Bakery

Finance

The proven system for transforming your food business from struggling to survive to profitability machine!

Tired of sifting through flour and doubt, wondering why your bank account isn't cha-chinging like those 'Instagram Famous' bakeries?

LISTEN UP!


You know your pastries are world-class, but your bank account isn't exactly rising like your signature sourdough. 

Why is that? 

Why do some bakeries pull in customers and cash like they've got a money magnet in their oven, while you're left scraping dough off your counter AND your balance sheet?

The secret sauce—or shall we say, the 'secret icing'? 

It's NOT about who has the best piping technique or the flakiest croissants.

It's about knowing the BUSINESS of bakery ownership. 


The food industry is notoriously difficult to succeed in.

Profit margins are razor-thin.


(The average bakery nets about a 8-10% profit ... meaning for every $1 your business brings in, you get to keep 8-10 cents.)


You could be the most talented pastry chef out there baking incredible artisan sourdough breads, constructing the perfect heirloom apple tarts, or hand-decorating the most gorgeous, intricate wedding cakes… 


 ... yet, you could still not make it in the competitive baking industry.



Take A Look At This:

Our 2017 income statement (left image below) shows we LOST money ... spent WAY too much on ingredients and supplies, blew our overhead budget out of the water, and made TONS of other mistakes when it came to managing our finances (not to mention I wasn't even getting paid...ugh)

Contrast that to today...(right image shows our 2023 P&L) where our bakery had an extremely predictable budget that helps us grow with confidence - investing in our team, equipment, marketing, and other key areas that help us expand our business with less stress. All while doing things like rewarding our team with annual bonuses, paying off business loans with ease, and paying ourselves a fair and living wage every two weeks so we can support our families and rely on the income from our business!

We *also* now understand exactly what levers to pull when things start to go out of alignment - so we are never left with stressful financial "surprises" at the end of the quarter or year. 

Plus, when inevitable emergencies or unexpected expenses DO arise (because they will!) ... we already have a comfortable savings cushion we've built up - so we can sleep easier at night knowing we are in a strong and stable financial position.

Nothing can compare to the feeling of predictability and stability when it comes to your business finances!

SOUND FAMILIAR?

You're knee-deep in product production, and can barely find time to fit in customer service, marketing, and admin duties ... let alone learn how to properly manage your business finances.

You are spread super thin, and are tired of sacrificing time with your friends and family (yet again)

to be stuck in the kitchen or at your laptop scrambling to catch up on paperwork.

You absolutely adore your customers, and wish you had the capacity to focus more on the "fun" parts of your job—you just don’t want to work even MORE hours, or take on the risk & expense of hiring a huge team.

If you're really being honest with yourself...

You know you need to be focused on "the business side of things" just as much as your amazing products BUT...


You’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed and distracted. 


 You barely have time to keep up with production ... and it's really starting to catch up with you.

I see you.

It can be scary to look critically at your business finances, because the picture miiiiight not be so pretty. 

Not to mention - the thought of taking corrective action is overwhelming and often confusing.

Where do you even start?

It's often easier to just keep baking ... not worry too much about "the numbers", and cross your fingers that you'll scrape by another month.

I mean...it's sort of worked so far ... 

But just for a second, I want you to imagine what it would be like to... 

Earn consistent income in your business... 

Be able to call your shots, and predict your revenue and profits every single month...

Stop worrying about whether you can pay your vendors, make the rent payment, or afford payroll this week...

Pay yourself a consistent salary and living wage ... so that you can support your family, stop working ALL the time, and truly enjoy running your business...

Save for emergencies & rainy days, so you're not constantly worried that the next surprise repair is going to put you out of business...

It's time...and you're ready.

You Have To Get Serious About Your Business Finances.

If you don't, you're never going to get past feeling over-worked, burned out, and under-paid.


(Believe me - I've been there!)

Here's what I've learned about running a profitable retail bakery business...


Call them my "Secret Ingredients"

Ingredient #1: 

Your Menu

There's a formula to designing a well-rounded, profitable menu that delights your customers, and that sells out on a consistent basis.


It's important to consider things like what you WANT to bake, and what your customers are asking for...


