Ready to take control of your business's financial future? This webinar, led by our CEO Sabrina Parsons and our team of LivePlan experts, cuts through the complexity of financial forecasting. Whether you're a startup without a single sale or an established business looking to grow, you'll learn why forecasting is crucial for success and how to do it effectively. Forget the guesswork and late-night worries about cash flow—discover how to make informed, strategic decisions that drive growth.
What You'll Learn
This webinar is packed with practical tips and answers to the most common questions from our business community. Here’s a look at what we cover:
Demystifying Forecasting
Why Forecast?: Understand why forecasting is not just for securing loans but is a critical tool for managing and growing any business, regardless of size. Plan vs. Actual: Learn how large companies use "plan vs. actual" analysis to measure success and how you can apply the same principles to your small business. Cash Flow is King: Discover why 60% of failed businesses were profitable and how proper cash flow forecasting can help you avoid this common pitfall. Getting Started: Overcome the fear of a blank page with step-by-step advice on where to begin your forecast, even if you have no prior financial data.
Leveraging LivePlan's Smart Tools
AI-Powered Revenue Streams: See how to use LivePlan's AI to suggest relevant revenue streams based on your business description, giving you a solid starting point. Finding the Right Price: Learn strategies for pricing your products, including competitive analysis and using your direct costs to calculate gross margin per unit. Industry Benchmarks: Use LivePlan's benchmark data to compare your company’s performance against similar businesses in your industry and region. Scenario Planning: Explore the "what-if"s by creating multiple forecasts for best-case, worst-case, and other potential business scenarios. Effortless Data Import: Learn how to import your historical financial data using our new CSV import feature, in addition to QuickBooks and Xero integrations. The Live Forecast: See how to automatically update your forecast with actual results each month to get a real-time view of your performance and make timely adjustments. Collaborate with Your Team: Discover how to invite contributors, advisors, or investors to view, comment on, and edit your plan securely.
Navigating Business Funding
Understanding Startup Costs: Get clarity on how to properly account for all expenses incurred before you open your doors for business. Types of Funding: Hear an expert breakdown of different funding options, from traditional bank loans and SBA programs to angel and venture capital investments. When to Seek Investment: Learn the critical difference between building a lifestyle business and a high-growth startup, and which funding path is right for you. Free Local Resources: Find out how to connect with your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for free, expert guidance on securing financing.
