steps in starting a new business - louisville free public ... · start right how sba can help your...
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Steps in starting a new business The Kentucky Small Business Development Center of Louisville is a consortium consisting of the Louisville Metro Department for Growth and Innovation, the Kentucky SBDC network, and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Louisville SBDC 614 West Main Street, Suite 6000 Louisville, KY 40202 Phone: 502-625-0123 www.ksbdc.org/louisville
1. Consult with a licensed Kentucky attorney, a CPA, and/or an SBDC consultant to discuss your options and to
determine your needs. 2. Select a business name and choose an operating legal entity (Sole Proprietor, Partnership, Corporation, LLC). 3. Register your business with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
Secretary of State 700 Capital Avenue, Ste. 152 Frankfort, KY 40601 502.564.2848 (One Stop Business Licensing) 502.564.5687 (fax) www.sos.ky.gov
If you incorporate you must submit Articles of Incorporation.
If you are an LLC or LLP, you must submit Articles of Organization.
Forms can be downloaded and printed from Secretary of State’s web page: http://sos.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx. Filing Fee = $50.00
The Kentucky Economic Development Guide: http://businessclimate.com/kentucky-economic-development/magazine 4. Secure a license/certificate of occupancy. Jefferson County listed below. Similar in other counties in KY.
a. Secure permits for any remodeling or new construction. b. Secure sign permits for any exterior signage.
Jefferson County Code Enforcement Office 531 Court Place, Suite 301 Louisville, Kentucky, 40202-3391
502.574.5000 5. Obtain a federal employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS form SS-4.
To request an SS-4 call: (800) 829.4933 or fax: (859) 669.5760 (Cincinnati Office)
Detailed information on the electronic SS-4 at http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html and http://www.irs.gov/uac/Form-SS-4,-Application-for-Employer-Identification-Number-(EIN). To complete the form visit this page: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf
The IRS also has a district office in Louisville: Ron Mazzoli Federal Building 600 Martin Luther King Jr. Place Louisville, KY 40201
6. Obtain city and county occupational/business licenses. If in Jefferson County contact:
Louisville Metro Revenue Commission 617 West Jefferson Street Louisville, KY 40202 502.574.4860 www.metrorevenue.org
Application form can be downloaded from web site at http://www.louisvilleky.gov/Revenue/forms.htm
Registration online is accessible at https://www.metrorevenueservices.org/Registration/
Check with County Clerk if outside of Jefferson County for any local business taxes or licenses. Name Registration if in Louisville/Jefferson County:
Jefferson County Clerk: 527 W. Jefferson Louisville, KY 40202 502.574.4900 http://www.jeffersoncountyclerk.org/
Cost is $15.00 in Jefferson County
Name should be registered in each county business is conducted. Call the applicable county clerk’s office for registration and other requirements.
Check for any additional occupational / business taxes for micro-governments (St. Mathews, Shively, Jeffersontown, etc…)
The Economic Growth and Innovation Department enhances the "Louisville" quality of life by encouraging quality development and supporting new and expanding businesses. They interact with developers, residents, businesses, attorneys, and other governmental agencies and utility companies in the approval process. 444 S. 5
th Street, Suite 600
Louisville, KY 40202 502.574.4140 http://www.louisvilleky.gov/economicdevelopment
7. Register with the Kentucky Department of Revenue (form 11A100 or 10A101): a. If you must collect sales or use tax. b. Any business with employees. c. Any business entity other than a sole proprietorship that doesn’t collect sales or use tax or have employees.
Kentucky Revenue Cabinet Kentucky Revenue Cabinet Louisville Branch 200 Fair Oaks Lane 502.595.4512 Frankfort, KY 40620 http://revenue.ky.gov/contact.htm
Forms can be downloaded and printed from the KY Revenue Cabinet homepage at www.revenue.ky.gov, then click on Tax Forms or Business in the left margin.
8. If you have employees, do the following: a. Register with the Kentucky Department of Employment and Training at www.oet.ky.gov. Choose
“Unemployment Insurance” then “Employer Account Registration”. This is to register with the state unemployment insurance (required for businesses with employees).
b. Purchase workers’ compensation insurance from an independent insurance agent. c. Report the name and social security number (SSN) of each new hire to the Kentucky New Hire Reporting Center,
1-800-817-2262.