BUT - it's ALSO important to create a robust & diverse menu that helps you hit your revenue goals within the context of your production capacity (even through seasonal slumps and crazy-busy holiday times)

Ingredient #2: 

Your Bakery Budget

So, you've got a killer menu that sells like hotcakes, and you can barely keep up with production because you're constantly selling out. 


Problem solved, right?


Slow down there, ma'am!


Revenue is only one side of the profitability equation. Without a solid budget for your bakery business, all that cash you're bringing in will go RIGHT back out the door...leaving you with zero profit at the end of the month.


You need a comprehensive business budget that covers ALL your expenses across the three main bakery cost categories: ingredients/supplies, labor, & overhead 


You also need to understand what levers to pull if (and when!) your budget starts to go off the rails. 


The goal is to eliminate financial surprises and have a solid plan for what needs to happen with your money every single month.

Ingredient #3: 

The Sales Plan

So - you've developed & priced your bakery menu AND created a comprehensive bakery budget ... you go girl!


BUUUUT .... you're not done yet!


One of the key components of operating a financially successful bakery that I notice most folks missing is this:


Creating Your Sales Plan


Sure, it's important to make sure your menu is well-rounded & priced correctly.


And of course, It's also important to have a comprehensive budget you stick to every month.


The final piece of the puzzle is understanding of how much VOLUME your bakery needs to do in order to help you achieve your revenue goals 


(aka - how much product do I actually have to sell to make this thing work?!)


If you're still struggling to make ends meet each month even though you've accurately priced your menu and created a solid bakery budget - then you need a sales plan!


Creating a plan for how much product you need to sell each month (and having an accountability plan in place to check in on your progress) is absolutely key when it comes to growing your bakery business.

Ready to turn this ship around?

Imagine the freedom you'll feel when you finally have your bakery finances under control...

You'll be able to generate predictable revenue in your business month after month, with an action-plan to scale and grow (when you're ready)

You'll have a solid base of customer "superfans" who love your business, buy from you again and again, and refer you to all their friends and family

You'll be building a business that feels exciting and creatively fulfilling, while also being a reliable source of income for you and your family.

Sound too good to be true?

It's not.

...I know because I’ve done it, and I’ve taught hundreds of other bakery owners to do it, as well


 And I can’t wait to show YOU how to do it too.

"In two months, we grossed $44k!"

"I took the class right around the time all of this COVID started happening in preparation to opening my bakery. 

We work out of a commissary kitchen and do late night dessert delivery - my city has loved it!

In just two months we have grossed $44,000. Before we launched I made sure all of my margins were looking good before going into something I had no clue about - you will enjoy this course! & don’t let what’s happening in the world devalue just how important a delicious baked treat is. "

"My candy business is doing better than ever!"

"Meg is passionate about helping new bakers by teaching pricing basics & bakery finance education. Good class for any food based biz, my candy biz really benefitted from the insights & experience that Meg shared."

But wait, have we officially met?

Hey, I'm Meg Svec!

My sister Molly and I started our bakery (Spilt Milk Pastry) in 2014, baking overnight in a shared kitchen space in Chicago. 

We sold our pastries at local farmers markets, and baked for weddings & events.

In 2016, we opened our first brick & mortar bakery storefront in Oak Park, IL. We absolutely LOVE our bakery, and I pinch myself every day that I get to do this work!

After getting questions from other aspiring bakery owners about “how we did it”, I decided to start Bakery Business Academy in 2019. Conversations over coffee and long email exchanges with strangers turned into a thriving online community of fellow bakers that I am honored to be a part of!

Since we opened our bakery in 2014, we've been through *many* iterations of the business ... trying to piece together how to grow a profitable bakery, without sacrificing time with our family.


(Molly and I have 4 little kiddos between us ... ranging in age from 2-7 years old )


We have learned plenty of lessons along the way - especially on the importance of putting strong financial systems in place to help ensure profitability & growth.

Now, Molly and I are the proud owners of an independently-owned, community-minded bakery that grosses over $1.5 million in revenue every year, and employs 20+ talented hospitality professionals.


