Bank of America Shares 3 Cash Flow Tips for Small Businesses

Forecasting, accounts receivable/payable, and AI-powered inventory management can help stabilize cash flow.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:51pm

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A minimalist studio photograph featuring a stack of financial documents, a pen, and a calculator arranged on a clean, white background, symbolizing the importance of careful cash flow management for small businesses.Thoughtful cash flow management strategies can provide small businesses with the financial stability and flexibility needed to navigate economic uncertainty.Baltimore Today

According to Bank of America's latest Business Owner Report, 77% of small and mid-sized business owners say their costs have increased over the past year, 75% are being impacted by supply chain issues, and roughly three in five are battling labor shortages. In this challenging environment, Bank of America is advising entrepreneurs to focus on three key cash flow management strategies: forecasting expenses 3-12 months out, optimizing accounts receivable and payable, and using AI to improve inventory tracking and purchasing.

Why it matters

Maintaining healthy cash flow is critical for small businesses to weather economic uncertainty, reinvest in growth, and capitalize on new opportunities. However, the current economic landscape is making cash flow management especially difficult, with rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages squeezing many entrepreneurs. The tips from Bank of America provide a roadmap for small business owners to regain control over their finances and position their companies for long-term stability and success.

The details

The first tip is to forecast cash flow 3, 6, and 12 months in advance. This allows business owners to anticipate periods of weak cash flow and proactively secure financing, such as a working capital line of credit, to cover expenses. The second tip is to closely manage accounts receivable and payable, including offering early payment discounts, accepting diverse digital payment methods, and negotiating flexible terms with vendors. Finally, the report highlights the growing use of AI-powered inventory management software, with 77% of owners integrating AI in the past 5 years to optimize purchasing and reduce waste.

  • Bank of America's latest Business Owner Report was published in April 2026.
  • The report cites data showing 77% of small business owners have seen cost increases over the past year, as of the report's publication.

The players

Bank of America

A major U.S. bank that provides financial services and advice to small and mid-sized businesses.

Maryam Tayeri

The Senior Vice President and Business Banking Market Executive for the Baltimore Metro Market in the Mid-Atlantic Region at Bank of America.

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What they’re saying

“Healthy cash flow is paramount for operational stability and future expansion, but in times of economic uncertainty, entrepreneurs are feeling more pressure than ever.”

— Maryam Tayeri, Senior Vice President, Business Banking Market Executive

What’s next

Business owners can reach out to their local Bank of America representatives to discuss implementing these cash flow management strategies and explore financing options to support their companies.

The takeaway

In a challenging economic environment marked by rising costs, supply chain issues, and labor shortages, small and mid-sized businesses must prioritize cash flow management to maintain financial stability and unlock opportunities for growth. The tips from Bank of America provide a practical framework for entrepreneurs to forecast expenses, optimize accounts receivable/payable, and leverage AI to improve inventory control.