Starting a new business is both an exciting and stressful event. Your time is spent making decisions and creating extensive plans that will carry you through the early stages. However, as you focus on immediate tasks and survival, you should also plan for your company’s financial future. These are a few tips to help you get started.

Calculate Your Financial Projections

If you plan to secure any financial assistance, from small-business loans to investments, you need to have financial projections. These institutions require potential startups to create a forecast of their future budgets, expenses, and sales based on their finances. Both your fixed and variable costs should be included, especially staff increases and professional services. Keep your forecasts to three years but update them regularly.

Adopt a Set Accounting System

Take time to research and test multiple accounting systems at the start of your company. Then, choose the one that works the best for you and can be scaled as your business grows. You will find the growth process less cumbersome if you adopt your system early.

Set a Budget

Money can be tight in the early stages of your company. Therefore, you should have a strict budget. Consider your expenses and revenues. Also, include any savings you need to hit your next milestone. However, be sure to prioritize your expenses so you don’t default on any expenses.

Build Relationships

From the start of your planning, you should begin building relationships. Start with your bank, particularly those in the lending office. You can also build relationships with lawyers, accountants, and other professionals in your peer group. However, do your research to ensure that you build relationships with reputable, established individuals and companies.

Hire Selectively

It can be tempting to fill your company with employees, so you have the capabilities you need now and in the future. However, it is more important that you fill vital positions. You may even consider outsourcing some of your administrative tasks initially until you have the capital to increase your staff without endangering your cash flows.

Learn About Taxes

You need to understand how your taxes are calculated as you start your company. One way to prepare for these obligations is to consult with a tax accountant or attorney as a startup. Don’t be like the many companies that fail because they don’t understand and plan for their tax obligations.

Startups need strong financial foundations to get them through the lean times and into the growth stage. Give yourself the best opportunity for success by starting your planning early.