📺 Stream EntrepreneurTV for Free 📺

A Visual Guide to Financial Statements for Your Business (Infographic) They provide insight into the health of a company, as well as information on assets, liability, income and cash flow.

By Rose Leadem

entrepreneur daily

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

JGI | Jamie Grill | Getty Images

Financial statements are essential for every company. They provide insight into the health of a company, as well as information on assets, liability, income and cash flow.

Related: 8 Factors That Determine the Financial Health of a Business

And the more transparent you can be with your finances, the better off you'll be in the long run. Financial statements can help you get funding and loans, as well as prepare for the future. It may sound like a daunting task, so to get started, break down the process into stages.

First, create a balance sheet. A balance sheet will show you where your business stands financially, and the different forms of assets and liabilities you currently have. After you've sorted that out, move on to your income statement and cash flow. Break down cash flow into operating, investing and financing activities to see where your money's coming from.

Related: What Exactly Is Your Income Statement Telling You?

Still having trouble? No need to worry. Check out Business Backer's infographic for a step-by-step guide to creating a financial statement for your business.

Rose Leadem is a freelance writer for Entrepreneur.com. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

These Coworkers-Turned-Friends Started a Side Hustle on Amazon — Now It's a 'Full Hustle' Earning Over $20 Million a Year: 'Jump in With Both Feet'

Achal Patel and Russell Gong met at a large consulting firm and "bonded over a shared vision to create a mission-led company."

Side Hustle

How to Turn Your Hobby Into a Successful Business

A hobby, interest or charity project can turn into a money-making business if you know the right steps to take.

Productivity

Want to Be More Productive? Here's How Google Executives Structure Their Schedules

These five tactics from inside Google will help you focus and protect your time.

Business News

These Are the 10 Most Profitable Cities for Airbnb Hosts, According to a New Report

Here's where Airbnb property owners and hosts are making the most money.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.