Secured Lending in Canada

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There are various types of secured lending in the Canadian business environment. Let's examine some of those secured loans and discuss some of their characteristics.

When most business owners or financial managers think of secured lending they are thinking in terms of their operating loans or operating lines of credit, sometimes called ' revolvers' in finance language.

These loans are used to financing working capital, primarily receivables and inventory. In taking and registering this security the bank or some similar financial institution will take an assignment of these 'liquid assets' of the company. On occasion customers will hear the term ' demand loan ' and we are in effect talking about the same thing.

How does the bank or other institution secure the loan? They register what is known as a General Security Agreement, commonly called a 'GSA 'against the business. In determining their security and overall all 'credit limit' with the customer they usually agree to advance against 75% of all good receivables, and some component of inventory. We can, as a general rule, say that banks don't really like inventory - simply because they aren't set up to liquidate on it when they have to.

If everything goes well that is as much as the business owner really needs to know. The loan is secured, the bank registers a public security against the company, and the company has access to working capital.

How does the Secured Lender realize on the security? Again, we are talking about the worst case scenario when a bank has determined it needs to 'call the loan ', terminology most business owners know too well but hope they never have to live through. The bank is in effect, at that time, attempting to crystallize on its loan. In securing the loan we spoke of the bank or other lending institution taking an assignment of the assets. Now that the loan has been called an actual assignment is enforced - customers are notified by the bank and monies are collected by the bank to reduce the loan outstanding. The bank now finds itself in a position of having to deal with the inventory they did not want to deal with, and we typically find that the inventory is directed to be sold by an auctioneer or salvage firm, who acts as a temporary agent for the bank.

When loans are enforced in such a manner the results are usually disastrous for the customer and have a major impact on the company's ability to go forward.

Lenders securities agreements in Canada are all registered under Canada's Person Property Security Act, and are in effect public knowledge for those that wish to investigate secured dealings. This process is very similar to the UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE (UCC) that exists in the U.S., and in fact the security legislation in Canada was very closely model to the U.S. way of secured lending notification.

There are other forms of secured lending Vis Vis equipment, debentures, and security is generally handled in the same manner re: registration, etc.

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

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 .

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

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.

Stan Prokop














Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Stan_Prokop/432698


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3642236

Factoring Financing For Your Working Capital Needs

Factoring Finance In Canada - A Lot Easier To Understand Than Bitcoin!

Information on factoring and working capital finance solutions in Canada. The ability to monetize your sales solves cash flow challenges for running and operating a business

Factoring for working capital needs in Canada is quickly becoming a recognized a traditional strategy for cash flow financing. We say traditional because for many years factoring in Canada was clearly view as a non traditional and alternative financing strategy.

The simple explanation around this financing tool is that allows Canadian firms to access financing and cash flow immediately to smooth out the ups and downs of any companies business cycle.

Firms in Canada utilize the strategy for short term working capital needs. Factoring is not a term loan. Most business owners don’t realize that utilizing factoring as a financing strategy brings no debt on the balance sheet. We could very comfortably argue that in fact your balance sheet looks better when you use this financing tool. It in effect allows you to satisfy short terms needs for payroll, purchase of inventory, etc.


If utilized properly (more about that later) there are significant benefits to a factor financing strategy. Some of these benefits include:


The ability to purchase more inventory on a short term basis at preferred pricing and quantities

Access a working capital credit facility that many times is significantly higher than what your firm could achieve with bank financing

Increase sales with the right customers by offering better payment terms than your competitors (cash flow is king for your customers also!)

Take advantage of payment discounts offered by suppliers – many firms offer discounts such as 2% 10 days – by taking advantage of these discounts you can remove a huge portion of your factor financing discounts


We can’t over emphasize the need to ensure you understand the Canadian factoring market. It differs significantly from the U.S., and some enhancements to a factor financing strategy can super charge your cash flow. For instance, by putting in a combo of an A/R facility and an inventory financing scenario you can often at least double all the liquidity your firm had previously. That’s a powerful cash flow statement.

Also, for firms that are factoring now , we are quite convinced, after talking to clients , that they either don’t understand factoring pricing, or in some cases have been mis- led about what they are really paying for this type of financing . Even improving your factor facility by ½ or ½ % can drive profits straight to the bottom line. Clients are therefore encouraged to seek out a trusted, credible, and experienced advisor in this area who can help them achieve the right factoring facility for their firm.


