Speaking Business, a 20Fathoms Breakfast Lab

Numbers don’t just add up—they tell a story.

This workshop will help startup founders and business owners decode their financial reports and use them to make better decisions. Framed around the idea that accounting is the language of business, participants will learn how to read key financial documents, interpret what’s driving their numbers, forecast the future, and take clear, strategic actions.

Through an engaging mix of slides, discussion, and hands-on activities, we’ll walk through the four key types of business analytics: descriptive (what’s happening), diagnostic (why it’s happening), predictive (what might happen), and prescriptive (what to do about it).

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to “listen” to your business, make data-informed decisions, and forecast with confidence—no finance degree required.

You’ll learn:

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• How to read and understand basic financial reports like a P&L and balance sheet
  
• The key metrics (KPIs) that help describe what’s happening in your business
  
• How to identify why certain trends or changes are occurring using diagnostic tools
  
• Simple forecasting techniques to predict what might happen next
  
• How to use data to make smarter, action-oriented decisions for your business
  
• A practical, jargon-free framework for thinking about numbers as a language
  

About Breakfast Lab

Breakfast Lab is a weekly event at 20Fathoms where you’ll get expert guidance to help meet your most pressing startup needs, providing access to the right tools and the right people at the right time.

These events are held in person and there is no cost to attend. Coffee and a light breakfast are provided. Walk-ins are welcome.

There are two parts to each Breakfast Lab:

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• Startup Workshop: 9 – 10:30 am
  
• Startup Coaching: 10:30 am – noon
  

Attend both parts, or just one.

Learn more about Breakfast Lab.

Who should attend:

Breakfast Lab was designed specifically to support:

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• Idea and early-stage startup founders with scalable innovations and technologies
  
• Entrepreneurs navigating strategic growth or a pivot in their business model
  

Prerequisite:

You are encouraged to have your business model canvas outlined to benefit from the Breakfast Lab workshops.

Don’t have a canvas yet? No sweat – join a Startup Bootcamp to get started or Download the instructions and a blank canvas to work through on your own time.

Jim Eatmon is the Founder of Four Pillars Analytics and your go-to guide on turning raw data into practical wins. Jim keeps things approachable and structured—walking business owners through the four pillars of analytics (What happened, Why it happened, What’s likely next, and What you should do about it), so strategic planning, goal setting, and data-driven decisions aren’t just buzzwords, but part of your playbook. By breaking down complex data into clear visuals, digging into the “why” behind trends, forecasting future moves, and mapping out tailored action plans, he will help you take the guesswork out of growth.

Beyond advisory work, Jim is passionate about supporting local businesses through education and hands-on guidance, helping entrepreneurs build skills, confidence, and a data-smart mindset.

20Fathoms is the home of entrepreneurship and innovation in Northwest Michigan. Based in Traverse City and serving all of Northwest Lower Michigan, 20Fathoms is a nonprofit startup incubator and resource center for entrepreneurs and growing businesses. The organization works with entrepreneurs of all stages and industries, and specializes in working with technology-focused companies. Programs include startup education, business coaching, connections, funding, and general support.

Also check out other Business events in Traverse City, Workshops in Traverse City.