How To Obtain funding and best lease rates for Canadian Equipment Financing Needs

Getting the best Canadian equipment financing business funding and lease rates isn’t as difficult as you might think if you're well informed. Canadian business has always regarded business equipment financing as a solid choice for asset acquisition.

When you consider an asset finance decision your alternative usually tends to be a bank loan. Banks obviously have the best financing rates in Canada but did you know that the banks themselves don’t offer equipment leasing. A few have specialized subsidiaries that do offer this type of financing, but in general you need to know that if you are focusing on a great rate for equipment financing via a bank you're talking about a ' loan ', not a lease - and boy is there a difference .

In Canada a huge equipment lease industry exists, made up of literally tens of players who are small, large, Canadian, U.S., captive to their mfg parent, etc, and on it goes. We're going to help you demystify who's who and how you can focus on getting, in your terminology, ' a great deal '. And a deal that’s approved!

So what are the secrets to getting the best lease rates for your financing? You need to know how the lender thinks, and he or she is thinking about 2 things - they are cash flow and debt burden.

So when you approach a lease company you should have spent time to demonstrate in advance that you can pay for the equipment. This can be done via a historical cash flow analysis, or by the preparation of a go forward cash flow analysis for the next year or so. You are probably doing that anyway for your regular business planning. It has never escaped our amazement that lease companies analyze your old cash flow to see if you can meet their ongoing cash flow requirements a la your ability to make payments, but we'll leave that for another day.

Want another great tip? It's simply that Canadian equipment financing focuses on whether the asset you are buying is productive and will assist you to grow sales and profits, so be prepared to articulate that in some manner.

Most Canadian business owners already know the key advantages of leasing: allow you to acquire assets you need that you might normally not be able to afford otherwise, payment and term of lease flexibility, tax benefits, risk of ownership staying with your lessor, and finally great flexibility at the end of a lease to return, purchase, upgrade, or extend.

Getting back to best lease rates themselves we encourage all our clients investigate operating leases, especially when they are acquiring technology - this type of lease will drive your rate down dramatically, because the lessor assumes a hefty residual value based on your desire to return the equipment at the end of the lease - they then remarket the asset. Speak to a Canadian business financing lease expert to determine the true benefits of an operating lease.

Great lease rates also come with faster approvals in Canadian equipment financing - so on a normal transaction you should assume you will have a solid answer back on rate, term, structure, and credit approval in a matter of days. Naturally, as we have stated you should be positioning your case properly, focusing on ability to repay, providing a proper invoice or equipment description, and ensuring your financials are up to date.

Lease funding in Canada comes from, as we mentioned a number of players, some are small, many are large corporations, some are foreign owned, and some only do certain types of deal sizes and assets. Want to demystify that maze - Speak to a trusted credible and experience Canadian business funding advisor who can help you get the equipment funding you need at lease rates your transaction deserves.
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/lease_rates_funding_canadian_equipment_financing.html

How Receivable Financing and Factoring turns Cash flow for Business Challenges into Opportunity

The chance for business owners to turn adversity into opportunity comes around rarely. The ability of your company to turn cash flow for business challenges into a major win in working capital and cash flow might just come from one of Canada's newer forms of business financing, called ' receivable financing ' .. more commonly known as factoring .

For small and medium business it seems to always come down to two basics - getting the order, and then getting paid. The old ' cliché' of ' the order is not complete until it’s paid for ‘... as trite as that sounds, seems to hold true even today.

Many clients we meet with are in the enviable position of getting larger orders and contracts than they might have imagined based on their innovative products and services. But with that success, as we noted, comes the challenges of cash flow financing. During the past few years with all the economic turmoil it seems Canadian business financing options seem either limited or have disappeared - that’s certainly how many clients feel. The impact of accounts receivable growth is a huge challenge, not to mention inventory also of course.

So we have waxed eloquent on the problem- That’s easy to do . let’s talk about the solution. Receivable financing, also known as factoring addresses the issues of your customers paying you in 30.60, or dare we say it, 90 days. You can carry those receivables, or.... utilized factoring as a method to turn your sales into immediate cash.

Let's cover off some of the basic requirements around how this innovative method of business financing works. When you sold the product or service you hopefully had enough gross margins in your cost of sales to make the sale profitable. If you are able to sustain another 1- 3% of gross margin erosion you can use receivable financing to turn sales into same day cash, which is what this financing is about.

Let’s reveal and recap in a manner you can understand how this financing works. Your purchase orders or contracts must be ' clean ' from a viewpoint of being able to demonstrate you can recognize revenue on your shipment. We should interject at this point that the banks will finance your receivables also, but that comes with much stricter criteria and limits on the amount you can finance.

That is why factoring has risen in popularity, it provides unlimited... yes... unlimited same day cash flow for your sales. Your challenge is to work with a trusted, experienced and credible business financing advisor who can steer you to the right partner with the type of facility that works for you. Although traditional factoring along the lines of the U.S. model requires your customer to be notified we are in fact a fan of this type of facility that allows you to bill and collect your own receivables, for all the obvious reasons.

It's important for clients to understand at its most basic how factoring works. You are advanced, on the same day as you invoice approx 90% of funds for your invoice. The remaining 10% is a holdback which creates a reserve and also covers the financing charges. When you customer pays you or the factor you receive the remaining 10% of your invoice amount, less the financing charge.

In Canada cost of factoring ranges from 1-3% a month. It turns adversity into opportunity because you grow sales with larger gross and net margins, and if you utilize the financing properly you are actually in a position to reduce much, in some cases all of your financing costs by taking discounts with your own suppliers or buying smarter and in larger quantities . Reversing the cash flow for business problem - That’s a win win in the language of business.

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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/cash_flow_business_factoring_receivable_financing.html

How to ace film funding and film incentives for film tax credits in Canada

No shocker to yourself – film funding doesn’t happen by itself. Film incentives offered by the government in Canada and the film tax credits themselves play can play a huge role in the successful completion and financing of your film, TV, and digital animation projects in Canada.

As a producer, director or owner of a film, television, or digital animation project related to Canada you may have noticed the successful financing of your project doesn’t happen magically. ! What an understatement that is.

We can't remember when any one of our clients made the claim that film financing is ' easy ‘. The reality is, though, that if you're looking for a great partner who simply wants to provide you with 30-40% of your total production budget we know a guy. A ' guy'. Well, not really, it’s the government of Canada, and under the proper circumstances who wouldn’t want a partner like that.

The film incentives provided by the federal and provincial government in Canada total in the many million of dollars. These film tax credits can generally, as we stated, be a significant portion of your overall financing budget and challenge. Typically film funding of this type is done by independent producers as opposed to major studios, but we're quite certain the big boys use the strategy also.

Who is surprised when we say that the film industry as a whole has a risk element to it, and when you can eliminate 30-40% of that risk right out of the gate then clearly you are on to a winning strategy.
Suffice to say a good director, cast, and story complement your strategy to win!

In film financing, as any business, it’s about money and return on investment. The interesting thing about film tax credits is that your project - TV, film and animation doesn’t necessarily have to be a commercial success - (naturally it’s nice when it is).

Can film tax credits reduce the overall risk of a project - our clients certainly believe so. Naturally those other components such as marketing, additional debt and equity financing, and pre sales and distribution round out your finance plan.

So what do you need to do to maximize on the utilization of film incentives in Canada. A ton of common sense helps. You need to be able to demonstrate to the lender that you have a project that can be fully financed (debt - equity-tax credits) and how the timing of these 3 financial components works.

Simply speaking the business side of your project has to align to the marketing and technical side of your plans. How is this done, ask clients. It is done by surrounding your self with a proper film tax credit advisor and accountant, who have the experience to guide you through the process.

Although we position the tax credits sometimes as ' easy money ' that’s certainly not the message we convey. You need to clearly demonstrate a realistic budget, how you will handle over runs, and your timelines. And we remind readers that has to do with all aspects of the industry, whether it be a movie or digital animation project a la Shrek.

The Canadian government has clearly demonstrated that they have committed millions to the tax credit film funding in Canada. Your job as a recipient of film tax credit financing in Canada is to demonstrate that budgets and schedules and other committed finances will ' come together . 'Generally independent projects come together over time, and go through a predictable phase of financing , shooting, and then post production and release .

