Building credit without existing credit feels impossible—but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of the Benchmark Ledger Solutions podcast, founder Kimi Witherell explores credit builder loans and reveals why Self stands out as the top solution for individuals and business owners looking to establish or improve their credit score.

What You'll Learn:

If you're starting a business, rebuilding your financial foundation, or simply don't have established credit history, this episode is essential listening. Kimi breaks down everything you need to know about credit builder loans and how Self makes the credit-building process accessible and effective.

Key Topics Covered:

• What are credit builder loans? Understanding how these specialized loans work differently from traditional loans and why they're designed specifically for credit building
• How Self works from application to completion, with a step-by-step walkthrough of the process
• Why Self is the best option compared to other credit builder loan providers in the market
• The benefits for consumers including flexible payment options, savings features, and credit reporting to all three major bureaus
• Real credit score impact and what to expect from using Self's credit builder loan program
• Who should use Self whether you're establishing first-time credit, recovering from past credit issues, or building business credit foundations

Perfect for:

• New business owners who need to establish business and personal credit
• Side hustlers preparing to scale and need better credit for funding options
• Young professionals building credit for the first time
• Anyone recovering from credit challenges and looking for a proven path forward
• Entrepreneurs who want to strengthen their financial profile before seeking business loans

Why Credit Building Matters for Business Owners:

Your credit score affects everything from business loan approvals to vendor terms and lease agreements. Kimi explains how investing in a credit builder loan now can unlock better financial opportunities for your business later—and why Self's structure makes it the most effective tool for the job.

Self's credit builder loans help you build credit while simultaneously building savings, creating a dual benefit that traditional credit products can't offer. Learn how this innovative approach can transform your financial future without requiring existing credit or a large upfront investment.

Whether you're launching your first business, growing a side hustle into a full-time venture, or simply want to take control of your financial health, this episode provides actionable insights and a clear path forward.

Discover why thousands of Americans trust Self to build their credit—and how you can start building yours today.

Nonprofit banking shouldn't be complicated—but for most organizations, it is. In this episode of the Benchmark Ledger Solutions podcast, founder Kimi Witherell tackles the unique financial challenges nonprofits face and introduces Crowded, the banking solution built specifically for mission-driven organizations.

The Nonprofit Banking Problem:

Traditional banks often make it unnecessarily difficult for nonprofits to access basic banking services. From extensive paperwork requirements and high minimum balances to limited features and poor customer support, nonprofits face hurdles that for-profit businesses simply don't encounter.

Common Challenges Nonprofits Face:

• Complex account opening processes with excessive documentation requirements
• High monthly fees and minimum balance requirements that drain limited resources
• Lack of features designed for nonprofit operations and donor management
• Poor integration with fundraising platforms and accounting software
• Limited access to financial tools that support grant management and program tracking
• Difficulty finding banking partners who understand nonprofit compliance needs

Introducing Crowded: Banking Built for Nonprofits

Crowded is changing the game with an online banking platform designed from the ground up for nonprofit organizations. This isn't just another business banking app with nonprofit options tacked on—it's a comprehensive solution that understands the unique needs of mission-driven work.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The specific banking hurdles that slow down nonprofit operations and waste valuable resources
• How traditional banking requirements create unnecessary barriers for small nonprofits
• What makes Crowded different from conventional banking options
• Key features that help nonprofits manage donations, grants, and program expenses efficiently
• The benefits of nonprofit-specific banking tools for financial transparency and reporting
• How digital banking solutions can save nonprofits time and money

Whether you're running a small community nonprofit, launching a new mission-driven organization, or simply frustrated with your current banking situation, this episode provides practical insights into better financial management for nonprofits.

Kimi breaks down how Crowded simplifies nonprofit banking, reduces administrative burden, and provides the tools organizations need to focus on their mission instead of banking headaches.

Perfect for nonprofit leaders, board members, treasurers, and anyone involved in nonprofit financial management who wants to streamline operations and reduce banking frustrations.

Take control of your nonprofit's finances with insights from this essential episode on modern nonprofit banking solutions.

Fizz Charge Cards: Building Credit Without the Debt Trap

Discover how Fizz is revolutionizing credit building for young professionals and business owners in this episode of the Benchmark Ledger Solutions podcast. Founder Kimi Witherell breaks down everything you need to know about charge cards and why Fizz might be the smart alternative to traditional credit cards.

What You'll Learn:

Understanding charge cards and how they differ from traditional credit cards is crucial for making informed financial decisions. In this episode, we explore the Fizz charge card system and how it helps consumers build credit without falling into common debt traps.

Key Topics Covered:

• What are charge cards? Learn the fundamental differences between charge cards and credit cards, and why this distinction matters for your financial health
• Consumer benefits including automatic payment features, spending controls, and credit-building advantages
• How Fizz protects you from overspending, interest charges, and late payment fees
• Step-by-step application process so you can get started with Fizz today
• Real advantages for small business owners, side hustlers, and anyone looking to establish or rebuild credit responsibly

Whether you're a new business owner establishing business credit, a young professional building your financial foundation, or someone looking for smarter credit options, this episode reveals how charge cards like Fizz can help you manage spending while building a strong credit history.

Kimi explains the application requirements, approval process, and insider tips for maximizing the benefits of your Fizz charge card—all in her signature clear, concise, and practical style.

Perfect for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and anyone interested in smart credit-building strategies that align with responsible financial management.

Did you know your local library offers free resources that can save your small business hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually? In this episode of the Benchmark Ledger Solutions podcast, founder Kimi Witherell reveals how business owners can leverage their public library to access valuable tools, training, and resources—completely free.

Discover the surprising benefits libraries offer entrepreneurs and small business owners, including:

• Free access to premium business databases and market research tools
• Professional development courses and certification programs
• Meeting spaces and coworking areas for client meetings
• Digital resources like e-books, audiobooks, and industry publications
• Small business workshops and networking events
• Technology lending programs including laptops, hotspots, and presentation equipment

Kimi breaks down exactly how these resources help businesses reduce overhead costs, access professional-grade research tools, and build stronger financial foundations. Whether you're launching a side hustle or scaling to your first million in revenue, your library card might be the most underutilized asset in your business toolkit.

You'll also learn the simple steps to join your local library and start accessing these benefits immediately—even if you haven't visited a library in years.

Perfect for small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and entrepreneurs looking to maximize their budget while accessing professional resources.

Every dollar matters for nonprofits ❤️ In this Cash Grab episode 💰, produced by Benchmark Ledger Solutions, we break down Zefy. This donation platform lets nonprofits keep 100% of their donations 🙌, with no processing fees and no platform fees, so more money is available for your mission.