When you think of what it means to be an "Entreprenista” — Dana Pollack is the perfect example. She’s a longtime Entreprenista League member who knows what it takes to launch and run a successful business. After working as the photo editor of Muscle and Fitness magazine – and in the photography world – for over eight years, Pollack decided to try her hand at becoming an entrepreneur. She launched Dana's Bakery in 2012 after studying fine baking and pastry arts at New York City’s Institute of Culinary Education (ICE).
In 2017, Dana won EY's Entrepreneur of the Year award in the Emerging Business Category, and her impressive growth didn’t stop there. In 2018 and 2019, Dana's Bakery also made the Inc. 5000 list for Fastest Growing Private Companies in America and she was one of the first guests on the Entreprenista Podcast.
While some of her secret weapons are whisks, spoons and tasty ingredients, her Chase Ink Business Preferred credit card is one of the best tools in her business arsenal, and she regularly reaps the rewards.
"Having the Chase Ink Business Preferred credit card has been such a huge help for me," she said. "The customer service team was so helpful in answering any questions I had when signing up, and they continue to be helpful for any questions I have along the way."
Dana said she pays most of her vendors and bills through credit cards, and the majority only accept Visa, making her card indispensable.
"Besides payroll and ingredients, 80% of my business is run by credit card. Having the ability to make transactions and then pay when the cycle closes helps me manage my finances with more ease," she said. "The website is also so easy to navigate, and I love that I can pull necessary reports or data for accounting. This card has so many benefits for small business owners, including cash back and earning points for purchases so it was a no-brainer to switch."
Dana has used her cash back rewards for large and small business expenses. During the holidays, she redeemed points for gift cards and appreciation gifts for her employees, and when business was slow – or the budget was tight – she said the cash back rewards were essential.
The card also makes purchasing less-fun business expenses – like office supplies – more exciting with rewards designed specifically for small business owners.
"I earn the most points when purchasing office supplies – from printer ink and break room supplies to everything in between, [so] I charge all my business expenses to my Chase Ink Business Preferred credit card,” she said. “Internet, cable and phone purchases also earn five times the points, and I receive double the points on my gas. Since I spend almost as much time in my office as I do [in] my car, getting two times the points on gas makes me feel a little better about my commute."
But the perks of having the credit card aren't just limited to the reward benefits. Having a trusted financial partner by her side has also helped Dana to navigate her growing business with ease.
For example, Dana said her business relies on special printers – which are imported from Italy – that allow them to print with edible ink on the rounded surfaces of their macaron shells. In the past, purchasing this costly equipment without seeing it in person was highly stressful due to delivery issues with broken parts or faulty starts. Dana said they'd sometimes receive a printer that would experience malfunctions within a week.
However, when Dana uses her credit card for this kind of purchase, she is no longer anxious about what will arrive in the mail because she knows the support of Chase will make it right. “With Chase's purchase protection, I feel confident making purchases for my business. It gives me peace of mind — and that is priceless.”
Dana loves how Entreprenista and Chase Ink have similar commitments to supporting entrepreneurs like herself.
"[They] have so much synergy, and there is so much potential to help small business owners," she said. "I just think both brands are incredible in their own way, and I'm so happy that they are partnering together. There is no card I'd recommend more than the Chase Ink Business Preferred credit card."
Reinvest in your business with a card designed specifically for entrepreneurs and their unique needs. Click here to sign up for your own Chase Ink Business Preferred credit card to support your business goals and growth.
Learn more insider tips, forge incredible business-making connections and gain a community of influential women entrepreneurs just like yourself by joining the Entreprenista League today.
About the Author
Entreprenista Team
