| HowItWorksLab · Games
English

Small Business Cash Flow Decision Game

Run the business for 12 months, making one decision each month. Keep the cash balance above zero the whole way.

A simplified model, for demonstrating cash-flow logic only.

Cash balance over time ($) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Month 200.0K
Current month
Month 1 / 12
Revenue this month
$150,000
Cost this month
$156,000
Cash balance
$200,000
Make your decision for month 1

Frequently asked questions

How do you play the cash flow game?

You run a small business for 12 months. Each month you pick one decision from three options — stock, pricing, staffing or emergency cash — and the model updates revenue, cost and the cash balance, then plots the balance on the chart.

How do I lose?

The cash balance must stay above zero. If any month's balance reaches zero or below, the business runs out of money and the game ends early.

How is my result scored?

If you survive all 12 months you get a rating based on the final cash balance: S for 250,000 and above, A from 180,000, B from 120,000, and C below that.

Is this real financial advice?

No. It is a heavily simplified teaching model built to show how revenue, cost and cash move together. It is not financial or professional advice.

Disclaimer: Diagrams are heavily simplified for educational demonstration only. Real-world systems contain far more variables and complexity. Not for engineering production use. Not financial, political or professional advice.