Self-Assessments

Where does your business stand?

Four short self-assessments, fifteen statements each. Tick what is true today and your score, your result and the gaps by section update as you go. Your answers stay in your browser: nothing is sent or saved.

Lender readiness Finance function Sale and exit Export readiness

Lender readiness

Would a lender back your numbers today?

For owner-led companies planning to borrow. These are the questions a credit committee asks, in the order it asks them.

Tick each statement that is true for your business today.

1Numbers that tie out

Our monthly management accounts tie to our year-end financial statements. Our shareholder account is explained and reconciled. We close our books within a few weeks of month-end, every month.

2Cash and forecast

We know our cash position 13 weeks out. We have a forecast for the next 12 to 24 months that links to our operating plan. Last year, our forecast was close to what actually happened.

3Margin and working capital

We can show margin by product or business line, tied to the P&L. Our receivables and payables aging is current, and we know what is past due and why. We know how much working capital our growth will need.

4Debt and covenants

We know our covenant headroom today. We know what our covenants will look like after the new loan. Our existing lenders have had no surprises from us in the last year.

5The story

We can say in one sentence where the business goes next and how it pays for it. We know what a lender will question first, and we have the answer ready. We have the people to deliver the plan, not only the owner.

Your score of 15

Your result will appear here

Start ticking the statements above.

14 to 15: Lender-ready

Your file should hold up in front of a credit committee. Go in with confidence.

10 to 13: Nearly there

There are a couple of gaps a lender will spot. Close them before you apply.

6 to 9: Work to do

A lender would ask hard questions today. Fix the numbers first, then apply.

0 to 5: Not yet

Build the foundations before approaching lenders. It saves you a “no” that stays on file.

What the scores mean

14 to 15Lender-ready. Your file should hold up in front of a credit committee. Go in with confidence.
10 to 13Nearly there. There are a couple of gaps a lender will spot. Close them before you apply.
6 to 9Work to do. A lender would ask hard questions today. Fix the numbers first, then apply.
0 to 5Not yet. Build the foundations before approaching lenders. It saves you a “no” that stays on file.

Next steps. Pick the two or three sections marked Gap or Partial. Then book a free 30-minute call and we will go through your results together.

Book a call

Finance function health check

Can your finance team carry the next stage?

For boards, CEOs and investors. A quick read on whether the finance function will hold up through growth, a transaction or a lender review.

Tick each statement that is true for your business today.

1Close and reporting

We close the month within 10 working days. The board or owners receive a reporting pack on a fixed date every month. Our management accounts and financial statements tell the same story.

2Planning and forecasting

We approve an annual budget before the year starts. We update a rolling forecast at least every quarter. We compare actuals to budget and forecast, and explain the differences.

3KPIs and decisions

We track a short set of KPIs linked to what drives our results. Leadership uses a dashboard to make decisions, not only to look back. We can show the margin and cash impact of a major decision before we make it.

4Controls and governance

Delegated authorities and approval limits are written down and followed. Bank, receivables, payables and inventory are reconciled every month. We could go through an audit or a lender review without a scramble.

5People and continuity

The finance function does not depend on one person. Key processes are documented well enough for someone new to run them. We have a successor or a cover plan for the finance seat.

Your score of 15

Your result will appear here

Start ticking the statements above.

14 to 15: Investor-grade

The finance function can carry the next stage.

10 to 13: Solid, with gaps

It works well, but a few areas need tightening before growth or a transaction.

6 to 9: Stretched

It works today, but growth, a transaction or a lender review will expose the gaps.

0 to 5: At risk

The finance seat needs attention before the next big decision.

What the scores mean

14 to 15Investor-grade. The finance function can carry the next stage.
10 to 13Solid, with gaps. It works well, but a few areas need tightening before growth or a transaction.
6 to 9Stretched. It works today, but growth, a transaction or a lender review will expose the gaps.
0 to 5At risk. The finance seat needs attention before the next big decision.

Next steps. Pick the two or three sections marked Gap or Partial. Then book a free 30-minute call and we will go through your results together.