To maintain some sort of financial conservatism around that challenging timeline the industry generally requires a completion bond, which is a financial instrument that insures the project if difficulties areas of committed funds aren’t received . This type of financing bond assures your equity, debt and tax credit financier that unforeseen events will be taken care of, rather than putting your project at risk.

In summary, investigate film tax credit financing in Canada by speaking to an experienced, credible, and trusted Canadian business financing advisor. You'll be show how film funding and the financing of your credits can be achieved on both a when filed or even on an accrual basis, assisting you further in day to day cash flow on your project .

So hopefully you have seen how using our ' guy “(aka government film tax credits) can help you ace your project for financial success.
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/film_incentives_film_tax_credits_film_funding.html

A Working Capital Breakthrough – Financing Your SR ED tax credit claims ( SR&ED ) makes Sense!

There is generally a limited number of ways to finance your company and generate working capital. Yet one of these ways is somewhat unknown to many Canadian firms who do any type of research and development under the SR ED tax credit program. And it is a pretty simple decision - finance your tax credit as soon as you have filed it!

Cash is flowing out of Canada's sr&Ed program - why not let it flow towards your company. Without a doubt this is the largest incentive for Canadian firms to fund research, because under the program you of course recover a significant portion of all you have spent, at the same time enhancing your firm’s competitiveness in its products and services.

So hopefully we have articulated to a certain degree the benefits of filing a sred claim... so how do we finance it. The answer is simply to contact a sred tax credit Canadian business financing advisor. The elements of a successful sred financing are quite simple: have your claim prepared by a sred consultant that has proper experience in your area or industry. As soon as the claim is prepared it is filed by your firm and your accountants, and you apply for a refund at the same time you file your financial statements.



Discussions with clients around sr ed , aka sr&ed research development tax credits focuses typically around two area, the actual benefits they attain from their r&d, and, as importantly the financial impact the sred cash has on their balance sheets and working capital .

So who is the sr&Ed candidate from a viewpoint of both maximizing the program, while at the same time benefiting from financing the claim? In a world, everyone, as long as you are filing. However if we had to profile the typical firm that both files and finances their sr&ed claim via a sred loan it would be a company that typically is in the technology industry and is in its early cycle of development, revenue, etc . But, that having been said many mature manufacturing or ' old economy ' type firms have been filing successfully for many years and reaping those same benefits.

So how does SRED translate into working capital in an innovative manner? It’s in the financing, or we can call it the ' monetizing ' of your claim. Think of it frankly as financing or monetizing any one of your receivables, in the same manner that you do with your bank or an independent finance firm. You are in effect ' discounting ' that receivable today to receive the benefits of cash flow and working capital now. Of your you can go to the mail box every day for the next 3-12 months and see if your sred cheque was ' in the mail ' , but why not one up your competition and finance your claim for that working capital breakthrough we are talking about it .

Think of the positive dynamics around that - you have accelerated R&D competitiveness, you have been re imbursed for those expenses under the sred program, and now you're taking that money that is non repayable - yes non repayable! And financing that claim to fund the on going growth and profits of your company.

Financing of the claim involves a very standard business application, with the focus of the sred as your collateral. You're not taking on extra debt remember, you are just monetizing your claim for cash flow.

The sred loan is a bridge type loan, and is liquidated against the final cheque from the government re your refund. In the meantime you have working capital to reduce payables, fund ongoing R&D again, or simply for any general corporate purpose. The whole process can usually be accomplished in a couple weeks. We're guessing it’s taken you that long sometimes to finance your new photocopier!

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced business financing advisor on the benefits of cash flowing your sr&Ed claim for working capital now.
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/sred_tax_credit_claims_research_and_development.html

How to Succeed When buying a franchise store and financing its cost

It's a road you want to go down successfully. We're talking about your decision on buying a franchise in Canada, financing the franchise cost and being successful in the franchise store or business you have chosen.

Clients always ask us if it’s ' risky ' to buy a franchise. Our answer is somewhat facetious, in that if a franchise fails, we prefer to have someone to blame - that's you, the franchisor, or your franchise lender. It's rarely the lender, leaving you and the franchisor.

The reality is quite frankly the same as if you were acquiring any business, namely, Do your homework! And invest some time in solid due diligence. Make a good decision around who you are going to do business with.

After selecting a franchise opportunity the challenge of financing the business becomes even more bewildering to some of our clients. Let’s share some solid tips, info and suggestions around the successful financing of your franchise cost.

We often focus solely around your own financing challenge when buying a franchise ; we should add that its just as important to spend some time on understanding the general financing situation around the partnership you are about to enter into with your franchisor . Disclosure documents these days are fairly heavily weighted towards you as the franchisee understanding that you are entering into business with, so we encourage all clients to take a strong look at your franchisors profitability, its financial management, and any items of public record that might hint or portend of future problems.

Unfortunately many franchisees we talk to about franchise cost and how we will finance the franchise are under the misconception that there is 100% financing available for your new business. In Canada that is pretty well never the case, and you need to make a strong assessment of the maximum amount you can contribute to the venture from a personal equity basis. If you borrow too much and put too little in the financial folks call that being ' over leveraged'- therefore any little bumps in the economy or your ability to generate sales becomes a huge problem if you aren’t properly capitalized.

And we already know you next question, which is ' how much do I have to put in ‘. We would prefer to give you a clear final answer on that one, such as xx %, but the reality is that your own investment is tied to a couple factors... the size of the financing you require, how you will finance it, and whether initial ratio analysis will show that you meet all qualifications .

A ratio is just a ' relationship' of numbers. The two key ratios that you need to focus on in franchise financing are debt to equity, and working capital. Typically you want to have only two times more debt than your personal investment in the business, and from a working capital point of view you want to ensure you have liquid assets to cover at a minimum short term payables.

Do franchisors offer loan assistance - the answer is yes... and no. By that we mean simply that many franchisors have developed relationships with Canadian business financing advisors who assist franchisees in finalizing all aspects of the franchise cost financing - including business plan preparation, negotiations, sourcing debt, etc. You should rarely, if ever, expect the franchisor to supply direct loan financing assistance - they are selling franchises, not building a financial empire.

In Canada typical methods of financing a franchise are a BIL loan, a working capital term loan, and equpment leasing and financing.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced business financing advisor who will work with you to successfully finance your franchise store in a minimum amount of time with a maximum mount of success!
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/buying_a_franchise_store_franchise_cost.html

One Real Way To Solve business financing challenges - Asset Backed Lending

Something that works. We all want that. And in the new business financing reality of 2010 and 2011 asset backed lending might be your new choice for Canadian business financing.

Asset based line of credit facilities are becoming more popular everyday. It is simply a newer method of lending to Canadian business with a total focus on assets. ‘Assets’. That’s the key word. So which assets are they? ask clients. Typically these include inventory, receivables machinery and equipment in your fixed assets part of the balance sheet, and in some cases real estate. In some very unique cases IP, or intellectual property, a la patents, etc can be financed.

Another new common category is tax credits, such as SR ED (SR&ED) tax credits. Tax credits are in effect receivables, money owing to you from the government that is in the form of a non repayable type grant. So monetizing that asset as soon as you can allows you to employ cash more efficiently in your business.

Our clients typically imagine inventory and receivables as being the only items they could margin for liquidity with their bank. The reality is that even inventory financing is becoming more difficult in the chartered bank environment, certainly for start up, smaller, and medium sized firms. That therefore is the main difference in an asset backed lending and working capital facility; in its simplest form it’s simply the margining of all those other assets to capture maximum liquidity.

So who is actually using these types of cash flow facilities, and why are they a very solid alternative to what is termed ' traditional' bank financing. (We’re not so sure these days that ' traditional' bank financing is as available as it used to be - what do you think?!)

The truth is that this type of Canadian business financing is an alternative to bank financing, its real, its available, and allows you to not having to consider more unpalatable options such as raising new equity and diluting your ownership.

We are all for secured bank lending... if you firm can qualify for all the lending it needs. But if you have had financial challenges then consider asset backed lending as a solid option. What are some of those ' challenges' we speak of that might not allow you get Canadian chartered bank financing... its issues such as a temporary loss, a turnaround, new ownership, balance sheet ratios and covenants that might not work for the bank, etc .
Asset based finance does not really care about all those issues - yes they are discussed, but it always comes back to ' the assets ' - and if you have them you can margin them on a daily basis for working capital and cash flow .