We also encourage clients to seek out factor facilities that don’t lock you into long term contracts, as our experience indicates your firm might be a candidate for other forms of financing at some point down the road.

We spoke previously of properly utilizing a factoring financing strategy. By that we simply mean that you should ensure you understand what you are paying , as some firms have methods of presenting factoring in a method to confuse customer about overall ‘ all in ‘ cost .

Things to look for are clear per Diem pricing – you want to ensure you are only paying for what you use in your facility. Open contracts make more sense for your firm, why would you let a finance firm lock you into a contract. Other things to look for are the advance rates on your transaction.

Most business owners understand the basic mechanics of factoring – they are of course:

Your firm ships or delivers your goods and services

You invoice and receive same day cash for your invoices – usually in the range of 80-90%

Your customer pays the invoice and at that time you receive the original amount that was held back , minus the factoring discount fee


U.S. Based firms that offer factoring in Canada are heavily involved in the entire process that we just walked through. They quite often will insist on verifying your invoices, talking to your customer re payment, etc. That is why our recommended solution to eliminate this intrusiveness is a factoring or working capital facility that allows you to bill and collect your own receivables.

In summary, factoring for working capital is a proven strategy. The challenge simply becomes being an educated business owner. Find out what benefits clearly apply to your firm when utilizing this type of financing, and investigate the best facility for overall ease of doing business and pricing. That’s cash flow 101! For working capital factoring.




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

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 .

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

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.

Stan Prokop

Working Capital Financing

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Does My Firm need a Working Capital Loan ?


Information on working capital loan solutions in Canada. The ability to monetize and finance ongoing growth for your business operations is key to long term success. Knowing what type of business financing you need ( and how to get it ) is key to Canadina business financing success

Clients we meet with often want to need if they require additional working capital financing for their overall business growth and survival. They also, as prudent business owners, want to know what alternatives are available for financing consideration.






Lets answer question # 1 first – we can some facetiously say that the answer will be similar to your lawyers answer to most questions – you may need a working capital facility or loan, or you may not ..!


What do we mean by that? The key issues in working capital financing is understanding what it is, why it is needed, and what alternatives you have as a Canadian business owner of financial manager to access that additional capital .
Let’s get back to our key point, which is simply that we need to first understand what working capital is. We can go by the textbook definition, which is simply go to your balance sheet, take current assets, subtract current liabilities – and voila ! You have your working capital amount. Let’s bore down a bit and truly understand this number and what it really means to your firm on a day to day basis.


Your current assets are of course your inventory and receivables; your current liabilities are your payables and what you have upcoming in loan and lease payments everyday. As a business owner you know that these numbers change everyday, and that as your business grows you require a larger investment in accounts receivable, inventory, and a buffer of cash on hand for miscellaneous issues, emergencies, etc.


Now let’s examine a very key point that will help you understand the thrust of our message. Higher working capital is preferable, but if your inventories and receivables aren’t turning then higher works against you, because you have built up assets that aren’t turning, and it cost you money to build up those receivables and inventory.


So the reality is that you have three options in assessing your working capital financing needs.

They are as follows:


1. Focus on higher turnover of receivables and inventory – and stretch your payables as long as you can so as not to lose your valued supplier relationship


2. Monetize your working capital in a more efficient manner – i.e. negotiate an operating line of credit with your bank based on receivable and inventory margining – Alternatively supercharge your current assets by what is known as an asset based lending facility

3. Consider a permanent working capital term loan – this is a long term, generally 3-5 years cash loan that is repaid in specific installments. Essentially you are committing long term working capital into the business which will help alleviate growth needs.


So in summary, what is our bottom line? Its simply that you need to understand what working capital is – you need to determine if you can generate working capital internally or externally, as per our options # 2 AND # 3 above. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced advisor in Canadian working capital solutions and you will be on the way to increased sales and profits via a proper business financing strategy.


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

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 .

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

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.

