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When starting or growing your small business, making use of financial planning information resources will enhance your knowledge of business finances. The following financial planning information resources will teach, assist and guide you in making financial decisions. In addition, they are invaluable in discovering the options available today.

The Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov) is an excellent resource for explaining financial planning for your small business. The SBA will explain how to raise funds, how to estimate startup costs, and the importance of preparing financial statements. The SBA also provides financial assistance to small businesses. You can determine your eligibility for SBA assistance on the website. SBA also offers an analysis tool to help you determine your business's breakeven point and when to expect to make a profit.

The Library of Congress has a business brief in the Business Reference Services section of their website (www.loc.gov/rr/business/guide/guide3/) which discusses financial information and options for new and growing small businesses. The business brief offers sources for additional information on financing. You will also find sections devoted to all types of small businesses such as home-based, minority, self-employed and family oriented.

These two resources are invaluable for learning more about how to plan and manage your small business finances. Read more about financial planning information resource from the links on this Business.com page.

Business Financial Planning Basics

Business financial plans are a tool that is beneficial to most businesses. It isn't enough to simply know how much money you make and how much your basic bills are. You also have to consider things like variable salary expenses, annual expenses and non-recurring expenses.

Knowing the business financial planning basics enables you to make informed decisions about your company's finances. Consider the following suggestions to help you build your financial plan:

1. Learn the fundamentals of business financial planning.

2. Read about the common mistakes people make when preparing business financial plans so you can avoid making these mistakes.

3. Buy a financial planning software program that is easy to use and meets all your needs.

Know the business financial plan fundamentals

Business financial planning involves more than simply opening a bank account and buying and selling goods or services. You have create a business budget, determine the most appropriate way to spend and invest the business funds, figure out actual business expenses and determine your potential profits.
Try: You can find an in-depth series on small business financial planning on Bankrate.com. This website offers a wealth of information, including investment planning, debt management and tax information. Inc.com offers information about business financial planning for all types of businesses, including employee-owned and new businesses.

Avoid common business finance planning mistakes

It is possible to sabotage your own efforts to create a business financial plan by making certain mistakes. Second guessing yourself, overestimating income and underestimating costs are some of the most common mistakes when writing business financial plans.
Try: AccessMyLibrary offers information about some of the most common mistakes that happen when planning for your company's future. MoreBusiness.com offers good advice about how to avoid common mistakes when writing a business plan, including a financial plan.

Invest in business financial planning software

Using a business financial planning software program can save you a considerable amount of time and money. Many programs are all-inclusive and will prompt you to enter all the information needed to create an accurate business financial plan. Some software is stand-alone software, meaning you can use it on your own. Other software is part of a comprehensive financial consulting system that includes the help of a CPA or financial management consulting company.
Try: Moss Adams offers business financial planning software. This company also offers business financial services consulting via email, telephone or in person. NetSuite.com offers numerous business financial planning programs to fit almost any company's needs. The programs include amortization schedules, budget management and allocations journals.

Consider using a business financial consulting company when you first start your business if you are unsure of how to compile a comprehensive plan on your own.