We are able to do what we LOVE every day, and find that balance of family + friend time that works for us!

I share all of that not to brag on our success or sell you some generic "zero to million dollars a year" story (because that's not realistic!!)


...BUT rather to show you what’s possible when you follow a system that works.


After nearly a decade in the retail bakery biz, and after helping hundreds of bakers launch & grow their businesses—I’m more dedicated than ever to helping YOU reclaim your time, have more freedom, and make a bigger impact in the world!

let me introduce you to...

Bakery Finance Essentials

The Most Comprehensive Online Program To Help You Transform Your Bakery Business From Struggling To Survive To A Profitability Machine

One-Time Tuition Payment: $597

Payment Plans Available at Checkout

The secret sauce behind BFE?

It's the "Know Your Dough" method - where we bring together all the essential financial education & resources you need to build a truly profitable and scalable bakery business. 


Imagine finally having a streamlined system you'll use to earn more money + track your business budgets - with less overwhelm.

"I highly recommend you take all the courses Meg offers - fantastic!"

My partner Katie had years of experience running a donut business before we opened our subscription-based bakery. I was new to the business, and decided to dive into this course - and I'm so glad I did!


Why not learn from someone who has the real-life experience? I highly recommend!

"I saved so much time and money by taking the time to understand my numbers & get this right from Day One."

I joined Meg's course in preparation for opening our hybrid bakery/cafe and gift shop in Frankfort, KY. She worked with me every step of the way to teach us how to set up our bakery budget, design and price our menu, and focus on marketing activities that actually get results (and not just waste our time!)


Meg is so helpful and the information she teaches in her courses is easy to understand and so critical for any new business owner. I am so glad I did this course from the start!

Here's what's waiting for you inside Bakery Finance Essentials...

MODULE ONE

Recipe Costing & Pricing Strategy

In this module, you'll learn:


To perform a detailed cost analysis of your recipes, and price your products consistently & with confidence.


Includes a BASIC and ADVANCED recipe costing template, with clear instructions for how to use the template whether you’re doing “off the shelf” baked goods, or custom orders/work.

MODULE TWO

Labor Costing & Paying Yourself

In this module, you'll learn:


The importance of accurately estimating the amount of time you spend on production activities, and tools for better managing your + your team’s time, leading to more accurate budgeting and cost savings!


Includes resources for conducting a time study, and using this data to more accurately estimate your labor costs and train your team, plus a variety of production planning resources + a bonus Production Planning Essentials workshop.

MODULE THREE

Creating Profitable Revenue Goals & Your Menu Mix

In this module, you'll learn:


How to forecast your revenue (and why this is critically important to your financial success), plan your production requirements, and plan for future profitability growth.


Includes our complete Revenue Planning Toolkit - which includes everything you need to slice and dice your numbers in a variety of ways, to stay on top of your finances and gain a deep understanding of the important data you need to run your business.

MODULE FOUR

Tracking Your Bakery Business Budget

In this module, you'll learn:


How to create a profit & loss statement for your business, and how to use this document to manage your business budget every month.


Includes our basic P&L template, as well as resources for using industry-standard Quickbooks Online to track your business income & expenses, run dynamic reports, and integrate with the sales tools you’re already using to save you time and give you more accurate financial insights.

MODULE FIVE

Troubleshooting Finance & Budget Issues

In this module, you'll learn:


How to identify & troubleshoot issues in your budget when they occur, to avoid over or under-spending and maximize profitability. We'll talk about strategies for managing your COGS, Labor, & Overhead budgets.


Includes resources for managing waste, plus various templates and tools that will help you and your team stay organized and minimize production and customer service issues that impact your bottom line.

MODULE SIX

Ongoing Maintenance & Accountability Plan

In this module, you'll learn:


Exactly what data you should collect & analyze every week to keep marching toward your financial goals. How to easily track this data using best-in-class software tools, and best practices for reviewing important business & financial data to stay on-track with your goals.


Includes our Key Performance Indicator template & tutorial, plus advice about various software tools you can elect to use to automate the tracking of key financial data.

And you'll be supported every step of the way...

Priority Email Support

Got questions along the way? Of course you do! 

