when growth or renewal is on the table.

What kind of business credit can a service company qualify for?

With the right foundation, service businesses can qualify for vendor terms, business credit cards, equipment financing, and term loans — all based on the business’s EIN, not the owner’s personal credit.

Our clients pay net-30 or net-60 — how can business credit help?

Business credit gives you access to capital and vendor terms that help you float payroll, purchase materials, and bridge payment cycles. It’s essential for maintaining smooth operations while waiting on receivables.

What platforms does this apply to? (Amazon, Shopify, etc.)

Our strategies are platform-agnostic. Whether you operate on Amazon, Shopify, WooCommerce, Walmart Marketplace, or your own site, we focus on your entity — not the storefront — to position you for sustainable growth and funding access.

Can this help me prepare for peak sales seasons or supplier delays?

Absolutely. With established credit lines and vendor relationships, you're better equipped to frontload inventory, manage longer lead times, and maintain continuity during high-volume periods like Q4 or promotions.

What if my business is new or still scaling?

Early-stage companies can still begin building credit immediately. Even pre-revenue or newly formed entities can take strategic steps to become eligible for vendor accounts and starter credit tiers.

Why does an e-commerce business need business credit?

Inventory-based e-commerce companies often face cash flow gaps between purchasing inventory and realizing revenue. Business credit allows you to secure vendor terms, finance purchases, and reduce reliance on personal credit.

What kind of financing is available for inventory-based e-com?

E-commerce operators can access inventory financing, vendor trade lines, revolving business credit cards, and working capital loans, all based on the business's financial profile.

How quickly can we get financing using only the business credit file?

Most businesses see visible progress in 30–60 days, with lending eligibility improving between 90–120 days depending on the foundation, structure, and compliance of the entity.

Does my online business need a physical presence to build credit?

No physical storefront is required. As long as you have a properly structured entity, EIN, and basic compliance in place, we can help you establish and grow business credit — even as a 100% digital operation.

Can I qualify for credit even if I’ve been using personal cards?

Yes — in fact, transitioning from personal to EIN-based credit is a core part of our process. We help structure your entity and credit profile so your business qualifies on its own, without requiring personal guarantees.

Can this help us qualify for larger contracts or supplier deals?

Absolutely. Larger supply chain agreements often require proof of operational scale, financial structure, and risk mitigation. Strong business credit makes you a more trusted partner across the board.

What kind of loans or credit types are available to wholesalers?

Depending on your credit profile and revenue, you may qualify for revolving business credit, term loans, line-of-credit products, vendor-based purchasing programs, and more — all without tying up personal assets.

What if my vendors already give me terms — what’s the benefit?

Even if you have a few terms in place, building a full credit file opens up additional vendors, extended terms, better pricing, and lender relationships. It also improves your standing with funders and institutional partners.

Our growth is limited by how much inventory we can afford — can you help?

That’s one of the most common pain points we solve. By building a commercial credit profile, you gain access to capital sources designed for volume-based businesses, helping you scale purchasing without sacrificing liquidity.

Can I use business credit to purchase inventory from manufacturers?

Yes. With a properly structured credit file, your business can access trade lines, vendor terms, and inventory financing, often without requiring a personal guarantee.

Why does a distributor need business credit if clients already pay net terms?

Business credit gives you leverage with your own vendors, allowing you to stock inventory without tying up cash. It bridges the gap between purchasing goods and collecting receivables — improving margins and cash flow.

How does this affect our ability to take insurance or qualify for programs?

While credit building doesn't directly impact payer relationships, it supports financial compliance, vendor onboarding, and grant eligibility for government and institutional programs.

How quickly can we become lender-ready using only the EIN?

Most practices can begin showing credible business credit activity within 30–45 days, with lender visibility and fundability potential in 90–120 days, depending on entity structure and compliance status.

Is personal credit required for medical practice financing?

Not always — and our goal is to transition financing obligations away from the provider’s personal credit. We structure your entity to stand on its own, building credibility with lenders, bureaus, and vendors.

What types of practices benefit most from this?

We work with general and specialty medical practices, dental offices, physical therapy clinics, mental health providers, urgent care operators, group practices, and more — from solo practices to multi-location providers.

Will this help us with equipment leasing or upgrades?

Yes. Many healthcare practices use credit structuring to qualify for non-PG equipment leasing, technology financing, or expansion loans — all tied to the business, not the provider.

We already have revenue and a practice loan — do we still qualify?

Absolutely. Even if you’ve secured traditional financing, we help optimize your profile to reduce cost of capital, improve fundability, and remove personal liability where possible — all while strengthening your practice’s long-term financial position.

