Building Financial Models for Entrepreneurs

Duke approaches financial modeling through the capital needs of an enterprise. An Excel template supports projections and the calculation of a funding gap, followed by alternative financing scenarios. It is useful for entrepreneurs who need to explain where money is required and how different offers change the outlook.

What you will learn

• Build projections using a structured Excel model.
• Calculate a funding gap and break-even capital needs.
• Compare equity and debt financing scenarios.

Who this suits

Entrepreneurs and learners interested in modeling an enterprise’s financing needs; preview the spreadsheet and exercises before starting.

Before you enroll

Treat the company examples as learning cases tied to the course’s data and assumptions. They are not current valuations. Trace inputs to their sources, test sensitivities and reconcile statements before using a model to support a decision; spreadsheet results alone do not establish forecast accuracy.

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Put it into practice

Model a fictional venture with two financing scenarios and explain the assumptions responsible for the largest difference in its funding gap.

Source and review

This overview is based on the provider's published information, checked on 12 October 2026. It is an editorial assessment, not a claim that we completed the resource. Time filters are approximate study ranges; projects and exercises can take longer.

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