9. Check with the KY Business Information Clearinghouse at 1.800.626.2250 and your local city and county clerks to determine if any special licenses are required for your business. A great resource is the “One Stop Business Portal” for licensing, permits, registration, insurance, etc. at http://onestop.ky.gov/start/Pages/default.aspx.
10. Establish a business checking account. You will need your State and Federal numbers to do this. Consider a business savings account.
11. Secure liability insurance and other coverage appropriate for your business.
Start Right How SBA Can Help Your Business Survive and Grow
“How To” Festival Louisville Free Public Library
May 10, 2014
American Proverb
“The Best Things in Life Are Free”
……and so are SBA services
SBA Mission
The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow small businesses in the U.S.
Started in 1953
Network of offices & partnerships
Public and private organizations
SBA Programs
Capital
Loan guaranty programs
Contracts, Exporting and Grants
More opportunities for small business
Counseling
Free resources to help small business
Ready or Not…….
As the business owner, you must manage:
Revenue (marketing and sales)
Expenses (budgeting and finances)
Teambuilding (recruit and retention)
Professional development (training & succession)
Small Business Needs
Honest self-assessment (introspective)
Take charge person (leadership)
Support from family & friends (empathy)
Wear many different hats (flexibility)
Work 60+ hours weekly (commitment)
A detailed written plan (preparation)
Step 1 – Acid Test
Are you really committed?
Have you done homework?
Market research
Public / University library
Business associations
Publications / Journals
Competition
Step 2 – Your Team
Passion for the business
Loyalty to the business
Honesty and openness
Versatility
Connected to the community
Flexibility
Step 3 – Your Vision
How are you different?
Missions, Vision and Value Statements
Where do you want to be?
Develop a 3 – 5 year horizon
Step 4 – Legal Structure
5 common legal entities in Kentucky
Sole proprietorship
Partnership
S-Corp
C-Corp
Limited Liability Co. (LLC)
Step 5 – Regulatory / Licensing
Federal
www.irs.gov
State
www.thinkkentucky.com
Local (city and “local-local”)
http://onestop.ky.gov/start/Pages/localrequirements.aspx
Step 6 – Advisory Board
Attorney
Accountant/CPA
Lender (bank or credit union)
Insurance broker
Marketing expert (social media)
Industry mentor
Step 7 – Business Plan
Executive summary
Overview
Marketing plan
Operations/Logistics
Your team
Financial plan
Appendix
Step 8 – The Money
Character
Capacity
Capital
Collateral
Conditions
Financing Options
Lines of credit
Commercial loans
SBA loan guaranty programs
Investors
Credit cards
SBA Loan Guaranty Programs
7(a) program
Working capital, inventory, land, building, equipment, etc.
504 program
Land, buildings, durable equipment
Microloan program
Loans up to $50,000
Small Business Counseling
Free, confidential, one-on-one
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
SCORE
Women’s Business Center of KY
Veterans’ Initiative: www.kyvetbiz.com
Louisville SBDC
SCORE – Louisville
Women’s Business Center of KY
KyVetBiz.com
Words of Advice
Use these free resources
Have a plan….and follow it
Surround yourself with experts
Learn about budgets
Build and maintain a good team
Stay informed
SBA Counseling Programs
Small Business Development Center 614 West Main Street, Louisville, KY; (502) 625-0123
http://ksbdc.org/louisville
SCORE - Louisville 600 Dr. M.L. King, Jr. Place, Room 188; (502) 582-5976
http://louisville.score.org
Women’s Business Center of KY 811 S. 2nd Street, Louisville, KY; (502) 992 – 9495
www.wbcky.org
Questions?
How Can SBA Help You?
Thank You!
Michael Ashcraft
(502) 582-5971 Ext. 225
Program
Maximum Loan
Amount
Percent of Guaranty
Use of Proceeds
Maturity
Maximum Interest Rates
Guaranty Fees
Who Qualifies
Benefits to Borrowers
7(a) Loans
Standard 7(a): SBA approved Preferred Lender Pro-gram (PLP): Lender approved Loans $350,000 or less are processed using the
Small Loan Advantage (SLA) model referenced in SOP 50 10 5 F. SLA as a program expired 12/31/2013.
