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3 Questions No Plagiarism Please Read Before Accepting Assignment As
Determine the variable costs taken into account when starting up a small business. Why is it as important to have a good record-keeping system for a small business, as it is for a corporation?
What three things must be measured to obtain the ROI for a small business? Why do investors normally refer to ROI as wealth, versus actual cash?
What are some of the potential issues in seeking investment capital from friends and family?
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Entrepreneurship involves numerous financial considerations, especially when starting and operating a small business. Understanding variable costs, measuring return on investment (ROI), and managing funding sources like friends and family are critical components for business success. Each aspect requires careful planning and strategic decision-making to foster sustainable growth and financial health.
Variable Costs in Small Business Startups
Variable costs are expenses that fluctuate directly with the level of production or sales volume in a small business. Common variable costs include raw materials, direct labor, packaging, and commissions. Identifying these costs is essential because they influence pricing strategies and profit margins. Accurate tracking of variable costs enables entrepreneurs to analyze profitability effectively and make informed operational decisions. For instance, if raw material prices increase, understanding the impact on overall costs helps in adjusting pricing or reducing wastage. Furthermore, good record-keeping for variable costs is as important for small businesses as it is for large corporations because financial clarity ensures compliance with tax regulations, helps secure financing, and provides insight into cost control measures (Garrison et al., 2019). Proper records facilitate cash flow management, prevent financial mismanagement, and lay a foundation for strategic planning, ultimately supporting long-term business sustainability.
Measuring ROI for Small Business
To accurately determine return on investment (ROI) in small businesses, three key metrics must be evaluated: net profit, investment cost, and the timeframe. First, net profit measures the earnings generated from the business after deducting all expenses. Second, the total investment includes capital spent on equipment, inventory, marketing, and other startup costs. Lastly, the timeframe considers how long it takes to recover the initial investment through business earnings. These measurements provide a comprehensive understanding of the profitability and efficiency of the business venture. Investors tend to focus on ROI as wealth because it reflects the accumulated value or increased net worth resulting from investments, rather than just cash inflows. ROI as wealth captures the long-term appreciation of assets and the overall growth of the investor’s net worth, which aligns more closely with the principles of wealth accumulation and financial planning (Brealey et al., 2020). This perspective helps investors assess both the tangible and intangible benefits of their investments in small businesses.
Potential Issues with Friends and Family Financing
Seeking investment capital from friends and family has advantages, such as easier access and potentially lower interest rates. However, several issues may arise from this arrangement. One primary concern is the risk of damaging personal relationships if the business fails or faces difficulties, leading to financial disputes or resentment. Additionally, there might be a lack of formal agreements, causing ambiguities about ownership rights and repayment terms. Emotional considerations can also cloud business judgment, making it challenging to make objective decisions, especially if personal relationships influence investment terms. Moreover, friends and family may lack the necessary financial expertise, increasing the risk of misvaluation or improper risk assessment. As a result, these investments can create awkward social dynamics and financial stress, which might ultimately compromise both personal relationships and the business’s stability (Krueger et al., 2021). Entrepreneurs should weigh these potential downsides against the benefits before pursuing this financing avenue.
Conclusion
Starting and operating a small business involves careful financial management. Recognizing variable costs, measuring ROI accurately, and navigating relationships with friends and family investors are key to achieving sustainable growth. Each element plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial health and long-term success of the enterprise, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, transparency, and objective decision-making in entrepreneurship.
References
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- Garrison, R. H., Noreen, E. W., & Brewer, P. C. (2019). Managerial Accounting (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
- Krueger, N. F., Reilly, M., & Carsrud, A. (2021). Entrepreneurial dynamics and the role of social capital in startup success. Journal of Business Venturing, 36(1), 105-124.
- Harbert, T. S. (2017). Small business accounting: A manager's guide. Business Expert Press.
- Hisrich, R. D., Peters, M. P., & Shepherd, D. A. (2017). Entrepreneurship (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
- Miller, D., & Le Breton-Miller, I. (2018). Managing for long-term success in small businesses. Harvard Business Review, 96(2), 62-71.
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- Brigham, E. F., & Houston, J. F. (2019). Fundamentals of Financial Management (14th ed.). Cengage Learning.