Start-up cash flow
All About That Cash: Will Your Business Start-Up Make Money?
So you think you are ready to take the plunge. Your brilliant ideas are the backbone of your business plan, but at the bottom of it you need a few solid financial statements.
Your cash flow projection
Profit does not equal cash in hand
A cash flow projection lets bankers and investors see evidence that your business plan is viable. Will you make money each month, make your loan payments and keep your business afloat?
- Evidence your business plan is viable
- Shows if you make money each month
- Plans for your loan payments
- Keeps your business afloat month to month
Three steps together
Build your cash flow projection in three steps
These questions help you gather the information you need to write your own cash flow projection.
Money coming in
List your services or products, research competitive prices and typical sales patterns in your market, then fill in what sales should look like each month.
Money going out
Think it through on two levels: one-time start-up costs and the operating costs you need each month to keep your business up and running.
What's left
Subtract start-up costs from the cash you begin with for your opening balance. Opening balance plus projected sales minus operating expenses equals your closing balance.
Money going out, thought through on two levels
Since you are just starting out, comb your business plan for every cost so you can avoid surprise expenses as much as possible.
Start-up costs
Think of these as one-time expenses: legal registrations, taxes and licenses; rent deposits, repairs and utility deposits; branding, signs, decor and marketing; and new equipment, tools or inventory.
Operating costs
The things you need each month to stay up and running: phone, internet and utilities, rent, loan payments, professional fees, software, salaries and wages, inventory restock, raw materials and office supplies.
Reviews
What business owners say about Two Roads
4.9from 97 reviews onGoogle
“Love them! Great response and problem solving. Their staff are always so friendly and helpful. HUGEEE shout out to Laura N. She always goes above and beyond and is always incredibly helpful. Very much appreciate her! PT is so happy she always has our back!”Read the full review
MaryAnn Woods
July 2026
“We've used Two Roads for my business, Fletcher Marketing Communications, for about 14 years now. They are responsive, reliable and good at what they do. Highly recommend!”
Kelly Kress
July 2026
“Great company. They've consulted with us on our processes and we're very knowledgeable. I appreciate how they cared more about helping us than they did selling us. It was evident they had my companies best interest in mind.”Read the full review
Seth K
June 2026
“I've worked with the team at Two Roads for the past 6+ years and they've been on top of the books the entire journey. I've especially appreciated their fast action when business strategy and deadlines have required it.”
Brandon Bruce
March 2026
“Great experience with many people at Two Roads. Been using them for years and very happy with their work and support”
Jason Phillips
March 2026
Review 1 of 5
Now, take a deep breath
Navigate the bumps and steer toward success
If you have made it this far, you have done great work investing in the success of your business. Talk with us about your plan, and let the financial planning fuel your dreams.
- Remote bookkeeping company since 2011
- 950+ business owners served nationwide
- Bookkeeping, CFO Advisory and Tax