Escaping the Small Business “Catch-22”
It’s the classic hurdle: you can’t get business credit without a credit history, but you can’t get a history without someone giving you credit first.
For many of our members, Office Ours is the first professional entity to extend them business credit. By taking on a lease with us, you are moving beyond personal expenses and establishing your company as a stand-alone entity that meets its obligations.
Keeping Your Business Separate From You
To maximize your business’s separate credit-building potential, ensure your business is registered as a legal entity (like an LLC or Corporation) and that your Office Ours lease is explicitly signed in the company name, not just your personal name. This small step is what transforms your monthly rent from a personal expense into a true commercial asset.
How We Help You Establish Your Credit Profile
We don’t just give you a lease; we provide the operational flexibility to ensure your tenancy works to your business’s advantage.
Payment Flexibility to Keep Payments Current
A consistent, clean payment history is the cornerstone of business credit. Because we know small business cash flow has its own natural rhythms, we offer a comprehensive suite of Flexible Payment Options and Rent Deferral Options. By giving you choices in how and when you manage your money, we help you keep your account completely current.
Professional Trade References
When you approach a new vendor for “Net-30” terms (paying for supplies or inventory 30 days after delivery), they will likely want evidence of your history paying off other partners. They do this by asking for a Trade Reference to find out if your company handles its obligations reliably.
- Our Commitment
For any member who has been with Office Ours for at least 6 months, we are happy to act as a professional Trade Reference. - The Benefit
We will complete one Trade Reference request per month to help you secure better terms with suppliers, software providers, and lenders. Having an established office provider verify your solid record is a major positive indicator for potential creditors.
Why Business Credit Matters
Building a credit profile that is completely separate from your personal social security number is a vital step toward truly scaling your operations.
Increased Borrowing Power
Better Vendor Terms
Protect Your Personal Borrowing Capacity
Step-by-Step: How to Use Us as a Reference
The 6-Month Milestone
Once you’ve been a consistent member for six months, you are eligible to use our Trade Reference program.
The Request
When a vendor asks for a trade reference, simply provide them with our community manager’s contact information or send their trade reference form directly to our office.
The Verification
Our team will take the time to provide an accurate payment history, giving your prospective creditors a clear, reliable reflection of your track record with us.
Ready to give your small business a stand-alone financial identity?
Join a local community that is genuinely invested in your company’s long-term resilience.
Contact our team today to discuss how our workspace options can help your small business grow its professional footprint.