BUSINESS CAPITAL FOR IRVINE & ORANGE COUNTY

Working Capital

Keep your day-to-day moving. Explore funds for payroll, inventory, supplies, vendor bills, and short-term business cash-flow needs.

✓ Business-use capital✓ Cash-flow planning✓ Orange County guidance

UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS

What is working capital?

Working capital is money available for the daily costs of running a business. It helps cover the gap between money going out and customer payments coming in.

Working capital funding may help when payroll, supplies, rent, inventory, or vendor bills are due before the business receives expected revenue. Because funding has a cost, the repayment plan should fit the company’s normal cash flow.

What can working capital help cover?

PayrollSupport regular payroll when incoming payments are delayed.
InventoryPurchase stock before a busy season or larger customer order.
Supplies and vendorsPay for materials, operating supplies, and important vendor bills.
Short-term cash gapsManage timing differences between business expenses and receivables.
A SIMPLE EXAMPLE

A business needs to buy inventory before its busy season begins. Working capital may help place the order. The owner should first compare the funding cost and payment schedule with expected sales and normal operating expenses.

This example explains a possible use. It is not a client story, approval, or funding offer.

REVIEW THE CASH FLOW

Questions to ask before using working capital

Look beyond the amount offered. The timing and frequency of repayment can affect daily operations.

01

What creates the cash gap?

Identify the expense, when it is due, and when related revenue may arrive.

02

How often are payments due?

Daily, weekly, and monthly schedules can affect cash flow differently.

03

What is the total cost?

Review the full repayment amount, interest or factor, and every fee.

04

Can slower sales be managed?

Consider whether the business can still pay bills and the new obligation.

INTERACTIVE CASH-GAP PLANNER

Estimate a short-term working capital gap

Enter the bills that must be paid, cash currently available, and customer payments expected before those bills are due.

  • Use realistic business numbers.
  • Include only receivables expected before the deadline.
  • Leave room for unexpected expenses.

This planning tool is an estimate. It does not calculate funding costs, determine eligibility, or provide an offer.

Working Capital Gap Estimator

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ESTIMATED CASH GAP $15,000

Your planned expenses are $15,000 higher than the available cash and expected payments entered above.

Discuss This Working Capital Need

PREPARE FOR THE CONVERSATION

What should you have ready?

Clear business records can help you explain the need and understand whether a payment may fit.

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Purpose and timingExplain which costs are due and when they must be paid.

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Recent revenueKnow your typical monthly sales and recent changes.

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Bank activityBusiness bank statements may be requested later.

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Current obligationsReview existing debt and recurring payments.

For general educational guidance, review the U.S. Small Business Administration funding guide.

WORKING CAPITAL FAQS

Clear answers about daily business funding

Use these answers as a starting point and review the specific terms of any option offered.

Is working capital the same as business revenue?+

No. Revenue is money earned by the business. Working capital describes money available for daily operations. Borrowed funds must be repaid according to the agreement.

Can working capital help with seasonal expenses?+

It may help a business purchase inventory, add temporary staff, or prepare for seasonal demand. Compare the repayment schedule with the timing of expected sales.

How much working capital should a business request?+

Start with a specific cash-flow need and the amount required to cover it. Avoid choosing an amount only because it is available.

Can working capital be used for personal expenses?+

No. The funding discussed on this page is for business use. Your agreement may also place limits on how funds can be used.

LET’S PLAN YOUR NEXT MOVE

Keep your business moving with a clearer funding conversation.

Tell us what costs are coming up and when the funds may be needed.