Government Small Business Financing Loans In Canada : Safecracking The Federal Loan Program

Ready To Trust Govt Small Business Loans In Canada – They’re Guaranteed !



OVERVIEW – Information on government small business financing loans in Canada . Here’s why this loan is easier to access than you might think – and if it isn’t there are alternatives

Government small business financing loans in Canada are often disregarded by Canadian business owners/financial managers if only for the reason that they have decided that the application process is somewhat of a burden.

Federal govt ' guaranteed ' loans are probably the most basic form of business application , so lets examine who's right and who is wrong on that belief - in effect we're cracking the safe

on this somewhat misunderstood financing . Let's dig in.

In Canada there are various perceptions around business lending in the SME COMMERCIAL finance needs area. Those perceptions include the fact that even though the 2008-2009 recession is well over business credit is still tight.

There are various reasons why the Govt Business loan isn't being pursued. The program itself is a term loan, not a revolving line of credit or cash as many may have been led to believe. That implies taking on debt, as well as knowing that your firm in fact qualifies. That, coupled with our premise that many business people feel the application process is cumbersome (Spoiler alert - It is not!) may be some of the reasons that the federal ' SBL ' loan isn't access by more businesses.

Safe to say also that despite that fact that close to 8000 Canadian businesses every year qualify and are approved for billions of dollars some entrepreneurs/owners might feel that don't qualify. We say entrepreneurs because thousands of start ups and franchises are financed under the program also.

Let's dig into that ' application process'. Is it really as ' intimidating ' as some think? Hardly we maintain. The process includes some of the most standard documentation that anyone would expect in business credit. They include:

An executive summary or business plan around your business/project (This should include some financial projections that clearly reference how the loan will be repaid

Confirmation that the owner/owners have reasonable personal credit

Breakdown of uses of the financing (By the way the program only finances 3 asset categories - equipment, leasehold improvements, real estate)

Basic legal fundamentals around your business - i.e. incorporation details, business address,

We're the first to agree that ' time is money ' so your ability to properly prepare and present your proposal is key. Although all Canadian chartered banks offer the program it's critical to locate a supportive and knowledgeable banker.

Success in the government business loan allows owners/entrepreneurs to:

Start a business

Buy a business

Acquire a new/existing franchise

Grow a company

For those that would still maintain this excellent program is not for them numerous alternative financing solutions still exist - they include:

Receivable financing

Inventory Finance

SR&ED Financing

Asset based non-bank lines of credit

Equipment Leasing/ Sale Leasebacks

Whether you're looking to reap the benefits of the federal Government small business loan finance program, or looking to investigate other financing options seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can help you 'safe crack' finance solutions you can trust.


Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN GOVERNMENT BUSINESS LOAN FINANCING EXPERTISE






Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?
CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

Stan Prokop

Business Acquisition Financing In Canada : Finance Solutions Not Built On Sand

Opening The Wallet On Financing Acquisitions In Canada In The Sme Commercial Market

OVERVIEW – Information on business acquisition financing solutions in Canada

Business acquisition financing in Canada, when successful, requires that the finance component of the transaction be not built on sand. Strength is needed in this area, so lets ' open the wallet ' on acquisitions acquired properly. Let's dig in.

There are numerous methods of acquiring a business and raising the right amount of capital to finance the transaction - One of those that is less known to business folks is ' subordinated debt ' - in effect an unsecured cash flow loan.

While a cash flow loan is almost always more expensive than traditional bank term loans it is more flexible and can often carry a large part of the total financing needed to complete a deal. This loan ranks 2nd behind any secured debt, hence it's ' subordinate' to the secured finance part of the transaction.

If the loan is ' unsecured ' how then does the lender, i.e. a commercial finance company or a bank, view chances of repayment. Here it's down to 2 words - ' CASH FLOW'.

So if you're contemplating a cash flow loan as a part of your deal it's safe to say you should spend some time on:

Past cash flow analysis

Present Cash Flow

Future projected cash flow (by the way - we' never met a projection we didn't like ' said one of our mentors)

Why would owners/financial managers consider a cash flow loan for business acquisition financing? Simply because 100% secured asset financing might not be possible, and the other alternative, ' owner equity' is less desirable because it’s either unavailable from the owners, or more dilutive.

Many times in business owners/managers find a situation whereby they can acquire a competitor or a strategic partner. The valuation price on the deal might be more than the assets can support - especially if current owners do not wish to be a part of the financing via some sort of 'vendor take back.' In many cases a cash flow loan might not be a part of required debt and other ratio covenants.

Other sources of capital available for financing a purchase include:

Government Guaranteed Business Loans

Asset Based term loans/lines of credit

Equipment Financing/Sale Leasebacks

Receivables/Inventory Finance

Whether it's an opportunistic transaction you come by or a sale of a business as part of the ' graying effect ' of older business owners the financing of a transaction, done successfully, can make your firm more strategic and competitive in your industry.

