The latimes.com published a small business makeover plan to help entrepreneurs find affordable financing for expansion plans. The article reported that small business owners in struggling industries like construction and real estate are trying to increase existing credit lines to $100,000 or $200,000 and form joint ventures with larger companies to save face with lenders.

The recent sub prime collapse has stunted credit access for small businesses looking for long-term financing. Banks hesitancy to lend to sectors directly affected by the waning housing market – construction, real estate, mortgage brokerage – has prompted these entrepreneurs to explore alternate financing means. Apart from forming a joint venture or increasing existing credit lines, small businesses can look at leveraging up to 75 percent to 80 percent of their accounts receivables.

For more information on accounts receivables financing or other ways to build business credit read our breakdown of the best business loans according to industry type.