Canadian Business Financing - 7 Park Avenue Financial: January 2020

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Is Asset Based Lending Your Best Route To Business Financing Solutions ?

ABL Is Your Back To Basics Business Finance & Cash Flow Conundrum Solver !

Business financing requirements for Canadian business often require very timely solutions .

Alternative finance solutions for your business are more and more becoming the new norm for funding companies in Canada. They get our clients to the ' goal line ' in a more timely manner when it comes to some of the timelines imposed on firms applying for traditional bank credit . Asset based lending , commonly called ' ABL ' solutions provide a solid funding alternative for your cash flow and working capital needs.

Clients of 7 Park Avenue Financial will often ask what is the key requirement for asset based credit lines, as well as the other funding solutions within the ABL world. That key requirement ? Assets ! Those assets can come in the form of receivables, inventory, equipment and fixed assets, company real estate, and in a round about way orders and contracts - those latter two being valuable but not on the balance sheet of course.

Those assets are collateralized or ' cash flowed ' in asset based borrowing facilities. A revolving credit facility, similar to a business bank line of credit is the common solution for many of our clients.

Cost always becomes a factor when it comes to ABL financing - it is more expensive than traditional bank rates, but the harsh reality is that many companies can't meet the key criteria required by banks such as solid consistent profits, clean balance sheets, and outside collateral and personal guarantees that available to secure bank financing.

It's safe to say though that most forms of business financing, however costly, are cheaper than giving up owner equity in your firm, especially for a firm that is growing and has promise of great value and success.

Although we stated that ABL typically costs more than bank finance solutions larger higher quality deals can actually compete with those bank rates, while at the same time providing much more liquidity !

So how does the asset based lender value and monetize those assets? Receivables are typically financed at 90% of the a/r base ; inventory margins vary depending on the nature and marketability of inventory and can range anywhere from 30-70% ; and finally equipment and real estate are typically appraised at their market or liquidation values. The bottom line? More borrowing power!

So what are some of the key benefits of asset based lending solutions? They include, as we mentioned, quicker approval . That is because the main focus of he ABL lender isn't all those financial covenants and ratios imposed by banks. For ABL it's all about .. you guessed it .. Assets!

Another point is flexibility. We see this lot. And it all comes down to the fact that there is a good chance that your business is different from many other businesses and in a different type of industry. We quite often see that a tremendous amount of flexibility can be applied, via ABL asset based lending, to your particular circumstances. Some of those circumstances might be seasonality of your revenues and cash flows, etc.

Asset finance has matured significantly in Canada. In historical terms we could say it's relatively new , but it has exploded onto the business landscape due to choices, costs, etc. Many Canadian banks have explored and are exploring these type of solutions . We keep reading in the Globe & Mail or Financial Post about the abundance of capital in the markets, and ABL lending is one of those reasons .
That's a good thing for Canadian business borrowers.

Asset finance solutions are typically revolving facilities and rarely add debt to the balance sheet . That's a good thing !

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who has a track record of success on a financing alternatives achievable for your firm, no matter what your particular circumstances are.

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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

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

Monday, January 27, 2020

Make Business Financing Work For Your Cash Flow Needs : Here's How !

Looking For A Financing Option For Your Company?

Business financing challenges? We hear about that a lot from clients at 7 Park Avenue Financial . It just so happens we've got some ' therapy ' for those cash flow and working capital problems that often beset a growing or newer firm. ' Therapy ' is defined as being a ' curative power ' so let's examine some of the most often utilized ( and sometimes quite unknown ) business finance solutions available to business owners in Canada today.

One of those time tested entrepreneurial sayings is ' you need money to make money !'; we're rewriting that and offering up ' you need working capital and cash flow solutions to make more money '!

Growth in sales will sometimes hide some problems for quite awhile but at some point business owners/entrepreneurs recognize that fundamental business challenges will often become increasingly severe without proper business funding underpinning the company.

Profits can fund growth for awhile but ultimately some business finance basics need to be addressed. One of those? Simply the fact that your lenders and suppliers want to be paid before you often get paid from clients.

Solutions To Business Cash Flow

What then are the right solutions for your business finance needs. The majority of clients tell us they ' went to the bank ' where quite often the bank as asked for owners to put more owner equity into the company . That works if it's possible , but that is usually a big ' if ' for most business owners.

The reality is those great sales we have been talking about have created a cash flow gap - some of our clients might call it a big chasm or canyon!

Every business needs a different amount of working capital based on their industry
and how their business if financed and run . This is where the ' cash conversion cycle ' comes into play , and it's different for every business and industry.

How does the business owner/financial mgr calculate that cash conversion cycle. It's more simple than you think - take you days sales outstanding ( DSO ), add up your inventory on hand days and then subtract payables.

