Cash Flow and Alternative Financing for Small Businesses

Where do you go when the banks are not ready for you, or your business is not ready for the banks? What do you do when your business is growing, but tight cash flow is inhibiting growth and limiting profitability? If your business is in either of these situations, be sure to attend our discussion with Bob Jaskiewicz and Liz Whitten from 12Five Capital. The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Bradley University is offering this in-person training event at no cost to attendees to help with common cash flow challenges facing today's small businesses. Topics of discussion: • Issues that make a small business “un-bankable” in the short run • Common cash flow challenges facing small businesses • Where to turn when traditional bank financing is not a fit • The importance of timing when it comes to cash flow • Tips for getting a handle on cash flow management • Becoming familiar with small business financing terminology • Understanding asset-based lending programs • Introduction to purchase order finance • How to manage cash flow for profitability and owner’s equity • Cash flow and working capital problems and potential solutions Sadly, many small businesses fail even when they appear to be profitable. One way to prevent this is to implement effective cash flow management tools and practices. Who should attend? Any Small Business: • That is heavy on assets and equipment but tight on working capital • Facing growing pains that keep them from taking on bigger customer orders • That wants to know how to manage cash flow for improved profitability Especially: • Companies that sell B2B (Business-to-Business) • Companies that sell B2G (Business-to-Government) Speakers: Robert Jaskiewicz, Managing Director at 12five Capital, has enjoyed a 30+ year career in the alternative finance industry. With a heart for service, Bob helps small businesses find the capital they need to thrive and understands the growing pains many business owners face. In addition, he is quite involved with various charity organizations, nonprofits and community-based groups of all types. Bob originally hails from Michigan but spent much of his life in the Bolingbrook area. He recently retired to Pekin with his wife Linnea and enjoys charity work and his six grandchildren. Elizabeth Whitten, VP of Internal Operations for 12five Capital, focuses her efforts on supporting the team through internal financial management, human resources, marketing and credit. Supporting businesses through sound strategic decisions has been the focus throughout her career. Shortly after earning her degree from DePaul University, she and her husband Greg moved to Peoria and have continued to make it home. Liz enjoys traveling, home projects, and being a mother to her three children. This event is cosponsored by: Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center and the Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center, at Bradley University.