As a small business owner, one of your most critical roles is understanding and managing your business numbers. (See Small Business Owner’s Quick Guide to Understanding Financial Statements) Those financials give you the power to make smarter decisions, identify opportunities for growth or investment, and avoid costly mistakes. Working with your numbers is easier with the right tools and educational support. And ,you don’t have to do it all on your own. Here are some resources that can help:
Educational Resources
SCORE.org – Free Mentoring and Workshops
Free one-on-one mentoring, live webinars, and self-paced courses on financial planning, cash flow, and more.
Visit SCORE
SBA Learning Platform
Offers free online courses including “How to Prepare a Financial Statement” and “Accounting Basics.”
Visit SBA Learning
Coursera / edX Courses
Online business finance classes from top universities. Great for foundational knowledge.
Coursera | edX
📖 Books
- “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz – Cash management made simple.
- “Accounting Made Simple” by Mike Piper – A quick, jargon-free primer.
- “Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs” by Berman & Knight – Teaches how to make numbers meaningful.
Local Help
SBDC (Small Business Development Center)
Free consulting and workshops on finance and operations.
Find Your SBDC
Chambers of Commerce & Community Colleges
Often host workshops on budgeting, taxes, and financial basics.
Final Thoughts
Understanding financial statements isn’t about becoming an accountant; it’s about taking control of your business. Reviewing your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement regularly can help you stay proactive instead of reactive. With the right knowledge and tools, you can steer your business toward long-term success.
Need help reviewing your financials? Consider partnering with CRI Payroll Bookkeeping Services – we can walk you through your numbers in plain English.