Book a call

Sale and exit readiness

How would a buyer see your business?

For owners who may sell in the next few years. Most of what buyers value takes time to build, so the earlier you look, the better.

Tick each statement that is true for your business today.

1Quality of earnings

We know our normalized EBITDA and how it bridges from reported profit. One-off and owner-related costs are documented. Revenue and margins have been steady or growing for the last three years.

2Owner dependence

The business can run for a month without the owner. Key customer and supplier relationships are held by more than one person. A management team could stay on after a sale.

3Customers and contracts

No single customer brings in more than about 15% of revenue. Our key customer and supplier agreements are in writing. Our leases, licences and permits can transfer to a new owner.

4Working capital and cash

We know the normal level of working capital the business needs. Our receivables, inventory and payables are clean and reconciled. Personal and business finances are fully separated.

5Readiness to sell

We have a realistic view of what the business is worth, and why. We know which accounting, legal and M&A advisors we would use. We have a timeline for the sale and for our own next chapter.

Your score of 15

Your result will appear here

Start ticking the statements above.

14 to 15: Sale-ready

A buyer and their lender will see a business that can explain itself.

10 to 13: Close to ready

Six to twelve months of focused work will strengthen your position at the table.

6 to 9: Needs 12 to 24 months

A focused year or two of preparation will add real value.

0 to 5: Early stage

Start now. The work a buyer values most takes the longest to build.

What the scores mean

14 to 15Sale-ready. A buyer and their lender will see a business that can explain itself.
10 to 13Close to ready. Six to twelve months of focused work will strengthen your position at the table.
6 to 9Needs 12 to 24 months. A focused year or two of preparation will add real value.
0 to 5Early stage. Start now. The work a buyer values most takes the longest to build.

Next steps. Pick the two or three sections marked Gap or Partial. Then book a free 30-minute call and we will go through your results together.

Book a call

Export readiness

Are you ready to sell outside Canada?

For companies selling abroad, or about to. Fifteen statements across strategy, markets, risk, money and execution.

Tick each statement that is true for your business today.

1Strategy and planning

We have a written export plan with clear goals and target markets. We have identified at least one international market with strong demand for our product or service. We have people, budget and systems dedicated to international sales.

2Market knowledge

We understand the cultural, legal and business practices in our target markets. We have done or accessed market research on what customers abroad need. We know our international competitors and how we stand apart from them.

3Risk management

We have a way to manage the risk of a foreign buyer not paying. We know the political, regulatory and logistical risks in our target markets. We have considered how currency movements could affect our profitability.

4Financial readiness

We can fund production, shipping and the wait to get paid on international orders. We know the financing options available to exporters. We have looked at government and private export finance and insurance partners that can help manage financial and operational risk.

5Execution and support

We have reliable logistics providers and understand the shipping documents required. We have identified potential international partners, distributors or agents. We have access to legal and compliance advice for contracts, intellectual property and regulations abroad.

Your score of 15

Your result will appear here

Start ticking the statements above.

14 to 15: Established exporter

You have strong readiness. Focus on scaling and making each market more profitable.

10 to 13: Growing exporter

Good foundations, with a few gaps to close before you push into new markets.

6 to 9: Emerging exporter

You are on the right path, but there are real gaps in planning, risk or financing.

0 to 5: Starter exporter

Build a focused export plan and a risk management foundation before the first big order.

What the scores mean

14 to 15Established exporter. You have strong readiness. Focus on scaling and making each market more profitable.
10 to 13Growing exporter. Good foundations, with a few gaps to close before you push into new markets.
6 to 9Emerging exporter. You are on the right path, but there are real gaps in planning, risk or financing.
0 to 5Starter exporter. Build a focused export plan and a risk management foundation before the first big order.

Next steps. Pick the two or three sections marked Gap or Partial. Then book a free 30-minute call and we will go through your results together.

Book a call

These self-assessments are a general guide, not advice. Every business is different, and the right next step depends on your situation.