The COVID-19 pandemic Poland has been struggling with since March 2020, results in many considerable consequences for international economy.
Many businesses were forced not only to slow down their activity, but even to abandon their original business plans. As a result, it put a strain on overall financial liquidity and effective budgeting. Many projects were postponed indefinitely, some were carried out only partially, and the majority of them were suspended or completely terminated.
The unfavorable situation of Polish entrepreneurs is further exacerbated by the unpredictability of the pandemic and its consequences in the future. In such uncertain times, maintaining financial liquidity is crucial. But how to do it? Even during an economic crisis like this one, it is possible to budget and plan possible investments effectively. All one needs, is to know their options.
How to manage your finances during a pandemic?
An economic slowdown may result in negative consequences in the future which entrepreneurs should already think of, as the resolution will not come with the vaccines or the decrease in numbers of the infected. The repercussions of the COVID-19 outbreak will be noticeable long after the WHO announces the end of the pandemic. A question arises, then – how to protect oneself from losing control over one’s business? It is obviously impossible to go back to the situation from February last year. It will also be challenging to regain financial liquidity at a satisfactory level. However, market analysts recommend some solutions to this problem.
How to obtain additional funding?
The first decision that entrepreneurs should make is to try to gain funding for their investments. Applying for either the Anti-Crisis Shield programme or reaching a credit limit may bring noticeable yet short term benefits for businesses. Replenishing the budget or paying outstanding remuneration are not the only challenges faced by entrepreneurs due to the pandemic. In order to maintain financial liquidity and plan new investments new and more advanced approach must be taken.
Businesses wishing to stay in the market should adopt new methods of crediting. These would require renegotiating terms of their loans with banks which also struggle with the current crisis. In order to obtain new funds on favourable terms, it is necessary to put forward one’s needs clearly, and be able to compromise. Another good idea would be choosing a lease over a purchase. Leasing all business necessities has been a preferred method for smaller businesses, and it is likely to be a far better solution even in the future.
The highest value of saving up
There are plenty of methods of saving up. Business owners who are not afraid of cutting costs, and those looking for new ways to save up, should revise their business plans in the context of such unpredictable variables as a pandemic. The key aspects to reconsider will be planning, more scrupulous monitoring of expenses on a weekly rather than monthly basis, as well as setting priorities. It will enable entrepreneurs to have a better control over the cashflow and predict their future expenses easier. New sources of additional funds can also be found through cost reduction wherever it is possible (e.g. vendors or marketing), or through suspension of any investments for a couple of months.
