WELCOME !

Thanks for dropping in for some hopefully great business info and on occasion some hopefully not too sarcastic comments on the state of Business Financing in Canada and what we are doing about it !

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.



Showing posts with label bridge loan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bridge loan. Show all posts

Sunday, October 6, 2013

A SRED Bridge Financing Loan Via Is Just The After Life Of Your Tax Credit Consultants Claim






Embracing SR&ED Claims Via SRED Bridge Loans In Canada

OVERVIEW – Information on financing the SRED Tax credit claim in Canada. This bridge loan , prepared via your consultants SR&ED work provides valuable cash flow and working capital for Canadian businesses wishing to maximize the benefits of the program





SRED Financing
, we can make the case, is really the after life of your SR&ED consultants claim that's been prepared for your firm. We maintain that that financing of a SR&ED claim is really the last spike in the whole tax credit process... and its's a positive one if you're looking to recoup cash flow and working capital from your r&d developments.

The last few years have been somewhat tumultuous in the whole world of this type of tax credit. After a couple years of study some of the' rules of the road were changed' and the whole program, which delivered billions annually to Canadian business simply seemed at risk. But when the dust settled basic funding of your claim was intact.

The SRED process is a combined federal and provincial claim, and using Ontario as an example alone that province funds close to 1/4 Billion dollars in research tax credits annually .(By the way, another 400 Million dollars is funded for the film, TV and animation tax credits. These credits can also be financed. Given that sort of dollar commitment we're wondering if every business owner/CEO of mfg companies wish they were in the movie business!)

How do basic SRED issues affect the financing of your tax credit? It's safe to say, sticking to our basics, that you have to ensure you qualify, your application has to be correct, and you want expertise to maximize the amount of your claim given the somewhat changed new rules around the program.

While the program is administered by Canada Revenue it's your firm or your tax credit consultant/preparer that must prepare and submit the claim SR&ED claims are for all size of privately owned businesses in Canada (public companies don't participate in the non refundable process).

When it comes to financing your claim the role of the sred financing consultant is critical. Given the streamlined new process instituted by the government your goal is simple - clarify and maximize.

In Canada claims are financed in two manners -


1. A SR&ED bridge loan is created out of your already filed claim

2. A credit financing facility is created to fund your expenses that you intend to file and then fund via a SRED bridge loan

While some basic due diligence is always performed on your firm many firms that could otherwise not borrow elsewhere can easily get funding via their SRED Bridge loan. The fundamental reason is that the collateral for the loan is of course the SR&ED credit itself

Some other benefits of financing your tax credit claim? For a starter no payments are made during the whole time the bridge loan is in effect. Your financing costs are deducted at time of funding and realization of your approved claim. Additionally many firms that apply are early revenue, pre revenue, or no revenue as they are just starting to build their business. But the SRED credit can still easily be cash flowed.

So, should the after life of your SRED claim, i.e. the financing of it, appeal to your firm if it files and uses this popular program. It will if your firm wants to monetize your credit and continue to grow your business. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record of financing claims who can assist you with your SR&ED credit finance solution.



Stan Prokop
- founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

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

Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :



7 Park Avenue Financial = 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


Phone = 905 829 2653




Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com





































Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Benefits Of A Sale Leaseback Strategy In Canada. How A Bridge Loan Or Asset Finance Lease Back Works






Deconstructing The Sale Leaseback Solution In Canada


OVERVIEW – Information on the sale leaseback strategy . How does an asset lease back work and why does this type of lease or bridge loan benefit the business owner





A Sale leaseback strategy, if executed properly, is a classic refinancing scenario. How does the lease back work, and whether it’s a bridge loan or finance lease what are the key benefits and mechanics of this financing solution. Let's dig in.

Sale leasebacks are typically utilized when a firm such as yours is looking to generate cash flow and working capital from unencumbered assets. These assets on the balance sheet can be almost any type of tangible asset - that might include trucks / vehicles, real estate, technology, shop floor equipment etc. They still have operating value to the firm.

The legalities of the transaction are simply. As the owner of the asset your firm simply sells it back to a leasing company. That creates a lease financing (or in some cases a bridge loan) which not makes your company the lessee or borrower in the transaction.

Naturally the key benefit of the deal is your ability to generate cash from the deal, while at the same time using the asset to hopefully generate profits and operational efficiencies within your firm.

A key factor in the whole transaction is of course the value of the asset. As we've experienced over the year’s business owners tend to place a higher value on the asset or assets in question as opposed to the lender! So how then is this problem or challenge addressed?

Typically the answer is a third party appraisal. It's very rare that larger sale leasebacks are consummated without and appraisal. In years gone by lenders were skeptical of this method of refinancing simply because they viewed it as a ' cash grab ' by the customer. These days, when properly structured and valued it’s a solid mechanism of refinancing that more often than not makes a lot of sense.

A common mistake many business owners and financial managers make is to solicit an appraisal on their own. That problem complicates two main things -

Lenders like their own appraisers, not yours!

