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 business banking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business banking. Show all posts

Friday, February 10, 2017

Turbo Charge Your Banking Via A Business Line Of Credit ABL Revolver!














Information on the ABL revolver as a totally new solution for a business line of credit. Business banking that makes sense!




Small, medium or large? We're not talking about a coffee cup size... we're referring to the fact that no matter what your size of business your access to a business line of credit is the lifeblood of your company. That's why an ABL revolver (ABL = asset based line of credit) is potentially the solution to turbo charge your working capital and cash flow. Let's examine how.

Clients seem to always wrestle with the fact that they don't really understand the differences between this type of business financing and banking as opposed to a 'regular' operating facility with the bank. The differences could not be more dramatic. While a bank facility (by the way, we are all for them also, when they work! ) focuses significantly on your balance sheet ratios and over all profitability, etc the ABL revolver solution hones in on one issue only - your assets and their overall quality and size. It is on that quality and size that the ABL business line of credit is structured.

Borrowing power is what business lines of credit are of course about. When you utilize the ABL approach you in effect leverage all the power of the assets, which certainly isn't like what we like to call ' traditional bank borrowing '.

So, why would a business such as yours want to unlock that borrowing power? The reality is there are some very recurring needs for firms which choose this type of business financing. First of all they either can't get or can't get enough working capital borrowing power against their inventory, receivables and equipment. Secondly, all sorts of other problems, challenges, and yes opportunities can e overcome with an asset based line of credit.

Many examples exist of firms who have doubled and in some cases tripled their business financing access via this type of finance. The answer is simple - it's based on asset size, not ratios and covenants and external collateral.

Those include firms which have large seasonality issues, companies who which to merge with or acquire a competitor on an asset financing basis, and, most commonly, firms that view themselves in turnaround or restructuring mode when it comes to where they are at in their life cycle - i.e. coming out of a challenging economic time or negative business event (operating losses, etc).

Did we just say ' operating losses '? Yes, the reality is that even firms who are experience operating losses and could otherwise not achieve maximum operating cash flow are excellent candidates for ABL financing. We should mention that the type of facility you get, the pricing on that facility, and how the facility works vary within ABL revolver financing depending on your overall transaction size and asset coverage.

We must never forget also that these type of facilities never bring debt to your balance sheet, you view them similarly as an operating line, in that you are just monetizing your assets for working capital and cash flow - the only difference is you've got tremendous flexibility around borrowing power - because you are borrowing against a base of receivables, inventory, unencumbered equipment, and in some cases real estate also.

In summary ABL revolver financing gives you a full service business financing, its cost effective, addresses almost every financing problem you have had related to cash flow, and is available in facilities from 250k to many millions of dollars.

It somewhat of a secret to many that some of Canada's largest corporations choose this type of financing over a traditional bank facility. Speak to a trusted, credible, and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on why ' ABL ' give you that ' turbo charge' boost in cash flow we've talked about.


Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 13 years - Completed in excess of 100 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 & Contact Details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com


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 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.











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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6059576

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Business Banking Cash Flow Alternatives : Almost As Exciting As The Top Hat Riot


















Here’s One For The Love Of Money ( Cash Flow ) Solution In Canada












OVERVIEW – Information on business banking cash flow alternatives offered by asset based non bank lending solutions . These solutions, albeit at a higher cost, offer unlimited cash flow based on sales revenue




Business banking cash flow alternatives might not be considered ' exciting
by some - to others though they are critical. We're the first to admit financing your company might not have the excitement John Hetherington had on Jan 15th, 1797 (He invented the top hat, wore it on the street - women fainted, dogs yelped, he was charged with ‘breaching the peace'!

Nevertheless if you buy into ' cash flow' being king in business it’s prudent to discuss some business banking alternatives. Let's dig in.

Accounts receivable is a key component of any business that sells on credit. When a true bank business line of credit is not achievable for a business (there are MANY reasons!) A/R finance, a subset of asset based lending, is a solid alternative. The simple way to explain it is getting an immediate advance on your sales and paying a ' commission' for that financing benefit.

On a $10,000.00 invoice as an example a business owner/manager could expect to pay $ 200.00 payment terms to your client are 30 days and they are met.

Canadian banks view your A/R as an ongoing asset on the balance sheet. Based on your end of previous month A/R you typically can create an ongoing borrowing facility of 75% of the value of your (less than 90 day old) receivables.