So whats the catch. While we feel the advantages of asset based lines of credit far outweigh the alternatives, the reality is that 95% of the time this type of financing is more expensive. It also requires more reporting on an ongoing basis, although most business owners we talk to will gladly pay more finance charges and are ok with reporting if they in fact have all the cash flow they need to grow and profit in today’s competitive environment. You can also expect a bit more due diligence on your overall asset quality when you set up the facility.

There is always a bottom line in business, and in our case today it's that an asset backed line of credit facility is a new and emerging working capital financing that provides your firm with all the liquidity to grow. Speak to a credible, experienced and trusted Canadian business financing advisor to determine if this type of working capital and credit facility benefits your firm.
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/asset_backed_lending_business_financing.html

Options on Financing a business via P O Financing and Inventory financing

It's a good news / bad news situation at its classic best. Your firm has the ability to receive orders or contracts but you are challenged with restrictions or unavailability of inventory and PO (purchase order) financing. Financing a business based on assets such as inventory and orders in coming has never been more of a challenge in Canada.

When we speak to clients we advise there is no one method that seems to handle all inventory and po finance challenges. But the good news is that via a variety of effective business financing tools you can employ you are in a position to generate working capital and cash flow from these two asset categories. Let’s examine some real world strategies that have made sense for clients.

The root of the problem is simply, you have orders and contracts, but those will potentially be lost to a competitor. Conventional wisdom is that you go to your bank and ask for financing to support inventory and purchase orders. As you may have experienced, we aren’t big believers in conventional wisdom on that matter!

However, utilizing a convention purchase order funding source does allow you to purchase product and get your suppliers paid, thus facilitating you ability to deliver to your customers.

One of the main benefits that many clients don’t realize is that inventory financing and P O financing don’t necessarily require your firm to have a long or strong credit history; the focus on structuring the transaction is around the inventory being financing and the general credit worthiness of your client, who will be paying yourself or the inventory or P O financing firm

The overall process is fairly simply and easy to understand when it comes to putting the transaction together successfully. On receipt of your confirmed purchase order your supplier is paid via cash or a letter of credit. Your firm of course completes final shipment of the product, which typically involves some additional time on your firms part. On shipment and of course payment from your customer the transaction is in effect settled. In a true pure po financing scenario the P O funder is paid immediately on your invoicing of the product. That is facilitated by your firm selling the receivable via a factoring type transaction as soon as you have generated the invoice.

There are always limitations to this type of financing - so things we look for early in the transaction are the ultimate remarket ability of your product in case there is a transaction risk. Naturally, as we stated, the overall credit worthiness of your customer is key, his receipt of goods and payment in effect closes the transaction.

Inventory financing and PO financing are generally more expensive than traditional financing, due mainly to the significant transaction risk that the lender takes. Therefore we strong recommend that your firm has solid gross margins in the 25% range to cover the associated costs of a po financing, inventory financing transaction that also factors in the time it takes to get paid by your client, as that typically adds 30-60 days on to the whole cycle of the transaction.

If there is one great tip of ' secret' that we share with clients its simply that the best method of ensuring financing in the manner we have outlined is to consider an asset based line of credit . Coupled with a facility that will finance your purchase orders this is the ultimate working capital tool that will allow you to grow business quickly and significantly. This type of facility is generally a non bank facility and is offered by independent finance firms.

Speak to a trusted , credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who will assist you putting together a working capital and cash flow solution that works!
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http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/p_o_financing_inventory_financing_a_business.html

Avoiding Blunders in working capital financing and Cash flow Financing

Mistakes. As Business owners we all make them. Let's talking about wrong choices in working capital financing and how the right types of cash flow financing can turn adversity into opportunity for growth and profits.

All Canadian businesses need working capital, permanently, and in many cases, on a ' bulge' basis from time to time. In essence you are financing your operating cycle, and most business owners intuitively know their industry has a unique cycle - that being simply the time it takes for a dollar to flow through inventory, A/R, and back to cash.

Larger or established? You probably have a better chance of seeking what people refer to as ' traditional' forms of financing. Quite frankly we're not sure anymore what traditional means, as the lines are getting blurred between what some consider as non traditional working capital financing.

Maybe we're different, but we seem to meet more and more clients that are unable to access capital for growth and development. They seek to enhance working capital in a variety of methods. Those include receivable financing, aka ' factoring', asset based lines of credit, financing for purchase orders ( yes , you can finance a purchase order !) , and even monetizing hard assets into revolving facilities such as a short term bridge loan on equipment, with proceeds used for working capital and cash flow .

The bottom line is your need to focus on liquidity, so if you have positive working capital as calculated by the text books ( current assets - current liabilities ) you must therefore monetize those assets into the ' cash is king ' model .

The harsh reality is that as you textbook calculation of working capital goes up your actual cash flow is negative , given that your investments are simply tied up in inventory and receivables which seem to be collected more slowly every year in our opinion and those of our clients .

Naturally if you are able to be paid in cash at time of sale, of if inventories turn very quickly, and billed customers pay promptly ,, well suffice to say the cash flow financing pressures are eased quite a bit - but reality of business usually does not give us that luxury .

We are often amazed at how many clients we meet who are looking for proverbial ' working capital ' but are in a position of not being able to define the type of financing they think they need

The ultimate cash flow support tool is the Chartered bank operating line of credit. But many business owners who do not qualify for these facilities are moving to either a receivable financing facility or an asset based line of credit. These come at a higher cost, but provide liquidity often 100% greater than might have been achieved previously, had they been bankable.

So whats our take away tip here - simply that you must look beyond the rate and focus on what collateral you are providing to get the liquidity you need.

Ultimately you need to understand your particular need and choose a financing solution that provides you with the cash flow financing to meet your business needs, as well as grow your business. You have options, which many Canadian business owners and financial managers don’t realize. Be they traditional or alternative, one or several of them will work for your firm. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who will put you on a clear path to the solution for working capital financing.
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Stan Prokop is founder 7 Park Avenue Financial ; Originating financing for Canadian companies,specializing: working capital, cash flow, and asset based financing , the 6 year old firm has completed in excess of 45 Million $ of financing for companies . For info / free consultation on Canadian business financing / contact details see:

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/cash_flow_financing_working_capital_financing.html

How to Acquire Equipment Finance Leasing and the Best Leasing Services and Rates

When Canadian business owners and managers are aware of the benefits of equipment finance leasing and leasing services their ability to get rates, terms and structure approvals that makes sense increase dramatically.

Equipment financing in Canada is one of the easiest methods of financing business assets bar none. However, at the same time the complexity of the different types of leasing and who offers lease financing can be a true challenge that you might not want to dedicate all your time toward.

You can obtain the best leasing services and rates by focusing in on what benefits matter to your firm from a priority basis – in many cases its simply the term and rate on the lease financing . Depending on what type of asset you are financing lease terms vary from 2 to 7 years – at the end of the day it depends on the equipments useful economic life, combined with the type of lease you structured. In Canada that is either an equipment finance lease, designating your desire for ownership, or an operating lease, designating your firm’s choice to use an asset, but not ultimately own it.
Leasing is often referred to as a cash flow enhancer – little or no money down, as well as your ability to craft monthly, quarterly, or semi annual payments with can either accelerate or decelerate as you require. That’s true cash flow management.

Equipment lease financing is all about benefits and use, not real pride of ownership. In most situations today assets depreciate... you certainly can’t look at your investment in computers and technology and make the case those assets are rising in value!

With today’s volatile finance markets, inflation, and the somewhat erratic timing of the need for your asset acquisitions isn’t it a safe bet to know that the decision process becomes much easier when leasing services provide you with an effective acquisition tool.

Clients always inevitably ask ‘why is lease financing so popular ‘? The reality is that is a triple threat to your competition. You can effectively stretch your dollars, extend your budgets, and acquire equipment and facilities with the most minimum investment of funds. That is simply because you are matching investment of your funds with the useful economic life of the asset – what else could make more sense.

