Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the heart and soul of economies worldwide, yet they often face financial challenges that can hold them back from reaching their full potential. Did you know that SMEs make up about 90% of businesses globally and contribute to over 50% of employment? That’s according to the World Bank. The U.S Small Business Association (SBA) reported that small businesses with employees less than 500 make up about 99.9% of all U.S. businesses, accounting for about 44% of U.S. economic activity.
However, despite their importance, the road for SMEs can be rocky—around 20% of small businesses in the U.S. don't make it through their first year, and by the five-year mark, 50% of SMEs have closed their doors, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
So, what’s behind these high failure rates?
So, what’s behind these high failure rates?
One of the biggest culprits of business failures is financial mismanagement. A survey by CB Insights found that nearly 30% of startups fail because they run out of cash, while Business Insider reported that 82% of small businesses struggle with cash flow issues. These numbers highlight just how essential it is for SMEs to have solid financial strategies in place.
At Elev8 Matrix, we’ve seen firsthand how SMEs that implement financial systems inspired by Fortune 500 companies can turn things around. In fact, SMEs adopting advanced financial management practices increased profitability and a boost in cash flow management.
In this post, we’re going to share some of the most essential financial insights to help your SME thrive in today’s competitive business space. From mastering cash flow management to tapping into the latest financial technologies, we’ll cover strategies that have delivered real results for our clients across different industries. Whether you’re an early-stage entrepreneur or looking to fine-tune your existing operations, these insights will give you the tools you need to make smart financial decisions and drive sustainable growth.
Cash Flow Management
Cash flow is the heartbeat of any business, especially for SMEs. Without it, even the most promising business can struggle to stay afloat. As mentioned earlier, poor cash flow management is behind 82% of business failures, according to the U.S. Bank reports. Think about it this way. You run a tech startup. You have handled several projects and made your clients happy, but the challenge is that most of these happy clients will take 30-60 days before paying invoices. You have to pay your employees and settle other operational costs, but you're out of cash. Did you start your business to chase down payments? Or you're simply interested in creating amazing tech products? The timing difference between your revenue coming in and you receiving it can create problems for your establishment. Basically, cash flow is about the money coming in, the time it arrives, and how you manage it.
So, how do you maintain a healthy cash flow? Here are some strategies:
Create detailed cash flow projections: Take the time to forecast your cash inflows and outflows using past data and market trends. It is actually worth the effort, as companies with accurate cash flow forecasts are more likely to hit their financial targets.
Implement strict invoice collection policies: Late payments can throw a wrench in your cash flow and put your business in a tight spot. Consider offering discounts for early payments or setting penalties for late ones. Also, having a strict collection policy can cut down late payments, safeguard your business's financial well-being, foster a robust business-customer atmosphere, and streamline your operations.
Negotiate favorable payment terms with suppliers: Try to match up when you need to pay your bills with when you’re getting paid by your customers. According to a survey by The Hackett Group posted on the Wall Street Journal's website, top companies took about 58 days to pay their suppliers, which was about 5.5% from 55 days in 2020.
Consider invoice factoring for immediate cash: If you’re dealing with long payment cycles, invoice factoring can give you quick access to funds. The global invoice factoring market is on the rise and was valued at USD 2,740.47 billion in 2022, which is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.16% from 2023 to 2032, according to The Brainy Insight. This means that you'll be able to get immediate cash flow by selling your receivables to a third party, which ultimately helps you maintain liquidity without the need for traditional loans.
With these strategies, you can take control of your cash flow and steer your business toward success. Now that you understand these cash flow strategies, let's talk about strategic budgeting.
Strategic Budgeting
A well-planned budget is key to the financial success of your business. 43% of Chief Financial Officers reported that streamlining their budget processes helps them react quickly and efficiently as the business-as-usual budgeting process no longer fits the task. So, how do you create an effective budget for your business?
Set realistic revenue goals: When you're going on a road trip, you won't want to start without knowing where you're headed, right? The same goes for your business's budgeting. Use historical data, market conditions, and growth projections to set revenue goals that are both ambitious and achievable. For example, when Apple launched the iPhone, they didn’t just aim to sell a few million units—they set a specific, challenging target that pushed their team to innovate. You should do the same with your strategic budgeting. Just like Apple, companies that set clear, challenging goals outperform those with vague or easy goals in the long run.
Prioritize expenses based on ROI: Let's say you have a web development agency and you're stuck with deciding between two marketing campaigns—one costs less but has a lower expected return, while the other is pricier but promises a higher ROI. Which one do you choose? Smart businesses, like Netflix, focused on high-ROI initiatives in the early days. Netflix prioritized investing in content creation over other expenses, which paid off massively as they expanded globally. That's why, as part of your strategic budgeting plans, you should also focus on investments that deliver higher returns, as companies focusing on high-ROI investments grow faster than their peers.
Build in contingencies for unexpected costs: Experts recommend setting aside 3-6 months of operating expenses as a safety net. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses with a cash buffer—like some restaurants that pivoted to delivery services—could weather the storm better than those without. However, a JPMorgan Chase Institute study found that the median small business only has a 27-day cash buffer. This means they could only cover 27 days of outflows without any new cash inflow. Having a cash buffer through strategic budgeting can help you weather any storm that could cause your business to slow down or shut down.
Regularly review and adjust your budget: Conduct monthly or quarterly reviews to ensure you're on track. For example, when Tesla faced production challenges with the Model 3, they didn’t just stick to their original budget—they adjusted it, reallocating resources to areas that needed more support. Therefore, reviewing your business budget mid-year or at least quarterly can guide you to adjust accordingly, ultimately setting your business up for success.
