SBDC Introduction to Financial Management
SBDC Introduction to Financial Management
Whether you are starting a new business or looking to organize your current business’s finances, accurate financial information is one of the most valuable tools you have to drive success. This course seeks to set participants on the right path by providing a “101” overview of financial bookkeeping, accounting terminology and concepts, a breakdown of the key financial statements, and a brief introduction to financial management.
This class is designed for participants who:
Work with a professional accountant, but want to maximize that investment by knowing the basics and being able to focus on strategy
Do not have an accounting background.
Would benefit from breaking down the components of each of the “Big 3” financial statements – the Profit & Loss (Income) Statement, the Balance Sheet, and the Statement of Cash Flow
Are unsure how to organize financial information to ensure accurate records
May be uncomfortable with “the numbers side” of the business and are looking to increase familiarity
Are looking for an introduction to key financial tools and concepts, or those who are looking to revisit these topics
Have recently taken on financial support roles in their business, or who need a general understanding of accounting to be successful in their roles
Have already built a business plan (formal or informal), and can answer basic information about their revenue streams, pricing, costs, etc. Haven’t nailed down these details yet? Consider taking Biz Smart Sprint or the Entrepreneurial Training Program
Learning objectives
Establishing a good organizational system and clear accounting processes
Develop a basic understanding of accounting terminology
Understand the key components of the “Big Three” financial statements – balance sheet, P&L statement, and cash flow statement
Learn more about the impact of breakeven on the bottom line
Practice a few examples of analyzing financial information to understand how your numbers relate to your business
Help you “put the narrative to the numbers” and begin to be able to ask questions about what you see in your financial statements. By working with your team and/or accountant, you will first be able to understand what is happening, and eventually be able to make incremental improvements.
This course does not:
Teach specific recordkeeping tools or software
Provide personalized financial advice
Discuss tax planning – tax laws are complex, highly individualized, and change regularly; seek the advice of an accounting tax professional
BONUS! Custom Workbook!
Based on feedback from our clients – believe it or not, they asked for homework! – we designed a custom workbook to accompany the class content. Whether you are brand new to financial concepts or refreshing your memory, this workbook helps you connect the concepts we are learning in class to the context of your business – and provides a blend of concepts and calculations to help you make meaning from what you are learning.
We believe that by being able to identify and thoroughly understand the components of your three key financial statements and business model, you will be much better equipped to make clear financial decisions in the future. The workbook also gives you the chance to make some basic calculations on your own time, along with an explanation of the answers and their meaning, so that you can begin to understand some of the financial information in your own context.
Dates: October 19 – November 16, 2026
Schedule: Mondays, 4:00 pm – 5:45 pm CST
October 19, 2026
October 26, 2026
November 2, 2026
November 9, 2026
November 16, 2026
Location: Live Virtual; Zoom link will be sent within 24 hours of the class start time
We consider business financial education to take place along a spectrum of learning:
Recordkeeping/bookkeeping (accurately tracking your financial transactions)
Accounting (understanding how to read “the numbers,” interpret financial statements, identify trends, etc.)
Financial management (taking an active role in the future planning of the direction of your business).
This course focuses primarily on bookkeeping and the fundamentals of accounting.