$5 million gross
85% Guaranty for loans of $150,000 or less;
75% Guaranty for loans greater than $150,000 ($3.75 million maximum Guaranty to any one entity)
Term Loan. Expansion/renovation; new construc-tion, purchase land or buildings; purchase equip-ment, fixtures, lease-hold improvements; working capital; refinance debt for compelling rea-sons; seasonal line of credit, inventory
Depends on ability to repay and the Use of Proceeds.
Generally, working capital & machinery & equipment (not to exceed life of equipment) is 5-10 years; real estate is 25 years.
Loans less than 7 years: $0 - $25,000 Prime + 4.25% $25,001 - $50,000 P + 3.25% Over $50,000 Prime + 2.25% Loans 7 years or longer: 0 - $25,000 Prime + 4.75% $25,001 - $50,000 P + 3.75% Over $50,000 Prime + 2.75%
Up-front fee charged on Guaranty portion of loan only
Maturity: 1 year or less 0.25% Guaranty fee on loans over $150,000;
Over 1 year: $150,000 gross amount or less = 0% for FY2014;
$150,001 - $700,000 = 3.0%;
Over $700,000 = 3.5%;
3.75% on Guaranty portion over $1 million.
Ongoing Servicing Fee of 0.52%.
Must be a for profit business & meet SBA size standards;
Show good character, credit, management, and ability to repay.
Must be an eligible type of business.
Prepayment penalty for loans with maturities of 15 years or more if prepaid during first 3 years. (5% year 1, 3% year 2 and 1% year 3)
Long-term financing
Improved cash flow
Fixed maturity
No balloon Notes
No prepayment penalty for loans with original maturity under 15 years.
SBAExpress
Lender approved under delegated authority
$350,000
50% Guaranty May be used for a term loan (same as 7a) or for Revolving Lines of Credit
Same as 7(a)
Up to 7 years for Revolving Lines of Credit including term out period.
Loans $50,000 or less = Prime + 6.5%;
Loans over $50,000 = Prime + 4.5%
Same as 7(a) Same as 7(a) Fast turnaround
Streamlined process
Easy-to-use Line Of Credit
SBA Veterans Advantage
Only processed under the SBAExpress delegated authority
01/01/14 - 09/30/14
$350,000 50%
Same as SBAExpress
Same as SBAExpress Same as SBAExpress Same as SBAExpress
Up-front Guaranty Fee = 0% on loans up to $350,000 for FY2014
Ongoing Servicing Fee of 0.52% applies to loans $150,001—$350,000
Same as 7(a). In addition, the applicant must be: veteran, active-duty military in the Tran-sition Assistance Program (TAP), Reservist or National Guard member or a spouse or widowed spouse of a veteran who died during service, or a service connected disability.
No up-front Guaranty Fee for FY2014
Fast turnaround;
Streamlined process;
Easy-to-use Line Of Credit
CapLines:
1. Working Capital; 2. Contract ; 3. Seasonal; and 4. Builders CAPLines SBA approved
$5 million
Same as 7(a) .
Finance seasonal and/or short term working capital needs; cost to perform; construction costs; advances against existing inventory and receivables; consolidation of short-term debts. May be revolving.
Up to 10 years, except Builder’s CAPLine, which is 5 years
Same as 7(a) Same as 7(a) Same as 7(a), plus all lenders must execute Form 750 & 750B (short term loans)
1. Working Capital -Revolving Line of Credit (LOC)
2. Contract - can finance all costs (excluding profit).
3. Seasonal - Seasonal work-ing capital needs.
4. Builder - Finances direct costs with building a commer-cial or residential structure
Community Advantage
Mission focused lenders only
$250,000 Same as 7(a) Same as 7(a) Same as 7(a) Prime plus 4% Same as 7(a) Same as 7(a) Same as Standard 7(a) plus lenders must be CDFIs, CDCs or micro-lender targeting underserved market
U.S. Small Business Administration 600 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Pl, Room 188 Louisville, KY 40202
Kentucky District Office (502) 582-5971 www.sba.gov/ky
Information current as of January 1, 2014
SBA Programs and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.
