Cash flow forecasting proposal: Free template

Customize this free cash flow forecasting proposal with Cobrief

Open this free cash flow forecasting proposal in Cobrief and start editing it instantly using AI. You can adjust the tone, structure, and content based on your client’s business model, revenue structure, and planning horizon. You can also use AI to review your draft — spot gaps, tighten language, and improve clarity before sending.

Once you're done, send, download, or save the proposal in one click — no formatting or setup required.

This template is fully customizable and built for real-world use — ideal for offering cash flow forecasting services to startups, SMBs, or finance teams. Whether you’re helping a client manage burn, navigate uncertainty, or prepare for a raise, this version gives you a structured head start and removes the guesswork.

What is a cash flow forecasting proposal?

A cash flow forecasting proposal is a document that outlines how you’ll help a business project, manage, and improve its cash position over a defined period. It describes what will be modeled (e.g., inflows, outflows, runway), how often it will be updated, and how insights will support financial decisions.

Typically sent after an intro call or financial review, this proposal sets expectations around deliverables, tools used, reporting frequency, and communication cadence.

A strong cash flow proposal helps you:

• Define scope clearly — from one-time modeling to rolling forecasts
• Show how your forecasts support decisions like hiring, fundraising, or runway extension
• Clarify assumptions, inputs, and update rhythm
• Position yourself as a strategic finance partner — not just a spreadsheet provider

Use this proposal to offer calm, control, and clarity in a business’s most sensitive metric.

Why use Cobrief to edit your proposal

Cobrief helps you turn financial services into clear, credible proposals — with AI support built in to tighten, improve, and polish every section.

• Edit the proposal directly in your browser: Skip formatting — just focus on the work
• Rewrite sections with AI: Clarify language, adjust tone, or tailor to a specific client type
• Run a one-click AI review: Spot unclear assumptions, incomplete scopes, or missing outcomes
• Apply AI suggestions instantly: Accept edits individually or apply all in one click
• Share or export instantly: Download a clean PDF or DOCX version or send it straight from Cobrief

Make forecasting feel actionable — not abstract.

When to use this proposal

This cash flow forecasting proposal works well in situations like:

• Helping a founder understand burn and runway
• Creating a forecast to support a fundraising round or bank loan
• Planning for seasonality or volatility in revenue
• Offering recurring FP&A support to a startup or small business
• Stress-testing a business model during downturns or expansion

Use this proposal when you want to help a business get proactive — not reactive — about cash.

What to include in a cash flow forecasting proposal

This structure walks clients through what they'll get, how it works, and what they’ll need to provide. Here's how to build it:

• Executive summary: Briefly explain what the client is trying to manage (e.g., “You’re aiming to extend runway through 2025 while planning a seed raise. We’ll build a 12-month forecast with multiple scenarios to support decisions.”)
• Scope of services: Outline exactly what’s included — e.g., 12-month forward cash flow model, scenario planning (base, conservative, stretch), weekly or monthly updates, insight summaries, variance tracking.
• Forecasting method and tools: Summarize how the forecast will be built — spreadsheet, third-party tool, or ERP — and how assumptions will be collected and validated.
• Timeline: Lay out the setup phase (e.g., 1–2 weeks to build), update frequency (e.g., monthly refresh), and reporting cadence.
• Fees: Offer clear pricing — flat fee for setup, monthly retainer for updates, or hourly consulting.
• Terms and expectations: Clarify what data the client needs to provide (e.g., revenue pipeline, expenses, payroll), communication expectations, and file access.
• Next steps: End with one clear action — e.g., “Reply to confirm,” “Schedule kickoff session,” or “Upload financials to begin modeling.”

How to write an effective cash flow forecasting proposal

Forecasting can feel intimidating to clients. Your job is to make it feel structured and supportive. Here’s how to improve your proposal:

• Focus on decisions, not just numbers: Show how the forecast supports actions — hiring, investing, or waiting
• Make scope boundaries visible: Avoid surprises around how often the model is updated or revised
• Use plain language: Don’t overcomplicate with finance terms — especially for founder-led businesses
• Anchor timelines to events: Like a raise, product launch, or revenue target — not just abstract months
• Show strategic value: Position yourself as a thought partner, not a formula plugger
• End with momentum: Make it easy for the client to get started

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.