Small Business Owners - Tips for Managing Cash Flow and Finances

Managing finances can be a challenge for any small business owner.

Therefore the most important step for any small business owner is to educate themselves on financial systems that can help streamline their business, cut costs, increase revenue and help with cash flow.

For all business owners understanding basic finance skills like; accounting, applying for loans or drafting accurate financial statements can help them create a stable financial future and avoid financial errors. Not to mention staying organized is a key component in time-saving and great financial management. 

A few things you can do as a small business owner to manage your business finances:

Invest in Growth

When starting off it’s important to set aside money and look into growth opportunities. With this, your business can thrive and move in a healthy financial direction. 

Pay Yourself

According to Alexander Lowry, a professor and director of the master of science in financial analysis program at Gordon College, “small business owners shouldn’t overlook their own role in the company and should compensate themselves accordingly.” 

You want to ensure that your business and personal finances are in good shape.

1. Keep Good Business Credit

As your business grows you may want to acquire additional systems to facilitate all the new pursuits. To keep good credit, pay off all your debt funding as soon as possible. 

2. Maintain Good Billing Strategy for Cashflow

Managing small business finances also means managing cash flow to ensure your business is operating at a healthy level on a day-to-day basis. 

3. Spread out Tax Payments

If you have trouble saving for your quarterly estimated tax payments, make it a monthly payment instead. This way,  you can treat tax payments like any other monthly operating expense. Or have the bank set up a monthly automatic transfer for the approximate amount of taxes you owe each quarter or yearly, into a savings account so the money is there when you need it. 

For all business owners, the first quarter of a new year can be difficult for cash flow. Small business loans can help business owners finance projects, purchase equipment, fund new research and development, enhance sales and marketing efforts, allow you to hire new people and get working capital when you don’t have enough cash flow. 

Below are a couple of steps small business owners can use to get loans

1. Concise Financial statements 

For each small business,your financial statements and accounting records will be reviewed carefully by the lender. To qualify for the loan, ensure your business financial statements are complete and correct. These financial statements include balance sheets, income and loss statements, and cash flow statements. The lender will analyze your cash flow, gross margin, debt-to-equity ratio, accounts payable and accounts receivable before determining whether or not your business qualifies for a loan.

Prepare all documentation beforehand

If you want to be successful in getting a small business loan, you have to be prepared to provide detailed information and documents about your business; it is important to be prepared and organized. Ensure your business has.

Prepare your security or guarantee 

A lender is primarily concerned about the ability of the borrower to repay the loan. As the borrower, you should be able to increase your chances of getting a loan on favorable terms if you provide a security asset. 

Prepare the amount you wish to borrow and why

The lender will want to know how much funding you are seeking and how the loan proceeds will be used. Will the loan be used for enhanced sales and marketing efforts? New research and development of technology? 

The more educated you are about small business lending options and procedures, the more likely you will be successful in obtaining a loan.