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BUSINESS FUNDING IN CANADA & BUSINESS FINANCING SOURCES

Business financing solutions in Canada clearly demonstrate that the types of loan and cash flow financing you need are clearly not equal in value and accessibility to business owners and financial managers. There are numerous types of business financing. Here's why, so let's dig in!

Any company borrowing for funds for business money will usually encounter some difficulty in taking on debt, and when there is an economic downturn, pandemics included! Whether it's financing startups or mature companies, those challenges to source business capital can be even more overwhelming.

In challenging times the ability to source debt capital is very challenging and time-consuming and the ability to work with an external business financing advisor is often recommended unless of course you and your own team are exceptionally qualified and have the management time to source capital.



Capital Funding will usually mean a combination of financing for day to day operations as well as long term finance needs. That final capital structure will be a combination of debt and equity, with lenders expecting a return on their capital and owners hoping to achieve a proper return on investment - ' ROI '.


Funding a business and acquiring assets for your business, whether that be equipment, buildings, rolling stock, and investments in technology - ie computers, software, etc typically should be acquired through proper debt instruments such as loans, leases, mortgages, etc. Matching the useful economic life of these assets to the proper finance solution is the goal! The amount of debt you take on to acquire these assets will force a dilution effect on the owners equity in the business - again pointing out the need for the right amount ... and type... of debt.


Banks and commercial funding companies in Canada are the two foremost sources of business capital and typically provide the basic financing needs you require to run... and grow the business. Financing costs are of course an expense and lower the overall pre-tax profit of your business - no secret there.

Business owners and financial managers should always be testing the cost of their debt in order to allow the company to move forward with the right goals around its costs of borrowing and return to shareholders/owners.

Many industries are very 'capital intensive ' and require a much larger amount of capital as compared to service industries, so depending on your industry, as well as what ' stage of growth ' your company is in will be the key drivers around types of short term and long term finance.

The ability to diversify your finance solutions is often recommended by experts; that might be at the start-up stage or in times of high growth. When business challenges occur that diversification allows you to consider ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF FINANCING. In recent years many new finance solutions in alternative financing compete aggressively with traditional financing via Canadian chartered banks. It is safe to say that any type of financing, either traditional or alternative has different benefits and disadvantages that must be weighted by owners.

What Are The Best Financing Options For A Business

Many different types of business finance solutions exist - the challenge revolves around your ability to ensure you're pursuing the right type of loan or cash flow financing solution.

At 7 Park Avenue Financial many firms we work with are in the ' startup funding ' stage; new business funding for owners who have committed some of their personal capital and are looking for additional financing to start/bootstrap the business. Entrepreneurs consider every source of capital, even tapping that ' friends and family ' and ' Angel ' investors. Some consider the venture capital route which is very time consuming and expensive and typically not appropriate for the majority of startups. Those ' VC ' type deals seem most common in the technology/software area/biotech area. Often a large amount of equity must be given up by founders to receive substantial financing.

Occasionally government grants and government VC capital might be available. Companies going the VC route will have considerable pressure to quickly get to a hyper-growth stage allowing investors to recoup their investment via some sort of exit strategy.

One other source of business capital for more traditional businesses, including franchises, is the Government of Canada Small Business Loan program, providing up to $ 1,000,000 of debt for three specific categories of assets: Equipment, Leaseholds, and Real Estate.

Many business owners/entrepreneurs aren't familiar with the Canadian govt small business loan program. We can call it the ' bread and butter ' in terms of the phrase ' government loans'. Clarification is required here because it's not the gov't that actually funds the loans, it's Canadian banks with the loan guarantee in place from the federal gov't.


For Canadian business owners, timing is pretty well ... everything! That’s why with careful preparation of your submission a loan can be approved in a matter of days



Getting back to our theme of ' timing is everything ' an even more accessible solution for owners/mgrs is the working capital term loan. Often provided on an ' unsecured ' basis these loans are based primarily on the cash flow within your business bank account. There is a lot less paperwork required and funding can occur within days.



Many businesses, particularly in the SME sector (small to medium enterprise) require purchase order funding solutions when they receive orders and contracts far in excess of their normal financing capabilities. P O Financing allows companies to access new markets and larger customers, enhancing revenue growth.

