Business startup template
Cash flow forecast template
Estimate the money coming in and going out each month so you can see when cash may be tight and plan before it becomes a crisis.
What this template is for
Use this template to forecast your monthly cash position. It helps you see whether your business can cover costs, when extra support may be needed, and which months are risky.
Who should use it
- Businesses selling physical products or buying stock regularly.
- Service businesses with transport, airtime, data, or staffing costs.
- Anyone preparing for a loan, grant, or business support application.
Before you start
- Collect your recent sales records, notebook entries, or phone money records if you have them.
- Estimate your normal monthly costs as honestly as possible, including small costs like airtime or transport.
- Separate business money from personal household spending as much as you can.
The template
Use the sections below as a worksheet. You can print this page or copy the headings into a notebook, document, or spreadsheet.
Opening balance and income
Start with how much cash the business has at the beginning of the month and where income should come from.
| Section item | What to write | Your notes |
|---|---|---|
| Opening balance | How much cash is available at the start of the month? | |
| Expected sales | How much do you expect to earn from normal sales? | |
| Other income | Will there be any extra income such as contracts, support, or side services? |
Stock and operating costs
List the main costs that reduce your cash during the month.
| Section item | What to write | Your notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stock or materials | How much will you spend on stock, ingredients, materials, or supplies? | |
| Transport or delivery | How much will travel, shipping, or collection cost? | |
| Rent, data, airtime, or utilities | What regular monthly operating costs do you expect? |
People and business support costs
Include wages or informal support payments when they are part of the business.
| Section item | What to write | Your notes |
|---|---|---|
| Staff or helpers | Will you pay anyone to help this month? | |
| Maintenance or repairs | Any expected fixing, replacement, or servicing costs? | |
| Emergency reserve | How much do you want to keep untouched if possible? |
Monthly balance
Use this section to see whether the month ends positive or negative.
| Section item | What to write | Your notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total cash in | Add opening balance, sales, and other income. | |
| Total cash out | Add all expected costs. | |
| Closing balance | Cash in minus cash out. What will remain at month end? |
Warning signs and action points
Decide early what you will do if cash drops too low.
| Section item | What to write | Your notes |
|---|---|---|
| Low cash warning sign | What number tells you cash is becoming unsafe? | |
| Response action | What will you do if that warning sign appears? | |
| Support option | Who can advise or help if cash pressure continues? |
Example for a Dzaleka small business
Tiyende Fresh Bites is a cooked food stall. A food stall owner wants to forecast cash before increasing meal production during a busy period.
Income and costs
- Opening balance: MWK 180,000.
- Expected sales: MWK 950,000 from weekday meals and weekend catering trays.
- Stock costs: MWK 430,000 for flour, oil, vegetables, charcoal, and packaging.
Operating costs
- Transport and delivery: MWK 75,000.
- Phone/data and airtime: MWK 18,000.
- Part-time helper: MWK 120,000.
Balance and warning sign
- Estimated closing balance: MWK 247,000.
- Warning sign: if available cash drops below MWK 80,000 before week 3.
- Response: reduce low-profit menu items and delay non-essential purchases.