Tightening the Belt, Finding New Streams

"We're doing well," Leo said, looking at his financial statements, "but we need to be smarter with our cash flow."

The initial investments in the condominium and the cafe, coupled with ongoing operational expenses, had taken a toll on his capital. He needed to find ways to inject more funds into his businesses.

"Microloans and small business grants," he said to Ana, "let's look into those. They could give us a much-needed boost."

He researched various funding options, including those offered by government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private lenders. He learned about eligibility requirements, application processes, and interest rates.

"We need to be prepared," he told Ana. "Have all our documents in order, our business plan up-to-date."

Alternative Funding Expenses (Potential):

Microloan Application Fees (estimated): 2,000 PHP Business Grant Application Assistance (consultant, if needed): 5,000 PHP

He also meticulously analyzed his financial statements, identifying areas for further cost reduction and revenue generation.

"Our ingredient costs are still too high," he told Mang Ben. "Let's explore more wholesale options."

He started contacting suppliers, negotiating bulk discounts, and exploring partnerships with local farmers. He also looked into wholesale opportunities for his dried fish business, contacting retailers and distributors in other provinces.

"We can't just rely on retail sales," he said. "We need to expand our distribution channels."

Wholesale and Catering Opportunities:

Wholesale Dried Fish (estimated weekly increase): 10,000 PHP Catering Opportunities (cafe, estimated weekly increase): 8,000 PHP Catering Equipment (initial investment, estimated): 20,000 PHP

For the cafe, he saw potential in catering opportunities. He started contacting local businesses and organizations, offering catering services for events and meetings.

"We can create customized menus," he told Carla. "Showcase our unique Filipino dishes."

Calculations:

Potential Microloan/Grant Funds (estimated): 100,000 PHP (hypothetical, for calculations) Increased Revenue (Wholesale and Catering): 10,000 PHP (dried fish) + 8,000 PHP (cafe) = 18,000 PHP/week

Adjusted Weekly Revenue:

Dried Fish Business: 553,000 PHP + 10,000 PHP (wholesale) = 563,000 PHP Rental Property (Monthly converted to weekly): 4,250 PHP (consistent) Cafe/Food Stall: 125,000 PHP + 8,000 PHP (catering) = 133,000 PHP Total Weekly Revenue: 563,000 PHP + 4,250 PHP + 133,000 PHP = 700,250 PHP

Adjusted Weekly Expenses:

Dried Fish Business: 14,000 PHP (consistent) Rental Property (Monthly converted to weekly): 250 PHP (consistent) Cafe/Food Stall: 51,000 PHP (consistent) Total Weekly Expenses: 14,000 PHP + 250 PHP + 51,000 PHP = 65,250 PHP

Adjusted Weekly Profit:

Weekly Profit: 700,250 PHP - 65,250 PHP = 635,000 PHP

Remaining Capital Update:

Previous Capital: 1,724,350 PHP Microloan Application Fee: -2,000 PHP Grant Application Assistance: -5,000 PHP Catering Equipment: -20,000 PHP Potential Microloan/Grant Funds: +100,000 PHP Weekly Profit: 635,000 PHP Remaining Capital: 1,724,350 PHP - 2,000 PHP - 5,000 PHP - 20,000 PHP + 100,000 PHP + 635,000 PHP = 2,432,350 PHP

"We're getting there," Leo said, looking at the updated figures. "We're tightening the belt, finding new streams of revenue, and building a more resilient business."

He was learning to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, to be resourceful, and to find opportunities even in difficult times. He was proving that with careful planning, hard work, and a little bit of ingenuity, financial success was within reach.