Dollars can be spent on the wrong type of appraisal (there are three types)


Obviously the best solution is when you and your lessor or lender agrees on who will be performing the appraisal, and what type is mandated. The three types of appraisals include

FAIR MARKET VALUE
ORDERLY LIQUIDIATION
FORCED VALUE LIQUIDATION

Lenders and lessors will more often than not ' go conservative ' on the asset and focus on the dollar value of the orderly and FLV asset liquidation prices. Because most (not all) lessors and lenders don't have significant asset expertise in diverse industries they want to know they can disposed of an asset quickly in a worst case scenario. That worst case is of course a business failure.

It's important to note that a lease back or bridge loan has some tax and accounting implications, so they should be reviewed with your accountant. In some cases book values of assets will come into accounting play.

There are two types of leases in Canada - capital and operating. Operating leases are less in vogue these days due to international accounting standards being re written .So most often the sale leaseback / bridge loan is constructed as a full payout capital lease with fixed interest rates and monthly payments . The bottom line is still the same - new cash on your balance sheet.

In a small number of cases equipment already under lease can be refinanced also, although this is not really a classic leaseback... it’s just a refinancing of an unencumbered asset. In some cases an alternative to the lease back is to simply pledge the asset or asset in question under another type of financing arrangement.

Our bottom line? Let this method of refinancing existing assets make sense for your firm when the planets align relative to asset value, cash needs, and accounting sense. Seek out and speak to a trusted credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your refinancing needs.







Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.

Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :



7 Park Avenue Financial = Sale Leaseback And Bridge Loan Financing Expertise




Have A Question Or 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
Phone = 905 829 2653
Fax = 905 829 2653
Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com





































Saturday, December 15, 2012

Is A Sale Leaseback Transaction , Or A Bridge Loan Your Solution To Working Capital ? Sales Leaseback Finance Works!






A Reverse Position ! Refinance Assets With Sale Leasebacks!


OVERVIEW – Information on the sale leaseback as a working capital strategy . Why sales leaseback finance or a bridge loan just might be the solution you are looking for in an innovative financing solution.




We're pretty sure (and we hope!) that Canadian business owners and financial mangers leave no stone unturned

when in comes to exploring different financing options in what can generally be viewed as a tougher credit environment in Canada. Not brutal, but tough for sure!

One of those options is the sale leaseback strategy. It's what we can call a reverse position; you are in effect using sales leaseback finance, via a lease or a bridge loan, to sell your asset back a finance firm. The benefits. They are pretty clear - no new excessive debt and new cash flow into the company, leveraging your balance sheet.

Naturally it’s all about the value of the assets - it’s simply a method to maximize, via new found cash flow, the value of existing assets on your balance sheet. What the business owner and financial manager has achieved is in effect a redeployment or shifting of the balance sheet, for the better we believe!

Depending on the quality of the asset and your firms overall credit and financial strength the pricing that you can achieve from a viewpoint of interest rate on the deal is probably a lot better than mezzanine, and certainly better than the cost of new equity .

By the way, even real estate assets are a solid asset to consider in the sales leaseback finance decision. Your essential decision should revolve around the fact that you can generate a higher return in your business than the rate you are being charged for the bridge loan or leaseback. Makes sense right, as its all about return on capital and investment?

If a value, via an appraisal or some other method can be placed on an asset it can be refinanced. So that covers real estate, heavy equipment, technology assets, construction equipment, printing presses, rolling stock assets... well we think you get the picture.

For a number of clients that we talk to their decision simply revolves around ' what is my core business ' and if it isn’t real estate it makes sense to deploy cash in your normal business operations. Recall that in Canada we have even seen some of the banks in downtown Toronto sell their prestigious bank towers... why? … for cash! And these are the guys supposedly with all the cash !

Growing your company is one key use of sale leaseback capital - other reasons might be to pay down debt, pay off government arrears, improving your covenants with the bank or other lenders, or simply taking advantage of certain assets which have either appreciated , or held their value as you have made your payments .

It is important to talk to your accountant or tax advisor on the implications of any tax scenarios that come with a sale leaseback, but we have rarely seen that hold back a good deal. Also, when a pure ' lease ' scenario does not work a bridge loan financing is often just as effective

Seek out and speak to a trusted credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on the advantages and implications of the sale leaseback or bridge loan.
P.S. It works!


7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
CANADIAN SALE LEASEBACK / BRIDGE LOAN FINANCING EXPERTISE



Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial –

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com


Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.
Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/sale-leaseback-sales-leaseback-finance-bridge-loan.html



7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8
Phone = 905 829 2653
Fax = 905 829 2653
Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com












Sunday, June 24, 2012

A SR&ED Bridge Loan . Never Thought Financing Your SRED Tax Credit Claim In Canada Possible? Here’s How .





See How Easily Your SRED ( SR&ED) Claim Can Be Financed

Information on SRED financing in Canada. A SR&ED bridge loan for your refundable tax credit claim can be monetized for immediate cash flow and working capital .