Stan Prokop

Equipment Financing Canada

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What You Need To Know to Obtain Proper Lease Financing in Canada

Information on equipment financing in Canada. Financing assets properly is a key success factor in growing and operating your business

Clients always ask what they need to know or to provide in order to obtain solid lease financing for their Equipment Financing approvals in Canada. The entire lease financing process works best when you view it in a positive manner – it’s very much a consultative process with your leasing partner or leasing advisor. Because lease financing in Canada is such a broad industry representing the needs of all equipment acquisition financing in the country we strongly recommend to clients that they utilize the services of a trusted and credible advisor in this area.



Equipment Financing in Canada requires input from yourself in the following areas – credit, lease structuring, accounting, and of course the type of lease you wish to enter into. The majority of businesses in Canada, small and large, utilize lease financing for their equipment and capital expenditure financing needs.


In order to position your company properly you should be prepared to share the following information:


-Who is the Lessee? Depending on the size of the transaction you will be required to provide financial disclosure. Many leases in Canada under, say, $ 50,000.00 can actually be approved without financial statement disclosure. Approvals are often done automatically in a day or so, sometimes in hours, based on your firms rating and payment experience in Credit Bureaus and Dun and Bradstreet databases.

We would point out that if rate and payment is very important to yourself you might want to consider disclosing financial results even if they weren’t required, as that can sometimes get you a better rate. Naturally the other basic information required is similar to any type of business financing application – i.e. who owns your firm, what vendor are you buying the equipment from, etc.


Equipment – Clearly you want to position the asset you are acquiring as useful assets that will help you generate revenue and profits. A ‘buzz word ‘in leasing is often ‘profits through use, not ownership’, and that’s a great thing to remember. Many leasing companies will validate that the equipment you are acquiring is from a valid vendor or manufacturer.

Private sales from third parties are more difficult to finance – although we can also point out here that equipment financing in Canada often covers used equipment, as it is 100% financeable if the equipment has value and has been properly maintained, etc. On larger transactions an appraisal might be required.


Delivery & Installation - it is critical for you and the lessor to ensure you have a solid understanding of delivery dates and acceptance terms. In many cases your vendor can be paid in advance if they are out of the country, etc. However, actual payments on your lease will of course only begin when you have received the equipment, and it has been accepted as functional, etc.


Lease structure: Clearly this is one of the most important aspects of equipment financing and leasing in Canada. At its very basic you simply need to know the type of lease you are entering into and what the overall rates and structure and terms are. We can categorically say that this is probably where most of your time and outside expertise should be spent.

Leasing is a relatively simple process to complete, but you acquired knowledge of the types of leases available, who is offering them, what the rates are, and how your overall credit quality is positioned are key aspects of lease financing in Canada.


In summary, knowledge of leasing basics is a powerful asset for Canadian business owners and financial managers. Thousands of Canadian firms utilize lease financing for a variety of benefits, some of which might be more important to you than others. Investigate the benefits of lease financing and spend the required amount of time to ensure you receive the proper approval, rate, term, and structure for your equipment needs!

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

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 .

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

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.



Stan Prokop

Business is Great! But Why Are We Broke?

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We would probably all agree that a business owner and financial manager can be forgiven for wondering why a company whose business is 'great' could be a candidate for failure. Let's assume our last comment related to 'Sales.' We could however say the same for profit.







The answer is of course, it's the 'lack of cash;

as a business grows it uses more and more cash to hold accounts receivable and inventory. Yes, the company has a line of credit with the bank, but what happens when business owners find themselves up against the top of the line on a continuing basis. Bankers like it when a line of credit fluctuates - being at the top of the line all the time without those fluctuations portends a problem.

There is a top notch business case in the United States that illustrates our articles theme. The case involved a department store in the 1960's called the W.T. Grant Company. The basics of the story are as follows, and it's a classic case to illustrate out point.

What makes the Grant story more compelling is that the company literally helped to change the laws around financial reporting. Up to the time most companies simply produced a balance sheet and income statement. When the balance sheet had a lot of assets, which were growing, and the income statement had a lot of profit, well, what could possibly be the problem? Banks continued to lend to Grant on an increasing basis, and Grant started to lend to its customers for purchases on credit. Sounds good, right? Except for the fact that Grant ultimately filed for bankruptcy.

As accountants, lenders and investors started analyzing the company more closely it turned out there were lots of assets and profit, just no cash. The company had actually been burning cash, as the expression goes, for ten years. It was a textbook case of no working capital or the controls to recognize it. All those receivables and inventory were in very poor shape, receivables uncollectible, inventory un-sellable.

Although all investors and lenders still look at the bottom line profit, as much focus today is placed on cash flow. That's because cash flow is directly linked to overall profitability.

Typical signs of a business going down this path are:

- expansion and growing seem evermore difficult

- every situation seems to be a crisis

- management has no handle on the real financials

As the majority of businesses are financing by banking arrangements the company also starts missing loan payments with pressure from other creditors and suppliers not far off.

At this point assets are no longer growing; they are at risk of shrinking. Sales slow down, and money seems to be leaving the business, not coming into the business.

In summary, businesses need to focus on working capital, as much so in times of growth as times of a downturn. Business owners tend to rationalize the working capital problems by blaming the economy, a competitor, the dollar currency, etc. Blame is an easy way out, the solid business owner recognizes the fixes required, looks at internal matters such as financials and working capital, and exerts change in processes and controls. Losses won't necessarily put a business under, but we are assured lack of cash will.

Businesses with solid working capital and financial possibilities survive in bad times also!

Stan Prokop is the founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial. See http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com. The company originates business financing for Canadian companies and is a specialist in working capital and asset based financing of all types. For more information or contact details please see:

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




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



Stan Prokop










Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Stan_Prokop/432698

Inventory Financing In Canada : Solving The Working Capital & Cash Flow Challenge Around Business Inventories

Must Have Business Inventory Financing Solutions - We've Got Them !





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Information on inventory financing in Canada. Effective financing of business inventories leads to positive working capital and cash flow management for operating and growing your company

Canadian business owners and financial managers focus on the term ‘inventory loan ‘when they want to address this balance sheet component for additional working capital and cash flow.

While it is possible to get an inventory loan the reality is that more often than not inventory financing is a critical component of additional working capital facilities.

Let’s examine some key aspects of inventory financing and determine how you can access this unique type of financing. For starters, when you are successful in financing inventory you are in essence freeing up the cash that is tied up in that critical part of your balance sheet. When we talk to clients about working capital and cash flow financing in general the term ‘cash conversion cycle’ is one on which we place critical importance.

It may sounds like a text book finance definition, but the reality is that it’s simply the formula for determine how one dollar of capital flows through your business. And that dollar of capital usually in fact comes from the initial purchase of inventory. This is in turn converted into accounts receivable, which are (hopefully!) collected and turned into cash. The amount of time that dollar stays on your inventory line is a key part of the cash conversion cycle.

You should focus on inventory financing when in fact your investment in this balance sheet category is significant, often only rivaled by accounts receivable. We have worked with many firms who in fact have to carry more inventory than A/R. That becomes a financing challenge.

Naturally traditional financing institutions such as chartered banks don’t place a lot of reliance in their lending on their ability to secure and dispose of this type of asset. The reality is that your inventory might be in the form of raw materials, work in process, or finished goods. Depending on the lenders knowledge of inventory the ability to margin or finance that inventory becomes limited.

Inventory financing on its own tends to be a challenge – it is not impossible in some circumstances. The reality is though that inventory financing works best when it is tied to a full working capital or asset based financing facility that covers the inventory itself, your receivables, and in some cases supplemental assets such as equipment or real estate .

As a cautionary note we must add that for your inventory to be financing you should be able to demonstrate that it ‘ turns ‘ , and that there is only a very small per cent age of obscelescence attached to this asset category . You can quickly determine how fast inventory turns by going to your income statement , taking your ‘cost of sales ‘ line , and dividing it by ‘ inventory on hand ‘.

So what is a good turnover number? The answer is that it depends on overall industry benchmarks for your type of business. A grocery store might turn over their inventory many many more times more often than a manufacturing company with a complex builds process.

We should also add that inventory becomes more financeable when you are running a perpetual inventory system and you are able to demonstrate you have a solid handle on what is on hand , and provide reporting in that regard .

Speak to a trusted, credible, and experienced financing advisor in this very specialized area of business financing – that will allow you to determine if your inventory is currently properly financed, and, if not, what financing options are available.

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

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 .

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

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.

Stan Prokop