Equipment finance leasing allows you to generate the payments you need to make for the asset from income produced by the asset – payments are made from current revenue and the equipment and assets you finance are in effect a ‘pay as it earns’ scenario . Today’s costs are paid with tomorrow dollars since lasing involves payment for equipment as it is used. Naturally if you chose to buy the asset outright we can make the statement that you would be using today’s dollars to hand tomorrow expenses, and we advise against that in conversations with clients.

Speak to a trusted, credible, and experienced Canadian business financing and lease advisor on how you can maximize the benefits of equipment lease financing to grow revenues and profits .
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/equipment_finance_leasing_services.html

You Have Factoring Questions – Tips on Best Factoring Program and Factoring explained

We forgive you, and we are sure everyone else does also... for what...? Simply because you keep asking about the best factoring program out there and quite frankly you have factoring questions on this ‘relatively’ newer form of business financing.

So, factoring explained. Let's cover off some key basics and arm you with data to make an informed decision as to whether his type of Canadian business finance works for you.

Step 1 - understanding what we are talking about. It couldn’t be more simple. As you generate sales and receivables you enter into a ' program' to sell those receivables to a third party. As can be imagined, you receive a discounted price for your receivables , because you are getting cash today for something that would normally be collected 1, 2, and three months out .

The cost of factoring is always a key discussion point with our clients. The industry refers to this as a ' discount fee', and in Canada that fee is quite frankly all over the place. We can make a general statement thought that typically the fee is in the 1- 3% range. We can hear our clients already. ‘We’ll take the 1% please!". The reality is that you do have some control over the pricing in your factoring program, because the key drivers of the pricing are quite simple - the size of you A/R portfolio, the number of customers, where they are located, and their overall credit quality.

While customers tend to always focus on price in this discussion we frankly tell clients that the factoring questions they should be focusing on are more important - how does the program work on a day to day basis and how does it affect my clients and my business processes.

On a day to day basis you are advanced, as you generate invoices, approximately 90% of the invoice value - generally the same day you cut the invoice. Why only 90%. Simply because the finance firm holds back that 10 % as a reserve or buffer and it also covers off the financing cost. Let’s demonstrate a clear example. If you generated an invoice today for $100.00 you would receive via wire transfer 90$ into your bank account today. If you customer paid in 30 days ( you wish!) and the factor firm priced your program at 2% then when your customer paid the invoice you would receive your other 8 dollars back, the 2$ being the finance charge . It's as simple as that.

Its not hard for our clients to see some of the immediate benefits - all of a sudden ' factoring explained ' requests become quite clear - it frees up cash flow instantly for general working capital purposes, suppliers can be paid on time, and you can purchase additional products and services that you need to grow your business on a daily basis .

Factoring , aka ' receivable discounting' is different from banking - it comes at a higher cost , and works on a day to day basis significantly differently than if you were able to facilitate a bank line of operating credit . The harsh reality is that while many banks are pushing back on receivable and inventory facilities for small and medium business the factoring industry has kicked into hyper growth mode, seizing the opportunity to finance the liquidity gap in Canadian business.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who will guide you through the process for success in Canada's newest mainstream business financing strategy.
on factoring questions raised by Canadian business . How does a factoring program work, what does it costs . Factoring explained from the terms of benefits and daily processes .
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.parkavenuefinancial.com/factoring_questions_factoring_explained_program.html

Leverage Canadian tax credits for film finance success via film tax credit financing

Is there a better way of leveraging your film, TV or animation project other than utilizing film tax credit financing on Canadian projects? We don’t think so, but we will let you decide.

Canadian tax credits for film continue to grow in popularity and make a strong case for many projects to be shot, produced, or post produced in the Canadian environment.

Difficult to understand? Not really... Canada's stable political and financial environment, coupled with a very generous and straight forward non repayable tax grant system for productions drive new interest to Canada every day.

Naturally Canada competes with major cities and geographies all over the world for its share of media production in film, tv and animation .These days its more often than not about cost , and Canada has a positive statement to make in the area qualified crews, great geographies, and the cost effectiveness . No one area takes Canada over the top, but when you add the aforementioned facts on top of the Canadian film tax credit system you have a strong power play .

Even the strong Canadian dollar, which seems to be approaching par in 2010-2011 is no longer a concern - previously the lower value Canadian ' loonie ' was a weak currency and a key benefit of shooting in Canada was quite simply, the Canadian dollar.

But the real kicker in all this is the Canadian governments film tax credit financing policy which now plays a key part in most decision to film or produce in Canada

Simply speaking Canadian tax credits for film refund to Canadian and foreign owned products a very large portion of their production costs. The ten Canadian provinces augment that program by adding in their own credits, further increasing the generosity of the program.

An interesting historical point is that in recent years may political regimes in the U.S. and elsewhere lobbied hard to compete against the Canadian film tax credit system. In 2003 the federal authorities increased the tax credit, and the provinces jumped on board again.

Certain of the tax credits were even increased in areas of non labour, i.e. your other below the line production expenses.

How could you not want to take advantage of any system that offers in the percentage range of 30-45% as a non repayable refund on your project? It makes no sense to not consider that option. And as long as the Canadian government feels that benefits outweigh cost who are we to disclaim the program - instead simply take advantage of it.

It's more often than not all about cash flow and working capital for your project. so owners of projects should strongly consider monetizing , i.e. financing their tax credits . Your ability to receive financing on a future tax credit receivable can great improve the confidence of your debt and equity investors, and enhance the overall returns on your project.

The entire process can be completed in a manner of weeks and involves a basic financing application, ensuring your tax credits are legitimate and vetted, and requires that you can properly demonstrate good accounting and financial controls re the preparation and filing of financial statements for your project. Naturally this sort of fiscal responsibility makes sense even if you weren’t going to finance your Canadian tax credits for film, TV, and animation.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced film tax credit consultant. Monetize or cash flow your claim if it makes sense. That a solid entertainment finance strategy.


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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/film_tax_credit_financing_canadian_tax_credits.html

How Canada Sred Claims Deliver Cash Via Your SRED Financing Strategy !

We probably couldn’t count the worries or challenges you have around your competition in Canadian business. But one way in which Canadian business stays ahead of the challenge is via the Canada SRED grant program. Sred claims deliver billions, (that’s not a typo - it really is billions) of dollars of non repayable grant funds to firms such as yours. So could Sred financing assist your firm to stay even more competitive?

We tell clients that we think it can, if only because it accelerates the cash flow and working capital that your firm has coming from its R&D claim

Your ability to ' unlock ' sred funds is simply a cash flow accelerator. Clients often ask what the required uses for those funds are if in fact you do choose to finance your sred claim. The reality is that the funds can be used for any general corporate purpose - so that includes of course general working capital and cash flow, the purchase or down payment of additional new equipment and technology, or, at its most basic, retirement of short term or long term debt on your balance sheet .

Your ability to quantify and demonstrate your business processes and advancements can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars of non repayable sred funds under the combined federal and provincial program.

There isn’t a business owner in Canada today, certainly that we have met, that doesn’t have some issues and problems with the role of government in business. Want a method of striking back?! Take advantage of sred and sred financing. Sred claims under Canada sred legislation are your encouragement to recover 30-40%, even more in your funds spent in the previous fiscal year.

We advise clients that the process around the financed of a sr&Ed claim is much defined. In fact in the 2010 environment, based on some new rules for claimants, its even more defined. Claims are most successfully financed when they are generated by a proper party - in the industry this party is known as a sred consultant, and their ability to craft and present a claim under new guidelines from the government is key to the ability to maximize your claim. Maximizing you claim maximizes financing, simply because under sred financing a typical advance is 70% of your claim, so the size of your overall total claim determines the financed amount, as in our example of the typical 70%.

It's common knowledge in the sr&Ed industry that a huge majority of companies eligible to claim a sred grant don’t do it. We have heard all the excuses, and we won’t weigh in on them now, but they typically include - - ' we haven’t heard of the program .... Is there an audit involved ... isn’t expensive to prepare a claim, we don’t have enough time, ‘‘‘... etc, etc!