That final number you arrive at tells you the length of time a dollar takes to ' travel ' through your company . In some cases it might seem like a slow meander!!

Take for example a pharmaceutical type firm that has to invest and spend tons of money before getting govt approval and bringing products to market . The other side of the spectrum? It could be a large retailer who sells on cash/credit cards and gets great payment terms from key suppliers. Their cash conversion cycle is a lot less than our pharma firm example.

So what is our bottom line then ? Simply that business can control the cash conversion cycle .

You can accelerate the cash conversion cycle by accessing bank or non bank business lines of credit. Many firms look to receivable financing , inventory financing, and even purchase order financing to speed up the working capital flows in their business. The shorter the cash conversion cycle the better!

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record of business finance success to assist you with your business cash flow problems and working capital solutions to accelerate your cycle of cash.

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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

Sunday, January 26, 2020

How To Finance Business Growth

Growth Financing Options In Canada

Growth financing options in Canada are ' top of mind ' for most business owners and financial managers , especially in the small to medium sized segment in Canada ( ' SME COMMERCIAL FINANCING ' ). So what type of funding is available and how does business folks address the timing needs of those challenges.

For a business to grow, let alone survive in Canada typically comes back to three key elements - the ability to generate a profit, throw off cash, and have access to working capital . The inability to over time address all those issues will always come back to business survival . We only need to read the Globe & Mail or the Financial Post to document those companies that eventually disappear based on their inability to address those business financing challenges. There is somewhat of an irony that many firms are in the stages of good growth when their finance options disappear.

So when it comes to growth financing there are some key basics, and one of them is your firms ability to manage inventories and receivables and the use ,and acquisition of fixed assets as you are growing.

In the case of inventory management its all about having the inventory and supplies and assets on hand to service clients, who at the same time are often demanding credit terms.

Not all business owners and their financial managers truly comprehend the fact that as your business grow you are often more eligible for growth finance options. The reality is that your firm pays its obligations, your customer pays your firm so there is some business funding, but generally not enough!

Payables and the management thereof is a key way to manage cash flow, so working with key suppliers on your own extended terms is a great source of cash . The key to that is of course maintaining proper relationships with key suppliers, who might infer you are willing to pay or verging toward slow pay status. The reality is that whether you firm is doing great or experiencing challenges some measure of external 3rd party funding is required by your business.

If your firm is experiencing more severe financing challenges the ability to accelerate cash flow internally is key, so sales and inventory and account receivable relationships must be monitored very carefully.

Most of Canadian business associates Cdn chartered banks as the prime delivery source for business funding. However many companies cannot access some or all of the bank credit they need.

Alternatives To Bank Financing In Canada

What firms can deliver alternatives to bank financing and what solutions are available to new business capital and cash flow?

Those alternative business financing solutions include:

Accounts Receivable Financing

Asset Based Lending - Non bank business credit lines

Sale leaseback / bridge loan strategies

Tax Credit Monetization

Unsecured cash flow loans

Short Term Working Capital Loans

It is safe to say that these solutions are available from a variety of non bank commercial finance firms. True success comes when you determine what you need and when you need it, and from whom!

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record of business financing success, who can assist you in determine solutions to growth finance.

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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

Thursday, January 23, 2020

What Is The Best Business Credit Line ?

How To Get A Business Line Of Credit

Business line of credit solutions are often a key talking point when it comes to talking about business financing solutions for clients at 7 Park Avenue Financial. A talking point is, of course, just a ' succinct statement designed to be persuasive '. Let us take a look then at business credit line solutions , with a main focus on ABL
, otherwise known as asset based lending.

The problem with the term asset based lending
is that is is typically a common catch all for different times of financing that are cash flow and debt related - one example might be receivable financing, others might consider sale leasebacks, etc, etc,

In our discussion here we are referring to what we could call a ' comprehensive' business credit line solution - its a finance facility that rolls up you receivables, inventory, equipment, and yes, if applicable , real estate - all into one borrowing facility that your company can draw down on .

Although low interest rates are a key attraction of Canadian chartered bank financing the harsh reality is that thousands of firms simply down qualify for those rates based on the stricter borrowing criteria that banks put in place in order for your firm to achieve those lower borrowing rates . Spoiler alert - ABL business credit lines cost more, but they provide more liquidity and access to capital.

Whether your firm is start up, early stage, or a mid market or even larger corporation you typically require access to credit lines.

A lot of the asset based lending available in Canada today is based on the U.S. model of ABL, which is a huge, and we mean really huge, part of American business borrowing. In Canada this borrowing is typically done by private commercial finance companies who are not regulated like our banks . They deliver a commercial financing product tailored to your business needs.

