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    MPE Consulting Group

    MPE Consulting Group

    Strategic Business Consulting

    Educational Resources

    Resources & Guides

    Free educational content to help you understand business funding, credit disputes, government contracting, and more. Knowledge before action.

    Glossary of Terms

    Common terms you may encounter when working with credit, funding, and government contracts.

    FCRA
    Fair Credit Reporting Act - Federal law governing how credit bureaus collect, maintain, and share credit information.
    FDCPA
    Fair Debt Collection Practices Act - Law that limits what debt collectors can do when collecting debts.
    Credit Bureau
    Companies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) that collect and report credit information to lenders.
    Credit Score
    A numerical representation of creditworthiness based on credit history, typically ranging from 300-850.
    Hard Inquiry
    A credit check that occurs when you apply for credit, which may temporarily lower your score.
    Soft Inquiry
    A credit check that does not affect your score, such as checking your own credit.
    SBA Loan
    Loans partially guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, offering favorable terms for qualified borrowers.
    Debt-to-Income Ratio
    The percentage of monthly income that goes toward paying debts, used by lenders to assess affordability.
    Collateral
    Assets pledged as security for a loan, which the lender can seize if the borrower defaults.
    SAM.gov
    System for Award Management - Required registration system for businesses seeking federal contracts.
    NAICS Code
    North American Industry Classification System - Codes that classify businesses by industry for government contracts.
    8(a) Certification
    SBA program for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses to compete for federal contracts.
    Offer in Compromise
    IRS program allowing taxpayers to settle tax debt for less than the full amount owed.
    Credit Utilization
    The percentage of available credit being used, a major factor in credit scoring.
    Charge-Off
    When a creditor writes off a debt as uncollectible, though the debt may still be owed and pursued.

    Educational Disclaimer

    The resources provided on this page are for educational and informational purposes only. They do not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information may change over time, and you should verify current requirements with appropriate agencies and licensed professionals before making decisions. We do not guarantee specific outcomes or results.

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