Get priority access to email support directly from BBA Co-Founders Meg & Molly Svec for 6 weeks - included in your course enrollment FOR FREE!

Pricing & Budget Audits

As you start implementing the lessons from the course, get Meg's eyes on your homework so you can be sure you're headed in the right direction!

Three complimentary work audits are included for free with your enrollment. 

*Audits Must be used within 12 months of course purchase.

PLUS - take advantage of these additional bonuses when you enroll in Bakery Finance Essentials today:

Tools, Templates, Spreadsheets, & More

$2,000+ VALUE

All the spreadsheets, tools, and templates you need to quickly & easily implement the course lessons in your own business. Save time and stop reinventing the wheel ... I've already created these assets and use them DAILY to operate our bakery, and I'm sharing these exact tools with you in the course!
Bonus Training: 
Business Finance 101

$297 VALUE

Daliah Fritz is the founder & CEO of Fritz Financial Solutions, and manages all our accounting, bookkeeping, AP/AR, and more for Spilt Milk. 

 Daliah taught this finance workshop to the Bakery Business Academy community in the summer of 2023, and it is packed with valuable financial training & tools for small business owners. 

 If you feel "lost in the woods" when it comes to your business finances - this is a must watch!

One-Time Tuition Payment: $597

Payment Plans Available at Checkout

More love from our former students... 

IF YOU'RE NOT HAPPY, THEN I'M NOT HAPPY!

I’m a small business owner just like you ... so, I understand that you work hard for your money and don’t want to waste it on products and programs that don't meet your expectations.

I also know that bakery owners who sign up for this program, do the work, and implement these strategies + techniques will be thrilled with their results!

While I can't guarantee you'll be retired on a tropical island any time soon, I do guarantee you will be satisfied with the quality of the course materials, workshops, and support you receive in this program...plus the enormous amount of time, energy, and stress this will save you as you grow your business!

Bottom Line - If you're not happy with the program, e-mail me within 7 days of purchase, and I will issue you a full refund - no questions asked.

SO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Here's how it works:

As soon as you enroll, you’ll be sent a welcome email with your username and password to access the Bakery Finance Essentials e-course online. 

You can start watching the video lessons & implementing the recommended homework right away.

Reach out at any time with questions, or to get additional support & guidance as you implement the lessons. You have six weeks of priority email support included with your course enrollment.

Don't forget to take advantage of your THREE work audits as you start working through the course materials, for additional guidance & support as you start implementing the lessons in the course.

I'VE GOT A'S FOR YOUR Q'S

FAQs:

  • WHAT EXACTLY IS INCLUDED WITH THE PROGRAM?
    ONE - The Complete Bakery Finance Essentials E-Course: My advanced bakery business finance course for folks who are ready to transform their business from "struggling to survive" to "profitability machine"!

    You get all the video lessons, templates, calculators, done-for-you marketing materials, and more.

    TWO - Email Support: Got questions along the way? Of course you do! Get priority access to email support directly from BBA Co-Founders Meg & Molly Svec for 6 weeks - included in your course enrollment FOR FREE!

    THREE - Pricing & Budget Audits: As you start implementing the lessons from the course, get Meg's eyes on your homework so you can be sure you're headed in the right direction! Three complimentary work audits are included for free with your enrollment. *Audits Must be used within 12 months of course purchase.
  • IS THIS PROGRAM LIVE, OR PRE-RECORDED?
    All of the class materials are pre-recorded, and this is a self-paced program you can watch at your convenience. Your access to the program doesn't expire, so you can watch again and again if you need a refresher on the materials.

    If you have questions along the way or need help, 6 weeks of priority email support access is included with your course purchase. This gives you a chance to ask questions & dive deeper as you begin applying the course lessons to your own business. You'll also get 3 complimentary "work audits" included in your course enrollment for free, so you can get feedback on your pricing, budgets, and other "homework" as you move through the course.
  • WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE THE PROGRAM?
    I stand by my guarantee.

    If (for whatever reason) you decide the program isn't for you, simply email me within 7 days of purchase for a full refund ... no questions asked.

