Module 1 of 8 · Rate yourself honestly — this is your starting point
How healthy is your business today?
Rate yourself 1–4 in each area. 1 = Not in place, 2 = Getting started, 3 = Pretty good, 4 = Strong. Be honest — this helps Groundwork. give you the right resources and show lenders your self-awareness.
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Money
Financial management and tracking
Do you have current Profit & Loss statements?
P&L statements show income and expenses over a period of time
Do you track and manage your cash flow?
Cash flow is the movement of money in and out of your business
Do you know your personal credit score range?
Most lenders require a minimum score of 650–680
Do you keep separate business and personal finances?
Separate accounts are required by most lenders
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Marketing
Customer reach, brand, and competitive position
Do you clearly know who your target customers are?
Who buys from you, why, and how do you reach them?
Can you clearly explain your competitive advantage?
Why do customers choose you over competitors?
Do you have an active online presence?
Website, Google Business, social media, reviews
Do you have a clear brand identity?
Logo, colors, messaging, professional appearance
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Management
Operations, planning, and business readiness
Do you effectively manage your time and operations?
Systems, scheduling, delegation, and daily operations
Do you have a clear vision and strategy for your business?
Where are you going and how will you get there?
Do you have a risk management or contingency plan?
What happens if a key customer leaves or revenue drops?
Do you protect your business and customer data?
Contracts, cybersecurity basics, customer privacy
Tell us about your business
This helps Groundwork. personalize your roadmap and match you with the right lenders and programs.