Our blog highlights Canadian Business Financing solutions via receivable finance , equipment finance, working capital financing, asset based lending, business acquisition financing,franchise finance, and tax credit monetization via SRED and Film Tax Credits. Our goal is to educate and assist Canadian businesses with their financing needs. You Are Looking For Canadian Business Financing! Welcome to 7 Park Avenue Financial Call Now ! - Direct Line - 416 319 5769
WELCOME !
In 2004 I founded 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL. At that time I had spent all my working life, at that time - Over 30 years in Commercial credit and lending and Canadian business financing. I believe the commercial lending landscape has drastically changed in Canada. I believe a void exists for business owners and finance managers for companies, large and small who want service, creativity, and alternatives.
Every day we strive to consistently deliver business financing that you feel meets the needs of your business. If you believe as we do that financing solutions and alternatives exist for your firm we want to talk to you. Our purpose is simple: we want to deliver the best business finance solutions for your company.
Monday, March 30, 2015
Special Loans & Bank Workout Relief - Exiting The Troubled Waters Of A Bank Breakup In Canada
Escaping The Bank Special Loan Workout – That Get Out Of Jail Free Feeling In Business Financing
OVERVIEW – Information on exiting a special loans category when your business credit facilities are terminated by Canadian chartered banks. A bank workout has various exit options
Special loans is of course the name for your company’s relationship breakup with your bank, and Neil Sedaka had it right when he penned ' Breaking up Is Hard to Do! How can business owners successfully emerge from a bank workout scenario and what options are available to do this? Let's dig in.
We've always been a little bit amazed at the surprise of some clients who advise us they didn’t see it coming relative to having their bank facilities called. Suffice to say that the implications of this 'relationship termination ' can be significant for your business if not attended to in the proper manner.
From the banks perspective it's a simple case of your company being deemed over and above the risk level they are prepared to take in an ongoing bank relationship that might have both revolving and term facilities in place for your financing needs. Typically your firm has not met the loan covenants and ratios established by the bank at the outset of the relationship.
The critical part of your Special loans journey involves any deadline set by the bank. Here it's important to determine whether the bank exit strategy is ' immediate' or if they will work with you on options that can ultimately save the relationship. The bank is of course interested in full recovery of any loans or credit facilities, so the critical question becomes: Can this relationship be saved or are other financing options available?!
We've used the word relationship a number of times - it's important to mention that your old account mgr and branch will often be disappearing at this point as specialized ' workout ' managers are now handling your banking.
We've worked with many firms who are in Special Loans and spent numerous amounts of time in seeking other Canadian chartered bank facilities to replace the stress of their Special Loans scenario. We have rarely seen this strategy be successful, if ever, if only for the fact that we're of the opinion that competitive banking is not achieved by buying someone else’s problems!
At this point never has it been more important to assess the assets and collateral your business has. We'll mention also that the bank workout managers will typically ask you to be reporting more on key asset categories such as receivables, inventory, payables, etc. In certain cases if your business is of a certain size expensive audits and appraisals will be required by the bank, at your cost. This is a great time to determine what you feel your future financing course will be, if only to avoid these high fees.
At the heart of the bank workout is your determination as to whether you in fact need to move on to another method of financing your business. In some cases if it hasn’t been made perfectly clear your bank might be viewing your entire industry as ' out of favor ‘. Over the years industries such as auto, printing, etc have found themselves to be deemed ' high risk ‘.
Various options are in place for new financing for your firm. Most typically they include new ' NON BANK ASSET BASED LINES OF CREDIT ' from commercial lenders who are focusing on your assets and business prospects. In certain cases temporary asset bridge loans might make sense, providing an interim step to a new finance strategy.
If you're looking for options and that ' getting out of jail free' feeling via your current situation in a bank workout special loans scenario seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can provide options in the troubled situation of your bank breakup .
Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.comBusiness 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 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :
7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN SPECIAL LOANS EXIT FINANCING EXPERTISE
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 '
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a leading credit/financial executives for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.