Most times even international orders of almost any magnitude can be financed if your firm has a qualified buyer and a legitimate supplier. Because of that most firms also require a business credit line, in some cases called an ' ABL ' line. These revolving facilities are provided by traditional financiers such as banks, and, somewhat unknown to most, commercial finance companies often referred to as 'asset-based lenders '.



What information is required in order to assess your firm’s qualifications under most types of financing? It's not as complex as it might seem. Traditional applications often include just financial statements, but can also be augmented by a business plan or cash flow forecast. Canadian banks are typically the first ' go to ' for many business owners, and a lot of time can be spent on finding a bank, and banker, that can meet your specific needs.

Borrowers find out very quickly that banks are looking for well-performing firms that have sales, assets, clean balance sheets, and profits. Those attributes, combined with a solid BUSINESS PLAN and cash flow projection will typically lead to financing success with a bank. Canada's crown corporation non-bricks and mortar bank for entrepreneurs will also provide solid financing solutions.

In certain cases your firm might be a solid candidate for cash flow loans, often called 'mezzanine finance; with the loan secured solely by those predictable cash flows you must be able to demonstrate. These loans are often viewed as the interim bridge between debt and equity.

Both working capital term loans, as well as short term cash flow loans, are very popular in current times. Any company showing good growth is a candidate for a cash flow loan either traditional in nature, or of the type offered by a multitude of short term working capital lenders. The latter type of loan is typically a one year loan and is based on a simple formula of 15-20% of your annual sales. With these loans rates are higher as lenders are looking for higher rates of return given the loans are not collateralized.



In all cases you should be prepared to demonstrate the type of collateral that requires financing (which might include just your sales), mgmt experience, and a solid understanding of how business loans or cash flow facilities will be repaid or revolve.

We have demonstrated there are numerous sources of funding for businesses. Careful time and consideration must be given to the type of financing your business needs - different costs and risks are associated with every type of financing.


So yes, it’s true, not all business financing solutions are equal when it comes to benefits or qualifications. Seek out speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor to determine your exact needs and potential solutions.


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

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !



7 Park Avenue Financial provides value-added financing consultation for small and medium-sized businesses in the areas of cash flow, working capital, and debt financing.



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. He is an experienced

business financing consultant

.

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 financing 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.


Click here for the business finance track record of 7 Park Avenue Financial







Stan Prokop
7 Park Avenue Financial/Copyright/2020

Business Financing Capital Funding Solutions In Canada

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The best business loans and Canadian business financing options for business owners and financial managers aren't always the obvious ones when it comes to achieving capital needs for your company. If there is any good news in today's highly competitive business environment it is that funding options and a loan alternative are available for everything from startups, growing businesses, as well as financially challenged firms.

Why Is The Use Of Alternative Finance Growing In Canada

Three reasons by alternative lending is booming in Canada :

1.Credit Restrictions from Canadian Chartered Banks

2.Demand for Funding That Is More quickly Accessible and attuned to industry needs

3.Increased Knowledge Around Benefits of Alternative Finance - Studies show that Canadian business borrowing in the past was somewhat skeptical about dealing with non ' bricks and mortar ' financial institutions, but that is changing quickly.

In fact industry statistics from organizations such as the IVEY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS/UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO advise that 867 Million dollars of alternative capital were borrowed via non bank lenders for figures available just a few years ago.


Constant changes in the economy, ( pandemics included !) make it difficult for companies to access the business capital they need. Mainstream financing via Canadian banks etc is not always available when you need it, and alternative methods of financing and the ability to get a commercial loan in canada have almost become an imperative for business owners and their financial managers to inspect.


It is no secret that many industries have unique financing requirements, and even within industries, no company might have the same needs - hence our focus on ... options!

So what in fact drives the need for financing? It typically comes down to the longer-term goals of your company, the size of your business, and the overall 'risk rating' that both traditional and alternative lenders use to provide their capital to your company.

KEY POINT - When it comes to SME COMMERCIAL FINANCE options at 7 Park Avenue Financial e strongly recommend that business owners separate their business and personal credit. Although traditional banking does, in fact, focus on the reflection of your personal credit history as a measure of how you will handle business affairs it is still appropriate to have commercial lenders draw on credit info from business credit bureaus such as Dun and Bradstreet - building business credit and being able to demonstrate proper financials and a business plan and cash flow projections goes a long way to business financing success.


