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    07 May 2025

    How to Create a 13-Week Cash Flow Forecast (2025)

    Why Use a 13-Week Cash Flow Forecast?

    A 13-week cash flow forecast is one of the most practical tools for startup founders, CFOs, and business operators. It helps you:

    • Gain short-term visibility into your cash position
    • Avoid payroll issues and late vendor payments
    • Make informed decisions on hiring and expenses
    • Demonstrate cash discipline to investors and lenders
    • Prepare for events like funding delays or seasonal revenue dips

    Step-by-Step: Build Your 13-Week Forecast

    Step 1: Create Your Forecast Template

    Use a spreadsheet with 13 columns (one for each week) and rows for cash categories. Include cash in, cash out, and net balance.

    Step 2: Enter Your Opening Cash Balance

    Start with the actual bank balance on Day 1 of Week 1. This is the foundation for your rolling forecast.

    Step 3: Estimate Weekly Cash Inflows

    List every expected incoming payment:

    • Customer payments (receivables)
    • Loans or investor funds
    • Tax credits, grants, or reimbursements

    Step 4: Estimate Weekly Cash Outflows

    Plan for:

    • Payroll and benefits
    • Rent, utilities, and admin overhead
    • Contractor/vendor payments
    • Software, marketing, or service tools
    • Taxes and loan repayments

    Step 5: Calculate Closing Cash Each Week

    Formula:
    Closing Cash = Opening Cash + Total Inflows – Total Outflows

    This balance becomes the opening cash for the following week.

    Step 6: Add Scenario Planning (Optional)

    Create three versions:

    • Base case (expected)
    • Best case (faster collections or growth)
    • Worst case (delays or revenue drops)

    Step 7: Update Weekly and Roll Forward

    Every week, replace forecasted numbers with actual data. Then roll the sheet forward by one week to keep the 13-week horizon intact.

    Sample 2-Week Forecast Snapshot

    Week Opening Cash Cash In Cash Out Closing Cash
    1 $50,000 $20,000 $15,000 $55,000
    2 $55,000 $10,000 $18,000 $47,000

    Final Thoughts

    A 13-week cash flow forecast isn’t just a spreadsheet—it’s a decision-making tool. When kept current, it gives business leaders the clarity to anticipate problems and capitalize on opportunities.

    Would you like a downloadable 13-week cash flow Excel template to get started?

    13Week_CashFlow_Forecast_Template

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