Financial Performance Metrics
Keeping an eye on your financial health is a surefire way to ensure your business is running smoothly. One of the best ways to do this is by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs). KPIs can potentially help companies boost profit and customer acquisition and contribute to informed business decision-making. Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the most important KPIs:
Gross profit margin: Gross profit margin is simply a gauge of how efficiently your business is generating profit from your core business activities. It measures the difference between what it costs you to produce your goods or services and how much you’re selling them for. While the ideal gross profit margin varies by industry, a margin above 50% is generally considered healthy. For example, software companies, especially SaaS, often have high gross profit margins of 80-90% because the cost of producing additional copies is minimal once the software is developed.
Net profit margin: Net profit margin is the measure of the bottom line of your business - profitability. It shows how much profit you’re making after all expenses are paid. According to the NYU Stern School of Business, the average net profit margin across industries is around 7.9%. So, if your business is hitting or exceeding this number, you’re doing well.
Current ratio: This metric measures your ability to pay off short-term obligations, like bills and loans, with your current assets, such as cash or inventory. A current ratio between 1.2-to-1 and 2-to-1 is often considered healthy, meaning you have as many assets as liabilities. However, what’s considered good can vary by industry. For example, a grocery store might operate with a lower current ratio due to the fast turnover of products, while a construction company might need a higher ratio because of longer project timelines.
Debt-to-equity ratio: This metric tells you how much of your business is financed by debt compared to equity. A balanced debt-to-equity ratio can indicate a well-managed business. The average for S&P 500 companies is about 1.5. For instance, a company like Coca-Cola might have a higher ratio due to its global operations and ongoing investments, while a tech startup might aim for a lower ratio to maintain flexibility.
Inventory turnover: This KPI shows how efficiently you’re managing your inventory. An average turnover ratio of about 8 means you’re selling and replacing your inventory roughly eight times a year. For example, fast fashion retailers like Zara thrive on high inventory turnover, quickly selling out styles and restocking with new trends.
Tracking these KPIs helps you get a clearer picture of your financial health and be better equipped to make informed decisions that drive your business forward.
Smart Financing Options
Whether you're an early-stage entrepreneur or you have a large business, you will always aim to be on the path of steady growth. For your desired growth, you'll need capital risk to drive your business expansion. If you do not have sufficient finances, your business may hit the rock, and you'll struggle to maintain a competitive edge. Therefore, choosing the right financing can be a game-changer for your business. Here’s how to explore various options:
Traditional bank loans: Traditional bank loans are the go-to option for many businesses looking for reliable funding. Banks typically offer fixed interest rates and set repayment terms, making it easier to plan your finances.
SBA loans: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) backs these loans, offering lower interest rates and longer repayment terms compared to traditional loans. This makes them especially attractive for small businesses.
Angel investors or venture capital: If your business is in the early stages and has high growth potential, angel investors or venture capitalists can provide significant funding along with valuable expertise. For instance, companies like Airbnb and Uber received early-stage funding from venture capitalists, which helped them scale rapidly.
Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo allow you to raise funds by engaging your community. This option provides capital and helps validate your product or service idea. Pebble Technology raised over $20 million through crowdfunding, proving the power of community support.
Revenue-based financing: This option allows you to repay the loan as a percentage of your revenue, which is beneficial during slow periods. Companies like Shopify Capital offer this type of financing. Their business model is to allow e-commerce businesses using Shopify in top-world countries like the US and Canada to grow without the pressure of fixed monthly payments.
Technology Integration
Leveraging technology in your financial management can streamline your operations and give you a competitive edge. With the integration of Fortune 500 business tools like AI, Machine Learning, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and more, you can automate your repetitive tasks, reduce human errors, and boost productivity. Are you curious to know how you leverage technology tools in financial management? Here’s how:
Cloud-based accounting software: Tools like QuickBooks or Xero allow you to access your financial data anytime, anywhere, and keep everything organized in one place. Small businesses using cloud-based accounting software are likely to grow faster than traditional ones.
Automated invoicing systems: With advanced technology tools, you can reduce human error and speed up cash flow by automating your invoicing systems. In addition, automating your invoicing systems can help you avoid delays, process invoices faster, and gain a competitive edge.
Expense tracking apps: Apps like Expensify or Concur simplify expense management and provide real-time insights into your spending. Businesses using expense management software are able to streamline their operations, increase productivity, and achieve the bottom line of their business.
Financial forecasting tools: When it comes to business, knowing where you're going is impossible if you do not have accurate data on where you've been. Usually, your past actions inform what happens in the future. As a result, you'll be able to predict what will happen in the future. Tools like Fathom or PlanGuru help you predict future trends and make informed financial decisions. So, financial forecasting enables you to build a foundation for a successful future.
There you have it! Perhaps some of the key insights you need as a small and medium enterprise. The business environment is even more competitive than ever, and financial health is the cornerstone of success for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
When you implement the right financial strategies—such as cash flow management, strategic budgeting, financial performance metrics, smart financing options, and leveraging technology—you can successfully stabilize your business and position it for sustained growth. At Elev8 Matrix, we believe that every SME has the potential to thrive with the right guidance and tools. Our proven methods, inspired by Fortune 500 companies, can help you optimize your financial operations and secure a stronger future for your business.
Want to Reach Your Full Potential? Elev8 Matrix is Your Perfect Go-To Partner
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Let Elev8 Matrix guide you with expert financial consulting tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to discover how our strategies can help you achieve financial stability and growth. Together, we’ll unlock the full potential of your business.
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