This four-part webinar series is designed to help small business owners strengthen their financial knowledge, improve bookkeeping practices, and make informed business decisions. Participants will learn how to recognize common debt traps, establish effective bookkeeping systems, understand key financial statements, and use financial information to support business growth and access to capital.

Each session offers practical guidance and actionable strategies to help businesses build a stronger financial foundation, improve their readiness for financing, and plan for long-term success.

Wednesday, March 3 – 1:00-2:30pm

Session 1: Credit Cards and Debt Traps: What to Know Before Debt Becomes Unmanageable

Personal credit can affect your business financing options. Learn how APR influences borrowing costs, why minimum payments can prolong debt, and how to recognize warning signs of predatory lending. Explore common debt traps, including merchant cash advances, certain equipment-financing arrangements, and fuel cards. You’ll gain practical strategies for using credit responsibly, protecting cash flow, evaluating lenders, and seeking support from Business Impact NW.

Wednesday, March 10 – 1:00-2:30pm

Session 2: Bookkeeping 101

Knowing your financial numbers is the key to running a profitable, stress-free business. Whether you are launching a new venture or getting messy records organized for the first time, Bookkeeping 101 will show you how to set up a system that actually works for you.

You’ll learn how bookkeeping differs from accounting, how to organize income and expenses, what the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement tell you, and how to choose and set up a bookkeeping system.

Wednesday, March 17 – 1:00-2:30pm

Session 3: From Messy to Functional:

Are your financial records scattered across spreadsheets, receipts, bank accounts, and unfinished bookkeeping entries? Join us for a practical, step-by-step webinar designed to help small business owners move from messy records to a functional bookkeeping system. Learn how to prioritize cleanup, establish consistent routines, and create a financial foundation that supports tax preparation, lender review, and business growth.

Wednesday, March 24 – 1:00-2:30pm

Session 4: Financial Statements, Business Growth, and Lending Pathways

Learn how financial statements can help you make informed operating decisions, manage cash flow, pursue sustainable growth, and prepare for financing. This session covers how to read and interpret a Profit and Loss Statement, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows. You’ll also explore margins and cost structure, identify strategies for maintaining healthy cash flow, and learn how to prepare financial information for loan applications and contracting opportunities.

This training will be presented virtually via Zoom. A link will be provided upon registration.