Entering 2025 with the same financial habits of the past can be costly for SMEs. According to the latest "Omie Small Business Survey" bulletin, the percentage of SMEs reporting an increase in revenue dropped from 54% to 43% when compared to the last survey conducted in April 2024. Regarding "costs and expenses," 80% of respondents reported an increase in this area. On the other hand, the study also reveals that 77% expect to improve their revenues in the short term.
For Rodrigo Tognini, CEO ofSimple AccountBrazilian platform for corporate expense management, these data show a challenging scenario for SMEs. Therefore, by 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 the growth of SMEs," says the executive. "With innovative tools and the right practices, the company can not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive market," she adds.
Based on this logic, Tognini divides some strategies and recommendations for SMEs in 2025. Check it out
Explore new forms of credit
A major challenge for SMEs is maintaining a healthy cash flow. Currently, there are more options that can help entrepreneurs achieve this goal, such as receivables anticipation systems to increase liquidity; new credit line options that offer customized conditions aligned with the company's needs; and fintech platforms that provide quick and less bureaucratic credit.
Another example that has been attracting the attention of entrepreneurs is Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL). The format offers financial flexibility by extending payment deadlines, allowing companies to invest in growth without negatively impacting cash flow.
Automate financial management to gain efficiency
Dependence on manual processes, such as excessive use of spreadsheets, can delay business growth. Replace them with financial management platforms that automate payments and reconciliations, ensuring the company reduces the risk of human errors and frees the team to focus on less operational and more strategic tasks.
An example is Copastur, a company that has been operating in the travel and tourism market for over 50 years. She made significant progress in her expense management approach and found an efficient solution to organize and control her spending by separating the cards by travel group. With this, he 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, improved investment planning, and increased efficiency," completes 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 offer automatic reports and insights contribute to the company's financial health, 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. Therefore, it is essential to have a collaborative team capable of making quick decisions, as well as visionary leadership that promotes a continuous learning environment and provides training to update employees.
Tognini also adds that escaping OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) can help bring this type of culture. "Simplifying is always the best strategy for efficiency. Moving away from OKRs and adopting something more straightforward ensures this approach. The breakdown of goals is an example of this, as it eliminates the need for countless meetings and ambitious objectives, focusing on projects with defined phases and deadlines," he states.
Maximize the use of ERPs and integrated platforms
Integrating financial management with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems offers greater visibility and control over finances, as well as saving time and increasing data reliability. The centralization of information allows for faster and more accurate decision-making.
