For many retailers the coming holidays are the time when they see a huge spike in business. Seasonal businesses dedicate a large part of the year preparing for those certain weeks or months when most of their revenue is generated. Some businesses sell more when the weather is warm, or when tourists travel.

These boom times come at a price — financial survival can be a struggle throughout the remainder of the year when business slows to a trickle. To help smooth the bumps it’s important to create a tight budget and stick to it throughout the year.

L-A SCORE counselor Ralph Tuttle recommends, “Create a special cash reserve account for use only in leaner months. Set money aside whenever you can. Creating a cash flow forecast will help you identify patterns and see what you are up against. And include a worst-case plan to anticipate any nasty shocks.”

Operating a seasonal business also requires that you plan and use your time more efficiently than other business owners. Some periods may call for only 25-hour workweeks, while others go far beyond that. To make sure everything gets done and also avoid burnout, you will need to schedule your time carefully.

Tuttle notes a few other tips: “Put slower times to good use by using them to update your website, catch up on maintenance, strengthen customer relationships or write marketing plans. You may want to employ only a small core of permanent workers and use temps or interns to fill in. Consider offering off-season sales or rates, and look for ways to generate revenue during quieter periods.”

Owners of seasonal businesses can also take advantage of CAPlines, Small Business Association-guaranteed short-term loans designed to help small businesses meet short-term and cyclical needs for working capital. Eligibility is based on the size and type of business, how the loan will be used and the availability of funds from other sources. To learn more about CAPlines, click financial assistance under the services section of www.sba.gov, then go to special purpose loans.

To learn more about starting or improving your small business, contact SCORE, a nonprofit organization of more than 12,000 volunteer business counselors who provide confidential counseling and training workshops. In the Lewiston-Auburn area, call L-A SCORE at 782-3708 for information and an appointment; in Rumford-Mexico call 364-3123; in Oxford Hills call 743-0499. Or contact SCORE at www.SCOREMaine.org.