Most people treat banks like ATMs. Deposit, withdraw, repeat.
Then they apply for $50K in funding and wonder why they get denied.
Here's what funded entrepreneurs do differently ๐
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Open a checking AND savings at the same institution โ show commitment
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Set up direct deposits or consistent monthly inflows โ banks track this
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Keep a healthy average balance โ low balances signal risk
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Actually USE their products (debit card, bill pay, transfers) โ activity builds trust
๐ When a bank sees 6-12 months of real relationship history, you stop being a stranger asking for money. You become a customer they want to keep.
Funding starts with trust. Trust starts with presence.
Build the relationship BEFORE you need it.