How to Manage Your Small Business Cash Flow
Cash flow management facilitates the survival of most small business ventures. The process entails monitoring and analyzing the amount of money you receive minus the amount spent. Below is a list of tips to keep your cash flow under control.
Create a Bank Account for Your Venture
Some novice business investors tend to mix their personal and business credit cards and bank accounts during the company’s initial stages. Most small business owners finance their startups using their personal savings initially. You should create a separate bank account for your startup by requesting a credit card from your bank to facilitate business transactions. Credit cards provide management reports detailing the purchases you make over the past year, which is crucial in budgeting your cash flow for the following year.
Schedule Your Payments
You should delay your payments if there’s no reason for incentives or early payments. Establish the duration you can handle the payments without attracting late fees. Schedule your payments effectively to ensure you have the money you need without any issues. If you’re paying a partner or supplier, you should weigh your options to establish whether delaying the payments will harm the working relationship. Schedule and prioritize payments accordingly by paying as late as is acceptable and demanding prompt payments from those who owe you to maintain a positive cash flow.
Setup an Emergency Fund
Ensure you set aside funds for emergencies even if your startup performs well. The emergency fund acts as a contingency when you have cash flow issues. An emergency fund allows you to cater to the pending bills in slow seasons. Establish your monthly expenses and save an amount that’s worth up to three months of your outgoings. The approach allows you to handle cash flow issues long enough to fix the situation.
Cut Down on Vendor Costs
Cutting down on supplier costs helps improve your small business’s cash flow in the long run. You can achieve this by maintaining an excellent relationship and negotiating with your suppliers. Request occasional discounts when you buy in bulk, and consider forming a buyer’s cooperative to receive a significant discount for bulk purchases. Team up with other small businesses to make a large purchase to save money.
Small businesses must maintain a positive cash flow to facilitate long and short-term financial success. Monitor your expenses and utilize reliable resources for a more convenient cash flow management system. Reach out to a financial expert from Green Apple Funding to learn how you can secure financing for your small business.