1. Excel-Based Cash Flow Templates
Microsoft Excel remains the most commonly used platform for creating cash flow statements. Many pre-designed small business cash flow template options are available within Excel, offering customisation and easy integration with other spreadsheets. Templates include features like monthly income tracking, expense forecasts, and automatic cash balance calculations.
2. Google Sheets Templates
Google Sheets provides a free, cloud-based alternative to Excel. Business owners can access small business cash flow templates through Google Workspace Marketplace or financial blogs. These templates often include built-in formulas for real-time collaboration and ease of sharing with accountants or team members.
3. SCORE Cash Flow Statement Template
SCORE, a US-based mentoring network for small businesses, offers a reliable and downloadable Excel template designed for monthly cash flow management. It includes columns for actual and projected cash inflows and outflows, making it ideal for budgeting and forecasting.
4. Smartsheet Cash Flow Template
Smartsheet is a project management tool that also provides robust cash flow templates. Their small business cash flow template is designed to track and visualize cash movement over time, with built-in charts and dynamic functions to make financial data clearer and more actionable.
5. Intuit QuickBooks Cash Flow Planner
While primarily an accounting software, QuickBooks includes a dynamic cash flow planner for subscribers. This tool uses real-time data from linked accounts to automatically populate your cash flow template, offering forecasts and insights to improve decision-making.
6. Capterra Cash Flow Template Downloads
Capterra, known for software reviews, features free downloadable cash flow templates vetted by financial professionals. Templates vary in complexity—from simple weekly logs to detailed annual statements—catering to different business sizes and needs.
7. Vertex42 Cash Flow Templates
Vertex42 is a leading resource for financial templates. Their small business cash flow template includes versions for Excel and Google Sheets. Designed for ease of use, the template allows businesses to model various scenarios and track liquidity over time.
8. Spreadsheet123 Business Cash Flow Statement
Spreadsheet123 offers a wide range of free financial templates, including a small business cash flow template tailored for start-ups and SMEs. It includes separate sections for operational, investing, and financing activities to give a complete picture of financial health.
9. Wave Accounting Templates
Wave offers free accounting software and includes cash flow features for small businesses. Though not downloadable as traditional templates, its real-time dashboards and reporting features act as dynamic templates for managing cash inflows and outflows efficiently.
10. Microsoft Office Template Gallery
The Office Template Gallery hosts several professionally designed small business cash flow template options. These templates are ideal for those who already use Office 365 and want a quick, accessible way to manage their finances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a small business cash flow template used for?
It helps track and forecast cash inflows and outflows, ensuring businesses maintain sufficient liquidity to meet their obligations.
Can I customise a small business cash flow template?
Yes, most templates—especially Excel and Google Sheets versions—can be tailored to match your specific business structure and financial goals.
Are there free cash flow templates for small businesses?
Absolutely. Many organisations like SCORE, Vertex42, and Spreadsheet123 offer free downloadable templates.
How often should I update my cash flow template?
Ideally, it should be updated weekly or monthly to reflect accurate financial data and support decision-making.
What’s the difference between a cash flow statement and a profit and loss statement?
A cash flow statement tracks actual cash movement, while a profit and loss statement shows income and expenses, including non-cash items.
Do I need accounting software if I use a cash flow template?
Not necessarily. Templates are great for manual tracking, but software like QuickBooks or Wave can automate processes and reduce errors.
Conclusion
Using a reliable small business cash flow template is essential for financial clarity and long-term success. With numerous free options available—ranging from simple spreadsheets to dynamic tools—every entrepreneur can find a solution that suits their business model. Whether you’re forecasting growth or managing lean periods, these templates provide the structure you need to stay in control.