Is This Program Right For You?
You’re a business owner who needs financing, but credit challenges are standing in your way. You’re ready to commit to improving your situation.
This program is for business owners who:
- Need financing, but credit is standing in the way
- Want structured support over the next 12 months
- Are ready to meet monthly and take action
How it Works: Three Phases
Phase 1: Foundation
Phase 2: Building
Phase 3: Strengthening
Your Commitment
- Monthly meetings (30-60 minutes) to review progress and plan next steps. For complex situations, we may meet twice monthly for the first 90 days.
- Between-meeting work on action items we agree on together: disputing errors, making payments, adjusting habits.
- Brief progress reports before each meeting (10-15 minutes to complete).
- Timeline: Most clients need 6-12 months. Some take longer. We'll be honest about realistic timelines from the start.
What to Expect
SBDC will |
| Educate you about credit and what affects your score |
| Guide you with a customized action plan |
| Support you when obstacles arise |
| Connect you with needed resources |
| Celebrate your progress |
SBDC will not |
| Guarantee specific score increases (nobody can) |
| Remove accurate negative information (not possible) |
| Make decisions for you (you’re in control) |
Our program follows the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors (NACCC) ethical standards. Your best interests always come first.
Realistic Timelines
There are no quick fixes. Small consistent actions add up to big results.
The Process: Seven Steps
- Step 1: Your Alaska SBDC business advisor introduces the program and determines fit.
- Step 2: Complete pre-meeting homework (pull credit reports, list debts, read materials: about 30-45 minutes total).
- Step 3: First meeting (90 min): Review credit reports, understand goals, identify priorities.
- Step 4: Your Credit Counselor will create your custom plan within one week.
- Step 5: Plan review meeting (60 min): Review plan together, make adjustments, start first actions.
- Step 6: Monthly check-ins to track progress and solve problems.
- Step 7: Loan-ready! Connect back with your Alaska SBDC business advisor for financing support.
Common Questions
No. The work we do together is designed to improve it.
We'll reach out to reschedule. After three consecutive misses, you'll exit the program (but can re-enroll when ready).
Not necessarily. We'll create a realistic plan based on your situation.
There's no "too bad." We start where you are and build from there.
Some situations take longer. We'll discuss options including self-directed work with periodic check-ins.