Accelerate: Financial Management Series Â
Learn financial management fundamentals to manage your business and plan for the future!
This five-part online series covers financial management for small businesses, including budgeting and bookkeeping, understanding and using financial statements, creating a financial forecast, and building your credit. These challenging sessions are hands-on and participatory, so come ready to engage with your instructor and your peers. It’s organized as a cohort, so you’ll sign up once for all five sessions.
This is an accelerated class intended for existing business owners currently generating revenue. It is recommended that you have been in business for at least 6 months. The class is not appropriated for new entrepreneurs who have not yet launched or started generating regular revenue.
1:1 direct no-cost technical assistance hours with a financial expert are available to all participants during this program.
Spring 2026 session starts March 16
Classes meet online via Zoom - Mondays, 4:30-6:30pmÂ
For questions, contact Jennifer McGee at jemcgee@syr.edu
Apply
Application for Spring 2026 cohort will open January 21, 2026. Application will remain open until cohort is filled.
Application requirements:
Step 1: Complete online application
Step 2: Complete applicant interview
Application submission does not guarantee acceptance to program.
Register
Applicants selected for the Spring 2026 cohort will receive an invitation to register following completion of applicant interview.
Registration requirements:
Step 1: Complete registration form
Step 2: Complete pre-course survey
Registration open until cohort is filled.
20 seats available.
Spring 2026 Details
Program dates:
Meets Mondays 4:30-6:30pm
5 Sessions - March 16 - April 13
Cost: $50
Sessions meet online via Zoom
Program Features & Syllabus
Session 1: Introductions and Budgeting
Session 2: Bookkeeping
Session 3: Using Financial Statements
Session 4: Cash Flow & Projections
Session 5: Business Strategy Roundtable
What You'll Learn
Learn about budgeting and bookkeeping
Learn about budgeting and bookkeeping and ideas and tips for your specific business.
Utilize financial forecasts for your business
Use financial forecasts to understand the impacts of different approaches and see which path will be most profitable.
Understand the main financial statements
Learn how to read a profit & loss statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement for your business.
Create necessary pieces for financial reporting
Walk away with a working understanding that will guide your business towards financial success.
What to Expect
Practical Content
You’ll be able to apply what you’ve learned to your own business.
Challenging Material
If you’re new to the topics, this class may be challenging. You’ll be provided with templates and examples to work through as you progress through the class. Be prepared to ask questions!
Small Group Learning Environment
Cohort is capped at 20 seats to ensure each participant receives individual support.
Sessions are Participatory
Come ready to participate, discuss concepts, ask questions, and apply your new knowledge to your own business.
1:1 Technical Assistance
Option to meet with a financial expert to review your business finance questions and goals.
About the Instructor - Chris Belna
Chris Belna is CEO, CFO, and Client Advisor at A La Carte Business Services (https://alacarteny.com/), a virtual accounting, payroll, and financial services company. Chris brings decades of business management and accounting experience, excelling in all areas related to the use of QuickBooks and various other accounting softwares.
Program sponsored by:
Questions? Contact:
Jennifer McGee, Program Manager
jemcgee@syr.edu
315.443.6396