Business owners typically gravitate to term loans - it's a common form of loan that at its basics requires you to make monthly payments over a pre-determined period - typically 2-5 years. These days many clients we speak to are looking for short term working capital loans, typically covering temporary shortfalls or unique situations. These loans are very popular, readily available, and even more good news, quick to close, often in a matter of a week or two.

Those short term working capital loans and financing loans compete directly these days with traditional banks, who of course have better rates but harder approval criteria. Often no hard collateral is required, just the 'promise' of the business and business owner to pay. Typically these loans are for 10-20 percent of your annual sales volume, as a guideline to keep in mind.

Government guaranteed start-up loans are also popular. The government is committed to billions of dollars in these loans every year in Canada. Repayment is long, and covers 3 assets you can finance - equipment, leaseholds, and even real estate! The downside - those great rates and terms and flexibility come with an application process that can be cumbersome if you don't have the expertise of an experienced Canadian business financing advisor.

Businesses run day to day on credit lines, typically secured by receivables and inventory. Asset based lenders provide non-bank lines that offer generous borrowing margins.

Other Alternative business financing and immediate sources of business funding include:

Short Term Working Capital Loan ( Also called 'MCA's or Merchant Advances )

These loans are usually very quickly available with the main criteria for approval focusing on your years in business and loan amounts geared to your annual sales, typically in the 15-20% range. The personal credit history of the owner/owners is also a data point considered for funding. Loan repayments are typically spread out over a year and are often customized to your cash flow receipts from cash and business receivables. Interest rates are higher but flexibility and quick access to capital is the key benefit . Those are often the key benefits to any alternative lending solution .

Receivable Financing

A/R financing is a mainstay of alternative business financing. Financing is based on a high percentage of your receivables, typically 90% which is significantly higher than Canadian bank receivable margining policies. Rather than an ' interest rate ' per se commercial receivable finance funders charge a fee, typically in the 1.5- 2% range.

Firms with good gross margins who can easily absorb a 1-2% reduction in their profit margins can find themselves virtually becoming an automatic cash machine as they generate cash at the same time they create and grow sales revenues. It is generally improper to compare this type of financing to a bank business loan as the interest rates and fees are not a ' apples to apples ' comparison.

Receivable financing facilities can be stand-alone, or combined with other financing, such as an asset based line of credit that allows you to borrow under one facility based solely on your assets and sales. At 7 Park Avenue Financial we recommend that is a sole stand alone facility is used a CONFIDENTIAL RECEIVABLE FINANCING solution be implemented, allowing you to bill and collect your own receivables while reaping all the benefits of a/r financing/factoring.This financing is not a working capital loan that brings debt to the balance sheets, it's simply a monetization of your current assets.

Note that you can even finance a business purchase with an asset based loan.



Purchase Order funding / ABL Asset Based Lines Of Credit - These credit line and sales financing solutions are focused on business sales revenues and current and fixed assets. Much less reliance is placed on balance sheet ratios, covenants, outside collateral, personal guarantees, etc, often demanded by more traditional lending institutions.




Equipment Leasing / Equipment Loans / Sale leasebacks


Equipment loans and lease financing solutions are utilized by the majority of North American businesses to acquire both new and used assets. Business owners are sometimes surprised that used assets can also be financed, as long as they are acquired from another business or distributor, not via a ' private sale '. Business borrowing via Sale leasebacks can generate working capital for assets your firm owns outright, including real estate.

Equipment lease approvals are based on your ability to meet the monthly payment with respect to your cash flow, as well as being able to demonstrate the asset financed is a benefit to your business. The asset/equipment is of course the main collateral for the le assets. It is often recommended that you discuss with your accountant the lease vs. buy and the lease vs. loan business financing decision.


Government Of Canada Small Business Loan Program - Small Business Loans Canada

Although a mainstay of traditional banking many business borrowers are not familiar with the program and have a challenge in locating a banker who will work with them on this government-guaranteed loan. The formal name for the program is the Canada Small Business Financing Program
and allows small businesses, including startups to get 'traditional bank loans ' based on a guarantee the federal government, via INDUSTRY CANADA, provides to the banks.

