Starting a company is a tenuous proposition. Unless you’re independently wealthy, getting off the ground requires funding, thus saddling you with debt. Here’s some advice about this small business reality that will surely come in handy.

The Value of Cash Flow

The more money you take in, the easier time you’ll have erasing debt. As long as you stay in the black, you’ll never have to borrow emergency funds that would add to your burden. More money also means there’s the option of paying down debt quicker than anticipated, saving you cash.

There are many approaches to increasing your bottom line. For example, there are ways of maximizing your employees’ skill sets, such as training and refining responsibilities. By improving operational productivity, you’ll naturally lower costs. Survey customers regarding their wants and stop stocking items that no longer sell. Boost customer activity by improving your marketing strategies.

The Danger of Loans

Act carefully when considering loans. One can help, but if it fails to supercharge your business and merely allows you to continue running for a limited period of time, you’re simply setting yourself up for a fiscal disaster. Compounding loans have a way of growing quickly grow out of control. You never want to find yourself in a hole from which you cannot escape.

Before taking any loan, calculate your debt coverage ratio, which tells you how much you can comfortably pay. Avoid asking for the largest loan possible, as these deals often require incremental payments that last for ages. The greater the period of time your loan stretches, the more likely you are to miss a payment and suffer the consequences.

The Art of Budgeting

Every small business needs to budget appropriately. This becomes even more important when taking on debt. Spend time reconfiguring your expenses so that you can easily pay off whatever fiscal responsibilities you bear. Look for areas where cuts are possible. Find new vendors that are less costly or opt for more affordable equipment. Definitely put off major expansions until your debt is solidly under control.

The Cost of Bankruptcy

Should these measures fail, you may need to declare bankruptcy. Filing for Chapter 11 doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll lose your business. In fact, it may keep it going. That said, major restrictions come with this decision. At a minimum, you’ll find it more difficult to get another loan. Consult with a bankruptcy attorney before going this route.

Every small business is a labor of love. It’s a shame when debt causes one’s dream to collapse. Use these tactics to keep your startup’s fiscal duties under control.