Entering 2025 with the same financial habits from the past could be costly for SMEs. According to the latest ‘Omie Small Business Survey’ report, the number of SMEs reporting revenue growth dropped from 54% to 43% compared to the previous survey conducted in April 2024. Regarding ‘costs and expenses,’ 80% of respondents reported an increase in this aspect. On the other hand, the study also reveals that 77% expect to improve their revenues in the short term.
For Rodrigo Tognini, CEO of Conta Simples, a Brazilian corporate expense management platform, these figures show a challenging scenario for SMEs. Therefore, for 2025, it is increasingly important for companies to focus on a fundamental pillar to optimize operations: efficient financial management.
‘Financial and expense management can unlock growth for SMEs,’ says the executive. ‘With innovative tools and the right practices, a company can not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive market,’ he adds.
Based on this logic, Tognini shares some strategies and recommendations for SMEs in 2025. Check them out:
Explore new forms of credit
One major challenge for SMEs is maintaining healthy cash flow. Today, there are more options to help entrepreneurs achieve this goal, such as receivable anticipation systems to increase liquidity; new credit line options offering customized terms aligned with business needs; and fintech platforms that provide faster and less bureaucratic credit.
Another example gaining entrepreneurs’ attention is Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL). This model offers financial flexibility by extending payment terms, allowing companies to invest in growth without negatively impacting cash flow.
Automate financial management to gain efficiency
Over-reliance on manual processes, such as excessive spreadsheet use, can hinder business growth. Replacing them with financial management platforms that automate payments and reconciliations reduces human error risks and frees teams to focus on less operational and more strategic work.
An example is Copastur, a company with over 50 years in the travel and tourism market. It significantly advanced its expense management approach by implementing an efficient solution to organize and control expenses, segmenting cards by travel group. This reduced time spent on such activities by nearly 70%.
‘An automated financial management process can lead to better resource utilization, aiming for profitability, improved investment planning, and increased efficiency,’ adds Conta Simples’ CEO.
Invest in data analysis for more strategic decisions
Real-time data use is essential for SMEs to make more accurate decisions. Tools providing automated reports and insights contribute to financial health, offering teams a clear, consolidated view of finances to identify opportunities and anticipate problems—guiding critical business decisions.
Adopt a culture of innovation and agility
Continuous innovation and agility are also part of sustainable growth. Thus, fostering a collaborative team capable of quick decisions—alongside visionary leadership that promotes constant learning and training to upskill employees—is crucial.
Tognini adds that moving away from OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) can help cultivate this culture. ‘Simplicity is always the best strategy for efficiency. Ditching OKRs for a more straightforward approach ensures this mindset. Breaking down goals into phases with defined deadlines, for example, eliminates endless meetings and overly ambitious targets while focusing on structured projects,’ he states.
Maximize the use of ERPs and integrated platforms
Integrating financial management with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems provides greater financial visibility and control while saving time and improving data reliability. Centralizing information enables faster, more precise decision-making.
