Presented by QuickBooks Capital 

This article is presented in partnership with QuickBooks Capital, helping small businesses access flexible financing when it’s needed most.

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Every business has its version of a rainy day. An unexpected expense, a delayed customer payment, or a slow sales month that throws you off your rhythm.

These moments don’t always spell disaster, but they can create serious cash flow strain—especially if you’re unprepared. That’s why building a business safety net is one of the smartest financial moves you can make.

Whether it’s a small emergency fund, access to flexible capital, or a combination of both, having backup resources on hand can help you weather the storm and keep your business moving forward.

1. Build a basic emergency fund.

Your first layer of protection is straightforward: an emergency savings account dedicated to your business.

Many business owners skip this step because their margins are thin. But that’s exactly why it matters. By treating savings like a recurring expense—just like rent or payroll—you can gradually build a cushion that helps you stay afloat when things don’t go as planned.

A good rule of thumb? Aim to set aside three to six months’ worth of operating expenses. That might sound ambitious, but you don’t need to get there overnight. Start small and build consistently.

Your emergency fund can cover:

  • Unexpected equipment repairs
  • Delays in customer payments
  • Temporary dips in sales
  • Even growth opportunities—like a chance to buy discounted inventory or expand your space

If you’re using QuickBooks Online, you can monitor income, expenses, and trends to help determine how much to save each month. Then, you can set a recurring transfer to automate your contributions.

2. Secure a business line of credit

Think of a business line of credit as your second layer of defense—funding that’s there when you need it, and invisible when you don’t.

Unlike a traditional term loan, a line of credit (LOC) gives you access to a set amount of capital that you can draw from at any time, and you only pay interest on what you use.

It’s ideal for:

  • Covering delayed receivables
  • Managing unexpected costs like repairs or supply chain delays
  • Taking advantage of time-sensitive growth opportunities

3. Have a plan for when you don’t have a cushion.

Not every business has the luxury of a fully stocked emergency fund or a pre-approved line of credit. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options—it just means you need a plan.

If an unexpected expense hits and you don’t have cash on hand, here’s what to do:

  • Assess the urgency: Is it something that needs to be handled today, or can it wait 30 days while you adjust?
  • Revisit your cash flow forecast: Look for slow-paying invoices, unnecessary spending, or opportunities to shift resources.

Explore financing options: You may still qualify for a line of credit or a term loan based on your business performance—even if you haven’t saved up.

Having a plan—even if it includes financing—is better than being caught off guard. Smart business owners know that preparation doesn’t mean perfection. It means thinking ahead.

Be prepared, not panicked.

Rainy days in business are inevitable—but stress doesn’t have to be.

By building a financial safety net with three simple layers—emergency savings, access to flexible credit, and a clear plan for when funds run low—you give your business the resilience to face challenges and pursue opportunities without hesitation.

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to strengthen your current financial strategy, the best time to prepare is now.

Want to add flexibility to your safety net? Term loans and lines of credit are offered through QuickBooks Capital to their customers using the data they already input. These solutions can be quicker and easier to apply for than a financing option from a standalone funder.

QuickBooks Term Loan and QuickBooks Line of Credit loans are issued by WebBank.

1Subject to eligibility. QuickBooks Online subscription required.