A/R Financing on the other hand typically advances 90% of your receivables, and advances are made the same day you generate sales invoices. While the bank collateralizes itself by holding on an ongoing ' GENERAL SECURITY AGREEMENT ' on your business the paperwork structuring A/R finance ( also called ' factoring' and ' invoice discounting' ) reflects you selling on an ongoing basis your receivables and paying the aforementioned ' commission' we have mentioned.

So where do things go wrong when clients wade into non bank A/R financing without experience or assistance? It's when they don’t understand both the components of the transaction, as well as daily routing involved.

Those components? They include understanding how much is advanced, how that 10% reserve works (you received immediate cash for 90% of A/R- The balance is called a ' reserve) and the financing fee or ' commission' we've referenced.

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 cash flow finance choices that make most sense for your firm.

The key benefits of this business banking cash flow alternative are constant access to unlimited cash based on your sales, no debt on the balance sheet, and the ability to significantly reduce financing costs by generating more sales at more profits and utilizing cash to take vendor discounts and achieve better vendor pricing utilizing new found cash flow.

P.S. Don't forget to explore CONFIDENTIAL RECEIVABLE FINANCING which allows you to bill and collect all your A/R in your own firms name- no third party involved.



Stan Prokop
- 7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com


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


7 Park Avenue Financial = Canadian Expertise For Business Banking Cash Flow Alternatives In Canada



' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '



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




































































Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Corporate Line Of Credit Needs? Be Your Own Swat Team When It Comes To Capturing A Solid Business Banking Facility .





Want To Be A Business Insider When It Comes To Corporate Credit Lines?



OVERVIEW – Information on business banking alternatives in Canada. A corporate line of credit can be achieved in a number of manners.. Here's how!



Corporate line of credit needs? When it comes to business banking no tool is more valuable than a revolving credit line. It's an on going source of cash flow and working capital when it comes to business survival.

Most Canadian business owners and financial managers we meet find that solution though, difficult to achieve. So how can you be your own Swat Team in effect?
We're told that type of team uses 'specialized tactics in high risk operations 'for success, and that's definitely what we're talking about here! Let's dig in.








Many business owners confuse the term ' line of credit ‘relative to what we’re talking about today. They can be forgiven for that because in various circles it’s called a demand loan, overdraft protection, revolver, etc. We suppose that ' revolver' term ties in nicely with our Swat Team analogy!

Canadian business needs lines of credit if only because it's an ongoing source of funding that is utilized when needed. The key concept here is that you are only paying interest on what you use ... it's not a term loan with a fixed rate and monthly fixed installments.

The concept of security and collateral around the corporate line of credit is important to understand. In the SME sector in Canada that first source of collateral is the current asses that the line of credit finances. These are primarily accounts receivable and inventory. Typically though personal guarantees of owners are required for any significant amount, and one the providers of business credit facilities, Canada's chartered banks also register collateral financing statements against your firm to protect their lending to your business.

So why does business banking become so difficult to access when the business owner/financial manager is sourcing working capital? Top experts in fact tell us that almost 2/3 of business can't obtain any or all the financing it needs to grow and survive. Larger corporations and private companies seem to have their own SWAT TEAMS, and generally find it much easier to achieve credit facilities.

As far as banks are concerned we surmise that it's fairly costly and expensive to both approve and monitor these credit lines. Also, higher incidence of business failure in the SME sector makes it more risky to lend in this area - although that's certainly not what the bank TV commercial says.












In defense of our great Canadian banks remember also that many industries have nuances and challenges that not every business banker can be expected to fully know and understand. They deal with hundreds of clients.

One alternative to traditional bank lines is the non bank ASSET BASED LINE OF CREDIT. This facility operates in the same manner as bank facilities, and an even bigger plus is the fact that it monetizes more assets of your business more generously. Typical advance rates are 90% on A/R (Versus bank 75%), anywhere from 30-70% on inventory (depends on quality and salability of your product), and also includes borrowing power against your fixed assets/equipt.

The asset based lender typically has focused experienced and the overall monitoring of your account is more strenuous than the bank environment. Simply speaking you'' be required to provide more monthly reporting in the form of aged receivables, payables, inventory lists, etc. We've always thought though that if you can’t provide that info regularly your business is probably at risk, so it’s hardly an onerous requirement.

The Canadian owner , armed ( there's that SWAT reference again!) with some basic knowledge of alternatives and the workings of the corporate line of credit can in fact access the cash flow they need. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your business banking 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 = Business Banking And Corporate Credit line 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
























Monday, September 3, 2012

Business Banking In Canada









Banking and business borrowing in Canada is significantly different than in the United States. That is primarily driven by the fact that our banking system is uniquely different. In the U.S., borrowing finance is driven through various entities - which include major ' money center banks ', Commercial banks, community banks, and what are know as S&L's, ( savings and loans ). In addition the American landscape is populated by community banks.

