Finance 101: Know Your Books

Speaker: Gabriela Rudnick

This is a foundational course designed to help business leaders understand and manage the financial side of their business. The class covers essential topics including reading and interpreting financial statements (Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow), budgeting, forecasting, and managing day-to-day cash flow. You will learn how to create realistic budgets, track key financial metrics, and use financial data to make informed decisions. The course also introduces basic concepts of business financing, including loans, credit, and investor readiness, and teaches how to determine break-even points and set profitable pricing strategies.

In addition to financial operations, the course addresses the importance of taxes, recordkeeping, and understanding key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor business health. Business owners will also explore tools for bookkeeping and financial tracking, and gain insight into what lenders and investors look for when evaluating a business. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to take control of their business finances, plan for growth, and avoid common financial pitfalls.