SRED. aka ' SR&ED'. The dust seems to have finally settled on the SRED Tax credit claim program in Canada. To put it mildly it was a ‘winter of discontent ‘by all parties.

That means a couple of things of course, one of which is that it's ( more or less ) back to business as usual for the thousands of Canadian firms who utilize the SR&ED refundable tax credit program ; it also means that if you haven’t previously then you can also finance that claim . If only for one reason - immediate cash flow!

Sred financing , and yes , even the SRED program itself seemed to quietly slow down last year as the federal government took a hard look at the program . That same program was a critical part of the financing of thousands of firms in Canada who strive for innovation in their products and services.

And that’s everything, by the way, from start to up major established corporations. In fact only 20% of the users of the program were larger corporations , so we can only imagine the rumblings in ' SR&ED land ' for the 80% of firms who find themselves in either start up or early revenue mode, or perhaps they have just been in business a few years and are starting to ' ramp up ' in revenues.

While confusion seemed to reign supreme in ' SRED ' the reality is that the program took a hard hit in popularity as everyone with a vested interest made a hard stand on where they stood on the program . That included the government, of course, the SR&ED consultants that actually prepare you claim (most firms don't prepare their own claims “and industry economists and pundits who questioned the payback on the governments billions of dollars spent on these non repayable tax credits.

And for the firms who in fact finance their claims for cash flow and working capital via a SRED financing bridge loan for their claim in Canada that cash looked like it might be going away.

Nothing likes a happy ending, and there seems to be a general status quo on the program, although some changes were made to areas such as the ' CAPEX ' portion of the program.

All's well that ends well, we guess, so it’s back to ensuring that if you wish to finance your claim and accelerate working capital benefits that choice is all yours .

Claims are generally financed at 70% loan to value, and a properly structured SRED financing typically takes the form of a bridge loan collateralized by your claim. No payments are made for the duration of the loan, and your firm receives the balance of your claim, less financing costs once the good folks in Ottawa and your respective province approve and fund your claim per their guidelines.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on a bridge loan for your SR&ED tax credit today.

P.S. Claims can also be financed today for your next years spend. Don't forget to look into that benefit also.





Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial –

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 7 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.
Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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



Saturday, March 31, 2012

No ‘ SRED ‘ Of Doubt ! SR And ED Tax Credits Finance Via A Bridge Loan Is Still Here !



SR&ED Finance – Alive And Well


Information on sred bridge loan finance in Canada . Despite recent changes to the program your s red ( sr & ed ) tax credits are still eligible for financing .




SR & ED Tax credits. Did you or your firm have any doubt about the SRED program in Canada? I think we can safely say thousands did, and the good news is that the SRED Program is still intact... yes some changes, but still alive and well .

And even better news? Your SR ED claim is still 100% financeable with the same criteria that have always been in place.

Let’s step back a bit. Naturally the thousands of business owners in Canada who receive a total of Billions, yes that Billions with our capital ' B ' were concerned about what many felt was the best research tax credit scheme ever, the Scientific Research and Experimental Development ( hence ' SR & ED ' ) program .

Criticism and hope abounded from every direction. The government wanted to ensure that funds spent were getting Canada an appropriate return on investment - which seems like a reasonable request for us taxpayer type folks. At the same time thousands of firms used the refundable tax credit as valuable cash flow and working capital to both survive, grow or start their business, and to be able to invest even further in next years r&d.

Many felt the program was too complicated. We're not lawyers, accountants, or government mandarins, so there’s certain issues we won’t weigh in on, and that’s one of them!

The reality is though that close to 4 Billion dollars was being doled out every year to almost 25 thousand firms in Canada, which was a huge portion of the government R&D subsidy. And it was all about return on investment as we said;

Who in fact is benefiting?
How are they benefiting? Etc!

A major report that was widely anticipated concluded that a reduction of the program was appropriate and needed, and that the better choice was for strategic financing initiatives that would bring a better ROI.

Anyway, its over, if in fact the federal budget that was table will be ratified by the government. So yes, there will be changes in how your expenses are computed, and in some cases they will be reduced. Capital expenditures, which were often a large part of the calculation seems to have been eliminated... again futher reducing your total refund.

Certainly the onus is on the industry's private SRED Consultants to prepare higher quality claims and in some cases address their fee structures from a viewpoint of optics.

Anyway, that’s the news from the top! But down here at the bottom, where we toil in the real world sred (sr & Ed) tax credits are still financeable via a bridge loan for the finance of the credit.

The criteria are still the same. Your SR ED claim is generally financed at 70% loan to value... the transaction is structured as a bridge loan with no monthly amortized payments. You receive the balance of your claim, i.e. the other 30% when the claim is audited/approved, less financing costs.

Basic back up info is still required, i.e. a copy of your claim, confirmation of your firms arrears or non arrears to CRA, and your financials. It's as easy as that.

Did you have that ‘ SRED OF DOUBT ‘ ? ! The dust has settled, and if you want to finance your claims via the SR & ED bridge loan speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian busines financing advisor today.







Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial –


http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com


Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 7 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.
Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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