In this guide
06 · Cash flow and operating budgets
See why even a profitable business can run out of cash and set up a 13-week follow-up.
Put it into practice
- Enter opening cash and expected collection dates
- Schedule wages, suppliers and other payments
- Test late-payment and lower-sales scenarios
Further reading: SBA · Business planning resources ↗
Create a rolling cash view
Illustrative opening cash is 1,000. Expected collections are 800 and payments are 1,200, leaving 600. If collections arrive a week late, the same period ends at −200. The business needs an action before the payment date even if an invoice has been issued.
Your worksheet
Week; opening cash; receipts by date; payments by date; closing cash; uncertainty.
Check your work
Carry each closing balance into the next week. Keep forecast and actual figures separate and update the timing regularly.
Free learning, personalised support
This guide is free to read. Personalised packages are separate paid services, prepared from your information and delivered by email. Compare packages · See sample reports · Global research checklist.