Small Business Financial Planning Certificate
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 2026 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. | Available in-person
Small Business Financial Planning is a five-session workshop series that helps entrepreneurs and small business owners gain confidence with their finances. Participants learn how to read financial statements, manage cash flow, improve margins, build forecasts and identify early warning signs of trouble. Through practical instruction and hands-on exercises, you'll gain the skills to make informed decisions and plan for sustainable growth. Whether you're just starting out or trying to get a better grip on an existing business, this series gives you the financial literacy to make smarter decisions, spot problems early and plan for growth with confidence.
Cost: $159
Session 1: Understanding Your Balance Sheet
Know What Your Business Is Really Worth
Your balance sheet tells the story of your business's financial health. Learn how to read and interpret this critical financial statement and use it to make smarter decisions—and spot early warning signs before they become bigger problems.
You'll Learn:
• What assets, liabilities, and equity mean
• How to evaluate the financial strength of your business
• Key ratios lenders and investors review
• Common balance sheet mistakes business owners make
• How to use your balance sheet as a management tool
• Key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor your financial position over time
Perfect for: Business owners who want to better understand their financial position and prepare for future growth.
Session 2: Cash Flow Management
Stop Guessing. Start Managing Your Cash.
Many profitable businesses fail because they run out of cash. Learn how to monitor, manage, and improve your cash flow before it becomes a problem—and recognize the warning signs that trouble may be ahead.
You'll Learn:
• The difference between profit and cash flow
• How to identify cash flow bottlenecks
• Strategies for improving collections and managing expenses
• How to build a simple cash flow forecast
• Practical tools to avoid cash shortages
• Common indicators of cash flow distress and steps to take when challenges arise
Takeaway: Leave with a framework to keep your business financially stable year-round.
Session 3: Margins, Pricing, and Profitability
Increase Profits Without Increasing Stress
Do you know which products, services, or customers are making you money? This session helps you uncover where profits are won—and lost—and how to catch the hidden warning signs that quietly erode your bottom line.
You'll Learn:
• Gross margin vs. net profit
• How to calculate and monitor profitability
• Pricing strategies that protect your bottom line
• Identifying hidden costs impacting profits
• Ways to improve margins without sacrificing growth
• Red flags in your profitability data that signal financial risk
Takeaway: Gain practical strategies to increase profitability and strengthen your business model.
Session 4: Forecasting and Financial Planning
Build a Roadmap for Growth
Great businesses plan ahead. Learn how to create realistic financial forecasts that help you make confident decisions, prepare for opportunities, and build a proactive review process that keeps your business on solid footing.
You'll Learn:
• Revenue and expense forecasting basics
• Creating a simple business budget
• Planning for seasonal fluctuations
• Setting realistic growth targets
• Using forecasts to support borrowing and investment decisions
• How lenders evaluate business risk—and how to stay ahead of potential challenges
Takeaway: Develop a practical financial plan that supports your business goals and positions you to identify and address issues before they become crises.