ABL credit lines also work if your firm is in the process of restructuring - it's at those times that your require the most access to financing, which at that point in your firms history typically is not available from banks . As we noted, ABL increases access to funding based on your total asset structure! The ' A ' in ABL is assets and that's all you need for an asset based business credit facility.

So what are the key differences in when comparing asset finance facilities to bank financing, typically it's looking at alternative financing vs. traditional financing?

For banks it's all about the trifecta - profits, cash flow, and a clean balance sheet - and you pretty well need all those 3 to be in place to access those low bank rates.

ABL focuses on flexibility - little or no emphasis is place on ratios, covenants, outside collateral, spousal and owner guarantees, etc. Those items may be ' talking points' but rarely total deal breakers.

One key aspect of asset based revolving credit lines is that they can facilitate peaks and bulges in borrowing needs when it comes to sales . The temporary spikes that come with seasonality, large new contracts or purchase orders can almost always be accomodated when working capital is down to 'crunch time'. Traditional bank facilities are often very difficult to arrange in a short period of time.

Is the asset based credit line the best finance method to achieve cash flow and working capital nirvana ?! If you can't access some or all of the bank financing you need it just might well be.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record of business financing success on what you need to know about this innovative method of business finance in Canada.

Bottom line ? Understand the requirements and take advantage of the benefits!

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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

What Are Government Small Business Loans ?

Questions You Might Be Afraid to Ask About Government Small Business Loan in Canada

Government small business loans go by various names, we at 7 Park Avenue Financial call them ' SBL's, but whatever name you choose to call this financing it's critical that entrepreneurs consider this valuable financing when evaluating business finance alternatives to start a business, buy a business, purchase a franchise, etc . We're covering off some solid reasons to consider federal govt help when looking for funding . Let's dig in.

Government Small Business Loan for Better and Faster Business Financing

Government loansare a perfect finance solution for start ups or firms who have not been able to attract ' traditional ' financing . It's ironic that the Canadian banks are a part of this program, and play a key role in delivery of the financing.

Get Rid of Startup Financing Once and For All

The loans are used to complement the owners own equity investment into the transaction . One popular reason for the programs success is that no outside collateral is required to complete a financing. Most business folks know that traditional chartered bank financing will over require outside collateral, guarantees, covenants, etc.

Loan terms are another attractive part of the SBL process - they make great sense given that typical terms are 3-5 years for repayment . That allows owners to minimize cash outflow which is critical in a start up or new business phase.

Equipment and other business assets are typically the most used part of the program . The ability to purchase new or use assets and finance them in a manner that makes sense is key .

Combined with the owners contribution into the business - i.e. the ' down payment ' the longer amortization of government loans make solid business sense. In effect you are matching your cash outflows with the useful life of assets you purchase and use to run , and grow, the business.

Many clients we work with use the program to purchase a business - that can be a franchise or an independent private company . Existing franchises can also be finance, with the approval of the franchisor of course.

One critical piece of advise we discuss with clients is that fact that buying a business should typically be negotiated as an ' asset ' purchase, not a ' share ' purchase . If the business has assets the government loan program can finance them!

When buying and financing a business purchasers should be able to demonstrate they have solid business experience . While direct experience in the same industry is a help it is not necessarily required. Ensure you have a proper business plan that lays out the financials properly . We also remind clients that an often underutilized part of the program is its ability to finance a real estate purchase, also commercial mortgage financing can also be considered separately .

Any asset that has been purchased within the last 6 months can also be financed under the govt loan program . This is a classic replenishment of working capital. It may be required that an appraisal of an asset is required, but this helps both the lender and the business owner - we consider appraisals an investment relative to the minor cost relative to asset size.

Don't under estimate the power and flexibility of the Government of Canada guaranteed small business loan program . We mentioned earlier that the banks play a key role in the delivery of the program as they administer and fund the loans under the auspices of INDUSTRY CANADA , who is the sponsor of the program.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on how you or your business can utilize this valuable Canadian business financing vehicle.

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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Staying Afloat Via Cash Flow Financing - Cash Flow for Business Solutions

5 Great Cash Flow For business Solutions

So we're all in agreement, right? Staying afloat is better than sinking... and talking to clients seeking cash flow for business seems to be mostly what we are doing these days.

Cash flow financing for your business, whether you like it or not is at the top of the ' worry pile' for Canadian business owners these days.

We'll discuss the problem, how you measure the problem, and, most importantly, some great solutions both traditional and alternative. And by the way, alternative is fast becoming traditional, but more about that later!

In talking to clients about business financing and business cash flow we always get the distinct impression they feel their business is unique - and that may be so but the truth of the matter is that the cash flow financing challenges you face are being faced by everyone else in and out of your industry.

As a business owner you can be forgiven for thinking your

business cash flow

financing challenges are unique, probably because of the mix. What do we mean by the mix? Simply that each h company and industry has difference levels of inventory, receivables, payables, all of which factor uniquely into the working capital challenge.

In fact, whether you like it or not, about 80%, yes 80% of all you assets are in receivables, inventory, and to some extent prepaid.

Your ability to ' turnover' these assets is what makes your business successful, or not.

Each industry has different gross margins, and if you have great gross margins then you can withstand a bit less turnover that is required in inventory and receivables. If you are in a low gross margin business turnover is absolutely critical. And you measure that turnover by three key metrics, inventory turns, days sales outstanding or collection turnover, and finally days payable outstanding.

Turnover drives working capital and many business owners kind of know that, but more often than not aren't focusing on improving that turnover.

So, lets get back to staying afloat, which is what its all about!There are a number of cash flow financing solutions that allow you to address cash flow financing for your business. If it was a perfect world you would have all the liquidity you need from you bank, but bank financing is always a challenge for business, and in many cases inventory is not part of the financing mix that is available.

There are at least 5 great cash flow for business solutions available to help you succeed in Canadian business financing. These include the selling of your receivables, which can be done confidentially, and thereby generating instant cash flow for your company. For firms with 250k+ in assets and receivables you are in a position to be a candidate for a fully margined A/R and inventory working capital facility, available through a non bank solution. Larger firms with significant investments in working capital (receivables and inventory) are eligible for asset based lending which is in our opinion the ultimate Canadian working capital solution.

Most business owners don't know they can access cash flow financing via the financing of Purchase Orders (p o' s) and contracts. They allow you to consider orders significantly higher than you could have ever handled in the past. And, finally firms with relatively good financial standing can access unsecured cash flow working capital term loans via non bank lenders.

So whats it all about. We think we have been fairly clear, and hope you agree. It's about understanding your cash flow financing challenges, measuring them via the turnover of working capital accounts, and finally, accessing any one of the five, yes 5! solutions we have provided.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor as to what makes sense for your firm.

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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

Friday, January 17, 2020

Working Capital Lines of Credit and Loans That Work - Not Just For the Bank!

Working Capital Financing

When business owners and financial managers have successfully negotiated working capital facilities or term loans it should not be the end of the story. By that we mean that the business person needs to continually focus on what the bank or other financial institution requires, and more importantly, how they view the customer from a control point of view - i.e. are they in control or able to exert control on your business.

The balance sheet must be a top focus for the business owner - once a firm is over leveraged, i.e. borrowing too heavily, the bank generally starts positioning around their overall security or your ability to de-leverage.

Borrowers must be comfortable and knowledgeable about the use of 'triggers '. Triggers are the implied actions the bank or institution will take when things aren't working out. This can include everything from general poor financial performance to very specific pre agreed upon financial ratios. And the business owner must remember that he or she agreed to and concurred with these ratios.

Banks want to see cash flow' flowing ' - flowing to repay their debt - so there many be triggers put in place by the bank to ensure that minimum cash flow standards are kept, and also that owners and shareholders do not withdraw excess funds.

Over time business owners will probably find, in our experience, that the bank restrictions either tighten up or loosen, depending of course on the overall comfort level the bank has with the firm. Clearly firms that seem temporarily challenged in profits and balance sheet quality will receive much more scrutiny.

Business owners can do some very solid and valuable preparatory work in negotiation of bank triggers. If they have a solid long term history of earnings this should be a very strong negotiating point with the institution. Simply by self introspection of the firm can the owner or financial manager focus on what is going to go wrong re sales, pricing, forex, etc. The owner needs to be able to talk to these issues and show how he could address them.

For a start calculate your own key operating ratios, if they are going to be discussion points with your bank or institution you might as well know your numbers now. Using 'what if 'scenarios help immensely and will position yourself as knowledgeable about your business.

Discussions with your bank need not be absolute and immediate on any time of loan negotiation - you can get a great informal sense of what the bank is thinking and work from that point forward. Try and read between the lines as to what is hot, and what a Vis is not with the bank Vis their perception of your firm, industry, etc.

In summary, business owners need to show maximum flexibility on working capital and loan negotiations. Negotiations should be from strength, accentuating the positive. Example - strong forecast sales and profits and potentially offset a weaker balance sheet.

Trade-offs with the bank is also encouraged- and fewer triggers and covenants are better than more! And yes, there is more than one bank in the world, although business owners should be cautioned that shopping around is not optimal at all times, and can in fact backfire, particularly a small business. Business owner beware!

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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '