How do I prepare a summer day camp’s off-season budget for a lender?

List every expense that continues when campers are gone: insurance, storage, website, loan payments, any year-round wages, and the planning time you put in. Then list expected income outside the season, such as early registration deposits, rentals of the space, school-break programs or workshops. Put these side by side, month by month, so the lender can see the gaps.

Explain how deposits are handled and who can touch them. If families pay early, show whether that money is set aside for the season or spent on off-season costs. Lenders notice the difference, and so will families if something goes wrong. Be transparent about refunds and what you would do if enrolment falls short.

Build the plan around the point where cash is lowest and explain how you reach it safely. A reserve, a line of credit or a staged ramp-up of spending can all work. Compare your supplies and equipment needs as well, since stock bought before the season ties up cash for months. Bring the budget as one part of a complete proposal, with your history, the camp’s numbers and your plan for each quarter. A lender wants a clear picture, so keep the notes short and honest.

Key takeaways

• Match each continuing off-season cost to a month and a funding source.
• Show how early deposits are held, spent and refunded if needed.
• Identify the lowest-cash month and explain how you will cover it.