Financial Management for Green SMEs

This lesson equips green and circular economy SMEs with the practical financial management skills needed to track business performance, manage cash flow, control costs and improve profitability. Participants will learn how to maintain basic business records and bookkeeping, prepare cash flow forecasts, and develop budgets that account for the unique costs and revenue streams associated with circular operations.

The lesson will also explore how businesses can assess the financial benefits of circularity by comparing traditional linear revenue models with circular alternatives. Participants will learn how to identify cost-saving opportunities through waste reduction, resource efficiency and better materials management.

By the end of the lesson, participants will be able to:

• Set up and maintain basic business records and bookkeeping for a green or circular SME.
• Manage cash flow and prepare a simple cash flow forecast.
• Develop a budget that accounts for material recovery costs and circular revenues.
• Analyse and compare profitability across linear and circular business models.
• Apply cost-control strategies that support waste reduction and resource efficiency.