Financial projections lie at the heart of Business Planning. Investors want to know that their money is well invested. For them financial projection of their business is the most important thing. Financial projection includes balance sheets, income statements, and statements of cash flow.
Any business planning worth its salt must have financial projection. Five Year Projections portray the financial projection over a period of five years. It should be done strategically so that the process is not more complicated than it already is. It is an instrument and a process that is strategic for the business. Five Year Projections can be used to make the business grow and improve. It should be reviewed regularly to draw upon by the business.
Five Year Projections include important information that is collected and organized, and key variables when assessed, have an impact on the business. It is also a tool to collaborate with stakeholders, both external and internal. The key elements that drive expenses and revenues of the business need to be assessed. Stakeholder groups should be a part of this for the accuracy of the data. This is an important first step. Without this information, any business planning is a failure.
Download Five Year Projections Template
Five Year Projections Plan Template
Five Year Financial Plan Template
Using the Five Year Financial Plan Template
Five Year Projections are also important tools for measuring performance in the past, aligning of resources in a strategic manner, and evaluating opportunities and challenges. If resources are limited, they can be realigned based on Five Year Projections. This is a part of Business Planning. Reviewing the past performance of a business to predict how it might perform in the future is a valid Business Planning strategy. The historical method also enables businesses to review past budgets and the actual performance of the business, and come to its own conclusions. This is the time tested method of plan vs. outcome in Business Planning. The key drivers of a business can be better understood with Five Year Projections. This also helps in risk assessment and risk management. The risks taken by a business in the past that did not pay off should not be repeated in the future under similar circumstances. This will also depend on the market. However, good business planning takes into account both the known and the variable factors. Five Year Projections are based on the assumption that the market is going to be predictable.
The potential for profit of a business can be gauged by Five Year Projections. The capital requirement of a business can also be assessed from Five Year Projections. The cash flow expected to take place can also be evaluated based on Five Year Projections. Five Year Projections and Business Planning are required for applying to creditors and investors. Creditors and investors need to know that the business is and will be in good health before they part with their money.
Business Planning and Five Year Projections are also important for startups. The expected revenue and expected expenditure will help a startup find investors. Five Year Projections for startups calculate profit, loss, cash flow, and balance sheet. Five Year Projections should be considered processes and tools rather than just a spreadsheet template. It will enhance the growth of a business and help in running it seamlessly and efficiently.
