Funding Relationships: What To Look For

Navigating financial partnerships, investments, and agreements is a regular part of being a small business owner; however, navigating these relationships well and finding partners you can trust can be challenging.

In this article, we will cover what to look for when seeking trustworthy capital providers for your business. 


Excellent communication
“Effective teamwork begins and ends with good communication.” —Mike Krzyzewski

Communication is key to success in any venture, but especially in business. From the first point of contact with a company, you should evaluate their communication.

• Did you leave the conversation feeling clear about what was discussed?
• Were you able to ask questions and get satisfactory answers?
• Did you feel heard?
• Did they follow up quickly after your initial meeting?

First impressions are important, a company that puts forth the effort to make a positive first impression is more likely to put that same effort into a business relationship. Since 1993, Prairie Business Credit has served as both a trusted financial resource and consultant to entrepreneurs, building strong relationships and focusing on helping each business succeed. 


A good reputation with their customers
“Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow.” —Abraham Lincoln


Businesses with strong character cast a long shadow. When looking for a company to partner with, look for one that has an excellent reputation with their customers and is known for:

• Being honest and fair.
• Maintaining positive relationships.
• Showing an active interest in helping their customers grow and succeed.
• Understanding their customers’ unique needs and goals.

From its Chicago base, Prairie Business Credit has served clients from coast to coast with the funding and advice they need to stabilize, succeed, and grow.


Attention to detail
“It’s attention to detail that makes the difference between average and stunning.” —Francis Atterbury


Small business owners know that the secret to success and happy customers is to pay attention to the details. You spend hours of your life making sure the details of your business represent your passion for your work and the high quality you strive for. You want the same quality in a financial partnership. Look for someone who:

• Will take the time to understand your industry and customers.
• Always treat your customers with the same respect and excellence you do.
• Is focused on helping you reach your business goals. 

Prairie Business Credit is a privately run company, which means we are able to give you personal attention, unlike other large financial institutions. In our decades of business, we have helped over 70 percent of our clients progress to bank or self-financing.
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You put your heart, soul, and dreams into your business. When looking for financing options, look for a company with the same values in good communication, quality reputation, and attention to detail that you have.

At Prairie Business Credit, we strive to put our customers first and help them reach their goals, and our customers are enjoying the results. 

Hear from our customers:

Boyd Miller, Wisconsin Thermoset Plastic, ​Milwaukee, WI, shared that his company faced a massive drop in sales and was unable to get help from the bank, which directed him to Prairie Business Credit. Miller said, “Prairie Business Credit helped us with capital for operations and they brought discipline to our invoicing, so collections went more smoothly. In 24 months, we were back on our feet. We’re on top of receivables and control our cash better. Prairie Business Credit are good people, honest, smart, and straightforward—they kept our doors open."

Joe Krippelz, Jake’s Inc. Precision Machining and Rebuilding, Aurora, IL, said that after the economic downturn, their bank relationship changed—they needed cash to meet their customers’ needs. He said, “We looked at a lot of lenders. Prairie Business Credit understood manufacturing and they understood our needs. They came up with flexible solutions that helped us with cash flow so we could take orders, even months out. We didn’t lose orders and they helped us manage receivables, so we stayed on top of past-due accounts. Prairie Business Credit supported us until we could get an SBA loan with a bank."

Looking for a trusted capital provider for your small business? We can help. Prairie Business Credit is a national working capital provider to young, growing, or recovering businesses. We offer accounts receivable financing, purchase order financing, and equipment financing. Our company serves both as a trusted financial resource and consultant to entrepreneurs dedicated to building their businesses and ensuring their success.