A jointly-presented series by the Benzie and Frankfort-Elberta Chambers of Commerce, with events held between October and April.
Our goal is to support local business owners and operators with professional and skills development opportunities that help them plan, execute, and grow their companies. After Hours IQ combines the networking you love with the actionable insights you need, complete with complimentary appetizers, beer, and wine.
This series is exclusively for members of one or both Chambers, but you can join any time!
A two-part series hosted by the Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce & the Frankfort-Elberta Area Chamber of Commerce.
Ever wonder where your cash actually goes? This two-part series will help you get a real handle on your business’s financial position, so you can plan ahead instead of playing catch-up.
Before we meet, you’ll receive a comprehensive spreadsheet to review on your own time. In the first session, Chris will walk through accurate ways to project your sales, cost of sales, operating expenses, and payroll, including a real example of a business owner who planned for growth while keeping a steady cash flow position.
After Session 1, you’ll be ready to plug in your own historical numbers and start planning the next 12 months toward positive cash flow for your business, which will be fine-tuned in Session 2. Designed for simplicity, Venture North’s Chris Wendel has created a straightforward financial planning tool based on the Lean Canvas. Attendees will walk away with a completed financial overview of their own business!
While anyone working in a financial role in a small business would benefit, it will be especially valuable for owner-operators at all stages. New businesses will gain early intelligence and insight into their financial pictures, from understanding seasonal revenue cycles to planning for future growth. Established operators benefit from a guided “checkup” that will help them understand their current and future needs more clearly.
You’ll get the most benefit from attending both sessions, but if you can’t make the second one, you’ll at least walk away with the planning tool and some guidance. If you can’t make Session 1, however, there’s no reason to sign up for Session 2.
Chris Wendel is a Business Advisor and Lender at Venture North, a mission-driven lender based in Traverse City. With a background in commercial lending, business coaching, and economic development, Chris specializes in helping small businesses access financing and technical assistance.
For more info, contact Jen Kruch, Member Engagement Coordinator.
After Hours IQ is exclusively for members of one or both Chambers.
