Financial Management Series (Online Certification)
The Financial Management Certificate Series is a series of workshops for small business owners looking to learn more about financial projections, cash flow management strategies, and data decision making.
Click here for information and registration.
The certificate program has three sessions. You do not need to attend all three sessions; you can take only the sessions you are interested in attending. If you complete all three sessions, you will receive a certificate of completion.
November 3, 2026 Financial Projections Noon – 1:30 pm
November 10, 2026 Cash Flow Management Noon – 1:30 pm
November 17, 2026 Financial Decision Making Noon – 1:30 pm
Session 1: Financial Projections
Take the next step in mastering your business finances with this focused session on financial projections. Designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners, this workshop explores how to forecast revenues, estimate costs, and plan for future growth. Participants will learn to build short- and mid-term projections, understand key components like revenue modeling, cost of goods sold, staffing, and cash flow assumptions, and learn how to use tools like spreadsheets and LivePlan to create professional financial documents.
Session 2: Cash Flow Management
Managing cash flow is critical to business success. This session dives into the essentials of cash flow management, helping entrepreneurs and small business owners understand, forecast, and optimize their cash position. Participants will explore the cash flow cycle, learn how to prepare projections, analyze financial statements, and apply strategies to avoid common pitfalls that lead to cash shortages.
Session 3: Financial Decision Making
Make smarter business decisions with confidence. This session focuses on using financial ratios and benchmarking to evaluate business performance and guide strategic choices. Participants will learn how to interpret key metrics like net profit margin, cost of goods sold percentage, inventory turnover, and cash flow ratios. Real-world scenarios and case studies help translate numbers into actionable insights for pricing, cost control, investment, and growth planning.
If you are unable to register for this program because registration is full or if you need assistance, contact the SBDC for assistance: sbdc@uwlax.edu, 608.785.8782.
Target participants:
This training series is ideal for business owners and staff who want to deepen their understanding of financial projections and cash flow management. It is especially valuable for early‑stage and growth‑stage businesses seeking to strengthen their financial skills and apply ratios to guide strategic decision‑making. Each workshop is designed to build financial literacy, enhance confidence, and expand the foundational business knowledge needed to support long‑term success.
Expected learning outcomes:
Participants completing this training program should be able to:
• Create basic and practical financial projections;
• Understand cash flow language;
• Use financial ratios to support decision making;
• Interpret key metrics; and
• Build confidence in core financial concepts.
A confirmation email will be sent prior to the program starting. If you don’t receive confirmation, please check your junk/spam/promotions folder(s) or contact the SBDC for assistance: sbdc@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8782. Should circumstances arise that change program dates or its activities, the program provider, UW-La Crosse SBDC, will contact the program participants.
MSBB Training Project Eligible – The fee for this program is paid on your behalf as an eligible participant, but your attendance is required. If circumstances arise that change your availability, please contact sbdc@uwlax.edu or call 608.785.8782 so other participants may attend.
Participating Organizations: The U.S. Small Business Administration, UW Office of Business and Entrepreneurship (OBE), the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (WSBDC) network, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
Please only register if you are available and plan to attend, so the provided funding can assist as many small business owners as possible.
Speaker(s):
Michail Walker