Unlocking Financial Confidence with the Finance 101 Series
The second installment of our "Finance 101 for CPG Brands" series, hosted by Startup CPG and Finaloop, delved into the crucial numbers that dictate business health: working capital, cash flow, and the balance sheet. This session armed CPG founders with the frameworks and tools needed to operate with confidence, highlighting a simple but critical truth: most brands don’t fail because they’re unprofitable - they fail because they run out of cash.
Decoding the Three Key Financial Statements
Jacob Becker, Finaloop's Head of Ecosystem Education, led a comprehensive breakdown of the three essential financial statements: the Profit & Loss (P&L) statement, the Balance Sheet, and the Cash Flow statement. He clearly illustrated how these statements intersect with day-to-day operations, influencing everything from inventory planning and supplier payments to managing accounts receivable.
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Mastering Cash Flow & Working Capital
Jacob provided actionable insights on how to effectively calculate and significantly improve your cash conversion cycle. Attendees learned valuable techniques for accurately forecasting cash needs and making smarter, more informed decisions about when and how to take on debt to fuel growth without jeopardizing liquidity.
An Operator's Perspective on Financial Management
Bringing invaluable real-world experience to the discussion, Jamie Valenti-Jordan of Catapult Commercialization Services offered a seasoned operator's perspective. He shared practical advice on navigating common CPG challenges such as managing seasonal swings in demand, optimizing inventory turnover rates, and effectively handling product shelf life – all of which directly impact cash flow and profitability.
Building Resilience: Why Cash is King for CPG Brands
Together, Jacob and Jamie reinforced that while profitability is vital, managing cash flow is paramount for the longevity of a CPG brand. Whether you're new to balancing a sheet or looking to refine your cash efficiency strategies, this session provided essential frameworks and tools. It equipped CPG founders with the knowledge to maintain healthy working capital, anticipate financial needs, and ensure their brand not only survives but truly thrives in a competitive market. Watch the full recording on YouTube:
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