So whether it's about cash flow, assets, profits, or sales growth consider seeking out and speaking to a trusted , credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your acquisition finance needs.



Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :


7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN BUSINESS ACQUISTION FINANCE EXPERTISE



Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?
CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial

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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

Stan Prokop

Business Credit Line Funding On Remote Control : Asset Based Lending And Funding Delivers

Not All Business Credit Lines Are Created Equal And Here Is Why





OVERVIEW – Information on asset based lending in Canada . This type of funding is an alternative to the business credit line and provides significant liquidity for firms with assets and growth financing needs

Business credit line funding needs can be achieved in more ways than one. The concept of having your funding needs on a ' remote control ' should be very appealing to most business owners / financial managers. Asset based lending via ' ABL ' credit lines is one way to put your company on cash flow auto pilot. Here's how. Let's dig in.

Businesses requiring SME COMMERCIAL FINANCE funding for cash flow are always challenged by the requirements of our somewhat monopolistic banking system in Canada. The strength, market dominance, and the regulated nature of our banks make it often difficult for companies who are even doing quite well to achieve some or all of the financing they need. Simply speaking they fall ' outside the box '

when it comes to requirements that include profits, cash flows, clean balance sheets, etc.










The banks requirement of covenants in cash flow, debt, profits, equity simply can sometimes not be always met, and these are typically a written part of your bank arrangements. Firms who fall ' out of covenant ' with their bank often find themselves feeling not so ' special ' when they are placed in Special Loans Default dept's at the bank .

By utilizing your firms current and fixed assets asset based lines of credit allow you to leave your business on a kind of ' auto pilot '

for cash flow financing. That’s because the combination of accounts receivable, inventory and fixed assets allow you to monetize those assets into one single borrowing base that revolves and can be drawn down according to your cash flow needs.

When properly managed and utilized (and structured in advance!) this type of cash flow funding allows you to”

Finance operations

Engage larger clients/ larger orders/contracts

Finance inventory which in many bank circumstances is sometimes not achievable

Typically you would never use your revolving asset based credit line as a mechanism to acquire new assets - this is typically done via equipment leases or bridge loans that sometimes are more applicable when a firm is in a financing transition.

By the way, in a merger and acquisition scenario the Asset Based Credit Line is an excellent way to successfully acquire a target company.

How does the ongoing access to liquidity work in Asset based lending? A/R is often financed at 90%, and inventory borrowing margins, while depending on the type of inventory class (raw materials, work in process, finished goods) can range from 25-75% borrowing power. Should a business choose to monetize fixed assets as part of their revolving credit facility typically a third party appraisal/valuation is required.

It should be noted that ongoing reporting requirements are typical of an asset based line of credit - in some cases owners/managers might find rigorous monthly ( sometimes weekly ) reporting as a ' downside ' of ABL cash flow financing . While 99% of the time pricing on these facilities is higher than bank credit the alternative is a liquidity crisis for ongoing operations of growth.

We've shown how not all business credit lines are not created equal. If you're prepared to investigate the applicability of asset based lending to your business seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success
who can assist you with your funding needs.







Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/business-credit-line-asset-based-lending-funding.html


Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?
CONTACT:

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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '






Stan Prokop

Receivables Finance Options In Canada :Fixing The Brink Of Collapse In Cash Flow Needs

What You Missed In Receivable Financing Considerations

OVERVIEW – Information on receivables finance in Canada . Financial factoring is often misunderstood . Here’s why this method of cash flow financing is worth a second .. or first .. look

Receivables finance in Canada is a solid fix when companies find themselves on the brink of cash flow collapse. But do business owners / financial managers really understand the ' math ‘around ‘financial factoring ‘? Let's dig in.

The key to understanding the benefits of this option in Canadian business finance is ensuring you know how the math works. Simple perhaps? But often significantly misunderstood.

When businesses don't qualify for some... or all of the financing they need (especially when they are growing), financial factoring becomes a very solid source of capital for cash flow. Typical advances are in the 80-90% range based on receivables under 90 days old. (A receivable greater than 90 days old infers potential uncollectability) The balance of the receivable, i.e. the additional 10-20% is a temporary hold back that's released as soon as your client pays.

So far so good, right? Here's where a common sense understanding of the arithmetic comes in. Let's assume your company has a gross margin in the 40% range, not uncommon depending upon your industry.

Using a $ 10,000.00 invoice as an example your gross margin of $4000.00 can be put to work the same day you issue that invoice , for the simple fact that a Receivable Finance solution provides you same day cash ( if you choose ) for sales revenue generated by your firm . The benefit? Your new found ability to generate even more sales and profits by putting that cash to work in a same day timeframe.

