Essentials: Financial Foundations for Business Growth

This practical, jargon-free workshop is for small business owners who want greater clarity and confidence around their finances. Whether you're just starting out or looking to feel more in control of your numbers, you’ll explore the essential habits, tools, and concepts that reduce stress, support better decisions, and strengthen your business foundations.

Who It’s For
• Business owners who feel overwhelmed or unsure about the financial side of running their business
• Sole traders and small business owners wanting to build healthier financial habits and systems
• Founders preparing for growth, funding, or simply wanting to get organised

No prior finance knowledge required – just curiosity and a willingness to learn

In this session, you'll learn:

Get Financially Fit
Build confidence as well as capability. We'll tackle the mindset shifts that help you take ownership of your finances and outline the core responsibilities and habits that keep your business organised and compliant.

Know Your Numbers
Understand how your business really makes money. We’ll break down revenue, costs, and
margins in a clear, practical way so you can make more informed pricing and spending
decisions.

Plan for Profit
Move from guessing to planning. We’ll explore a simple framework for setting financial targets and thinking ahead, so your business decisions are grounded in realistic numbers.

Cash Is Queen
Profit doesn’t always mean cash in the bank. Learn why timing matters and how a straightforward cash flow forecast can help you anticipate pressure points and stay
resilient.

Make It Stick
Turn insight into action. Leave with a clear next step: one number to track, one habit to
implement, and one financial priority to focus on.

Key Takeaways
• Understand your core financial responsibilities
• Feel more confident about what your numbers are telling you
• See how profit and cash flow differ — and why both matter
• Plan ahead with simple, practical financial frameworks
• Leave with practical tools and a focused action plan

Speaker: 

Jacinda Read is a former CFO and university lecturer, who now specialises in helping small businesses develop the financial skills they need to thrive. With over 20 years’ experience of managing company finances through various growth stages, Jacinda combines her practical expertise with her teaching skills to make business finance accessible, understandable, and relevant for small business owners. 

For enquires, e-mail us on bgevents@bizgateway.org.uk  

There will also be the opportunity to ask questions during the event.