    With that said - I do stand behind my programs 100% and am committed to my students' success. If you need help along the way, please reach out to me! I never want you to feel lost or like you don't have the support you need. I am here to help you every step of the way!
  • WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I ENROLL?
    As soon as you enroll, you’ll be sent a welcome email with your username and password to access the Bakery Finance Essentials course materials via our course platform, Teachable.

    If you need help getting started, please reach out to us via email and someone will be in touch to assist you.

Not sure if this is the right program for you?

Bakery Finance Essentials is NOT for everyone, so in the interest of respecting your time and resources, I'd like to tell you who will benefit MOST from this program:

Bakery Entrepreneurs who struggle with business profitability, and aren't yet earning a predictable, sustainable profit in their business every month - and who may NOT be paying themselves on a regular basis

  ​New Business Owners who have recently started their bakery, and are eager to get their pricing + financial strategy right from the beginning, so you can start turning a profit as soon as possible

  ​Those who are looking for a program that can grow WITH their business, and receive ongoing support and guidance as they continue to grow

On the flip side, this e-course is probably NOT for you if...

  You're looking only for "theory-based content" that focuses on WHAT to do but fall shy of giving you practical tools to *actually* do it

  Operate your business in the fine dining industry - this program is geared towards those who own bakeries, cafes, coffee shops, candy shops, and other fast-casual or grab-and-go bakery/sweets concepts ... rather than fine dining establishments.

  You do NOT yet have an established business - this program is geared toward business owners who already are operating, and not meant for people looking for help opening a brand new business. (I have other programs that would be a better fit if this describes you!)

Let's get started!

NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOUR BUSINESS TO THRIVE.

If you price your products correctly, and focus your energy on production, marketing, & sales... 


You will be able to make the price of this course back in profits ten times over in a matter of weeks. 


You can’t afford NOT to learn the information in this class!

Proven Strategy, Templates & Tools

...and helpful, knowledgable teachers cheering you on!

So...let me ask you this:


Are you ready to build a profitable, sustainable, & successful food business?!


Listen … I get it. 


 Getting a handle on your food business finances does take time and energy.


But ... getting "the money stuff" in order is going to make the difference between chasing your tail, working yourself to the bone, and barely making ends meet … 

 vs. 

 building a sustainable, fun, and profitable business that supports you AND your family. 


 There are SO many talented cooks and chefs out there who make beautiful, delicious, and creative food...but whose businesses are barely scraping by.


Do you ever wonder why that is?


It’s time to stop “flying by the seat of your pants” when it comes to your business finances, and instead put a simple, streamlined process in place that ensures you’re earning a profit, month after month. 


 YOU DESERVE MORE!


Let's work together to get you there.

See you on the inside!

Want to chat it through? 
Get in touch:

You can always reach us via email:


hello (at) bakerybusinessacademy (dot) com


...if you have questions or want to chat further about our programs!

Checkout Below to Enroll Today:

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  • 1xBakery Finance Essentials$597
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Fulfillment & Refund Policy:

Our programs, courses, and templates are all digital in nature. Upon purchase, you will be emailed information about how to access the programs you purchased. All program materials and courses will be delivered digitally. You need a computer with Internet access in order to access these programs.

While many course materials CAN be accessed via phone or tablet, we are unable to support the multitude of devices on the market today. Please access your course materials through a laptop or desktop computer for the best user experience possible.

Refund Policy:

The following digital programs (e-courses) have a 7-day satisfaction guarantee: Business Finance Essentials, Recipe Costing Essentials, Finance Fundamentals for Food Entrepreneurs, The Profitable Pricing Formula for Food Entrepreneurs, Holiday Planning Bootcamp, Business Starter Pack Bundle.

We will issue a refund to you for any reason for these programs, as long as you request a refund within 7 calendar days of your initial purchase date.

To request a refund, email hello@bakerybusinessacademy.com within 7 days of initial purchase. We need your first and last name and email address in order to process your refund requests.

Due to the digital nature of these products, we are not able to issue refunds for our digital templates or our Business Finance Tracking Tools program.

Enrollment in or ticket purchases for any Live, paid workshops hosted by Bakery Business Academy are non-refundable.
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