See the SOP 50 10 5 (F) for the most up to date detailed information
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Program
Maximum Loan
Amount
Percent of Guaranty
Use of Proceeds
Maturity
Maximum Interest Rates
Guaranty Fees
Who Qualifies
Benefits to Borrowers
International Trade
SBA approved
$5 million 90% guaranty (up to $4.5 million maximum guaranty) (Up to $4 million maximum guaranty for working capital )
Term loan for permanent working capital, equip-ment, facilities, land and buildings and debt re-finance related to interna-tional trade
Up to 25 years. Same as 7(a) Same as 7(a)
Same as 7(a), plus engaged/ preparing to engage in international trade/adversely affected by competition from imports.
Long term financing to allow small business to compete more effectively in the interna-tional marketplace
Export Working Capital Program
SBA approved
$5 million 90% guaranty (up to $4.5 million maximum guaranty)
Short-term, working-capital loans for exporters. May be transaction based or asset-based. Can also support standby letters of credit
Generally one year or less, may go up to 3 years
No SBA maximum interest rate cap, but SBA monitors for reasonableness
Same as 7(a) Same as 7(a), plus need short-term working capital for export-ing.
Additional working capital to increase Export sales without disrupting domestic financing and business plan
Export Express Lender approved under delegated authority
$500,000 90% guaranty for loans of $350,000 or less;
75% guaranty for loans greater than $350,000
Same as SBAExpress plus standby letters of credit
Same as SBAExpress Same as SBAExpress
Same as 7(a) Applicant must demonstrate that loan will enable them to enter a new, or expand in an existing export market. Business must have been in operation for at least 12 months (though not necessarily in exporting).
Fast turnaround
Streamlined process
Easy-to-use line of credit
504 Loans
Provided through Certified Development Companies (CDCs) which are licensed by SBA
504 CDC maxi-mum amount ranges from $5 million to $5.5 million, depending on type of business.
Project costs financed as follows: CDC: up to 40% Non-guaranteed financing: Lender: 50% Equity: 10% plus additional 5% if new business and/or 5% if special use property.
Long-term, fixed-asset loans; Lender (non-guaranteed) financing secured by first lien on project assets. CDC loan provided from SBA 100% guaranteed debenture sold to investors at fixed rate secured by 2nd lien.
CDC Loan: 10- or 20-year term fixed interest rate. Lender Loan:(unguaranteed) financing may have a shorter term. May be fixed or adjustable interest rate
Fixed rate on 504 Loan established when debenture backing loan is sold. Declining prepayment penalty for 1/2 of term.
.5% fee on lender share, plus CDC may charge up to 1.5% on their share. CDC charges a mthly servicing fee of 0.625%-1.5% on unpaid balance Ongoing guaranty fee (FY 2012) is 0.9375% of principal outstanding. Ongoing fee % does not change during term.
Alternative Size Standard: For-profit businesses that do not exceed $15 million in tangible net worth, and do not have an average two full fiscal year net income over $5 million. Owner Occupied 51% for existing or 60% for new con-struction.
Low down payment - equity(10%-20%) (The equity contribution may be borrowed)
Fees can be financed;
SBA Portion: Long-term fixed rate Full amortization No balloons
Non-7(a) Loans - SBA Microloans
Loans through nonprofit lending organizations; technical assistance also provided.
$50,000
Not applicable Purchase machinery & equipment, fixtures, leasehold improvements; finance increased receivables; working capital. Cannot be used to repay existing debt.
Shortest term possible, not to exceed 6 years
Negotiable with intermediary. Subject to either 7.75 or 8.5% above intermediary cost of funds.
No Guaranty Fee Same as 7(a) Direct loans from nonprofit intermediary lenders;
Fixed-rate financing;
Very small loan amounts;
Technical assistance available
U.S. Small Business Administration 600 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Pl, Room 188 Louisville, KY 40202
SBA Answer Desk 1-800-827-5722 www.sba.gov
Developed by Kentucky District Office
(502) 582-5971
January 1, 2014
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Sample Business Plan Outline
The business plan describes the idea of a company’s past, current and future operations. The business plan can be a request for an
investment or loan. The most important function of a business plan is to communicate the company’s goals and the experience of the management team, and the business plan is used to guide the company.
