Startup Toolbox: Budgeting

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1 Startup Toolbox: Budgeting Issued by Alyssa Gregory Many small business owners struggle with finding sufficient funds at some point in the lifecycle of their business. This toolbox will help you learn how to be creative and smart when it comes to spending money on your business.

2 Using technology to reduce business costs Technology can help small business owners leverage limited capital in smarter and more effective ways. Here are some ideas that will help you use technology in your small business to do more with less and help you become more efficient and versatile. Productivity Time tracking software, open source applications, project management tools, management software. Financials Online invoicing, online budgets, e-commerce, accounting software.

3 Marketing Marketing plan templates, social media, blog, marketing, online advertising. Collaboration Teleconference calls, webinars, file sharing, instant messaging. Customer service Online help desk, online appointment scheduling, online surveys and questionnaires. Mobile working Mobile office, remote desktop applications, go paperless, virtual phone number.

4 How to develop a business budget In business, a budget can be an effective tool to help you determine whether or not your business idea and the execution of it is viable. It also gives you an opportunity to evaluate your current financial situation and tailor your plan in a way that will help you reach the financial goals of your business. Plus, maintaining a budget for your business on a regular basis can help you track expenses, analyze your income, and anticipate future financial needs. There are five initial steps to creating a budget for your small business.

5 1. Identify your goals The first step of creating a budget is identifying your goals and reviewing the financial impact of those goals. 2. Review your existing finances Take time to conduct a thorough review of your finances as they stand today, including your outstanding debts, past tax returns, assets, liabilities, income statement and balance sheet (for existing businesses), and a projection of immediate cash flow. 3. Estimate expenses What are the specific costs associated with each of your goals you identified? This is where you would break down each goal into an annual tangible amount of money, and then break it down by month.

6 4. Project income You won't know what kind of income you are capable of making with your business until you are doing it, so at this point, it's all about reviewing the research you conducted for your business and marketing plans, and making well-rounded estimations. 5. Create a spreadsheet Taking the information you have from Step 2 and Step 3 above, the next step is to develop a spreadsheet that will act as your actual budget. One way to do this is by working backwards from the bottom line and seeing where you end up.

7 Getting started with budgeting If you are just starting your business, part of your budgeting process includes figuring out how much capital you need to start your business. The Six-Month Start-Up Capital Estimator worksheet included with this toolbox will help you determine how much money you need to cover the first six-months. Then, use the Monthly Marketing Expense Tracker to plan out your marketing activities so you can use the funds you have available in a balanced and effective way.

8 U.S. Bank is not offering legal, tax, accounting or financial advice. Each business's tax and financial situation is unique. Businesses should consult their tax and/or legal advisor for advice and information concerning their particular situation. The information that is on or available through this site is for informational purposes only and speaks only as of the particular date or dates of that information. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information on or available through this site, and we are not responsible for inaccuracies or omissions in that information or for actions taken in reliance on that information. U.S. Bancorp does not undertake an obligation, and disclaims any duty, to update any of the information on or available through this site. Deposit Products offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. U.S. Bank is not responsible for and does not guarantee the products, service or performance of its affiliates or third parties. U.S. Bank is not affiliated with other organizations mentioned in this publication.