Many healthy small businesses fail not because they are unprofitable, but because cash arrives later than bills fall due.
- Invoice the day the work is done. Every day of delay pushes payment back.
- Keep business and personal money apart. A separate account makes the real position visible.
- Build a buffer. Aim for enough to cover a month of fixed costs.
- Review spending weekly. Small leaks add up quickly.
- Negotiate terms. Ask suppliers for longer payment windows and offer customers a small discount for paying early.