1. Cover Page
Use a cover page that includes the name and address of the business and the principals. Include a company logo if available. 2. Executive Summary
Write a summary of business plans. How will you start and what are your plans for the future?
What is your legal structure? Sole proprietorship, Partnership, or Corporation
Where will the business be operated? Home-based or retail location?
3. Business/Company Description
Describe the business including details about your product or service. How will you market your product or service? Describe the manufacturing process? (If appropriate) Number of employees required, and what are their responsibilities? Describe your geographic location. Who are the owners and what is their experience?
4. Target Market
Explain the need for your product or service. Describe your target clients in detail.
Age, income, and location Describe their buying habits. Describe your direct and indirect competition.
What do they do well? What do they do poorly?
Explain the niche you will fill. Explain how you will be different.
5. Marketing Plan
Explain how you will reach your target market. How will you get them to buy your product or service? Explain your advertising plan with budget & one-year calendar of ad placement. Explain your client follow-up procedures.
6. Operational Plan
Explain the day-to-day operations of your business. Who does what & when? Explain employee duties. What are the hours of operation? How & when will you use professional services such as accountants and lawyers?
7. Financial Plan
Explain your need for and use of loan proceeds. Include an equipment list. Include a cash flow projection covering the term of requested loan. Explain how income projections were determined. Explain employee salaries and owner’s draw. Explain mark-up and profit. Explain owner’s equity and collateral.
8. Supporting Documents
Includes resumes of all owners, copies of licenses, permits & leases, personal & business tax returns, and samples of advertising pieces, such as flyers or ads.
SBA Resources to Fit Your Needs
No matter where you are on the road of small business ownership, you’re
only a phone call or a computer click away from the U.S. Small Business
Administration and the help it can provide.
The SBA offers programs and services for start-ups, established or
growing enterprises, lenders, and for homeowners, renters, non-profit
organizations and businesses of all sizes in times of a declared disaster.
As Your Small Business Resource, the SBA can connect you with a
network of services to fit your needs. The SBA also actively voices small
business concerns with Congress and federal agencies about government
regulations, taxes, health care and more.
Click on our Web site or call our number for details. Here’s how the SBA
and its partners can help you.
Starting Your Business
Develop a business plan
Complete loan applications
Ask about target programs for women, veterans, Native Americans,
and socially and economically disadvantaged citizens
Financing Your Business:
Detailed information about an SBA 7(a) loan guaranty of up to
$5 million for working capital, real estate or fixed assets
Surety bond guaranties of up to $6.5 million for eligible small
contractors
Export marketing guidance and trade finance assistance
Growing Your Business:
Direct access to more than 40 online business universities and
colleges
One-to-one and online counseling from SBA partners such as the
SBDC, SCORE and the Women’s Business Center
Management and technical assistance available at 17 SBDC and 11
SCORE offices located throughout Kentucky
Contracting Opportunities:
The Small Disadvantaged Business Certification Program, which
certifies small disadvantaged businesses eligible for federal contracts
Establishment of federal contract award preferences for businesses
located in historically underutilized business zones (HUBZones)
Qualification for higher SBA-guaranteed surety bonds on construction
and service contract bids for eligible HUBZone-certified businesses
Kentucky District Office Mazzoli Federal Building 600 Dr. M.L. King Jr. Pl. Room 188 Louisville, KY 40202 502-582-5971 www.sba.gov Your Small Business Resource
Every day, the U.S. Small Business Administration and its nationwide network of partners help millions of potential and current small business owners start,
grow and succeed.
Resources and programs targeting small businesses provide an advantage necessary to help small businesses effectively compete in the market-place and strengthen the
overall U.S. economy.
SBA offers help in the
following areas:
Starting a Business
Financing a Business
Growing a Business
Opportunities in
Contracting
Recovering From
Disaster
A Voice for Small Business in
Government
Visit SBA online at www.sba.gov for 24/7 access to small business news, infor-mation and training for entrepreneurs.
All SBA programs and services are
provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.
Recovering From Disaster:
When the President or SBA Administrator declares a disaster, homeowners, renters and
businesses of all sizes may apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans.