Loans are up to $1,000,000.00 which is hardly ' small ' and over the last decade over 60,000 loans have been made under the program. Any new or established businesses under 10 Million in revenue can apply. AT 7 Park Avenue Financial we work with clients to ensure a speedy approval without missteps typically associated with bank borrowing - so we work with clients on a business plan, cash flow, company history, management overview, etc.

That business plan and other info help assure a speedy response and approval. Business owners borrowing under the program must have a decent credit score in the 650 range per Canadian credit bureaus such as Equifax.

It is very important to note that these ' SBL ' loans ' can only be used for equipment and leasehold interests and real estate. Unlike the U.S. counterpart in the U.S. it is only focused on those 3 asset categories and can't be used for cash flow, working capital, r&d, inventory, etc. Loans to buy a business in Canada are often utilized under the Govt SBL program.

Many franchise financing needs work very well in this program. As well rates are comparable with Canadian bank interest rates and terms vary from 2-5 years. A business start up loan is often the best way to utilize the program.


Statistics show that more and more Canadian business owners are understanding the various business finance options available to them. As opposed to taking to numerous commercial lenders it makes more sense to talk to a proper business advisor around types of financing, costs, and conditions. Canadian business has been somewhat slow to adopt alternative financing compared to ur U.S. counterparts but for those willing to investigate options there are numerous opportunities to finance your growth and operating needs.



Similar to bank loans for businesses and other mainstream financing alternative funding sources all have their benefits and potential drawbacks if not accessed properly, and for the right reasons - so investigate the options that best suit your firm's immediate needs. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible, and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record of success.





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

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !



7 Park Avenue Financial provides value-added financing consultation for small and medium-sized businesses in the areas of cash flow, working capital, and debt financing.



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. He is an experienced

business financing consultant

.

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 financing 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.

Click here for the business finance track record of 7 Park Avenue Financial



Stan Prokop
7 Park Avenue Financial/Copyright/2020
































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

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !



7 Park Avenue Financial provides value-added financing consultation for small and medium-sized businesses in the areas of cash flow, working capital, and debt financing.



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. He is an experienced

business financing consultant

.

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 financing 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.

Click here for the business finance track record of 7 Park Avenue Financial



Stan Prokop
7 Park Avenue Financial/Copyright/2020

Access Business Loans Via These Alternative Business Financing Solutions

Business Finance In Canada & Financing Alternatives

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Alternative Lending : Use As Directed

 

 

What Is The Best  Business Financing Option For Your Business?
Business financing alternatives in Canada - For many business owners and financial managers it , must seem like they spend a tremendous... aka ' too much' time searching for the credit and banking alternatives and the sources of cash they need to run and grow business. Raising business is even more challenging when the search is for financing for startups!

What then are some of those decision points when your business is looking for business funding of any type? Business sources such as Canada's premier business dailies such as the Globe & Mail and Financial Post constantly reveal the challenges of the SME commercial finance sector in financing a business. Let's dig in!

Easy to say, but fundamentally it's all about finding the right types of funding in the amount that you need that carries an acceptable level of risk and cost relative to means of financing utilized. As we said, easier talked about than done.

More often than not it's about taking on the wrong kind, or too much debt and therefore risking business failure. Working with the right type of banks or finance companies is also important; it's all about knowing the lay of the land!

Business Financing Alternatives

There are several ways in which business finances itself.  Business owners should know that interest rates vary based on what type of traditional or alternative lenders are utilized. Sources of cash for your company include :

Vendor / Supplier credit - That is financing a business without a loan!

Lease Finance / Equipment Financing

Bank Financing

Government of Canada Small Business Loan and Grants for startups - ( Working with government programs and crown corporations often can seem frustrating for business people. It is strongly recommended that you use a business finance expert who has a proven track record in business finance

Asset monetization

New equity

Online Lenders

Many business owners often underestimate the power of supplier finance. The terms and credit needs you're able to negotiate contribute significantly to business cash flow. Supplier credit stems from the outflows of cash. The bad news here is that everybody's in the same boat at the end of the day, as everyone, including your clients attempt to stretch payment terms.