The Canadian banking system is different, in that the country has chosen to adopt a more smaller ( by competitor ) banking system that is extremely concentrated and dominated by a handful of major players. Primarily these are:



* RBC ROYAL BANK,
* TD CANADA TRUST,
* CIBC
* BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA,
* BMO BANK OF MONTREAL,
* LAURENTIAN
* NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA





All of these banks support the Canadian Small Business Financing program sponsored by the federal government.

There is a decent sized credit union movement in Canada, and many of these credit unions are making forays into Commercial banking and financing. Many people tend to feel these credit unions have not yet accumulated either the talent or the capital pool to properly play in business banking and commercial lending.

We would point out that some time ago now the government introduced legislation to allow foreign banks to lend in Canada. These banks are known technically as ' SCHEDULE B ' banks, and are referred to a briefcase bankers in that they do not have the large branch networks that are the domain of our BIG 7 banks as listed above.

Capital for Canadian firms is traditionally much harder to secure in the Canadian banking system. Outside of the aforementioned CSBFL program that is federally underwritten the banks tend to secure small business loans with usually up to 100% of personal collateral. That of course has the customers pledging personal assets, savings, etc. There certainly are no ' templates ' for fast quick borrowing in the Canadian small business banking. Loan criteria is judiciously adjudicated by underwriters on a case by case basis, and as has been noted, relies heavily on the traditional three C's of credit -

- character
- capacity
- capital


And oh yes, let's add a 4th, and the banks favourite - Cash Flow!

As the Canadian banks have emerged from the current world economic crisis they do however seem to be placing more focus on smaller firms. For example new divisions for small business banking are being created within some players, seminars and trade shows are being offered, and they often sponsor local events.

Larger firms who in many cases do not meet the requirements of the Canadian banks when it comes to significant borrowing requirements are often forced to consider asset based lending arrangements with Canadian and U.S. commercial finance companies who have stepped in to play a role in this vital area.Even though the larger firms may in fact have been in business a number of years their balance sheets and income statements do not meet the borrowing requirements of the Canadian loan committees. During the 2009 world economic crisis and financial meltdown the Canadian banks were consistently lauded for being some of the best run in the world. However, the downside of this is that ' best run ' in many cases means risk averse and commercial borrowing in Canada is significantly more difficult than in other countries such as the U.S.

The Canadian banks have distinguished themselves by developing software and technologies that have put them at the forefront of commercial borrowing/lending.

In summary, the Canadian banking system is uniquely structured and Canadian business, both larger and small,should focus on the unique strengths of the system borrowing and banking needs. Not all companies will be successful and business owners should ensure their financial executives or advisors know who can best meet their borrowing 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 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.


Monday, December 26, 2011

Canadian Commercial Business Bank Financing - What’s Right ( And Wrong ) With Your Banking Strategy






Business Lines Of Credit In Canada



Information on Canadian bank financing . Commercial business banking strategies vary with your needs and current situation and required needs for growth or survival.




Canadian business owners and financial managers assess their commercial business banking and financing needs at different times in their company's life.

As in many other facets of business it's a little difficult to develop a solution and fix a problem if you don't understand the fundamental problem.

The need to grow your business and be profitable usually drives a bank financing need. A growing business consumes, and needs more cash, if only for the fact that you’re building up receivables and inventories.

In Canada business operating lines of credit are offered by our chartered banks. These facilities finance your A/R and inventory via specific margin calculations.

Most Canadian firms that have this type of credit facility submit monthly financials and aged receivables, which in turn create a new borrowing base under which you can draw funds. Companies that are having challenges ( i.e. they are in special loans ) or who are in breach of covenants may in fact be required to submit almost daily cash flow and receivable reports .

Although the basic arithmetic around bank financing and commercial banking is simple in reality there are a lot of other factors that might end up affecting your bank facility.

What are some of these? In the continuum of time certain industries fall in and out of favor. No better example of this is offered up than the auto industry. Other factors that you as a business owner might not like that affect your bank financing are issues such as your profits ( or lack thereof!) , they quality of business and outside collateral, and your banks insistence on personal guarantees.

Bank financing works best under the following condition - your company is expanding, but at a reasonable rate. One of the greatest ironies of Canadian business financing is that a hyper growth business, even if its generating profits, is often viewed as financing challenged by a Chartered bank.

