Entering 2025 with the same financial habits from the past can be costly for SMEs. According to the latest report "Omie Survey of Small Businesses," the number of SMEs indicating an increase in revenue fell from 54% to 43%, compared to the last survey, held in April 2024. Regarding "costs and expenses", 80% of respondents reported growth in this regard. On the other hand, the study also reveals that 77% expect to improve their revenues in the short term.
For Rodrigo Tognini, CEO ofSimple Account, Brazilian platform for corporate expense management, these data show a challenging scenario for SMEs. That's why, for 2025, it is increasingly important for companies to focus on a fundamental pillar to optimize operations: efficient financial management.
"Financial management and expenses can unlock the growth of SMEs", says the executive. "With innovative tools and the right practices", the company can not only survive, but to thrive in an increasingly competitive market, complete
Based on this logic, Tognini shares some strategies and recommendations for SMEs in 2025. Check it out
Explore new forms of credit
A major challenge for SMEs is to maintain a healthy cash flow. Currently, there are more options that can help the entrepreneur achieve this goal, how the receivables anticipation system works, to increase liquidity; new options for credit lines, that offer customized conditions that align with the company's needs; and fintech platforms, that offer quick and less bureaucratic credit.
Another example that has been attracting the attention of entrepreneurs is Buy Now, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL). The format offers financial flexibility by extending payment terms, allowing companies to invest in growth without negatively impacting cash flow
Automate financial management to gain efficiency
The dependence on manual processes, how the excessive use of spreadsheets, can delay the growth of the business. Replacing them with financial management platforms that automate payments and reconciliations ensures that the company reduces the risk of human errors and frees the team to focus on less operational and more strategic work
An example is Copastur, company that has been operating for over 50 years in the travel and tourism market. She made significant progress in the way she manages expenses and found an efficient solution to organize and control her spending, separating the cards by travel group. With that, achieved a reduction of almost 70% in the time dedicated to these activities
Having an automated financial management process can lead to better utilization of financial resources, aiming for profitability, better investment planning, increasing efficiency, complete the CEO of Conta Simples.
Invest in data analysis for more strategic decisions
The use of real-time data is essential for SMEs to make more accurate decisions. Tools that provide automatic reports and insights contribute to the financial health of the company, allowing the team to have a clear and consolidated view of the finances, identifying opportunities and anticipating problems in order to guide the company in important decisions.
Adopt a culture of innovation and agility
Continuous innovation and agility are also part of sustainable growth. That's why, it is essential to have a collaborative team that can make quick decisions, as well as a visionary leadership that promotes a constant learning environment and provides training to update employees
Tognini also adds that escaping from OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) can help bring this type of culture. "Simplifying is always the best strategy for achieving efficiency". Leaving the OKRs and adopting something more direct ensures this stance. The breakdown of goals is an example of this, since it eliminates the need for countless meetings and far-fetched goals, focusing on projects with defined phases and deadlines, affirms
Maximize the use of ERPs and integrated platforms
Integrating financial management with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems provides greater visibility and control over finances, in addition to saving time and increasing data reliability. The centralization of information allows for faster and more accurate decision-making