Instead of paying with cash for equipment and technology assets businesses can choose to lease those assets on a lease or rental basis.  Terms of anywhere from 2-7 years, sometimes longer, are available to leases assets such as rolling stock, computers, heavy equipment, production machinery, etc. Bottom line... any asset can be financed.

Canadian commercial banks offer significant financing choices when your firm seeks business credit.  The most desirable bank facility is typically the ' revolver' allowing you to draw daily against the cash you need up to a set limit.  The danger of breaking a bank arrangement often leads many businesses into a death spiral.

While in many cases it's desirable to get new equity into your company the challenge here is that it dilutes ownership at the expense of current owners.
Many owners and finance managers who focus on getting new equity don't fully realize that numerous ' Asset Monetization ' strategies exist as an alternative to equity in many cases.

They include-

Receivable financing
Inventory Financing
Tax Credit Financing
Royalty financing
SR&ED Tax credit monetization
Non bank asset based lines of credit
Sale leaseback
Canada Small Business Loan and BDC Funds
Bridge loans

4 or 5 key issues typically should come up in your overall financing decision. They include:

1. Flexibility of the financial offering
2. Risk
3. Cash flow and profit concerns
4. Control exerted by the lender based on the finance offer  - that refers to issues such as loan covenants, financial ratios that must be maintained, and those ever-dreaded ' personal guarantees'.
5.Timing

At certain times in any company’s history it can't always get the financing it needs. Issues such as your overall leverage and your capital structure need to be addressed carefully. Growth, while always desired by almost all firms requires a proper assessment of your financing needs.


Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with business credit and banking decisions that make sense today and tomorrow.

 

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

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !



7 Park Avenue Financial provides value-added financing consultation for small and medium-sized businesses in the areas of cash flow, working capital, and debt financing.



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 Financing Canada : Step Inside The World Of Business Financing Options

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Information On How To Get A Business Loan in Canada

Business financing opportunities and solutions don't always provide owners & financial mgrs with the capital they are looking for. We're stepping inside the world of company loans and business financing options with the focus on ... getting what you need and want! Let’s dig in.

The most sought after funding solutions for business funding are often traditional Canadian chartered bank solutions. Many 'SME's' ( small and medium enterprise ' firms often require some form of term debt, aka ' loans' to help set up early needs in investment requirements.

But wait! There's a challenge, which should come as no surprise to most entrepreneurs, which is that Canadian banking cannot always fill the bill when it comes to those immediate needs. Help is required! The reason? Bank financing is often best suited for firms that are later in their growth cycle. Companies that have dynamic needs and who are fast growing present more of a risk to the banking sector.


That's, therefore, the ' gap ' we often are talking about with our clients - the ability to find loans and cash flow solutions from a business lender that can fill your growth needs during times where cash flow and profits might be a bit more erratic. In some cases, it's simply the need to seize the ability to take on a large contract or fulfill and order. That's even more pronounced when it comes to firms that are pure start ups, or service and tech type firms that might have services to offer instead of products.


The irony that's not lost on most business folks is that it's the SME sector that in fact drives the economy when it comes to employment and economic growth, so how to finance a business with the right information and resources  becomes an even more critical factor in the Canadian economic landscape

Business Financing Options - Financing A Business In Canada

So, we've discussed the problem. How about the solution? Many forms of innovative funding can be found in numerous alternative financing solutions available to Canadian businesses. These include:


A/R Financing/Factoring/Confidential Receivable Financing

Inventory Loans

Floor Planning Facilities

Working Capital Term Loans

Government Loan For Small Business  -  At 7 Park Avenue Financial we are often asked ' how to get a business loan from the government ' - This is the best option for start ups and small business loans in Canada - This business loan is often called the ' SBL Loan'. This is almost the only financing program that finances leasehold improvements. The ' bdc loan ' is also a quasi-government loan that can provide working capital and cash term loans and equipment financing for your business - This is not a Canadian grant for small business - it is a flexible term loan with competitive interest rates that rival what larger firms are eligible for

Sr&ed Tax Credit Bridge Loans

Equipment Financing/ Sale Leasebacks

Non bank asset based revolving lines of credit



When it comes to small business financing these solutions can be used to grow your business, acquire a business, or change their overall capital structure, often giving you the ability to de-emphasize ' debt ' with more of a focus on cash flow financing. Business loan rates in Canada vary depending on overall credit quality, size of the transaction, type of lender, and industry profile.


