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The $39,000 Hustle
Ade O.
Starting a business doesn’t always require upfront cash—it requires leveraging good credit.
Here’s how I did it, and how you can too.
How I Started My Business With $39,000 in Funding
With good credit, I secured a $39,000 business credit line at 0% APR for 12 months. This funding covered my startup expenses, and I earned 75,000 reward points, which I used for a 5-night stay at a 4-star hotel in Europe.
Key Lesson:
You don’t need all the answers—execution matters more than perfection.
Execute, then refine your approach.
Card Recommendation: The Best Card to Start With
For new business owners, I recommend the Chase Ink Business Unlimited® card.
Here's why:
1.5% Cash Back on all purchases - which can be converted into Ultimate Rewards points for travel.
0% APR for 12 months, giving you room to manage cash flow while funding your business.
Limited $900 welcome bonus (90,000 Ultimate Rewards points) after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months—ideal for boosting your business and travel goals.
Why it’s important:
The 0% APR allows you to fund your business without the immediate pressure of paying off balances, freeing up your cash flow.
Client Success Stories: Leveraging Credit for Business Growth
Client A: Vivian
She had $50,000 saved to open a fitness studio. After securing a $75,000 business credit card at 0% APR for 12 months, she kept the $50,000 in a high-yield savings account, maintaining flexibility and cash flow.
Client B: Amia
A startup founder switched to more rewarding cards and now travels for free to attend global conferences, using points earned from her business spending.
Client C: Gabe
With a 720+ credit score, he secured $22,000 in business credit and $6,800 in personal credit, all at 0% APR. He launched a marketing agency without spending out of pocket.
The Importance of Relationship Banking
Building relationships with your bank is as crucial as having good credit. Through relationship banking, I was extended a $177,000 line of credit, opening doors for more growth.
I’ve also partnered with banks and relationship managers to help clients secure more funding and travel rewards based on their unique needs.
Strategy Matters: Choose the Right Card
Choosing the right card isn’t just about earning points; it’s about using them strategically. The right card depends on:
Your business goals
Your spending habits
Your travel plans
If your business spends heavily on ads or travel, you’ll want a card that maximizes rewards in those categories. Knowing how to redeem points effectively is just as important as earning them.
For example, you can fly Turkish Airlines Business Class from LAX to Istanbul for 69,000 miles by booking through Avianca (a Star Alliance partner) and paying around $30 in fees.
However, if you're using Chase Ultimate Rewards, you’ll need to transfer to partners like Air Canada or United, where the same flight will cost significantly more:
Avianca: 69,000 miles + ~$30
United: 88,000 miles + ~$6
Air Canada: 90,000 miles + ~$57
The right partner makes all the difference in maximizing your points.
Need help choosing the right card or optimizing your points?
Book a consultation for a tailored strategy.
Leverage Your Credit: The Key to Growth
Leverage Other People’s Money (OPM) to fund your business.
Business credit starts with personal credit. Maintain strong personal credit, and banks will trust you with business funding.
No "Personal Guarantee" is a myth. You’re responsible for unpaid debts.
The game is rigged, but you lose if you don’t participate.
How Banks Operate: Risk Mitigation
Banks avoid losses. They take deposits from savers and lend to entrepreneurs who know how to leverage credit.
Your saved money is invested by the bank, so why not let them invest in you?
The Bottom Line
Fund your business, fund your life. Leverage your personal credit to grow your business, earn reward points, and enjoy free premium travel. Use the savings from travel to live an optimal, financially fit life.
Want to learn more or design a tailored strategy?
Book a consultation or subscribe to The Leverage Letter—your weekly guide to strategy, funding, and travel hacks.
Thank you,
Ade O
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