Real Property Loans
Loans up to $200,000 for homeowners to repair or restore a home to its previous condition
Personal Property Loans
Up to $40,000 for homeowners and renters to repair or replace personal property such as
clothing, furniture or automobiles lost in the disaster
Loans for Businesses
Physical Disaster Loans – For non-farm businesses of any size and non-profit
organizations. SBA makes loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged property,
inventory and equipment.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans – Small businesses or agricultural cooperatives may be
eligible for SBA assistance if they have suffered substantial economic injury in a declared
disaster area, regardless of physical damage.
Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loans – Loans of up to $2 million can help
small businesses sustain operations when an essential employee or owner is called to active
duty as a military reservist.
Your Voice in Government:
SBA’s Office of Advocacy serves as principal resource for small business statistics and
monitors small business trends
Advocacy monitors regulatory and other policy proposals of more than 20 federal agencies
for impact on small businesses
Office of National Ombudsman coordinates 10 regional regulatory fairness boards which
receive comments about federal regulations affecting small businesses.
KENTUCKY DISTRICT OFFICE:
600 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Place, Room 188, Louisville, KY 40202
Tel.: 502-582-5971 Fax: 502-582-5009 TDD: 502-582-6715
Website: www.sba.gov/ky
SERVICES AVAILABLE
Financial assistance for new or existing businesses is available through guaranteed loans made
by area bank and non-bank lenders. Special loan programs are available for businesses
involved in international trade. Free counseling, advice and information on starting, better
operating or expanding a small business through SCORE, Small Business Development Centers
(SBDC) and the Women’s Business Centers (WBC). A Women's Business Ownership
Representative is available to assist women business owners. A Veterans Affairs Officer is
available to assist veterans. Assistance to businesses owned and controlled by socially and
economically disadvantaged individuals is available through the Business Development
Program. SBA also conducts training events throughout the state. Some training events require
a nominal registration fee.
Understand how to build your credit score
Reprinted on January 10, 2011, courtesy of Yes, You Can. For more information, please visit www.yesyoucanonline.info.
Many Americans don’t realize the importance of their credit record, yet it’s something that is critical to their daily lives. Your credit record is especially important when it comes to making big purchases like a house or car. If you don’t have a good credit history, you may be forced into a loan at a very high interest rate ... that is, if you are able to secure a loan at all. What makes up your credit score? Credit scores are used to rate the information in your credit report. They are calculated much like a traditional report card and are weighted based on a number of factors. There are many different credit scores with a variety of ranges. One of the most recognized is produced by FICO and has a range of 300 (for someone with poor credit) to a perfect 850. Here’s approximately how it breaks out:
35 percent of the score is based on your payment history. Paying your bills on time is crucial to a good credit score. On the other hand, if you’ve paid your bills late, filed bankruptcy, or have received collection notices in the past, your score will be negatively impacted.
30 percent is based on outstanding debt. This portion is impacted by the total number of loans you have outstanding – such as your home mortgage, a car loan, any student loans or credit cards – and the balance on those loans.
15 percent is based on the length of time you’ve had credit. The longer you’ve established credit, the better it is for your overall score.
10 percent is based on new credit. This means you’ll be penalized if you’ve opened too many credit card accounts in the last year, or even if you’ve had too many inquiries into your credit record.
10 percent is based on the type of credit you currently have. This refers to various types of credit such as installment loans (like an auto loan), a revolving credit card account and a home mortgage.
Even though there are many factors which can impact your credit score, here are three simple ways to build good credit:
1. Pay your bills on time; 2. Eliminate outstanding balances on credit cards, since high debt can negatively affect your score; and 3. Don’t open new credit card accounts if you don’t absolutely need them.
Maintaining good credit can mean an enormous difference in what you’ll pay in interest rates over the years. According to myfico.com, a 100 point difference in your credit score could mean paying more than $40,000 in extra interest payments over the life of a 30-year mortgage on a $300,000 home loan. To help you track your credit record, review your credit report regularly and monitor your activity. To get your free annual report click here.
Credit history
• Equifax 800-997-2493
• Experian 800-916-8800
• TransUnion 800-397-3742
• www.annualcreditreport.com