From the numbers to the change
- Your numbers sayA sleepless week and a question you have not said aloud
- The cause underneathA cash runway that is shorter or longer than you feel
- What changesAn honest look at runway, cause and options
- What to expectTime to act, or a clear decision on what to do instead
An illustration of how the thinking runs, not a client result.
Three questions that tell you
How many months of cash do you have?
Use the cash runway calculator.
Does each sale add to cash or cost cash?
Positive contribution means the business is worth repairing; negative contribution means every sale makes it worse.
Who can give you time?
Lenders, suppliers, landlords and investors respond to plans with numbers.
What the answers usually mean
| Your position | Likely meaning | First move |
|---|---|---|
| 6+ months cash, positive contribution | Time to fix the cause properly | Run the 90-day plan |
| 2 to 6 months, positive contribution | Time is short but the business can be worth saving | Cash first, lender talk early |
| Under 2 months, positive contribution | Urgent. Options exist but narrow | Immediate cash actions and lender conversation |
| Negative contribution, any cash | The model loses money on each sale | Decide whether to reprice, reshape or stop |
The options if time is short
- Release cash trapped in debtors and stock.
- Talk to lenders before missed payments, with a plan.
- Sell idle assets.
- Bring in funds against a plan, from promoters or investors.
- Sell, merge or wind down on your terms, if the numbers say the business cannot carry on.
Business under pressure? Let a CFO read your numbers.
A senior CFO reads them with you and tells you what is really going on. No cost, no obligation.
A note on the human side
Owners in trouble often carry it alone. Showing the numbers to a trusted CFO is the first step out of that. Whatever the answer, you will be deciding with facts instead of dread.
CFOAvatar complements every turnaround
A human CFO sees your business at the review. Problems do not wait for the meeting. CFOAvatar is connected to your accounting data and checks your numbers every day, so the scoreboard in a turnaround is always current. Ask it what an owner in trouble would ask:
What owners say after the numbers started talking
They have facilitated us in putting both process and financial systems in place as well as take some very difficult but required decisions. We are indeed pleased to record our appreciation of their individualized, friendly and timely support in our activities during the course of their association.
Before CFOSurge came into the picture, our business lacked financial discipline. Once their team started overseeing our finances, everything fell into place. There was accountability and when you know someone is keeping track, you ensure things get done properly. It’s been three years and the systems they put in place are still working well. Our business is in a much better position today.
The founders were consistently hands-on and always available for a call or conversation whenever clarity or direction was needed. That level of accessibility, combined with their integrity and absolute character in execution, built a level of trust that is rare in professional services.
Quoted word for word from our clients. Read more client words →
Questions owners ask us
How do I know if my business is beyond saving?
If each sale loses money and cannot be repriced, or if cash is gone and no one will fund the gap, recovery may not be possible. Most businesses are not there.
What is the first thing to do when cash is almost gone?
Build a 13-week cash forecast, collect what is owed, talk to lenders and key suppliers honestly.
Is closing the business ever the right answer?
Sometimes. A planned, honest wind-down can protect the owner, staff and creditors better than a late collapse.
Can I talk to someone confidentially?
Yes. Your first consultation is free and confidential.