Many businesses fail to recognize, or calculate ( there's that understanding the math again ) the cost of carrying receivables and being unable to take ' QUICK PAY ' supplier discounts that are offered be vendors . While the cost of A/R financing is typically a 1.5 - 2% fee that amount alone can often be recovered by taking vendor discounts!

For customers that have access to ' all ' the bank credit they need that might seem like not a big deal , but for firms that are forced to self fund and manage cash flow almost hourly that becomes a huge consideration.

The main ' misunderstanding ' around the cost of financial factoring of receivables lies in the fact that bank rates need to be viewed as an annual borrowing cost while A/R financing is a ' fee ' , not directly comparable .

Traditional Canadian factoring solutions come from U.S. and British firms that have marketed the same offering for hundreds of years, and quite successfully. We encourage clients to consider ' CONFIDENTIAL RECEIVABLES FINANCE ‘ solutions that mirror the day to day operations of a bank facility - most notably your ability to bill and collect your own accounts with no notice to clients, suppliers, etc.

If you feel like you might be missing the right considerations in A/R finance in Canada, or if you want to rescue your cash flow ' from the brink '. seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can assist you with your receivables finance needs.




Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :


7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN RECEIVABLES FINANCE EXPERTISE





Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?
CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

Stan Prokop

SR&ED Tax Credit Loan Finance Is Positive Closure To Your R and D SR ED Claim Efforts

A Not So Deep Dive Into SR&ED Financing In Canada

OVERVIEW – Information on SR&ED tax credit loan finance solutions . Monetizing SRED claims creates cash flow now , instead of waiting for your refundable SR ED claim to be approved and funded by the government

SRED (SR&ED) tax credit loan finance brings ' closure ‘(and a positive one at that) to the Canadian governments SR ED refundable tax credit program. When it comes to financing your claim the good news is that a not so deep ' dive' is required into what some mistakenly think is govt bureaucracy. Let's dig in.

The numerous changes in the Canadian SR&ED R&D program in Canada might leave some owners wondering: ' Can I still finance our claim? ‘The answer is an resounding ' Yes you can' as not only have R&D tax credit financing stayed the same outside the program changes ... it has in fact some enhanced financing mechanisms.

Business owners and financial managers that take advantage of the program (thousands of firms file and receive Billions in cheque refunds) still tend to take advantage of the fairly well known model of ' contingency fees ‘ which eliminate pretty well all the risk , and time, in preparing their claim

While the government chose not to ' regulate ' fees charged by SR&ED consultants we can only assume the new disclosure rules made cost of preparing claims more competitive, thus lower! Full disclosure seems to always keep business people more honest and open!

The whole issue of SR&ED consultants and who prepares your claim, as well as its financeability is worth tabling here. While any SR ED credit can be financed over time reputable consultants have provided a stronger level of comfort for any claim financed. There is some discussion in the industry by the way that claims filed without a consultant preparation are in fact more subject to audits -therefore delays in approval and refund.

But be clear that the smaller number of firms that complete their own claims can still finance the credit - and it helps more if they have a history of doing their own claims. However, bottom line is that ANY SRED tax credit is financeable, before filing, during filing, and after filing. In some cases any opinion letter might be required, but that is not the norm and more rare.

Back to the financing of your claim. Looking for some real ' bottom line ' on a SR&ED Loan? Here than are the facts:

- Any firm, at any stage, pre revenue or otherwise can finance their SR&ED claim

- A potential ' audit ' of your claim does not really affect the financing

- While the fed/prov. govt's have scaled back some of the refund percentages that has nothing to do with financing your claim or the amount you will receive under the tax credit loan

- Any claim in any amt. can be financed - At a certain point claims under 50-60k range don't have the right economics for financing but claims well p to 1,000,000.00$ and over can be financed

Cash flow is a required ' tool ' for any business - financing your SR ED tax credit allows you to monetize your claim. Claims are financed at 70% loan to value and are set up as a bridge loan with no payments being made during the term of the loan. A claim can be financed prior to filing, and next years claim work can also be preliminarily financed.

If you're looking for ' closure '

and wish to avoid any ' deep dive ' into an area you might not be comfortable in ( SR&ED Loans ) consider seeking out and speaking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can assist you with tax credit loan finance success.



Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN SR&ED TAX CREDIT FINANCING EXPERTISE



Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?
CONTACT:

7 Park Avenue Financial

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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

Stan Prokop

Government Business Loans In Canada : Why Government Business Loans And Other Creative Financing Make Sense

It Might Just Be Magic Time For Your Business Financing Needs

OVERVIEW – Information on creative business financing options in Canada . Government business loans and other non ‘ term loan ’ solutions such as working capital and cash flow financings offer real world solutions for finance challenges in the Canadian marketplace

Creative business financing

in Canada requires that business owners/financial managers address any area of procrastination around looking at solutions such as government business loans and alternative financing , When things come together it's kind of like our version of ' Magic Time ' for your business growth and survival potential . Let's dig in.