Why would a medical or dental practice need business credit?

Business credit allows practices to access capital, lease equipment, and finance expansion without tying personal credit to the business. It protects the provider's personal finances while improving access to institutional-grade funding.

What kind of services do you offer for multi-partner practices?

We help formalize the entity’s financial foundation so each partner is protected from shared liability, while giving the firm the ability to secure credit, build compliance systems, and prepare for institutional relationships.

Is this relevant for boutique or solo firms?

Absolutely. Whether you're a solo consultant or a 12-person practice, business credit separates your personal identity from your company’s obligations, opening the door to smarter financing, scalability, and risk management.

Will this help our firm become more attractive to clients or buyers?

Yes. Firms with structured finances and an established credit footprint signal maturity, preparedness, and operational discipline — all of which are favorable during audits, client evaluations, or M&A activity.

We’ve already secured a small business loan. What now?

Many firms begin with general financing, but we optimize your profile for institutional lending, cost reduction, and increased eligibility — reducing reliance on personal guarantees and improving terms over time.

How does this apply to firms that don’t carry inventory or hard assets?

Professional firms still incur major costs — payroll, licensing, software stacks, certifications, and client onboarding cycles. Structuring credit ensures these expenses can be absorbed through non-personally guaranteed facilities.

We’re a small partnership with good cash flow. Why pursue financing?

Healthy cash flow doesn’t mean you should self-fund growth. With structured credit, you gain access to strategic capital that doesn’t dilute ownership or strain reserves, preserving flexibility as you scale.

Why would a professional services firm need business credit?

While many firms operate on a retainer or hourly billing model, business credit unlocks access to capital for hiring, technology, compliance costs, and growth initiatives — all without tying financial obligations to a partner’s personal assets.

We’re already profitable. What would this do for us?

That’s a good start — but we specialize in removing personal guarantees, optimizing reporting, and expanding fundability with targeted bureaus and institutions that support growth-stage tech companies.

We have unpredictable cash flow. Can this help stabilize things?

Absolutely. Institutional partners and procurement officers look for financial stability, credit profiles, and fundability — even in software-driven businesses. We help you present as an established, scalable provider.

Does this apply to small, family-owned contracting businesses?

Yes. A firm with structured credit, no personal guarantees, and a clean financial profile commands higher valuations and better investor confidence, especially when seeking non-dilutive or strategic capital.

Will this help with bonding or insurance?

In some cases, yes. We assess your entity’s structure, positioning, and compliance to build lender visibility, potentially without needing early revenue — particularly important for firms preparing for seed or bridge funding. This is a unique case, therefore we reccomend booking a call with our team to discuss the details of your business and build an accurate set of expectations going forward.

What if we already have vendor accounts and trade credit?

Yes. Many certifications (SOC 2, ISO, etc.) require formalized systems for financial and vendor due diligence. Strong credit and compliance infrastructure improves your readiness for enterprise partnerships and procurement portals.

How does this affect our ability to win larger jobs?

Recurring revenue is powerful — but many lenders still require financial maturity and separation of credit risk. Structured business credit reduces cost of capital, increases valuation, and supports long-term growth.

Why should a construction business invest in building business credit?

Tech firms often scale rapidly and burn capital fast. Establishing business credit allows your company to access funding for hiring, infrastructure, and compliance without relying on the founders’ personal credit or assets.

We have unpredictable cash flow. Can this help stabilize things?

Absolutely. Structured access to credit allows you to bridge gaps between pay apps, cover material costs up front, and avoid high-interest alternatives like merchant cash advances.

Does this apply to small, family-owned contracting businesses?

Yes — and especially so. Many small firms keep everything under one name. We help you separate the business financially, reduce risk, and create a credit profile that grows with your operation.

We’re already profitable. What would this do for us?

Profitability is great — but institutional funders and government contracts look beyond the income statement. Our process helps you meet those expectations and prepares you for larger-scale opportunities.

Will this help with bonding or insurance?

Yes. A properly structured credit and compliance system often improves bonding capacity and lowers insurance premiums, as underwriters assess business structure, financial health, and operational risk.

What if we already have vendor accounts and trade credit?

That’s a great start. We help strategically optimize those accounts, align them with reporting bureaus, and build the kind of profile lenders and procurement teams look for — enhancing fundability and reputation.

Why should a construction business invest in building business credit?

Many construction businesses rely on personal guarantees for equipment loans, materials, or bonding. Establishing business credit separates your liability, opens better terms with suppliers, and increases financing capacity for projects.

