Bank Business Credit Line Alternatives In Canada. Inside The Hidden Sector Of ABL Loans And Financing

What To Pack When Going On A Trip For A New Business Credit Line Lender

OVERVIEW – Information on ABL loans in Canada . This busines credit line is the alternative to bank financing and just might work if you have … Assets!




Searching for a business credit line in Canada . One question to ask is what is the difference between bank financing of such facilities and the newer ' ABL LOANS' which offer a strong alternative to Canadian chartered bank facilities. So what should the business owner/financial manager pack when embarking on this trip? Let's dig in.

A tremendous amount of business owners/ financial managers still equate revolving lines of business credit with our Chartered banks. While it is true they offer the lowest interest/ financing rates, and unlimited capital to borrow from the reality is that every firm does not qualify for bank credit.

ABL (asset based) Loans serve the same purpose as bank lines. They provide your firm with cash flow/working capital that bridges the timing of turning your revenues into cash. Carrying inventory and receivables are the drivers behind that need for business credit.

ABL business credit facilities differ from the banks in that they often have no upward limit. While limits might be initially set, as your business grows and investments in A/R and inventory increase so does your borrowing power. Bank facilities tend to be traditionally capped at a certain borrowing limit, and are reviewed annually based on financial statements, profitability, cash flow coverage, and any other collateral the bank might hold.

Business owners can be forgiven for asking ' How can the non bank asset based lender offer this type of facility that is so different from our Canadian chartered banks?'

The reality is three fold:

1. They are non regulated and can do what they want

2. They focus solely on assets - not ratios and covenants

3. They perform a higher level of due diligence and reporting in both setting up the facility and then monitoring it - you can expect to supply monthly reporting in the form of aged receivable, payables, inventory and equipment lists - Bottom line - It's all about the assets.


What are the issues that allow a firm to consider asset based versus bank credit lines? One might be fast growth. When your financials don’t support the equity, debt and ratios required by the banks, or if there is seasonality in or ' bulge ' requirements for growth you're a strong candidate.

We are assuming you have investigated lower cost options such as the bank and simply don’t qualify regarding their requirements. If you can produce clean financials, can report on assets regularly you're a candidate for ABL loans.

Typical ABL business credit line facilities start at 250k as a minimum - As for the upward limit there is really no upward amount that can't be financed if you're with the right lender.

It's a bit of a secret

that Canadian chartered banks, for the most part have small internal niche divisions of ABL credit that compete, to a certain degree, for this type of business. It's unclear to us whether their requirements differ that much from typical bank offerings - we'll let our clients decide that one.

By the way, borrowing power is greater with ABL facilities. A/R is margined at 90%, and healthy borrowing is in place for your inventory and equipment, all of which are bundled in the same facility.

While some may consider ABL as a ' hidden market’ it’s becoming more and more popular everyday. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in determine if your firm has what it takes to embark on that ABL loan trip!


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 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.

Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


7 Park Avenue Financial = Business Credit Line Expertise





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CONTACT:

7 Park Avenue Financial

South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Phone = 905 829 2653


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

Stan Prokop