13-week cash flow forecast

What a 13-week cash flow forecast is

A 13-week cash flow forecast projects a business's cash receipts and payments week by week for the next quarter. It is a practical tool for spotting cash shortfalls early and planning when to pay vendors, payroll and taxes.

How it works

• Starting cash: begin with actual cash on hand across all accounts.
• Receipts: estimate weekly inflows, such as retail sales and wholesale collections.
• Disbursements: list weekly outflows, including payroll, rent, inventory, debt payments and taxes.
• Ending cash: roll each week's ending balance into the next week.
• Update: replace estimates with actual results each week and extend the forecast by one week.

Why it matters

Cannabis businesses often face large, lumpy payments, such as excise and income taxes, alongside cash-heavy sales and limited access to credit. A rolling 13-week view shows timing gaps weeks in advance, while there is still time to act.

What to look for

• Weeks where projected cash falls below a minimum balance.
• Large tax and debt payments and when they fall.
• Differences between forecast and actual results, which point to weak assumptions.

How Safe Harbor helps

Safe Harbor's strategic finance team helps cannabis operators build and maintain cash flow forecasts.

Related terms

280E · Fractional CFO · Full glossary

This page is for general information only and is not financial advice. Last reviewed November 2026.