Your Business Checklist to Maximise Year-End Performance

As the final quarter of 2025 kicks off, many businesses in Singapore are feeling the pressure to finish the year strong. Whether you’re in retail, logistics, F&B, or B2B services, the last quarter of the year is often make-or-break, especially with the holiday demand, year-end inventory, and unpaid invoices stacking up.

With the right moves and a few smart cash flow hacks, Q4 could be your most profitable quarter yet. Use this practical checklist to streamline your operations, improve your cash flow, and set your business up for a strong, confident start to 2026.

1. Get Clear on Your Financial Position

Before you make any big moves this quarter, whether it’s launching a promo, hiring, or restocking, take a step back and review where your business stands financially.

✓ Start with your cash flow forecast for October to December. 

Are there periods where cash might get tight? Identifying this early can help you plan ahead, not react last-minute. Next,

✓ Look at your outstanding invoices. 

Are there payments you’re still waiting on? Sometimes, a few small unpaid invoices may not seem like much individually, but when they add up, the total can be significant. A few quick follow-ups could bring in cash you didn’t realise was within reach.

✓ Take stock of your inventory levels.

Do you have enough to meet expected demand without tying up too much cash in stock that won’t move? Finally, 

✓ Review your marketing and staffing budgets. 

Are they still aligned with your current goals, or do they need adjusting based on recent performance?

📌 Pro Tip:

Use a simple cash flow dashboard or tracker to map everything visually. This helps you spot upcoming gaps, high-expense periods, or opportunities to save, so you can make confident, data-informed decisions.

2. Forecast Your Year-End Demand and Plan for Holiday Slowdowns

As the year winds down, consumer and client behavior often changes and that can impact your business in big ways. Take a moment to ask yourself:

✓ Will you see a spike in demand during the holidays or year-end buying season?

✓ Are there any large orders coming that you’ll need to deliver quickly?

✓ Could your suppliers or customers slow their activity as holidays approach?

By thinking through these questions now, you can avoid surprises later. Planning ahead means you can manage cash flow smartly and keep your operations running smoothly—even when things slow down. Now that you’ve got your forecasted demand, the next step is to dig into your sales and inventory data to make concrete decisions.

3. Make data-driven inventory decisions to avoid overstocking and maximise profitability:

✓ Analyse Q4 2024 sales trends to identify which products are flying off the shelves and which aren’t.

✓ Use that insight to avoid overstocking slow movers, reducing holding costs.

✓ Negotiate better terms with suppliers, like early payment discounts or extended payment windows, to improve cash flow.

The goal here is to turn your demand forecast into tactical inventory moves that maximise profitability and keep cash tied up only where it’s needed.

Smarter inventory = better margins + lower holding costs.

4. Strengthen your cash flow with business financing solutions

Even profitable businesses often face a cash crunch in Q4 due to delayed customer payments, large supplier orders, last minute business growth planning, holiday bonuses and payroll pressures. Here are some short-term financing solutions to consider:

• Working Capital Loans – Fast access to funds for business growth, like expansion, inventory, equipment upgrades, operating expenses, or marketing investment.
• Invoice Financing – Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices — get paid instantly instead of waiting 30–90 days.
• PO Financing – Secure funds to fulfil large orders when cash is tight — without overleveraging.
• Accounts Payable Financing – secure funds to pay your local or overseas suppliers

Looking for the best SME loan options in Singapore?

Discover flexible SME financing solutions tailored to your business needs. Whether you’re scaling up, managing cash flow, or navigating a competitive market, our lending advisors are here to help. Speak with a financing expert today to find the right SME loan for your business goals.

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Why choose GXS Capital?

At GXS Capital, we are proud to offer a wide range of tailored financial solutions, including working capital loans, invoice financing, and purchase order financing, designed to help Singapore SMEs manage cash flow, meet business demands, and accelerate growth. Trusted by thousands of Singaporean businesses, we are now a wholly-owned subsidiary of GXS Bank, bringing you a seamless blend of financial expertise and innovative solutions. With our deep understanding of the local market and commitment to empowering SMEs, GXS Capital is here to provide the financial flexibility and support your business needs to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. To learn more, visit www.gxscapital.sg