How does this affect our ability to win larger jobs?

Larger commercial contracts often require proof of financial capability, bonding limits, and creditworthiness. With structured business credit and reporting in place, you can bid confidently without overextending your personal assets.

Will this aid in securing SBA or government-backed funding?

Yes. One of our core components evaluates your business for SBA, USDA, and other government-backed loan eligibility—and we guide you through the process of building a compliant application.

Do I need to have perfect credit to qualify for institutional funding?

Not necessarily. While stronger credit is advantageous, institutional lenders also evaluate your business’s financials, entity structure, compliance, and documentation. Many of our clients qualify after resolving key issues identified in our Fundability Audit.

How long does the institutional funding process take?

Depending on the lender and loan type, approvals can take anywhere from 7 to 60 days. We help reduce delays by preparing you in advance, ensuring your documentation and credit file meet institutional standards before you apply.

What kind of documentation will I need to prepare?

Most institutional lenders require formal financial statements, tax returns, entity formation docs, and compliance registrations. We assist in preparing a lender-facing package that includes all required materials.

How is institutional funding different from traditional small business loans?

Institutional funding often comes with more rigorous underwriting but offers better terms, longer repayment windows, and higher loan amounts. The process also typically requires more structured documentation and a stronger business credit profile.

Does this involve refinancing or consolidating my loans?

Not always. While loan consolidation is one tactic, our broader approach includes compliance corrections, profile enhancement, credit file optimization, and relationship prep—all of which can improve your capital terms whether you refinance or not.

What qualifies as “institutional funding”?

Institutional funding typically refers to capital provided by banks, credit unions, private lenders, government programs, and other regulated financial institutions—not informal sources or merchant cash advances.

Is this only relevant if I’m actively applying for a loan?

Not at all. In fact, preparing before you apply is what gives you leverage. Optimizing your cost of capital now allows you to access lower-cost funding in the future, without scrambling or accepting poor terms under pressure.

How long does it take to see results?

Some improvements—like credit file cleanup or ratio realignment—can show results within 30–60 days. More comprehensive optimizations (such as underwriting or consolidation strategy) may take 60–120 days to fully implement and reflect in lending outcomes.

What kind of businesses benefit the most from this solution?

Growth-stage and established businesses that are actively borrowing or plan to borrow in the next 6–18 months benefit most. If you’ve taken on high-interest loans or short-term credit to support growth, we can likely lower your borrowing cost.

Can my cost of capital really be reduced without refinancing everything?

Yes. Small changes—like updating your industry classification, correcting credit reporting issues, or restructuring debt ratios—can dramatically change how lenders evaluate your business. Sometimes, no new financing is required to reduce your effective cost of capital.

How do I know if I’m overpaying for credit or capital?

If you’re using personal guarantees, revolving high-interest credit cards, merchant cash advances, or experiencing rejections from traditional lenders, your cost of capital is likely higher than it needs to be. We assess your current instruments and structure to identify savings opportunities.

Can I remove myself from existing accounts that require a personal guarantee?

In some cases, yes—especially once the business credit file becomes robust enough. We advise on transitioning away from personal guarantees wherever possible, though some legacy accounts may remain tied.

Is this the same as credit repair?

No. We are not a credit repair company. Our services do not involve disputing tradelines or personal credit repair. Instead, we build an entirely separate credit profile for your business.

What does “cost of capital” actually mean for my business?

Your cost of capital refers to the price you pay to access money—typically in the form of interest rates, fees, or equity dilution. If you're paying 15% interest on a working capital loan, that’s part of your cost of capital. Optimizing it means reducing those expenses by improving how funders assess your business.

What bureaus track my business credit?

The main commercial credit bureaus include Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Commercial. Each tracks business activity differently, and we ensure your business is positioned correctly across all three.

What is E.I.N.-based credit, and how is it different from personal credit?

E.I.N.-based credit is credit built under your business’s Employer Identification Number (E.I.N.), rather than your Social Security Number. Unlike personal credit, it allows your company to build its own financial identity, separate from yours as the owner, reducing personal liability and enabling independent access to funding.

How long does it take to build business credit?

Meaningful progress typically takes 30–90 days, depending on how many accounts are opened and how quickly they begin reporting. Harvest provides a structured roadmap to accelerate this process responsibly.

Can I build business credit if my personal credit is poor?

Yes. While some lenders may review both personal and business credit, our approach focuses on no-personal-guarantee accounts and vendor strategies that do not rely on your personal credit score.

Why is business credit important if I already qualify for funding personally?

