Additional Resources by Topic

START THE COURSE HERE!

Throughout The Beginner’s Guide to Financial Projections, you will see references to several resources, including:

  1. The Sample Business Case Study Packet (indicated by the checklist icon) shows the financial projections documents for our sample business owners – River and Mateo – who you will hear from throughout the course. In the course content, the checklist icon is used to refer to the case study packet.
  2. The Course Workbook (indicated by the book icon) gives you the opportunity to apply the concepts you’ve learned to your own business. By understanding what inputs you will need for your financial projections, you will be well on your way! In the course content, the book icon refers to relevant workbook sections.
  3. The Resources Page references the links on this page that you will find below, listed by category.

Download Course Materials Before Beginning the Course

Finished the course content?

Congratulations! Now you are ready to visit the links on this page (categorized by topic) to dig into some of the additional resources referenced throughout the course.

Solidifying your Business Plan

If you are looking for courses or trainings on starting a business, please check out:

Market Research

Common market research resources for market sizing. These resources are generally available to the public; you should also check your local public or university library (especially if you have a business librarian nearby!) to see what other databases may be available to you!

Business Planning Templates and Samples

Credit Scores & Credit Repair

Most lenders are looking for a credit score of 670-700+. If you do not know your credit score or do not yet have a credit score that meets that threshold:

  • Find your free credit report. You are entitled to receive a free copy of your credit report from each of the credit reporting companies once every 12 months. Your credit report indicates your credit activity and is available from AnnualCreditReport.com. You do not need to pay for this service! While your free credit report does not include your credit score, reviewing your report regularly can help you check for – and dispute! – any errors. Credit reports include key information, such as your credit accounts, payment history, public records (such as liens, foreclosures, and bankruptcies) and “hard pull” inquiries.
  • Estimate your score from the myFICO Credit Score Estimator. This site asks you questions to help you develop a reasonable estimate of your score. You can also find your score from:
    • Some private companies – banks, credit cards, etc. – offer access to your credit score if you are a customer.
    • You can also chose to sign up for a free account with Credit Karma or Experian to receive your FICO score
  • Learn the basics of building a good credit score.
  • Seek resources for credit improvement. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling can help; you can use their agency finder to find an organization to work with near you. You can also partner with a financial professional. Be careful working with other organizations – there are many scams surrounding credit improvement.

Learning About Loan Options & Connecting with a Lender

Government-Backed Loan (SBA typically) is defined as a loan made through a lending institution that the government guarantees. Because of this assurance of payment, the lending institution is more likely to fund the loan. Borrowers are still responsible for loan payment, and the SBA still requires a personal guaranty from the business owner that holds you personally responsible for the business’ debt in the event of a loan default. This program enables lending institutions to offer loans for a higher percentage of startup businesses, which are inherently risky.

  • The SBA offers a variety of different loan types. Visit SBA.gov to learn more.
  • Business owners looking to receive an SBA loan apply through banks who are designated SBA Lenders.

If you are preparing to seek funding, find out what your bank may want from you – what are their expectations? It is much easier to have an idea of this upfront so that you have time to prepare. In addition, does your intended lender have a template they suggest for financial projections and/or an application form you may need to complete?

Additional funding resource pages
  • Kiva Lending information through WWBIC. Kiva microloans have a 0% interest rate and are crowdfunded by individuals.
  • Kauffman Foundation Funding Series video
  • Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI’s) – specialized community-based financial institutions with a primary mission to promote economic development by providing financial products and services to people and communities underserved by traditional financial institutions. 
SBDC Entrepreneurial How-To Video Series (all videos)

Financial Projection Templates

Where to Find Financial Projection Templates

There is no one “gold standard” financial projection template, and the template you need may vary depending on the type and size of your business. In our Financial Projections Template page, you can download two different financial projections templates, as well as learn more about how to evaluate a template for your needs.

Special Considerations

Employee vs. Independent Contractor – Under the law, workers are presumed to be employees unless an employer demonstrates the workers meet the legal criteria to be independent contractors. Employers who misclassify workers as independent contractors gain an unfair competitive advantage over other employers.

Learn more about this important distinction at the links below:

Seeking Additional Help

  • Connecting with your local SBDC
  • The UW-Madison SBDC offers an Accounting and Projections Clinic. This program is supported by funding for entrepreneurs in Dane, Sauk, and Columbia Counties in Wisconsin and is able to work with entrepreneurs in those counties. Interested in participating in the APC? In order to apply for the program, most business owners will need to complete a Service Request Form. This form will require you to provide a completed workbook from the Beginner’s Guide to Financial Projections. Make sure to download the workbook, and complete the components as you go!