We would rather preach to the converted. So if you are filing sred Canada claims and want to accelerate cash flow immediately then consider monetizing your claim. It’s a very basic process, via an application, providing back up on you sred, and being agreeable to collateralizing the claim via a basic documented process.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced sred tax financing expert to ensure you can easily and effectively enjoy the benefits of sred financing via a cash flow and working capital financing of the claim.
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/sred_financing_sred_claims_canada_sred.html

Starting a Franchise ? Looking For Business Money To Finance A Franchise?

The priority of securing business money when you have selected and are starting a franchise becomes even more important as you focus on getting the business started and up and running .

Let's discuss some of the sources of capital in the Canadian franchise environment, and we'll share some tips and strategies that have helped many other clients looking for Canadian business financing in the franchise environment.

There are actually 5 sources of capital that will successfully allow you to complete the financing of your new business. They include your own equity injection into the business, i.e. your down payment, bank and institutional financing (its
s not what you might think, so stay tuned on that one ) , asset financing via an independent finance company, and finally a potential vendor take back from either the franchisor of the existing franchisee from whom you are buying the business .

Let's therefore backtrack a bit and hopefully give you some solid tips and new information around how this financing is, in our words ' cobbled together ' to give you a total financing solution for your new business.

It's always the same question when we talk to clients... ‘How much do we have to put in ‘... they are of course referring to their owner equity investment into the business. The truth is that the amount varies when it comes to the financing portion of your business. That amount is flexible and can vary anywhere from 10 - 50 per cent depending on the size of the financing and the amount of working capital you want to have on hand d on day once that will allow you to finance the business properly .

Another tip we'll share in the above mentioned ' owner equity ' area is simply that in many cases some franchisors will actually mandate how much you ' have ' to put in. We therefore recommend to all clients that they get a clear understanding up front so there are no surprises. In defense of the franchisor they are probably relying on their own experience that allows them to have determined over time what it takes to successfully run and grow one of their units in their franchise system.

So how exactly do the banks in Canada participate in the starting of your franchise? Is it as simple as approaching your bank and determining what business money they will lend to finance a franchise? Not really we tall clients. We have rarely if ever seen a direct term loan to cover the financing of a franchise. But yet the banks do participate in most of the franchise financing in Canada. How? They piggy back on a special government program called the BIL/CSBF programme. This loan is underwritten by Ottawa, and has very generous terms and conditions around rate and structure. Unbelievably you are actually only guaranteeing personally 25% of the loan, which is another benefit.

So our cobbling together of a financing package is getting there - another great strategy is to finance separate individual assets with an independent lease firm. This type of asset financing is easier to get approved, and can cover a significant portion of any assets that need to be financed.

We spoke of a potential vendor take back from the franchisor or existing franchise as part of the purchase package. We will share with you several tips and comments on this one - namely that you should not fully rely on getting this type of financing in place. Occasionally you might be successful, may times you wont. Why? Simply because the franchisor or existing franchisee is motivated to sell you a franchise, not finance it!

Speak to a trusted, credible, and experienced Canadian business financing advisor in the area of starting a franchise and getting the right business money in place to allow you to complete your new role as a Canadian entrepreneur.
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 45 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/finance_a_franchise_business_money.html

Eliminate Commercial Finance Pressures With An Asset Based Lender

Do commercial finance solutions seem out of reach - want a simple solution ?... go visit a Canadian chartered bank and get all the business credit you need! Unrealistic... maybe, maybe not, but one sure fire solution for your problems might be an asset based lender.

For many years now the non bank asset based lenders have been working with firms such as yours on credit facilities that fit the real world need of your company when it comes to inventory, receivables, equipment and real estate.

Canadian business owners and financial managers are probably asking themselves why they haven’t heard of this before - we'll hit you with another shocker, some of the Canadian banks even have internal divisions of asset based lenders that compete with their regular commercial banking business!

Anyway, the bottom line is that this Canadian business financing solution might be your ultimate cash flow and working capital solution.

For the uninformed asset based lending is essentially a revolving line of credit which provides you with working capital, cash flow to cover your operating expenses and growth needs. Why is it different then from a typical bank type operating loan? Simply because there is only one focus, the assets. And because the asset based lender is a specialist in commercial finance and the value of your assets you ability to draw on those assets intensifies greatly - in many cases you will obtain 50-100% more leverage on your current assets than you ever have before .

Again, why is this so different - its because the focus is on your personal credit, your company's current or past challenges... its soley on , you guessed it ..' the assets'!

In certain cases even a purchase order financing type facility can be put in place, and more often than not the asset based lender will accommodate what we term as ' bulges' or unusual temporary needs of your business based on seasonal cash flow, large new orders or contracts, etc .

As a business owner we think you can see that the total focus now seems to be on your future sales ability and the overall bench strength of your assets. It certainly is not untypical to receive 90% financing on receivables and 50% or often more on your inventory as ongoing advances for your cash flow needs. We also tell clients that unencumbered equipment can be factored into the facility also, so you in effect have a fixed asset that provides you with working capital. That’s creative financing!

Clients always asked what the approval criteria are - the truth is that the criteria that an asset based lender requires are significantly less demanding than those imposed by bank , the latter focusing on rations, covenants, external collateral, strength of persona guarantees, and on it goes .

Commercial finance made easy is a great by line for an asset based line of credit. After a standard business financing application and submission of back up date which would include aged receivalble, inventory listing, equipment list, recent financial statements, etc you would typically receive an expression of interest. After initial due diligence on your overall asset size and quality typical security documentation and registration takes a couple of weeks.

Speak to a trusted, credible, and experience Canadian business financing advisor who can provide you with clarity on cost, process, and most importantly, the benefits of an asset based line of credit or working capital facility.
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 45 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/commercial_finance_asset_based_lender.html

Looking for debt Financing ? Don’t Ignore Working Capital Funding Sources

We're not shocked - You wont be either - a recent U.S. survey by CFO Magazine stated that cash flow and working capital and accessing working capital funding sources was the biggest concern of any financial manager.

Welcome to Canada ! We are pretty sure we are in the same boat as we talk to clients who seek alternatives to debt financing and liquidity for their companies.

The other key item in the study was that business in general was dissatisfied with their banking relationships - again no real surprise.

So we all agree there is a gap in working capital solutions for Canadian business. Let’s discuss why that gap exists, and, more importantly is there alternatives to taking on more debt financing while at the same increasing cash flow in your firm.

As we have written in the past we always tell clients the best program in Canada, bar none in our opinion is the government small business loan program, which is underwritten by our good friends in Ottawa. Great rates, terms and structures, what more could you ask for. Well here’s the problem, the program only covers equipment, leaseholds and real estate - that’s called debt financing. So not working capital or cash flow is ever going to come out of that program for your firm. Let's move on then.

We can start by defining our working capital problem by simply saying it’s the day to day liquidity in your business that we are talking about - essentially the amount of funds you have in your company that could be liquid if you didn’t have them tied up in inventory, accounts receivable, and in some cases prepaid current assets. And of coruse the ' double whammy' comes in when you have your obligations on the other side of the balance sheet, i.e. accounts payable and term loans.

Working capital funding sources come from two areas, debt and the monetization of those current assets. We prefer monetizing and cash flowing things like A/R and inventory as opposed to debt financing, which infers a long term commitment.

So let’s get right to the point, what are your alternatives to cash flow success. The good news is there are a good handful of alternatives - they include operating lines of credit which can come from your bank or your non bank lender. Clients are increasing more interested in hearing about non bank lenders because these firms can more readily approve financing for your inventory and receivables. The ' buzz word' around this industry is asset based lending, and we advise clients to check it out, because in many cases it’s the ultimate solution to working capital success.

If you are a smaller firm you can employ accounts receivable financing, otherwise known as invoice discounting. If done properly ( and many times it is not ) it can turn your firm into literally an ATM cash flow machine, as you generate instant cash flow for all your sales . This type of facility comes at a cost and we find there are many misconceptions about the cost of this type of financing, and as importantly, how it works.

So lets summarize - you aren’t going to get working capital from our friends in Ottawa - if you qualify for bank financing employ it! Many of our clients don’t, so consider great alternatives for working capital funding sources such as asset based lines of credit, receivable financing, or in some cases even securitization.

So if your firm has a thirst for liquidity (!) speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who will work with you to solve your cash flow challenge .
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 45 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/working_capital_funding_sources_debt_financing.html

Is The Wrong type of Equipment Finance Company Bad For ( Business) Health?