Business banking utilizes a very basic concept that is often misunderstood by the Canadian business owner. That's simply the fact that with a commercial bank line of credit you're drawing on assets of your growing business to pay older items. But wow, when your business ceases to grow, or profit your ability to draw cash flow out of your A/R and inventory business line of credit stops. But you still have operating and fixed term payment obligations and it now becomes difficult to pay suppliers.

Companies that have a solid handle on cash flow needs and their historical working capital inflows and outflows are in the best position to manage their firms and access bank financing.

Time and time again we meet with clients that tell a very similar story - business grew, expansion plans were put in place, fixed and operating costs grew, and .. you guessed it .. sales started flattening or going down. The result - a recipe for financial disaster!

The ability to manage your cash flow, or, alternatively, slow down your business is key. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor for commercial bank financing that makes sense from where your firm is now.






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/bank_financing_commercial_business_banking.html

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Canadian Business Banking Needs? The Edge On Bank Lines Of Credit ! Who’s Best In Canada ?





Commercial bank lines or credit and term loans in Canada


Information on Canadian bank lines of credit . How do you pick the best business banking facility in Canada . What Canadian business owners and financial mangers should consider in Bank financing .




Does it all have to be that mysterious and frustrating? We're talking about achieving success in completing bank lines of credit for your business banking needs in Canada. And with the proper info and mindset, and some tips to follow we think you will have an excellent chance of securing the business financing you need.

We'll also reveal who is the best banker in Canada, so stay tuned.

Canadian chartered banks are all about debt type financing... we're talking about term loans, equipment leasing, and revolving loans that are secured by current assets such as receivables and inventory .

We think where some business owners and financial managers in Canada miss the boat is the issue of knowing where the bank is coming from when it comes to ' secured lending '. For a starter, banks don’t really do ' unsecured' lending so that might be considered as our first tip. And by the way. approaching your bank for equity type arrangements wont work either, so eliminate that strategy from your ' to do ' list!

So, where is the bank coming from? It’s coming from cash flow, with your collateral being the assets that back up that ability to repay. Banks have sophisticated formulas in place that you and I might never really see when it comes to commercial business credit financing, but we can safely assure you that positive cash flow 1.25 times the debt you have to service is pretty well the rule of thumb with Canadian chartered banks.

Canadian banks are often criticized for not taking enough risk. Don’t get us started on that one, but recognize first that banks are regulated by various agencies, and loan and risk quality is constantly being evaluated. If you are looking for a banking type facility that comes with a much higher risk appetite, move into the non regulated area of financial services in Canada... that includes asset based lenders, non bank commercial financing firms, independent leasing companies, receivable financing firms, etc . It’s these firms that take up the ' risk slack ' when it comes to transactions the bank wont do - but of course the financing costs are higher. Surprised? You shouldn’t be.

A really simply way of looking at bank lines of credit is simply that the bank will look more favorable on your firm if it throws off cash, as opposed to consuming it! Naturally our clients then ask ' if I was throwing off cash then I wouldn’t need to be borrowing!”

Think of Canadian business banking as relatively low risk lending - if your firm has a higher risk profile then you should consider asset based lenders, and specialty lenders of all types - receivables, Purchase Order financiers, etc, . They will understand your needs a lot better than the bank.

One of most key points we share with clients around business banking in Canada is that they should pay more attention to the terms, covenants, and rations in their actual credit agreements. It seems to us, silly in fact, to be rate focused when all the Canadian chartered banks are within basis points of each other in their offering to business clients. Focus on meaningful covenants that allow you to work and grow on a daily basis.

You never want to be behaving in a manner as to jeopardize your business because of covenant issues. And another key area you should engage in frank discussion in is the whole issue of personal and spousal guarantees. In our experience there is some flexibility in this area when your case is properly presented. Consider a limited guarantee strategy also.

And finally, whets the best commercial bank in Canada? We actually do have a favorite, but it doesn’t seem right to say. But we can share with you that the best banker and bank in Canada is one who is professional, credible, has respect within their institution, and who is prepared to carry your business case forward in both good and challenging times . Your relationship with that type of banker is worth... well... a lot.

Want some tips, strategies and assistance in securing business bank lines of credit tin Canada that achieve your operating and growth goals ? Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in business banking 101.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR : STAN PROKOP
7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL

CANADIAN BUSINESS FINANCING!

We Finance the little guy! P.S. We finance the big guys too!



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