Stan Prokop
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Financing Sred Claims In Canada : Your Explainer On The Shred Tax Credit Loan
No Optical Illusion : Your Sr&ed R&D Tax Credit Refund Just Turned Into Cash : Here’s How
OVERVIEW – Information on financing SR&ED refunds in Canada. Financing SRED claims via a ‘ shred’ tax credit loan enhances valuable cash flow acceleration , allowing businesses to put funds to any general corporate purpose
Financing Sred claims in Canada often seems to require an ' explainor ' for numerous firms we meet who either didn't know a ' SHRED ' tax credit loan is available, or, equally generating curiosity... how is such a refund financed. (Spoiler alert: Financing SR&ED claims couldn't be easier) Let's dig in.
Yes, correct... its no ' optical illusion ' .Those funds that just arrived in your company's business bank account are the proceeds, today, for your refund you have been waiting... and waiting for. Finally this federal tax incentive makes more sense than every, and the ultimate benefit of the program - the cash flow refund is enhanced by the financing of your claim.
It should be common knowledge that Canada's ' Scientific Research and Experimental Development Program ' (aka ' sred' 'sred' ' sr ed' ' shred' ) benefits private non pubic companies of any size - from start up to large corporation. It's probably obvious to all that the cash flow generated from the SR&ED refundable tax credit is probably a bit more important to early stage firms, who often rely on this cash refund as a major component of their financing, and R&D commitment.
You of course maximize these claims for qualified expenditures typically with the assistance of qualified SR&ED consultants who have the ability to format and help file your claim under current guidelines. Though not a key factor suffice to say that the quality and reputation of the SR ED consultant you engage is one ' positive check mark ' in financing your claim , as their reputation simply enhances the probability of a full refund .
So let's circle back to the actual financing of your claim. Three key things to keep in mind:
1. You should probably only consider financing your SHRED Credit if there is a need for funds. If you have no reason to accelerate cash under the program why would you take on a short term obligation? If you are filing late, or require financing for next years R&D issues like that make it a positive consideration for a SHRED Loan.
SRED loans are bridge loans, short term in nature, that collapse as soon as the govt issues your refund cheq. Loans are typically 70% of the value of your total fed/prov refundable credit, and no monthly payments are made for the duration of the loan. Recipients receive the balance of the refund, i.e. the other 30%, less financing costs, when the govt remits your refund.
The main collateral for the loan is of course your actual refund credit.
2. Timing - most firms should be able to get a strong sense (via consultation with their accountant/CRA advisor/Sr ed Consultant) as to the timing of their claim. If you determine that refund might take months or in some cases the better part of a half year/year that’s when financing might make most sense from a cash flow needs perspective. It's all about putting funds to use today as opposed to waiting!
3. Dealing with the right lender. SR ED is niche financing and it makes sense to deal with a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can ensure your financing requirements are met.
There’s your ‘ explainor ‘on the merits, issues, and mechanics around financing SR&ED refundable credits in Canada.
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 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :
7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN SHRED TAX CREDIT LOAN EXPERTISE
7 Park Avenue FinancialSouth 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
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.
Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.
' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '
Stan Prokop
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Mezzanine Finance Solutions : The Powerful Persuasion Of Unsecured Cash Flow Financing
Why Mezzanine Financing Might Be Right ( Or Wrong ) For Your Firm
OVERVIEW – Information on mezzanine financing in Canada . When do ‘ Mezz ‘ bridging finance solutions work, and when are they wrong or unavailable for your firm
Mezzanine financing offers a unique allure to Canadian business owners/financial managers that seek additional capital for their firm. However in certain cases this type of finance solution is potentially either wrong for your firm, or, in some cases simply not attainable. Let examine what we call the ' powerful persuasion’ of the bridging finance capability of ' mezz ' and see when it works, and when it doesn't... Let's dig in.
Some of the key uniqueness of Mezzanine solutions revolves around the fact that it has unique elements of debt and equity - rare or non existent in almost all other financing solutions you might be looking at. This is because it's a ' 2nd position' financing that stands behind any secured lenders that might already by in place.
The other persuasive argument around this solution is the issue of collateral - essentially there is none, other than our aforementioned 2nd position on assets. Another key item is the fact that other secured lenders tend to ' love ' your mezzanine finance scenario if only for the fact that it is treated as ' equity ' on the balance sheet by secured/term lenders/lessors.
If the allure of ' MEZZ ' is that attractive how easy is it to get approved. Companies that are traditionally candidates should have attributes in the following areas:
- Established business
- Operating in a viable industry
- Good candidate for growth
Above and beyond those ' attributes' is the requirement for historical, present and future cash flow generation that shows ability to service the unsecured mezzanine debt.
The minimum amount of financing done in this area is typically $1,000,000.00 and that clearly is on the small size. Larger deals preferred! In some, but not all cases the lender will also ask for a future equity position in the firm, which owners must certainly consider as a factor in considering this method of finance. Top experts advise that firms can usually expect to receive ' mezz' financing at least 1-3 times its cash flow - although clearly amounts will vary.
Any type of debt, secured, or unsecured (Mezz) will inject a certain number of ratios or covenants into the financing. These typically focus around debt to equity, cash flow coverage, etc, but in some cases might even limit your firm to what it can spend and how re Capex or shareholder compensation/dividends.
We haven’t mentioned the ' cost of financing ‘. Suffice to say that borrowing rates for mezzanine bridging finance will typically always be in the ' teens' which reflects the risk a 2nd position lender takes on transactions such as this . Owners/managers typically benchmark this financing cost against other options such as issuing equity which is of course even more expensive.
Is mezzanine bridging finance right for your company? 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 business finance options.
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 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :
7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN MEZZANINE AND BRIDGING FINANCE EXPERTISE
7 Park Avenue FinancialSouth 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
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Business Finance Sources In Canada: Tragedy Free Funding & Loan Solutions
Experiencing That All Talk And No Action Feeling In Business Financing Needs?
OVERVIEW – Information on how Canadian business owners can address the need for financial solutions via loan and funding needs. Business finance sources have evolved into two channels, traditional and alternative . Which one makes sense for your firm ?
Business finance sources in Canada , when it comes to various types of loans and funding can easily leave owners/financial managers with that feeling of a ' lot of talk and no action' relative to their particular situation . Rather than view this as a ' tragedy' in the making isn’t it good to know that currently choices for financing your business have never been better, and there are some solid reasons why! Let's dig in.
A recent (U.S.) stat indicated that banks are currently funding 2 in 5 requests for business credit as it pertains to the small and medium size lending space. Suffice to say that many non bank lenders and commercial finance companies and lease companies are approving many more transactions as a percentage of applications than that.
Bank credit of course is the lease expensive and most flexible for those firms that qualify. That, coupled with the strength and dominance of the Canadian banking space makes it a great place to borrow for qualified applicants that can demonstrate good balance sheets, profits, and cash flow. There's no question that the bank ' cash flow tap ' is on these days to qualified borrowers. Challenges here include finding the right banker and ensuring your firms’ company/industry needs are understood.
Our firm has observed on many an occasion that many borrowers stay with their banks and low rates even at the cost of not having all the capital they need simply because of the higher cost of alternative business credit.
These exists though a large gap in the number of business borrowers to need an ' alternative market ' when it comes to borrowing needs. That has given rise to a very robust non bank industry that typically provides for higher borrowing costs but provides greater access to capital. Those firms provide financing in areas such as:
Receivable finance
Inventory Financing
Equipment financing/leasebacks/asset based bridge loans
PO/Contract/Royalty type finance
Business credit lines based on business assets - ' ABL’
Refundable tax credit financing
Franchise loans
Unsecured cash flow/mezzanine loans
Also, we often meet firms , either start up, or established already that are unaware of the Govt Guaranteed Small business loan, which provides solid financing terms and structures for asset purchases ( new and used ) as well as leasehold improvements .
These solutions are available everyday and provide millions everyday in liquidity access to Canadian borrowers needing capital.
Business owners/financial managers can do a tremendous amt before borrowing heavily from either traditional or alternative lenders. Staying focused on business planning, cash flow mgmt, current asset turnover ( a/r and inventory ), as well as prudently managing payables all can reduce the amount of short term borrowing you need . The latter, i.e. managing vendors is a tricky slope as it requires that key relationships be maintained with suppliers that are critical to your business.
All the finance solutions we have mentioned are typically shorter term in nature - you will notice they match 'assets ' to short term cash and loan solutions. That's a winning strategy.
If you want to change that ' all talk / no action ' feeling on Canadian business financing needs seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can assist you in ' tragedy free' financing solutions that makes sense for you needs today and in the future .
Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.comBusiness 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 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/business-finance-sources-funding-loans.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
Stan Prokop
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Funding In And Outside The Bank : Getting Serious On Canadian Business Financing Alternatives
Removing The Obstacle Course In Canadian Business Financing
OVERVIEW – Information on how business owner/managers can achieve the right type and mix of business financing solutions for survival and growth. Removing obstacles in funding your business requires the right info and strategy
Business financing in Canada - your company's finances are of course serious business, this isn’t a television reality show obstacle course. Let's examine some external real world possibilities around funding your business, (externally and internally) with a focus on removing some of those obstacles. Let's dig in.
Suffice to say there are numerous reasons business owners/managers find themselves looking for external methods of financing their business. The good reasons include of course ' growth, in some cases there are liquidity challenges around day to day operations, let alone growth.
The planets align more perfectly when you’re looking for proper capital while running your business ' properly' at the same time. Here we're talking about focusing on issue such a profit and turnover of assets and optimal use of assets.
Financing your firm via external methods revolves around 3 simple choices-
Taking on new debt
Monetizing the assets you already have (both current assets and long term assets can both be monetized
Searching for an equity solution (Certainly possible but much more limiting as issues such as owner dilution and costs and probabilities around equity capital need to be addressed
More often than not the early stages of a firm’s initial financing capability will often determine the future course of growth and success. Here cash flow becomes a daily challenge (or hourly?!).
Where do top experts and studies tell us entrepreneurs go for capital? In order of search priority the leading contenders for business capital solutions are:
Banks
Corporate Credit Cards
Commercial Finance Companies
Equipment lessors
Govt business loans
Asset based lenders - providing receivables, inventory and fixed asset financing
VC / Private Equity groups
At times many business owners are ' tapped out ‘ personally , and the day to day struggle of managing assets and delaying payables becomes JOB #1 almost everyday.
Key to accessing the right type of funding for your business is the concept of understanding your risk profile. Suffice to say much of the entrepreneurs’ business time has been wasted applying for financing that was never meant to be. As our survey pointed out businesses head in droves to the bank, only to find their ' risk profile ' is significantly out of line with Canadian chartered bank requirements. While ' eye to eye' contact was almost a necessity in the past today’s bank scoring models and commercial banking structures don't always lend themselves to face to face meetings to make your case.
Many business owners might be surprise that large bank deals are in fact ' syndicated’; with bank loans being sold by your bank to others in the secondary market.
The fundamentals of any business financing application process include a business plan (not always required by certainly helping), historical and current financials, a cash flow/profit forecast, (usually the most important item!) and info on the owners. The results from all that drive that ' risk profile' we've been talking about.
If you're looking to seriously explore external financing in areas such as bank facilities, or numerous other alternative financing vehicles ( some of which you may never have even heard of !) 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 removing ... obstacles!
Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.comBusiness 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 & FUNDING 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
Monday, March 23, 2015
Sources Of Business Working Capital In Canada: We’re Speaking Up On Cash Flow Financing
Inside The Search For Real Cash Flow & Working Capital Financing
OVERVIEW – Information on sources of business working capital in Canada. Numerous cash flow finance solutions make sense for your firm , but how to you assess what works based on your needs and financial picture
Sources of Business working capital in Canada is, unfortunately, not a ' one size fits all' scenario for Canadian business owners/financial managers. That's when the search for real world cash flow and working capital solutions creates a real conundrum for your company. Let's dig in.
The current financing environment in Canada requires a fair bit of understanding when you're on the search for capital. Why is that? Some key reasons include:
- The rise of the internet in accessing both info and solutions
- Every industry has different needs
- Emergence of new highly competitive business models
- Risk based pricing
- The requirements of business to access 'easy and convenient' financing
- The increased/diminished role of banks in financing today’s businesses
The role of the Canadian chartered bank has changed a lot over the past post recession years. Their continued need for companies that achieve good sales, good operating histories, and solid credit scores for the business owners and the business itself often leads to a lack of access for businesses that can't meet these basic criteria.
Debate continues to rage around whether our banks can satisfy all business lending needs. Bottom line, the image of the traditional banker has certainly changed, and competition from non bank lenders is quite fierce.
When it comes to ' working capital ' its all about ' liquidity ', your ability to grow your business while financing short term financial obligations. More often than not this is all about the amount ... and management! of receivables and inventory. Most business owners quickly realize the turnover, and financing ability around those two key assets are the key to financial health and re-investment in your company.
Although it shouldn’t be a mystery many business owners/managers are stymied when sales are growing, profits are in the income statement, but cash is gone! There's actually some basic arithmetic around planning your working capital needs, and it’s as simple as sitting down and looking at how fast your are growing, the amount of your receivables/inventory against payables, and the turnover required to make these numbers work.
Start up, newer, or businesses facing financial challenges are clearly with their backs to the wall when it comes to accessing cash flow solutions. Never is it tougher to be taken seriously if you're in this category.
To effectively access bank, or alternative financing your key essentials include financial statements, a cash flow projection, proper aging of your receivables as well as payables obligations. In some cases only outside collateral will make your financing work, so consider that option also.
Numerous sources of alternate financing are currently available in the Canadian marketplace. They include:
A/R Financing
Inventory finance
Asset based lines of credit
SR&ED Tax credit financing
PO/CONTRACT financing
Sale leaseback strategies
Sales/royalty financing
If you require help for the right cash flow and working capital financing seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success
.
Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.comBusiness 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 SOURCES OF 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
Sunday, March 22, 2015
The SRED Business Credit : The Case For Financing Your SHRED Refundable Tax Credits In Canada
Money No Longer An Object After You Finance Your SR&ED R&D Tax Credit !
OVERVIEW – Information on how claimants in Canada’s SR&ED refundable tax program can justify financing their credits to accelerate the cash flow benefits of their r&d spend
A SRED business credit replenishes the cash your firm has spent on qualified expenditures under the SR&ED refundable claim program in Canada - however that only happens when you receive your govt cheq for 'SHRED' refundable tax credits. That's why we make the case to finance your claim to shorten that whole process - it's our mini version of ‘money is no longer an object' so to speak. Let's dig in.
Any external funding that helps a business survive, compete and grow is a valuable commodity... Whether your firm is in early stages of development, early stages of sales, or fighting a head to head battle with your competitors it's almost always about ‘ cash flow'.
Many business owners/managers that file SR&ED claims might not be aware that the program is pretty well the largest ' direct support ' ( direct support = cash!) program in Canada, providing billions of $ for any firm that qualifies and files.
Since you have no requirement to repay these funds to the govt it seems that it makes even more sense to monetize your claim as quickly as it possible - taking full advantage of the unique structure of SR ED financing loans.
How do these loans work? The concept of a SRED BUSINESS CREDIT loan is essentially a 'bridge loan', carrying you over for the full duration of the waiting that comes with any govt process. That is not to say the govt hasn’t been committed to speeding up the process. They've simplified the application process, scrutinized more effectively the folks that prepare these claims for you (aka ' SR&ED Consultants), and even committed to specific timelines around processing, auditing, and paying your claim.
Having said all that your firms R&D process can well take the better part of a year. Then your SRED Consultant prepares and documents your claim. That claim is filed along your annual financial statements. So it's not hard to see the benefits of financing your claim, which, by the way can be also financed prior to filing, and financing can even commence on next years claim if you should so choose.
We spoke of ' SHRED CREDITS' being financed via a type of bridge loan process. Let's recap that process. Once the total value of a claim is determined by yourself, your accountant, and your SR ED consultant a financing offer is issued, typically for 70% of the total amt of your claim. (That covers both the fed/prov portions of the tax credit.
The essence of the collateral of the loan is of course the SR&ED credit itself. That again raises the point of the role of a qualified and reputable consultant, as the lender is relying on the legitimacy of your claim. During the last several years many less than reliable Sr ed consultants have been slowly weeded out of the industry.
When you receive your funding under your financing claim no payments are made for the duration of the loan. That lack of cash outflow simply strengthens the case for financing a refundable tax credit under the program. By the way, when the govt funds your claim you immediately receive the balance (i.e. 30%) of the refund, less financing costs that accrue along the way for the loan.
If you think the case can be made for financing your SRED Business credit seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can assist you to monetize SHRED refundable tax credits for value cash flow - our version of ' money is no longer an object!
Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.comBusiness 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