During the height of the recession and the economic recovery that followed, the average credit profile of small business owners improved in the majority of the states across America, according to recent study of nationwide credit data performed by Direct Capital Corporation.

Direct Capital reviewed credit data on more than 23,000 small businesses over the past 12 years. During the last four years, the study found, the average credit profile for small business owners improved in 45 out of 50 states.

Nebraska business owners had the strongest average credit profile. Rounding out the Top 5 were Alaska, South Dakota, Indiana and Oklahoma.

Washington, D.C., registered the lowest average credit profile. They were joined in the Bottom 5 by Rhode Island, New Mexico, Montana and Texas.

“Business owners today are much more aware of how important it is to maintain a strong credit profile and that is reflected in the data,” said Direct Capital vice president of marketing Stephen Lankler. “That was not the case five to seven years ago when it was much easier for a business to access credit.”

Lankler said the recession played a significant role in this heightened awareness, coupled with a significant rise in products targeted at giving people on demand access to their credit profile. “As a result of the financial crisis, major lenders – including banks – have become much more restrictive in extending credit to business owners,” Lankler said. “In response, business owners have become more vigilant in maintaining strong credit profiles and a flood of products have been introduced to help them do so.”

To view an infographic titled, “The State of the Union: A Four-Year Review of Small Business Credit,” which relates to the study, click here.