Relying on personal guarantees limits your leverage and increases risk. Business credit enables your company to qualify for higher-limit accounts, better rates, and vendor relationships—without tying every transaction to your personal name and credit profile.

Does my business already have a credit score?

Most businesses do not have a formal credit file unless proactive steps are taken to register with commercial bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, or Equifax Commercial. If you're not sure, we can check and confirm.

What is the Harvest Solutions Payment & Fulfillment policy?

Due to the sensitive nature of the content made available to Harvest clients, we do not offer refunds/cancellations for those who have already gained access to our software & resources. Refunds do remain available for any services canceled within 14 days of purchase, provided no access to the Harvest platform or resources have been rendered. Requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to support@harvest-solutions.io and will be processed within 7-10 business days upon approval.As a service-based business, no physical products are shipped. All services, including software access, consultations and lender connections, are delivered virtually via email, online meetings, or our platform at www.harvest-solutions.io. New customers will receive confirmation of service initiation within 1 business day of completing their purchase. Since we provide services rather than physical goods, returns do not apply. However, if you believe there was an error in the service provided, please contact us at support@harvest-solutions.io to discuss potential resolutions. While refunds are not available after gaining access to our software and resources, clients may still terminate their service agreement at any time by contacting us at support@harvest-solutions.io. Cancellations will results in all customer data being removed from Harvests software and platform. For one-time services, cancellations are only available to the point that the service has been initiated or delivered. If you have any questions or concerns about these policies, please reach out to us at support@harvest-solutions.io.

How long does it take to see results?

Early results, such as bureau registration and tradeline reporting, typically appear within 30–90 days. Full credit structuring, capital optimization, and fundability positioning vary based on your starting point and goals.

What does “EIN-based credit” mean?

EIN-based credit refers to building a commercial credit profile tied to your business’s Employer Identification Number, not your personal Social Security Number. This enables the business to qualify for financing independently—minimizing personal liability.

Is there an application process?

Yes. All clients must verify their eligibility before enrollment. The process begins with a Fundability Scan, which allows us to assess your current credit posture and identify any barriers to capital access.

Do we need to change our accounting software or systems?

No — but we do evaluate how your financials are structured and presented. We’ll guide you on presenting institutional-grade reports using whatever system you currently use (QuickBooks, NetSuite, etc.).

What makes Harvest different from other business credit providers?

Most credit providers stop at tradelines. We go further—establishing reporting infrastructure, funding readiness systems, financial documentation alignment, and underwriting visibility. Our solutions create long-term institutional trust, not just short-term score changes.

What types of businesses benefit most from Harvest?

We serve companies in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, construction, professional services, and franchise operations. Businesses with high growth ambitions or complex capital needs benefit most from our structural approach.

Will Harvest help me get a business loan?

We are not a loan broker and do not sell capital products. Instead, we position your business to qualify for the types of funding it already needs—on better terms, with reduced friction, and ideally without a personal guarantee. With that being said, we do have solutions for businesses who may be in need of up front funding. We recommend booking a call with our team to explore what opportunities may exist.

Do I need good personal credit to work with Harvest?

Not necessarily. Many of our clients engage us to reduce or eliminate personal credit dependency. While some early-stage lenders may still reference personal credit, our programs are designed to shift creditworthiness from the individual to the entity over time.

Is Harvest a credit repair company?

No. Harvest is not a credit repair company. While clients may see improvements in business credit over time, our focus is on long-term structural preparation, fundability alignment, and institutional credibility—not credit repair.

Who is eligible to work with Harvest?

We work with established U.S.-based businesses generating at least $1M in annual revenue, with a primary focus on companies between $5M and $15M. Clients must meet eligibility requirements related to business structure, documentation, and operational maturity in order to enroll.

What does Harvest Business Solutions do?

We help businesses establish independent, EIN-based credit profiles that reduce personal liability, lower the cost of capital, and open the door to institutional-grade funding opportunities. Our services are designed to prepare companies for lender visibility, procurement access, and long-term scalability—without relying on the owner's personal credit.

Will This Improve our valuation or exit position?

Absolutely. A business with clean credit, independent financials, and no personal guarantees is more attractive to buyers, investors, and banks — increasing your leverage in any exit or capital raise.

We've been operating for years - do we still qualify?

Yes. Many established manufacturers never formally entered the business credit ecosystem. We help you audit and upgrade your structure, ensuring you’re aligned with today’s lender and partner requirements.

How does this help with material and supplier terms?

A mature credit profile gives you leverage to negotiate longer terms, larger lines, and priority status with key vendors — improving margins and working capital cycles.

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