March 14, 2024 | Last Updated on: March 14, 2024
Women-owned businesses make up 39.1% of all businesses in the U.S.—a 13.6% increase in the last 5 years. While this growth is encouraging, digging deeper reveals disparities that should not be overlooked. For example, the annual Biz2Credit Women-Owned Study found that while average annual revenue of women-owned companies increased by 15.5% from the previous year, it trailed behind that of men-owned by 34%. And a QuickBooks survey revealed that 57% of women who use credit cards in their business have used their credit cards for emergency purchases in the last year, with one in ten reporting that they did so on a monthly basis. Moreover, only half of the respondents believed that they will be able to pay off their credit cards without paying interest.
These financial statistics paint a more nuanced picture of the growth that has occurred for women-owned businesses, revealing that while there are more female business owners today, much of the growth has been in microenterprises, and many of these entrepreneurs may not be aware of the financing options available that could help them grow their businesses proactively. As a result, they are relying on credit cards and paying high interest rates that may hinder their growth.
In this article, we’ll present some strategies that can help women-owned small businesses manage their finances proactively to encourage growth and reduce a reliance on expensive credit card debt.
Every business needs a solid financial foundation. This means having a well-organized accounting system and a realistic budget. Nothing derails a business faster than finding out after the fact that your expenses were higher and your sales lower than expected–something you could have avoided if your accounting was up to date.
One of the common pitfalls for small business owners is mixing personal and business finances.
Open a separate business bank account and credit card to track business transactions accurately. This separation not only simplifies record-keeping but also ensures compliance with tax regulations. Plus, it provides a clearer picture of your business’s profitability and financial standing.
You’ve probably heard this advice countless times, but its importance cannot be overstated. A well-crafted business plan helps you understand your goals, target market, competition, and financial projections.
This way, it’s easier to communicate your vision to potential investors, partners, and employees. Additionally, having a business plan prepared in advance positions you as a serious entrepreneur when applying for grants and loans.
Understanding your business’s financial health is non-negotiable as a business owner. All too often, small business owners get their accounting software set up early on, but don’t really understand what the numbers mean, or get too busy and forget to pay attention to them.
Do you know your monthly revenue, expenses, and profit margins? Regularly reviewing your financial statements gives you insights into your business’s financial performance and can help you make data-driven decisions. You may consider hiring a professional accountant to ensure accuracy in your financial records and keep you in the loop.
Establishing and maintaining a strong credit profile is essential for accessing financing and favorable terms. To create a positive credit history, prioritize timely payments to suppliers and creditors, responsible use of credit, and prompt resolution of any discrepancies.
A great credit profile not only enhances your eligibility for financing but also positions your business as a reliable and trustworthy partner. It can also be a valuable asset when seeking funding for expansion or addressing unforeseen challenges.
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, and managing it effectively is key to survival. Women-owned small businesses can benefit greatly from implementing efficient cash flow management strategies.
Build your business to send invoices promptly, offer your customers discounts for early payments, and negotiate favorable payment terms with suppliers. If you do, you can position your company to cover operational expenses and seize growth opportunities as they arise.
Many organizations, including the SBA, the Association of Women Business Owners (AWBC), Moms as Entrepreneurs, and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), offer special support programs, grant opportunities, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Research and identify programs that align with your business goals and apply for the resources available to you. Take advantage of these opportunities — grants, financing, or venture capital programs — to secure additional capital for your business.
In today’s entrepreneurship space, women-owned small businesses have the potential to achieve remarkable success. But this success only comes with putting in the work. There are no shortcuts.
Sarita Ekya knows this through experience. As the owner of S’Mac, a mac and cheese restaurant chain in New York City with three locations, she’s faced many challenges over the years—including the severe disruption that happened to the food industry during the pandemic. A long-time Biz2Credit customer, when COVID-19 restrictions threatened to close their doors, she had the finances she needed to innovate and make it through.
As you grow and implement the right financial strategies for your business, be sure to check out the financial solutions Biz2Credit offers. Whether your goal is short-term growth, long-term sustainability, or simply taking advantage of an opportunity to expand, the right financing can help you get there.