They are all the same, aren't they? Absolutely, postively... Not! We are of course talking about the equipment finance company industry in Canada and how your selection of the right partner can determine which advantages and disadvantages you can enjoy... or suffer with. We prefer positive advantages that your business can benefit with, not Canadian business financing decisions that you will suffer via the wrong choice of a lease partner for your specific needs.

Ok, so what in the heck are we talking about? Essentially there are four types of asset finance partners in the equipment leasing industry in Canada. And you thought that a lease finance company was a lease finance company!

The first type of partner is the ' captive ' - no you are not the captive! The term refers simply to finance companies that are owned and literally situated within various manufacturing firms. When clients ask us about lease finance options and they mention specific equipment we are always reminding them to ensure they determine if the manufacturer captive finance firm offers asset financing. If they do we can assure you it is probably the best financial terms you will be able to come up with, as well as a better chance for overall approval re rate, structure and other general terms. Why is that?

It's to do with motivation - the captive finance firm is motivated to finance and promote the sale of products using financial options such as leasing to get the products out to the marketplace. Want to know a secret that should surprise most business owners and financial managers? It’s simply that captive finance firms in a competing industry will finance their competitor’s products, often at better rates, terms and structures. That is simply because the financial transaction will probably give the competing mfr a foothold into your business to promote and sell their own products. So don’t think that a great firm such as IBM CREDIT CORP. is the only firm that will finance your products you purchase through them. Others will also!

The second main group of asset finance firms in Canada is our chartered banks - Two major banks have leasing arms that are very significant, others employ lease finance to varying degrees. Our real only comment here is that the credit bar is high and more often than not you have to be a customer of the bank to enjoy the great lease and finance structures they offer.

The third main category of the Canadian equipment leasing company market is actually the largest and most robust. It also requires the maximum amount of knowledge and navigation by Canadian business owners and financial managers. This is the Independent lease finance market, where there are tens of firms that offer lease financing based on various criteria of asset size, credit quality, geographical preference, industry specialization, etc,etc,etc . R

You have a great choice with our category 3 partners, the independent finance companies. You can spend tens or hundreds of hours determining their credit criteria, additional collateral they require, the size of deals they do, the different lease structures they offer, or ... alternatively .. use our final category for lease provider , the independent lease finance advisor who are knowledgeable intermediaries who know the market, have a strong reputation with lease providers, and can match the advantages you seek in an equipment finance transaction to the right provider . Subtle nuances in your overall lease structure, depending on the size of your transaction, can save you thousands of dollars and untold grief at the end of the term of your lease.

So that’s your Canadian lease market overview. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can successful guide you through the asset finance maze.
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 45 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/equipment_finance_company_asset_finance_leasing.html

Real World Advice on Cost of factoring of receivables in Toronto – Board the Receivable factoring Bus!

Whether they are hearing about it from their business peers, reading about it, or being ' pitched' on the factoring of receivables, whether in Toronto or the rest of Canada is a hot topic in the world of Canadian business financing.

We think we can simplify the issue into some valuable basic pieces of information around what receivable factoring is, what it costs, and more importantly, how it works re benefits and solutions!

At its most basic it is simply the ' sale ' of your receivables as you generate the . Think of it - receiving cash flow and working capital the day you generate a valid sale and invoice. The cost of that service is a fee, generally between 1-3% which you as a business owner have to rationalize against the benefits of receiving that cash immediately and making use of it. That really is where the crux of our advice comes in, that the cost of the instant cash flow actually can be offset significantly, in some cases totally, by the effective use of those funds.

That is achieve in the following manners - more sales and profits, taking on orders and contracts you couldn’t even consider before, and finally, the less tangible but very real benefit of using that cash flow to purchase in larger and smarter quantities, as well as taking payment discounts which might e offered through suppliers . If those benefits don’t ring clear then we confess we will have to give up now to demonstrate the clear benefits of factoring of receivables.

Whether its Toronto factoring, or anywhere else in Canada the challenge for the business owner is really to get the best advice on what type of receivable factoring to get, who to get it with, and where to get it. In all businesses we rely on experts, and the financing of your business in Canada surely demands an expert - there is not a lot of room for error when it comes to how your business is financed. So seek the services of a trusted, credible, experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can set you on the right track.

It’s frankly all about the nuances, and as we speak to clients and determine they don’t really often understand how receivable factoring works it’s at that time they need advice. It's really about the day to day. We rarely get into debates with clients about ‘do they qualify ' because frankly if you have a business and are generating commercial receivables then, guessing what, you qualify.

So free up the cash flow, maximize on the working capital benefits of factoring of receivables, and whether it’s Toronto factoring or anywhere else in Canada feel free to board the receivable factoring bus! Just do it right though.
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 45 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/factoring_receivables_toronto_factoring_receivable.html

Looking for Film Tax Breaks ? - Tax Credit Capital Can Be the Financing You Need

It's a challenge no matter which way you put it - If you are an independent in Canada and have projects in film, televison and animation tax credit capital, your own form of film tax breaks! will help eliminate what we can only describe as some of the 'guerrilla financing ' techniques that owners of projects must employ to complete an efficient and effective return on investment for owners .

The financing of a film or the project (we always talk in terms of the holy three, film, TV and animation) should of course be in place prior, not during or after your project. Future revenue streams will of course come from a potential theatre release, DVD sales, and release to cable and satellite providers.

Cash flows from your project are of course used to repay investors, and a significant portion of there cash flow and actual working capital of your project can come from tax credit financing in Canada.

Have the tax credits for the industry ever been so generous and the processes streamline - we certainly can’t remember.

Clients typically seeking tax credit financing (in their words ' film tax breaks’) usually have claims in excess of 200k to finance, and they are of course in possession of valid refundable credits.

How can these claims be monetized, and what type of financing is available. In general you can receive loan advances in the range of 70-80% of your total calim amount. The key collateral is of course the actual refund itself, and financing is offered and available to clients who wish to cash flow their claims either during or on completion of the project. It goes to say that if you cash flow your claim during the project the financing of the tax credit becomes a key part of the cash flow of the project.

Criteria that you might expect when you do a financing of this type would be things such as due diligence on the owners and their industry background, your ability to produce relevant financials and budgets on your project, and the further ability of owners to ensure all relevant filings and tax payments are being made and up to date . That’s just business 101 we would say to clients, and that type of info and due diligence would be part of any business financing.

For the financing of projects to attain the maximum level of... can we call it ' generousity' of the goverment tax credits its all about Canadian content. It is therefore important to work with a solid and reputable, credible, and experienced Canadian film tax consultant who can steer you towards the preparation and filing of claims that maximize Canadian content. For example one of the key credits is the Production Tax Credit and it can cover up to 25% of labor that qualifies as Canadian content when the labour maxes out at a total of 60% of your entire production budget. In fact there is a basis ' point system ' that your entertainment accountant would use to ensure you are qualifying for maximum refund. These so called ' points' include items such as Canadian ownership per cent age of the production, as well as focusing, for example, on where post production is completed... and on it goes.

But there is a very simple bottom line... you want ‘film tax breaks' in Canada. They are here, available, and generous. Speak to an expert advisor in the area who can assist you in qualification, filing, and the cash flowing of that tax credit capital.
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 45 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/tax_credit_capital_film_tax_breaks.html

Get the Most From Your SRED refundable credit – Financing Your SR ED claim with a SRED bridge loan

Of the many questions clients ask around the sr&ed (sred) program in Canada a typical one, actually two, is ' can we finance and our sred claim... and how is financing sr&ed grants done?'

Let's work through a short sred loan primer and cover off the basics, allowing you to better understand the potential benefits of financing your sred refundable credit, and , more importantly determining if it makes sense to finance that claim .

Sred calim percentages actually vary by provinces, because they are a combo grant that is administered and funded by both your province and Ottawa. While percentages of the amounts you receive might vary a bit between provinces for the purposes of our discussion we'll speak in general terms, because we are pretty sure you aren’t going to move your company location to increase your non repayable sred credit!.

Sred claims vary but in general they do not go much more than over a million dollars. You have the ability to finance your claim if it’s eligible. We will also mention that if your company is perfectly willing to wait for your cheque that’s a good thing also, it just seems to us that if you can put non repayable tax credits to work to generate additional revenue and profits, well... that is a good consideration of financing our sred refundable credit.

