FinanceForward

FinanceForward is a 25-class training program designed to help established small business owners strengthen their finances and secure funding. Over the course of four phases - Analyze, Formulate, Implement, and Connect – you’ll learn how to organize your financials, create projections, and build lender-ready packages.

The program blends virtual learning with select in-person sessions, including exclusive lender panels where you’ll make direct connections with banks, SBA representatives, and other capital providers. Along the way, you’ll gain clarity on pricing, cash flow, credit, and tax planning while building practical skills in bookkeeping and QuickBooks. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with polished financials, a complete loan application package, and the confidence to pursue grants, loans, and other funding opportunities.

Who this program is for

FinanceForward is for established entrepreneurs and small business owners who are actively trying to secure funding, expand their business, stay afloat or build financial strength. Whether you’re preparing for a loan, exploring grants, or meeting with lenders for the first time, this program gives you the tools, structure, and direct connections to move your business forward.

• Are running an established business and want to unlock capital to expand
• Need to organize your financials into clear, lender-ready statements
• Want to create realistic financial projections that strengthen funding applications
• Are looking to improve cash flow management and pricing strategies to boost profitability
• Want step-by-step guidance on preparing loan applications and meeting lender expectations
• Value the chance to connect in person with banks, SBA reps, and other funding sources
• Are committed to investing time and effort now for long-term financial health

What you'll walk away with

Through this program, you’ll gain the tools, guidance, and connections to strengthen your finances and secure funding with confidence.

• Walk away with lender-ready financial statements and projections tailored to your business
• Complete a polished loan application package reviewed by finance experts
• Build and strengthen your business credit profile to access more funding opportunities
• Make direct, in-person connections with lenders, SBA reps, and funding partners
• Understand and pursue a full range of capital options-loans, grants, SBA programs, and investors
• Implement cash flow and budgeting systems that keep your business stable and funder-ready
• Refine pricing and financial strategies to maximize profitability and growth potential
• Receive one-on-one consultations to finalize your funding applications and next steps

Whether you’re applying for a loan, pursuing grants, or planning to scale, FinanceForward ensures you don’t just learn-you leave with the financial readiness and lender connections to move your business forward.

Program Structure

FinanceForward is a 25-class program designed to take you step-by-step from financial clarity to securing funding. Classes are primarily virtual for accessibility, with select sessions held in person for networking and lender connections.

The program is organized in two ways:

1. By Level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced, so you can build your knowledge progressively.
2. By Function: Analyze, Formulate, Implement, guiding you through the real-world process of funding readiness.

Program Roadmap

Phase 1: Analyze

• Understand where your business stands
• Review and create financial statements
• Build projections and manage cash flow
• Identify gaps and opportunities in your finances

Phase 2: Formulate

• Set your goals and prepare your strategy
• Strengthen business credit
• Refine pricing and marketing strategies
• Align financial goals with growth plans

Phase 3: Implement

• Take action and secure funding
• Meet lenders face-to-face at panel events
• Attend Capital Clinics with one-on-one support
• Actively apply for loans, grants, and funding opportunities

Location and Schedule

Classes are going to be Mondays and Wednesdays, from 6:00PM ET to 8:00PM ET.  They will be mostly virtual, with a handful in person classes.

• Class 1 - Mon, Sept 15: Intro to Business Finance
• Class 2 - Wed, Sept 17: Creating Financial Statements in Class
• Class 3 - Mon, Sept 22: Financial Projections
• Class 4 - Wed, Sept 24: Cashflow Management and Budgeting
• Class 5 - Mon, Sept 29: Working Capital Management
• Class 6 - Wed, Oct 1: Effective Pricing Strategies
• Class 7 - Mon, Oct 6: Effective Marketing Strategies
• Class 8 - Wed, Oct 8: Business Credit-Building and Debt Management
• Class 9 - Wed, Oct 15: Risk Management
• Class 10 - Wed, Oct 22: Legal Business Structures and Their Financial Implications
• Class 11 - Mon, Oct 27: Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Tax Planning
• Class 12 - Wed, Oct 29: Thorough Implementation of QuickBooks
• Class 13 - Mon, Nov 3: Business Funding Options
• Class 14 - Wed, Nov 5: SBA Lending
• Class 15 - Mon, Nov 10: Industry-Specific Financing
• Class 16 - Wed, Nov 12: Developing Financial Resilience and Scaling Strategies
• Class 17 - Mon, Nov 17: Meet the Lenders (Part 1)
• Class 18 - Wed, Nov 19: Meet the Lenders (Part 2)
• Class 19 - Mon, Nov 24: Q&A Regarding Meetings with the Lenders
• Class 20 - Mon, Dec 1: One-on-One Loan Application Consultation
• Class 21 - Wed, Dec 3: One-on-One Loan Application Consultation
• Class 22 - Mon, Dec 8: One-on-One Loan Application Consultation
• Class 23 - Wed, Dec 10: One-on-One Loan Application Consultation
• Class 24 - Mon, Dec 15: One-on-One Loan Application Consultation
• Class 25 - Wed, Dec 17: Course Wrap-Up

Instructor

Ashish Yagnik is the founder and CEO of Essential Advancement International, Inc., a New York based educational firm dedicated to helping individuals attain essential skills necessary to advance their personal and professional development. Ashish has been working on Wall Street as an investment advisor for over three decades.

Ashish earned his MBA from University of Massachusetts Lowell with concentration in finance and Master of Science in Education from St. John’s University. Ashish and his firm are committed to helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals and reach their highest potential.

Cost

This program is free for all attendees.