Dreaming of owning your own business is fun and can be very inspiring. Running your own business often is terrifying and can cause a nervous breakdown. There is a nostalgic love for small business in the United States which encourages people to chase the goal of owning one, and they should. However, sometimes people do not understand just how hard it is until after all the small business loan documents are signed, even after the proverbial doors are open for business. Many small businesses fail, with 50% still going at the five-year mark. The biggest reason for a small business failing is just the lack of experience, which you have to get the old fashion way. The second reason, though, is a lack of capital, and on that subject, a few tips can go a long way. With that in mind, here are four budgeting tips for your small business.

1. Overestimate Your Expenses: No matter what type of business you have, performing what service, you will have unexpected expenses while running it. Generally, these are not going to be incredibly large, so allowing yourself some cushion should be sufficient. For those circumstances, there are other options, like a working capital business loan, but best to keep your business from acquiring more debt from events you could handle with advanced planning.
2. Spend Smart on Advertising: One of the biggest concerns for small business owners is acquiring new customers, with 44.6% planning to invest their capital to accomplish that aim. However, small businesses often neglect one of the best sources of advertising, and one that is free no less: social media. You do not need to hire a social media strategist to make this work for you, just engage with people, otherwise known as potential customers, regularly. Use humor when it is appropriate, keep it interesting and make sure there is new content every week.
3. Constantly Revisit Your Budget: As you grow as an entrepreneur, your business will be growing too. It is important to be aware of patterns of growth and profit that your business develops, at what you can reasonably expect to earn and spend based on the previous year or months, and adjust your budget accordingly.
4. When Budgeting Is Not Enough: In most circumstances, these tips and careful planning should be sufficient to keep you going. However, there may be a time when planning is not enough. If that happens, do not be afraid to contact a funding expert and look into a working capital business loan. These are different than the initial start up small business loans, they are specifically for the everyday expenses of running a business, like paying wages and rent.

Whether you are ever in need of working capital business loans or not, it can be a comfort simply to know small business lending options exist. To avoid needing them, use your resources wisely and plan for every event you can.