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13 Dec 2025

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3 pages

Business Finance: Key Concepts and Insights

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ava๐Ÿชฑ @avasnotes

Managing money effectively is absolutely crucial for any business to survive and grow. Understanding different sources of finance,... Show more

Finance
higher business
sources of finance
โ€ข retained profits: when a business saves a portion of it's profits to reinvested back into the b

Sources of Finance - Internal Options

Every business needs money to operate, and there are loads of ways to get it! Retained profits are like a business's savings account - instead of paying out all profits to shareholders, smart companies keep some cash aside for future investments. This is brilliant because there's no interest to pay and no new investors to answer to, but shareholders might get a bit grumpy about smaller dividends.

When businesses need quick cash, they can sell assets they no longer need, like old equipment or vehicles. It's like having a massive car boot sale - you get immediate money and boost your cash flow without borrowing anything. The downside? You might not get what those assets are actually worth.

Share issues are when limited companies sell extra shares to raise capital. Public limited companies (PLCs) can even sell shares on the stock exchange, potentially raising massive amounts of money. Shareholders get limited liability protection, and unlike loans, this money never needs to be "paid back" in the traditional sense.

Key Point Internal finance sources don't require external approval, making them faster and more flexible for businesses.

Finance
higher business
sources of finance
โ€ข retained profits: when a business saves a portion of it's profits to reinvested back into the b

External Finance Sources

Bank loans are the classic choice for businesses needing finance over 3-5 years. For bigger purchases like offices or factories, commercial mortgages work similarly to house mortgages but for business premises. These typically last 20-30 years with lower interest rates than regular loans, though your property could be repossessed if you can't keep up payments.

Debt factoring is quite clever - businesses sell their unpaid invoices to specialist companies who then chase the customers for payment. This instantly improves cash flow and saves time on debt collection, but you'll get less money than the full invoice amount.

Debentures let businesses borrow money from individuals through the stock market whilst keeping control of the company. Government grants offer both money and expert advice to encourage new businesses, especially in certain industries or areas.

For really risky ventures, venture capital provides large amounts of funding when banks won't touch you. The trade-off? Venture capitalists usually want to part-own your business. Crowdfunding gathers small amounts from lots of people online - great for innovative ideas, but success rates are pretty low.

Reality Check External finance often comes with strings attached - whether it's interest payments, shared ownership, or strict repayment terms.

Finance
higher business
sources of finance
โ€ข retained profits: when a business saves a portion of it's profits to reinvested back into the b

Cash Flow Management and Financial Statements

Cash flow budgeting is like having a crystal ball for your business finances. It shows you exactly when money's coming in and going out, helping you spot potential problems months ahead. This planning lets you control expenses, evaluate performance, and make smart decisions about new products or investments.

When cash flow gets tight, businesses have several tricks up their sleeves. Ramping up advertising can boost sales, whilst offering early payment discounts gets money in faster. Selling unused assets provides immediate cash, and Just-in-Time (JIT) stock management reduces waste and storage costs.

Income statements are like a business's annual report card, showing all the money that flowed in and out over the past year. The key figures you need to know are gross profit (sales minus cost of goods sold) and profit for the year (gross profit minus all other expenses like rent and utilities).

Understanding these financial statements helps you see whether a business is actually making money or just looks busy. Remember high sales don't always mean high profits if expenses are through the roof!

Pro Tip Good cash flow management can make the difference between a thriving business and one that goes bust despite having profitable sales.

We thought youโ€™d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

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4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

ย 

Business

โ€ข

787

โ€ข

13 Dec 2025

โ€ข

3 pages

Business Finance: Key Concepts and Insights

user profile picture

ava๐Ÿชฑ

@avasnotes

Managing money effectively is absolutely crucial for any business to survive and grow. Understanding different sources of finance, cash flow management, and financial statements will give you the tools to analyse how businesses fund their operations and measure their success.

Finance
higher business
sources of finance
โ€ข retained profits: when a business saves a portion of it's profits to reinvested back into the b

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sources of Finance - Internal Options

Every business needs money to operate, and there are loads of ways to get it! Retained profits are like a business's savings account - instead of paying out all profits to shareholders, smart companies keep some cash aside for future investments. This is brilliant because there's no interest to pay and no new investors to answer to, but shareholders might get a bit grumpy about smaller dividends.

When businesses need quick cash, they can sell assets they no longer need, like old equipment or vehicles. It's like having a massive car boot sale - you get immediate money and boost your cash flow without borrowing anything. The downside? You might not get what those assets are actually worth.

Share issues are when limited companies sell extra shares to raise capital. Public limited companies (PLCs) can even sell shares on the stock exchange, potentially raising massive amounts of money. Shareholders get limited liability protection, and unlike loans, this money never needs to be "paid back" in the traditional sense.

Key Point: Internal finance sources don't require external approval, making them faster and more flexible for businesses.

Finance
higher business
sources of finance
โ€ข retained profits: when a business saves a portion of it's profits to reinvested back into the b

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

External Finance Sources

Bank loans are the classic choice for businesses needing finance over 3-5 years. For bigger purchases like offices or factories, commercial mortgages work similarly to house mortgages but for business premises. These typically last 20-30 years with lower interest rates than regular loans, though your property could be repossessed if you can't keep up payments.

Debt factoring is quite clever - businesses sell their unpaid invoices to specialist companies who then chase the customers for payment. This instantly improves cash flow and saves time on debt collection, but you'll get less money than the full invoice amount.

Debentures let businesses borrow money from individuals through the stock market whilst keeping control of the company. Government grants offer both money and expert advice to encourage new businesses, especially in certain industries or areas.

For really risky ventures, venture capital provides large amounts of funding when banks won't touch you. The trade-off? Venture capitalists usually want to part-own your business. Crowdfunding gathers small amounts from lots of people online - great for innovative ideas, but success rates are pretty low.

Reality Check: External finance often comes with strings attached - whether it's interest payments, shared ownership, or strict repayment terms.

Finance
higher business
sources of finance
โ€ข retained profits: when a business saves a portion of it's profits to reinvested back into the b

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Cash Flow Management and Financial Statements

Cash flow budgeting is like having a crystal ball for your business finances. It shows you exactly when money's coming in and going out, helping you spot potential problems months ahead. This planning lets you control expenses, evaluate performance, and make smart decisions about new products or investments.

When cash flow gets tight, businesses have several tricks up their sleeves. Ramping up advertising can boost sales, whilst offering early payment discounts gets money in faster. Selling unused assets provides immediate cash, and Just-in-Time (JIT) stock management reduces waste and storage costs.

Income statements are like a business's annual report card, showing all the money that flowed in and out over the past year. The key figures you need to know are: gross profit (sales minus cost of goods sold) and profit for the year (gross profit minus all other expenses like rent and utilities).

Understanding these financial statements helps you see whether a business is actually making money or just looks busy. Remember: high sales don't always mean high profits if expenses are through the roof!

Pro Tip: Good cash flow management can make the difference between a thriving business and one that goes bust despite having profitable sales.

We thought youโ€™d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ€“ all at your fingertips.

12

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: โœ“ 50+ Practice Questions โœ“ Interactive Flashcards โœ“ Full Mock Exam โœ“ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content: Sources of Finance

Most popular content in Business

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us โ€” and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user