Building Credit Relationship and Opportunities for Small Businesses

When Alexia Lewis, owner of the creative production company Krafted LA, first learned about The Center by Lendistry’s Credit Relationship Builder Program, she saw a chance to overcome a challenge she had faced for years: building business credit. “Building business credit has been a major hurdle for me,” she explained. “This program was a chance to finally get my foot in the door.”

With the program’s $2,500 grant and personalized financial guidance, Alexia was able to open an interest-earning Certificate of Deposit (CD), providing her with an asset that boosts her creditworthiness. “Having that asset makes me feel more secure. It’s a step toward making the financial moves I need to grow.”

Alexia’s story is just one example of how the Credit Relationship Builder Program helps small businesses take control of their financial futures. Launched in partnership with City National Bank, the program addresses a common challenge many entrepreneurs face: building strong business credit relationship. Credit is more than just a score—it’s the key to securing loans, negotiating better terms, and unlocking growth opportunities. But for many small businesses, especially those in underserved communities, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.

“We are so proud to partner with City National Bank to provide this opportunity to small businesses,” said Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, President & CEO of The Center.

Besides the $2,500 grant to open an interest-earning CD, the Credit Relationship Builder Program also offered access to a no annual fee business credit card, and dedicated support from financial advisors. With these tools, small business owners can build credit relationship while developing healthy financial habits.

For Theo Swerissen, owner of a local talent management agency, the decision to join the program was about opening new doors. “I wanted to build a credit score for my business. The grant was a great incentive to get started,” he said. Beyond the credit-building tools, Theo values the opportunity to establish a relationship with City National Bank, something that once felt out of reach. The program’s support has given him a small budget for working expenses, helping him manage day-to-day operations more effectively.

The Credit Relationship Builder Program supported 127 small businesses across Southern California, dedicating 200 hours of guidance to entrepreneurs. Most participants—85%—come from low-to-moderate income (LMI) communities, and 80% lead businesses with annual revenues under $250,000.

But behind these statistics are stories of resilience and hope. Entrepreneurs like Alexia and Theo aren’t just improving their credit—they’re laying the groundwork for long-term stability and growth. Strong business credit means more than access to capital; it means confidence, opportunity, and the ability to dream bigger.