The ingredients to financing success come from your firm's ability to mix together financing that addresses sales growth or asset monetization.

Canada's Government Guaranteed Business Loan is an interesting hybrid of traditional and alternative financing. It has the qualities of traditional term loan finance, while at the same time eliminating many of the factors that are required for businesses to access traditional debt - As an example it's available for start ups , franchise acquisition, etc. Given tougher credit standards post 2008-2009 recession that ability to get approved is key.

If there's mis-information around some forms of business financing in the Canadian marketplace clearly the Govt ' SBL' loan is a prime example.

What it is - A Canadian term bank loan that is guaranteed substantially by the federal government via Industry Canada. It only finances 3 asset classes - equipment, leasehold improvements, and real estate. A proper loan application package can be prepared in days and approval is typically within several business days for those that qualify. (A great example of ' time is money ')

What it isn't - It’s not a cash loan, and it's not a line of credit. And yes, owners still need to have reasonable personal credit history to qualify, although no personal assets are collateralized for the loan. Finally, you deal with your bank, not the govt!


Term loans such as the Government Business Loan might not always be what your business needs. Those firms that are already in revenue mode often need more working capital and cash flow generating ability to run/grow. Those solutions abound in the creative world of alternative financing, and the hard reality is that many forms of non traditional finance are becoming more ' Main Street' everyday.

They include:

Inventory Finance

SR&ED Tax Credit Finance

Sale Leaseback / Equipment Financing

Asset based non bank business lines of credit

Sales / Royalty Finance

P O / Contract financing

Franchise Loans


If your interested in getting to the stage of ' Magic Time' in business finance needs consider seeking out and speaking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success to assist you in making sense out of real world solutions financing that will run and grow business.



Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :



7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN BUSINESS FINANCING CREATIVITY












Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?
CONTACT:

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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '




















Stan Prokop

Commercial Lending In Canada : Pristoractional Business Finance Solutions

Solving The Mystery Of Business Financing Without The World’s Greatest Minds

OVERVIEW – Information on commercial lending options in Canada . Business finance solutions require a specific focus on need and repayment of asset monetization



Business finance , we maintain, doesn't have to be a mystery to the thousands of businesses in Canada that are constantly searching for commercial lending solutions that meets their requirements. And as for the word ' PRISTORACTIONAL ' - we made it up - it doesn’t exist, but the word ' SOLUTIONS ' does, and they can be found without any help from the worlds greatest minds! Let’s dig in.

Taking on debt or ' monetizing ' existing assets must always have repayment taken into consideration - from the bank or commercial lenders perspective that's the focus.

Business owners/managers need to be able to demonstrate clear repayment - that demonstration comes from assets being monetized - (inventory / receivables), past historical cash flow, or current ongoing profit generation. Repayment of asset monetization financing (lines of credit, etc) must be demonstrated through asset turnover. We're constantly amazed at how many owners/managers don’t understand how asset turnover plays into overall return on equity.

More amazement? Business plans that focus mostly on sales and ' hockey stick' type projections without realistic assumptions on cash flow, collection turnover, etc.

If your business does in fact have profits you are significantly more eligible for financing such as term loans. Start up or early stage revenue firms who can demonstrate reasonable cash flow and profit projections are advised to check out the federal Govt Guaranteed Small Business Loan program. By the way it can be used to purchase an existing business also.

If your business has 1. historical, 2. present and 3. future (realistic) projected cash flows you are eligible for ' UNSECURED ' loans based solely on those cash flows, but we caution clients that holy trinity above must be proven.

Your ability to articulate your businesses ' OPERATING CYCLE ' allows you to access significant capital when it comes to financing current assets. Those financing options include:

Bank operating lines

Asset based non bank lines of credit

Receivable Financing

A/R financing

Refundable Tax Credit Financing (Most commonly the SR&ED program

PO Finance

Revenue based loans

Many businesses require the purchasing of assets that will allow that to either operate more efficiently or stay competitive. Here solutions abound in Equipment financing and leasing solutions. Any asset or technology from 2k to the millions can be financed based on asset equality and proof of repayment ability.

Aside from bank financing these financing facilities are very much based on your actual sales and ability to collect and turnover assets.

So whets the bottom line? Simply that with the right assistance and focus you can leverage your balance sheet, access cash flow through existing assets, or utilize current and future sales potential to monetize your business properly . Consider seeking out and speaking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can assist you in... solving the mystery!




Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN BUSINESS FINANCE EXPERTISE


Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

Stan Prokop