When you start a new business you might need access to credit right away, or you might not. Even if you don’t need a business loan or credit card immediately, you might want that financing later in order to grow or pay for regular expenses more conveniently.

How can you build a credit history for your business when you’re just starting out so you can secure larger financing later though? Here are a few ways you might start building business credit so you can secure better financing when your business is ready to grow.

1. Personally secure an initial loan or business credit card if you have to.

If you’re the sole owner of your new company you might be asked to personally secure the first line of credit you get. That means your approval will be based on your personal credit history since your business doesn’t yet have one, and you can be held personally responsible for the debt if your business fails to pay.

This is far from ideal. But if you really need financing, this can be a way to get your foot in the door. And paying your bills on-time regularly helps both you and your business. At least you’ll have the account tied to your business name to show future lenders, hopefully meaning they won’t ask for your next line of credit to be personally secured.

2. Secure vendor credit lines.

Even if you can’t get a traditional loan or business credit card like the CitiBusiness credit card, you aren’t out of luck. If you use any regular vendors, talk to them about setting up a line of credit. It might be easier to get approved because they want your business. Basically, they’ll deliver the products or services up to a certain approved dollar amount, and you get to pay afterwards.

3. Charge routine business expenses and pay off the balance each month.

If you do get a basic business credit card or even a vendor line of credit, use it actively if you want to build your business credit history. Charge routine business expenses each month, and then pay off the balance in full when your statement comes. Even if you only have minor expenses, showing that you can regularly pay your bill is a good sign to future lenders.

You aren’t without options when your business is new and you need to start building a credit history. Start small if you have to (which is quite possible if you have limited assets and have just started your business). And build a solid history of responsible borrowing from Day One. Then you’ll be more likely to get the lending you need later when you’re ready to expand.