If you're ready to step inside the world of Canadian business finance options available to your firm seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record of business financing success who can help you ' get what you want '!





7 Park Avenue Financial :
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
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

Business Financing Companies For Lines Of Credit & Loans

Business Financing Loan Programs That Make Sense

Business financing choices for medium-sized companies and small business credit term loans or a line of credit often seem like huge hurdles when it comes to funding accessibility for owners/financial more. It's all about ' working capital when it comes to funding, and business owners will often lament the lack of choices in funding and capital solutions. Our thoughts? In fact, you probably have more choices today than you ever did for your cash needs! Let's dig in.


Is there ever a time when a company doesn’t need funds. Whether it's acquiring new assets, considering expansion into new markets or products, or simply paying daily operating expenses there’s always a need for financing solutions.


There is always a business loan requirement! At 7 Park Avenue Financial we will often recommend and prepare a business plan for our clients as a key part of any financing strategy.

Your timeframe of reference is critical to assessing and acquiring your financing solutions. Typical timeframes are of course ' short term' for daily needs such as a line of credit, or ' long term ' as it relates to capital assets or investments in R&D. In the long term, you might be considering simply refinancing your current business is funded - that perpetual mix of owner equity and debt - and the right combination of those two.



In the middle, there are often' bridge loan' needs for a variety of circumstances. These solutions can fill the gap that comes from the dynamic changes in your business.



From a small business perspective, many firms are in start-up or early stages, The Govt of Canada has one of the best programs that thousands of firms utilize every year. This loan is now up to $1,000,000.00 in loan cap, provides a govt guarantee to your bank for 90% of your loan, and comes with great rates and flexibility that even some more traditional forms of financing can't deliver on, i.e. any penalty pre-payment, longer terms, etc.



As we've stated, there is a ' new normal ' in Canadian business financing. That new normal includes the rise of numerous alternative finance solutions. Those combined with traditional bank financing offer a large slate of funding solutions.

So How Do Business Loans Work In Canada?

Looking for a simple list of business financing solutions available to your firm? Here they are! The Canadian ' SME ' sector has access to traditional and alternative finance solutions for small business financing as well as larger firms.

What are the best financing options for a business?

A/R Financing/ Invoice Factoring/ Confidential Receivable Financing



Inventory Loans



Bank credit lines



Nonbank asset-based revolving credit lines



Govt Guaranteed Business Loans - This is The Small Business Administration Program Of Canada ( This Program Is excellent for start up funding for small business ) This program is the best example of ' government financing ' and is used by thousands of companies every year. The program is also excellent whereas grants for small businesses may be cumbersome and difficult to obtain from a timing perspective.



Tax Credit Financing (SR&ED / FILM)



P O / Contract Financing



Equipment Financing



Unsecured cash flow loans/ Mezzanine financing



Franchise Loans



Sale Leasebacks



Royalty Financing



Working Capital Loan / Merchant Cash Advance - These viable short term loans arose out of the use of credit cards by business owners.



Many financing solutions identified here can also be combined with ' BDC Funding '. All of our referenced business finance sources are not ' equity financing ' and don't dilute owner equity. The road to venture capital and private equity financing is a long and arduous one and most companies are not ready for that journey.

Whatever financing program or strategy you employ interest rates will vary depending on whether your loan or asset monetization will cost will vary.

Documentation and your firm's ability to provide the basics such as financial statements, owner background, etc. are keys to a good financing package. Let's not forget a realistic cash flow budget also.

This broad range of financing solutions allows your firm to grow, hire people, and become key players in their industry. Looking at a number of solutions will allow you to identify business loan requirements and which finance solutions might work together.

To implement any financial solution you need to understand where your ' financing gap' is and which solutions will work when it comes to either taking on debt or simply monetizing your assets to the maximum, while still employing prudent leverage.

Are you aware of all your financing choices? If not seek out and speak to a trusted, credible, and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your loan and line of credit needs.




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

How To Obtain Business Financing In Canada

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Could You Put Some New Business Financing To Good Use?

