Managing a small business can be daunting, especially in today’s fiercely competitive landscape. As an entrepreneur, you face many responsibilities, from overseeing operations and marketing to customer relations and employee management. Amidst these demands, effective financial management is a critical component for sustained success.
Small businesses often struggle with cash flow, which they consider one of their top five challenges. To overcome this hurdle, they must address the financial issues affecting their overall performance and sustainability.
By exploring common challenges and applying practical strategies and maximizing tools for SME growth, you can fortify your business against potential pitfalls and pave the way for its growth and profitability.
6 Common Small Business Financial Challenges and How to Solve Them
Now, more than ever, there are various financial challenges faced by small businesses. Here are some of the most common ones and how to solve them effectively.
1. Lack of cash flow
Lack of cash flow is one of the problems of a small business that can lead to its failure. According to CB Insights, 38% of startups fail because they exhaust their funds and can’t raise more working capital.
The insufficiency to cover the outflow of expenses can hinder day-to-day operations, investments, and debt obligations. Small businesses often struggle on how to manage cash flow due to irregular customer payments, unexpected fees, and market fluctuations.
Solution: Develop a cash flow plan
Renz Estrella, President of Zenith Capital, explains, “Cash flow is a critical factor in any business, and it’s essential to manage it carefully. Monitor your cash flow regularly, and consider implementing
strategies such as invoice financing or early payment discounts to help improve your cash flow.”
To improve your financial situation, you must take proactive steps. Start by regularly monitoring and projecting cash flow to anticipate shortfalls and plan accordingly.
Then, focus on controlling and managing expenses to reduce unnecessary costs and increase your profit margin. Improving your cash collection also helps you receive payments faster and avoid bad debts.
Lastly, prioritize building cash reserves to have a safety net for emergencies and other opportunities.
2. Difficulty in obtaining capital
Traditional lenders, like banks and credit unions, often have stringent criteria, requiring extensive documentation, collateral, and strong credit history. These criteria can pose challenges for small businesses seeking working capital.
This limited access to funds can impede your ability to cover expenses, invest in opportunities, and respond to unexpected situations, hampering overall success in a competitive market.
Solution: Apply for a business loan
Small business loans help entrepreneurs cover expenses, invest in growth initiatives, and maintain cash flow. A business loan in the Philippines can catalyze growth and success by providing the necessary financial boost for expansion, equipment purchase, hiring, and marketing efforts. It helps bridge the gap between available capital and your financial needs, that’s why you need to keep up with business loan trends.
3. High overhead costs
Rent, utilities, salaries, and insurance are overhead costs that can take up a large option of your available funds. When these are excessively high, they can quickly deplete available funds, leaving little room for other essential or unexpected expenditures—leading to cash flow shortages and financial strain.
Solution: Develop and stick to a budget
Establishing clear spending limits allows you to optimize expenses and strategically allocate resources to improve cash flow and financial stability.
“Once you’ve defined your goals, create a budget that reflects your priorities. Be sure to include both fixed and variable expenses, as well as any anticipated revenue. Your budget should be realistic and flexible enough to accommodate changes in your business environment.” Estrella expounds.
4. Expansion expenses
Small businesses may have difficulty due to the complexities involved in scaling operations, managing increased demand, and ensuring the availability of resources. It requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a solid financial foundation.
Some factors that affect business expansion include:
- Significant financial investments
- Unfamiliar regulations, cultural differences, and competition
- Increased operational complexities
Solution: Invest in your business
Estrella further drives the significance of investing in your business, “…While it’s essential to manage your finances carefully, it’s also important to invest in your business’s growth. This may include investing in new equipment, hiring additional staff, or expanding into new markets. Be sure to consider the potential long-term benefits of any investments you make.”
Investing can help you acquire the necessary resources and infrastructure, such as technology, equipment, and facilities. Moreover, funding employee training and development can enhance your workforce’s skills and capabilities to adapt to the growing demands of the expanded business.
5. Debt repayment
The challenge of debt repayment can impact your financial stability and growth. High-interest rates, limited cash flow, and unexpected expenses can make meeting debt obligations on time challenging.
Solution: Explore debt restructuring options
Consult with a financial expert to get personalized and practical advice on debt management. You can also learn various debt restructuring strategies to help reduce your interest rates, monthly payments, or total debt amount. Doing these can ease your business’ debt burden and improve your financial situation.
6. Tax obligations
You should comply with taxes and regulations to avert penalties, fines, and legal consequences. Staying informed and meeting tax obligations are important for maintaining financial stability and avoiding adverse repercussions.
Solution: Get experts to help out
Estrella says, “…Consider working with a financial advisor or consultant to help you prioritize your financial goals and make informed decisions. A financial professional can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate the complex world of business finance.”
Engaging the services of professional tax advisors or accountants can give you guidance on tax planning. These experts can help identify available deductions and credits, ensure compliance with tax laws, and optimize tax strategies to minimize tax liabilities.
Unlock Financial Success for Your Business
In business, managing financial challenges is essential for sustained growth and success. By acknowledging and understanding these problems faced by SMEs in financing, you can proactively address these hurdles and pave the way for a thriving enterprise.
Remember that seeking financial assistance and guidance from professionals like Zenith Capital can provide valuable insights and strategies tailored to your needs.
Take the next step towards financial stability and inquire how our financing services can help you through our business loan agents. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to unlock your business’s full potential. Visit our contact page and apply now to start your journey toward financial success.
Rizza Templonuevo is not just an accomplished finance professional and business leader, but also a loving wife and a dedicated mother of two. With a passion for helping businesses grow and thrive, she brings her extensive knowledge and expertise as Vice President of Zenith Capital Credit Group Corporation to help countless SMEs and corporations across the Philippines access the financing they need to succeed.
When she’s not busy with work, Rizza enjoys immersing herself in the worlds of fashion and social events, as well as traveling to new and exciting places.