A key to financing your claim is the quality of your claim. Three types of preparers are out in the marketplace - your company itself can prepare the claim, your accountant can, or you can use an expert, otherwise known in the industry as a sred consultant. Theoretically all three parties could prepare a claim that is financeable, but the reality is that your sred finance firm leans more preferably to the utilization of a sred consultant. That's simply because expertise in an area such as an R&D overview submission seems to make the most sense.

The government pays out billions of dollars each year to firms such as yours - so filing a claim, and considering the financing of that claim can be a key part of your overall company cash flow.

If your claim is a first time claim, and is less than straight forward there is a strong possibility based on current sred trends that you could wait close to a year for your refund. So the question then becomes, could your firm utilize effectively a sred loan as a bridge type financing for additional cash flow and working capital.

If you are answering in the affirmative then it’s simply a case of working with a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor to fast track a sred financing. Typical sr&Ed loans take a couple weeks or so to process; it’s a basic business application, with your sred refundable credit collateralized. Advances on your claim are in the 70% range and are typically structured as no payments, with the final 30% due your firm, less financing charges, at the time of final disbursement from Ottawa and your province.

A short summary of our shared info is very simple - if you qualify for sred then clearly use the program - if you don’t you are missing out . Want to wait a year for your money... great, keep us posted, the chq is in the mail. Want additional working capital and cash flow today out of your non repayable sred credit, then consider the sred loan financing program today. It’s as simple as that.
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 45 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/sred_refundable_credit_financing_sr_ed_sred_loan.html

Financing A franchise? - Here's How Franchise Finance Works in Canada

Searchin' .. and Searchin.. for franchise finance in Canada ? The reality is that it's available, and we will share some common sense approaches to successfully financing a franchise in Canada.

Although you may have spent a significant amount of time in picking what you feel is the right franchise finance opportunity the reality is that we are hoping that you have spent, or will devote an equal amount of time to the financing of the purchase. Securing funding in any specialized field is clearly a challenge so working with an expert in the field is always advisable. This is no time to be a rookie when it comes to the successful financing of your business.

Many franchisees without any type of finance background might assume that traditional finance is available through institutions such as banks and credit unions. The answer to this assumption is actually no... And yes. Let's explain. We are not aware of any Canadian bank that will set up a specialized term loan for the full financing of your business. (This might happen if you have significant outside collateral, guarantors, pristine credit, etc - but generally no). But, the reality is that the banks in fact do indeed do most of the franchise finance in Canada - but it’s done under specialized program called the CSBF/BIL program.

This should be your first point of call in financing your business. However, here's where the ' expert' advice is needed, as the program only covers the financing of certain aspects of the business, and you will need to cover off portions of your purchased that wont be financing through this program . This would be things such as ongoing working capital, the franchisee fee itself, etc.

It's probably commons sense but aligning yourself with a franchisor that has a good brand and reputation and a successful share of their industry’s marketplace is in fact going to make financing a franchise in your case probably easier.

What category are you in? we ask clients . What we mean by that is that you might be opening a brand new franchise, or alternatively purchasing a business that is already a franchise and the existing owner wants to sell. There are advantages and disadvantages to both strategies, and there is certainly no cut and dry answer around what established or new business might be best for you. A quick example - it might be sometimes ' easier' to finance an existing franchise that is being sold because the assets and cash flow and profits are more realistically able to be demonstrated.

In certain cases some franchisees might want to expand their business via additional capital - that also requires a specialized focus.

In summary the key elements of financing a franchise in Canada revolved around your ability to source and successfully complete financing that suits your purchase. This involves your own investment, known as the ' owner equity ' a well as the financing through programs such as the BIL program. Financing specific hard assets and complementing the overall finance package with a working capital term loan or operating facility will also get you tot he goal line.

Pick your franchise carefully, and seek a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can help you structure the proper finance package that suites your overall acquisition and growth needs.
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 45 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/financing_a_franchise_franchise_finance.html

Top Strategic Working Capital Funding and Facility Solutions

Every Canadian business owner and financial manger wants to know that their firm has financial health in the short term. Your company's ability to access working capital funding means only one simply thing - you have the ability to pay off your short term liabilities such as accounts payable, taxes, source deductions, etc .

So do you in fact need a better type or working capital facility today, and, if so, what are your options. We can't cure the patient unless we can confirm he is sick... so how in fact do you determine if that working capital need exists. It could not be simpler. Go to your balance sheet, add up cash, receivables and inventory, and if they in total don’t cover your accounts payable, guess what... the patient has a problem .

Two points worth mentioning, we fully realize most successful business managers and owners know intuitively that they have a challenge in the area of cash flow. It's simply recognizing that on a day to day basis more and more time is devoted to working capital management - i.e. collections, invoicing, juggling payables, etc.

There are very specific cash flow solutions for your working capital funding requirements. But believe it or not many of them can actually be fixed internally. You ability to negotiate better terms with your suppliers is a critical cash flow factor. More importantly many business owners don’t focus on turnover and quality of your current assets such as receivables and inventory.

By effectively measuring and monitoring your turnover in receivables and inventory can significantly improve cash flow. Technically we're talking about reducing day’s sales outstanding and calculating inventory turnover. Your goal is to reduce the amount of time it takes for a dollar to flow through your company.

So we have identified the problem, and the measurement issues around that problem, let’s focus on solutions.

In a perfect world, and we know its not, your Canadian chartered bank would financing all your receivables and inventory on an ongoing basis, and , when you need it offer up a bulge type facility to take you through a working capital rough patch . That type of working capital facility is generally referred to as a business operating line of credit.

As we said, it’s not a perfect world apparently! ... And thousands of firms, perhaps yours, don’t have access to this type of facility. So the Canadian marketplace offers up a number of solutions, for medium sized and larger firms the alternative is an asset based line of credit that comes without the restrictions of a bank facility ( ratios, covenants, outside collateral, etc) but in fact provide you with more working capital than a bank could . For smaller firms a working capital facility term loan is available via the government related bank in Canada. For smaller and medium sized firm’s receivable financing facilities, know as factoring, can turn your receivables into a constant ATM machine, albeit at a higher cost.

So whats our bottom line. Simply the right working capital facility will put life back into the patient, your company! Knowing what facility works best, what your options are, etc is really the only challenge, Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor to guide you through to the right cash flow solution.
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 45 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/working_capital_funding_working_capital_facility.html

A Reality Check On Business Loans in Canada And asset Based Capital Funding

You're forgiven. For what? Surely Canadian business owners and financial managers can be forgiven for thinking that there is few, (if any?) capital funding asset based business loans for Canadian business.

Between the global credit crunch, a Canadian recession, and the traditional bank retreating on business credit in every owner or CFO must surely dwell on the potential inability to take advantage of growth and sales opportunities via access to the right amount of working capital and cash flow to satisfy both day to day needs, and of course, that growth.

Asset based lending in essence goes ' under the covers' of your balance sheet - and whats under those covers, assets, not rations or covenants!

By financing those assets in a creative manner that leverages there true value your business is on the road to working capital solutions that you never imagined.

When clients talk to us about asset based business s loans their situations vary dramatically. Industries fall in and our of favor - so firms are experiencing a variety of what we can only term unique situations. What are some of those situations - well they might include stratospheric growth via new purchase orders or contracts, restructuring for a variety of reasons , buyouts or acquisitions , and that old catch all ' the turnaround '.

So is there one solution for all of these major business situations and challenges. We are always hesitant to say that ' one size fits all' but in reality the asset based lending available in Canada is quite frankly the new kid on the block that gains more acceptance everyday .

Why does this solution work better than a traditional one? One of the things we explain to clients is that in effect is a customized solution that takes a hard look at all your assets - those include inventory, A/R, equipment, and in some cases you can actually margin real estate.

So who qualifies and who doesn’t is a typical question asked by business owners. The reality is that larger firms are very closely suited to an asset based line of credit, but a whole second tier of offerings are available for firms who need 250k and up on a monthly basis .

Pricing often becomes a discussion point for this type of working capital and cash flow facility. We quickly point out to clients that although asset based business loans in Canada are more expensive than bank facilities; the reality is that they are custom tailored to your firms ongoing daily cash flow needs. They don’t require ratios and covenants to get the loan facility approved, and guess what, no debt goes on the balance sheet, you are simply monetizing those assets.

Its all about access to capital funding - if the old ways don’t work then clearly you should explore the significant benefits of an asset based line of credit. Speak to a trusted, credible, and experienced business financing advisor who can assist you in navigating the Canadian market.
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 45 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/asset_based_business_loans_canada_capital_funding.html

Secrets of Dealing With Equipment Leasing Financing Companies

What's my rate? Are we approved? What are my rights and obligations under this transaction? What's the capital of North Dakota... oh sorry, forget that last one..!

And on it goes... these are just some of the many questions that clients ask us when they are looking for assistance in sourcing and negotiating equipment leasing and working with financing companies in that regard . We do acknowledge it’s a big challenge sometimes - the Canadian marketplace is a bit different than its counterpart in the U.S. The finance industry is fragmented, and business owners and financial mangers absolutely could not be expected to know the credit appetite, the asset appetite, and the structuring options available from literally hundreds of firms offering lease financing.

Let's share some ' secrets' and tips around ensuring you can be successful in your equipment financing strategy. First of all, different strokes for different folks - what do we mean by that? Simply there are number of very well published ' equipment leasing benefits ' offered by finance firms. Do they all apply to your firm? Probably note, so focus in on understanding which benefits of lease financing work for you, and then... maximize them! Through effective negotiations.

For the record those benefits usually include payment structuring to your cash flow, tax advantages, upgrade and return options, and simply being an alternative to traditional debt and loan negotiation. Oh and we forgot one other key benefit, its generally recognized that lease financing credit approval is significantly easier to obtain than bank term debt or other loan mechanisms of a more traditional nature .

Psst... Want to know another secret. Here's a good one, that almost no transaction is too large or too small for the Canadian equipment financing market. So, if it makes sense to lease a 2000.00 photocopier consider it, and if you're buying a corporate jet for 3 Million dollars, there is a lease approval for that asset also.

If there is on obvious secret or tip that most owners miss it’s simply that when it comes to any type of ' technology ' you should consider equipment leasing with financing companies that are knowledgeable about the asset. We are mostly talking about computers, but the tech universe today covers telecom, and many other types of assets. Technology changes, tech assets depreciates very quickly, and the best kept secret in town is often a technology operating lease , allowing you full use, but not ownership, of the asset .

Many clients seem confused by the ' lingo' used by financing companies. You can be forgiven for not knowing ' off balance sheet leasing, residuals, fmv, all in rate, amort, ' etc, etc etc. So the best and final secret we can probably provide for you is simply to search out a trusted, credible, and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who will help you identify priorities and finalize equipment leasing success for your asset acquisitions.

Oh and by the way. Bismarck. That’s the capital of North Dakota.

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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 45 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/equipment_leasing_finance_companies.html

Understanding Cash Flow For Business and Why Receivable Factoring Just Might Be The Solution

Choices. Alternatives. Robert Johnson, an old blues legend wrote of being at the ' crossroads ' and had choices.
That’s what Canadian business is looking for more than ever when it comes to the Canadian business financing marketplace for small and medium size businesses. (We suspect the big guys want the same thing!).

If your business can't obtain any (or enough) cash flow for business growth then receivable factoring just might be an option. Naturally you're the client, so we'll let you decide.

Clients always ask ' why can my firm obtain working capital financing via receivable factoring when we can via the bank. The answer is really not that mysterious - it’s a case of your new financing partner looking solely at the asset and not the big picture, which our friends at the bank tend to be focused on.

And don’t get us wrong, if you firm can obtain ' all ' the financing it needs from a Canadian chartered bank you clearly have the ultimate cash flow security in place... however the reality is that we havent really met many of those firms in the tumultuous environmnet post 2008-2009 global business financial meltdown.

So yes, the cost of factoring in general is more expensive (in some cases it actually might be cheaper!) but with receivable factoring your are operating your business in an entirely different manner.

As a Canadian business owner and financial manager you should not feel embarrassed that you haven’t heard a lot about receivable financing via a factoring working capital facility. It’s been around as a financing tool for quite some time, but it’s been a little under the radar, and oft considered an alternative tool for Canadian business financing.

Essentially it is the sale, on a one of, or ongoing basis (it’s your choice) of your receivables to a third party. You receive funds instantly, and we mean basically same day! And the total focus is very simple and straightforward - the transaction is only about the value of your receivable, its not additional debt for your balance sheet, and it monetizes your receivables to the extent that you choose.

Control is the key word here, as you control what you need to borrow, when, and what those funds will be used for. Traditionally all our clients use the funds for just one purpose - financing their business for more growth and profits.

Perception is often confused with reality, and the perception is that a receivable factoring strategy to generate cash flow for business is expensive. Yes, no... Maybe! The cost of this type of financing tends to be in the 1-3% per month range. What many of our clients miss is that putting yourself in this type of facility assures you unlimited sales and profit growth. Your investment in receivables (and inventory) has essentially been monetized on a long term basis. Also, the funds you obtain from this type of financing allow you to take supplier discounts, enhance supplier relationships, purchase smarter and in larger quantities, and increase your A/R and inventory turns, which technically play a huge role in your return on equity.

So, is receivable financing and factoring your working capital solution for business cash flow - only you can decide, but you do have choices and alternative you previously might not have been aware of. Speak to a trusted, credible, an experienced Canadian business financing advisor to ensure you choose the right method of financing when you're at the crossroads!
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 45 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/receivable_factoring_cash_flow_for_business.html

Real World Lessons On Inventory Financing from Purchase Order To Cash

Information for Canadian business owners and financial managers on non bank inventory financing and purchase order finance . How do these finance mechanisms work, and are they alternatives to bank financing that make sense for sales and profit growth .

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It's possible. It’s certainly not easy though, but inventory financing and purchase order finance are two little known and under utilized Canadian business financing strategies for business owners and financial managers.

In certain industries, probably yours if you are reading this! , inventory is one of your key assets. The turnover and financing of that inventory play a key role in your sales and profit growth. You ability to purchase and turn inventory are key to the earnings you generate. That’s why when clients ask for information on their ability to finance purchase orders and inventory it becomes critical that they understand their options and the cost of those options.

It's worth stepping back a bit and focusing on the fact that your ability to manage your inventory will play a key role in the ability to finance it. Simply speaking your ability to demonstrate turnover of product, controls in purchasing, and as important, and your firm’s ability to demonstrate reporting around this key current assets on your balance sheet.

The purchase order/contract and sales generation is of course the ultimate balance act for any firm - no inventory, or improper levels wont allow you to fulfill sales, too much inventory can drain cash flow .

Financing inventory in Canada really boils down to two essential solutions, your bank, or independent finance firms who are willing to take greater risks and offer you additional leverage on financing your products. Why do they take more risk - simply because it’s their business to understand your industry and the nature of your products and the ultimate salability or liquidation value? Their expertise in this area translates into greater borrowing power for your firm - and that’s a good thing!

Investing and monetizing your inventory is a good thing, provided that the inventory produces a solid rate of return - therefore financing and management of your products is key to overall business success.

Inventory financing and purchase order finance is Canada is available, it’s also specialized. As your firm generates new contracts and purchase orders that you are having a challenge in fulfilling (because of finance and cash flow pressures) you should consider finding an alternative source of financing based on your overall current business financing with your senior lender, typically a bank.

Specialized inventory financing and purchase order finance firms are most likely your problems solution. Funding is provided to fund the cost of your products with your suppliers, and the actual day to day finance strategy is much focused - payments are made to your suppliers, often directly, allowing you to receive product, and ship, thereby generating a receivable. Receivables turn into cash and the cycle is complete.

Inventory finance works best when it involves a holistic approach of collateralizing the purchase order, the inventory and the receivable that you generate as sales revenue .That by its necessity typically involves a non banking institution, i.e. the private independent finance firms we've discussed. One tool, an asset based line of credit which collateralizes inventory, A/R, and even equipment is often the total solution you are looking for.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced business financing advisor to ensure you understand solutions available to inventory and p o financing for long term sales and profit growth.
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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 45 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/purchase_order_finance_inventory_financing.html