Business financing in Canada has never been as important as in recent times - A company can fail in the best of times, whether it's poor finance practices around your existing financing strategy or simply the inability or lack of knowledge around business capital , cash flow, and working capital solutions . At 7 Park Avenue Financial we believe any firm can benefit from a better overall financing strategy.

And boy have things changed ! Long gone are the days when funding a company simply revolved around low interest long term bank loans, when approval seemed cumbersome but ultimately successful.



7 Park Avenue Financial's vision was founded specifically on that landscape that changed. No secret that these days not all business borrowers fit the mold of traditional financiers such as the Canadian chartered banks.

Many businesses try online lenders - yet while the applications and loan process is viewed as online there is a distinct lack of personalization that your company and industry might need. Even worse is that the multitude of on line lenders simply confuses the business owner, if not downright deception in a few circumstances.

In the case of the short term working capital industry, which evolved out of the U.S. Merchant advance loans many Canadian borrowers have found they can approach and get approved by several lenders.. in effect they ' stack ' new loans on top of each other

When investigating on line solutions we encourage clients to ensure they are dealing with a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record of business finance success to eliminate any disastrous financing.

A proven solution towards the path of solid business financing is simply to analyze short and long term cash flow needs ( a cash flow plan ) that allows your company to understand where liquidity is needed.

An ' informed ' business borrower armed with proper knowledge around the types of financing and cost of their financing needs is the best scenario to strive for. In many cases your industry will typically benefit from a type of financing used by many of your competitors and that can assist your own firms funding journey.


While many owners/ mgrs and entrepreneurs in general focus on sales revenue growth as the key metric to success that motivation has to be complemented with good cash flow management & financing solutions geared to your cash flow and asset monetization needs .


Sales will drive a lot of your financing choices and will in many cases dictate or suggest what type of debt finance or asset monetization you will utilize. While it's important to be optimistic about sales growth that same revenue issue can be a source of stress when it comes to cash flow.


One reason why ? Simply because building inventories and receivables and investing in new assets are cash uses, not sources, as our good friends accountants would say.


While cash flow and sales budgets are important and reflect good mgmt the real world dictates that Murphy’s law will often kick in , which might mean:

Large New Sales or Contract Opportunities

Seasonal cash flow needs

Loss of a major customer

What Is The Best Solution To Finance Sales Growth ?

ANSWER : A traditional or alternative business line of credit ( tradional = non bank )


1. Canadian Chartered banks


2. Non bank commercial finance asset based credit lines



It often also takes new/used assets to build and grow a business, i.e. equipment, machinery, rolling stock, technology a la computers, software, etc. In that case equipment lease financing is your best bet as it conserves cash flow and matches the benefits of the asset in question to cash outflows. From start up to mega corporations 80% of businesses of all size utilize lease based asset financing.

Business Financing For Smaller Companies / New Companies

Newer businesses, mostly start ups should consider the Canadian Govt Small Business Loan - aka the ' SBL ' loan. That loan is guaranteed by the govt and only requires a 10% personal guarantee against the loan which can be anywhere up to 1 Million dollars depending on the asset you wish to finance.


Cash flow concerns boil down to liquidity. The 2nd most liquid asset you have on your balance sheet is receivables. Collecting them promptly and financing them properly is key to business success.


For those firms that can't access or get approval for the amount of business credit line they need numerous solutions are available, the most popular often being A/R financing via a ' factoring' or 'Confidential Receivable Financing ' program. This solution monetizes sales as you generate revenues - instant cash. Key advantages include: instant liquidity and no additional debt on your balance sheet.


Businesses in the SME sector in Canada (small to medium enterprise) will never have too much cash. Increasing sales, buying assets, hiring people drains cash- sometime slowly, other time not so slow!


Some other solid real world solutions to cash flow and loan needs include:


SR&ED Tax Credit Financing


Sales Leasebacks


Unsecured cash flow loans


Short Term Working capital loans

Mezzanine Financing ( Unsecured cash flow term loans )


Financing a business in Canada, in ordinary, or extra-ordinary times takes some time, knowledge and access to funding solutions that are in your firms best interest . Stay educated and ensure you are working with someone who is on your side when it comes to maintaining finance solutions tailored to your business health. At 7 Park Avenue Financial we call that ' Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '.