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 companies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label companies. Show all posts

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Technology Leasing Companies - Canada – Inside Info On Computer & Software Finance
















Leasing Technology Assets In Canada



Information on the benefits and pitfalls of technology leasing in Canada. Which companies offer financing of computer, software, telecom and other assets . What leases work best in hi tech?








If cash Flow and capital were no object the acquiring of technology assets wouldn’t be as much of a challenge as one would think. Canadian business owners and financial managers like to be on ' the inside ' when it comes to knowledge and competitive information - it’s just natural.

So we want you to be on the ' inside ' when it comes to technology leasing and financing . What companies should you be working with when it comes to the financing of telecom, computer and software assets. We want you to know some of the tricks (can we call them that) that the big boys use.


Technology leasing has some different economics when it comes to financing. Some very powerful ................ are in play. Your financial commitment to acquiring these types of assets is generally large relative to your overall capital budget; these assets tend to depreciate rapidly, and prices seem to be going down all the time... so when should you purchase? Boy, those are some interesting dynamics!


At the same time the benefits you receive from the use of tech assets are huge, not the least of which is your competitive position in your industry. So let's talk about overcoming some of those tech challenges


Many business owners are not aware that you can finance ' software ', either on a stand alone basis, or in conjunction with a hardware solution. But there is a key differentiator here, which is that it is much easier to lease application software as opposed to the software you have developed. But larger, creditworthy companies can in fact get financing for software development on a project by project basis.


One of the interesting ways that the lessor protects himself in these situations is to ensure they have access to and rights to the source code you are developing. How is that handled, usually via an escrow agent who maintains updated access to the source code, with the provision that should the lease default the lessor has access and rights to that source code .



Term. It's all about ' term ' when it comes to technology leasing of computer and software. Leasing companies in general prefer a 3 year term for tech assets. Does that make sense? We think it does... if only for the fact that the dramatic changes in hardware and applications render anything older than three years as somwhat obsolete when it comes to technological change. So the bottom line is to be prepared to defend your need for a 4 or 5 year lease term when it comes to a depreciating asset such as tech.


It should be no secret to Canadian business that technology leasing is secured by the lessor in the same manner as any other assets, a PPSA ( Personal Property Security ACT) registration is made against those leased assets; registering the lessor collateral in the hardware and software described in your equipment list and configuration .


If there is one ultra-important thing you should consider when looking at companies that will assist you in technology leasing of computer, software, and telecom assets it’s probably the type of lease that you enter into. Broadly speaking in Canada



You need to only focus on two types of leases - capital and operating. Is there an easy way to immediately pick which one is the most applicable to your need? It's not as challenging as you think, think simply in terms of the lease to own (that’s capital) and ' lease to use ' (that’s operating). Those two leases, capital and operating, dominate the Canadian marketplace.


Those big boys we referred to, major corporations tend to use operating leases for some sophisticated reasons such as balance sheet ratios, cash flow coverage covenants, return on equity goals, etc. If you are a small or medium-sized business these same operating leases simply could provide you with two things, a lower monthly payment, and some great flexibility at the end of the lease term.


In summary, there are some major differences in dealing with technology leasing as opposed to other types of assets that might be in your budget. Many of the ' tricks' those larger corporations use are available to the small and medium-size business owner. Understanding how these assets can be financed is important for any sized business. For extra expert help consider talking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing and leasing advisor who can assist you in ensuring maximum benefits and flexibility.



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

Click here for 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 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.








Technology Leasing Companies - Canada – Inside Info On Computer & Software Finance

















Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Choose The Right Canadian Leasing Services and Financing Companies When You Lease Equipment !






Canadian Equipment Leasing Assistance – For Free!



Information on choosing the right equipment financing services and leasing companies in Canada . Maximize benefits when you lease equipment with a partner that meets your asset acquisition needs .





You know you want to. We're talking about dealing. Dealing? Don't panic, our topic is leasing and financing services from lease equipment companies in Canada. Choosing the right partner and type of lease is critical to asset acquisition strategies for Canadian business owners and financial managers.


You've chosen to lease equipment, rather than purchase it, for a variety of reasons. The lease vs. buy decision is a classic business decision that more often than not demonstrates the value of leasing financing. We're all heard the basics, the tax and accounting benefits, flexibility, ease of acquisition with respect to approval, etc, etc!

Of course when it comes to showing those lease obligations it’s getting harder and harder to mask the fact that at the end of the day lease obligations are still debt. Even recent international accounting rule changes have taken away some of the aspects of off balance sheet financing , but the reality is that operating leases still offer a significant technology hedge ( and a lower payment ) than the capital lease .. Or lease to own option.

When you are looking for the right lease equipment companies to deal with its critical to understand their product offering. Are they focused to small, medium or larger size transactions? Canadian business owners and financial managers don’t realize it, but it’s a very, repeat very small handful of firms that handle all sizes of transactions, from 5k to 5 Million, and we tell clients they can waste a lot of time dealing and negotiating with the wrong firm.

Your current advantage as a Canadian business owner or financial manager is that the leasing and financing services available to yourself are quite frankly... booming! The industry has returned to fairly good health after 2008 - 20009 and the industry is full of captive firms, independent commercial firms, bank leasing companies, all of which are a combo of Canadian owned or foreign owned in some cases.

So, is there a way to wade through the industry players and determine which firm is for you, based on your asset financing and services needs? That requires a lot of time, and some solid due diligence. Naturally a better way to address the challenge is to work with an industry expert, at no charge , to determine the best deal when it comes to rates, structures, types of lease you choose, and , today’s topic, who you deal with .

Other ways you can find the right lease equipment companies are of course through internet searches , referrals from a bank or trusted business friend, , etc.

We're quite frankly on the side of letting and expert do the work for you , someone who has the experience and industry and market knowledge to negotiate rates, terms, misc fees, and overalls structure with a focus on one goal - maximizing lease equipment services and benefits for your firm .

So, bottom line? It's not as hard as you think. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on maximizing leasing and financing services for your firm.





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/lease_equipment_leasing_financing_companies.html

Friday, October 14, 2011

Looking For Business Financing For A Franchise ? Here’s How Franchising Financing Companies Work




Here’s How The Last Guy Financed His Franchise In Canada

Information on business financing for a franchise in Canada . What types of franchising finance companies can help you complete your purchase and how are most franchises financed in the Canadian marketplace.




It's often always about ' the other guy '. How did he, or she, get their franchise financed and completed so successfully? Let's examine business financing for a franchise in Canada. How do franchise financing companies or other institutions assist franchisees such as yourself to be successful in acquiring and growing a business?

It's of course ' the money ' i.e. the financing that is often the stumbling block to self employment, owning your own business, and financial success. And if you feel you are on 'the outside ' of business financing in Canada we can only assume that roadblock is quite formidable.

That’s when clients we talk to are quickly surprise that just a few key basics immediately puts you ' in the game ' with respect to completing a business franchise acquisition . A good place to start is ensuring you have a respectable personal credit history - it is pretty close to impossible for you to complete a franchise acquisition without being able to demonstrate that you have managed your own personal finances successfully.

At this point you only need two other things to be successful, the ability to prepare and present a finance proposal that makes sense, and, secondly, to ensure that proposal is in front of the right person.

The right person? That often is one of the biggest challenges faced by Canadian entrepreneurs looking for companies and organizations that offer true business financing for a franchise. In Canada there are only one or two specialized franchise finance firms that offer full service franchise financing. Those services might include acquiring a new franchise, refinancing a current business, acquiring real estate for the actual franchise, and of course financing equipment and potentially leaseholds to complete a purchase.

Thousands of entrepreneurs just like yourself seem to think that the Canadian chartered banks don’t fully support the financing of a new franchise. They are 100% right and 100% wrong! That's because the banks in Canada are the facilitators of the Government of Canada Small Business Loan. Over the years this business financing has been found to perfectly suit franchisee's such as yourself who are looking to acquire a new or existing franchise.

But why is the Government program so successful. 3 reasons. Great rates, terms and structures. Although the program is capped at 350,000.00 that amount certainly covers 90% of the franchises we see from a viewpoint of financing to a turnkey situation. Terms are typically 5-7 years, personal guarantees are nominal, and the best part, rates are very competitive.

To successfully complete business financing for a franchise, via an independent finance firm or the government program you need a clear business and financial plan. An experienced Canadian business financing advisor familiar with franchises can complete that for you quickly, and at a low cost. It’s a clear recap of you, the business, and the financial potential.

Franchisee's in Canada cant escape having to put their own investment into the business - that can range from 10-40% depending on a couple of key factors such as asset mix, size of transaction, and the proper execution of some clear financial projections .

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on the proper method to achieve franchise financing success. Do your homework, be properly prepared with your proposal, and get on track to independent business ownership via the franchise model in Canada.


About the Author - Stan Prokop
Canadian Business Financing
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

DIY Equipment Finance & Leasing Canada ? Best Companies for Asset & Lease Equipment Needs


When the Canadian business owner or financial manager looks to the leasing of an asset, as opposed to a purchase it’s a great time to invest in some knowledge around which companies to approach for equipment finance needs.

But can you be expected to be a ' DIY ' expert in this broad area of Canadian business financing. What we are saying is that it will pay you handsomely to either invest some time in understanding some key fundamentals of equipment finance, or, alternatively work with an expert who can assist you.

Why invest some time in this type of business acquisition? Simply because the Canadian lease landscape has evolved significantly over the last couple years. A combination of the economy in Canada, the lease industry players, new accounting rules and a myriad of product offerings can make it seem daunting.

By the way we're quite sure any business owner can work with lease companies and enter somewhat quickly into a lease for an asset, but is it the right lease and what are the financial implications and benefits or lack of benefits around that transaction. That’s the $ 50,000 dollar question!

Because almost 80% of all business utilize leasing Canada - that’s why it sometimes is both easy and mis- understood. Many business owners simply don't either under the lease product/service offering, or, alternatively fail to recognize the benefits. Yes, its only one method of financing an asset (you can consider a term loan)... but when a lessor / lease company’s recognize you know what you're talking about you have simply increased your chances for success.

Lease and equipment finance doesn’t bring cash flow and working capital into your company, but boy does it reduce the amount of funds that go out of your firm! The ownership of the equipment from by the lessor, for the term of the lease allows you to structure payments, write off payments as an operating expense, and more importantly keep you ' nimble' when it comes to assets and technologies that you finance over short or long terms. (Typical lease terms in Canada range from 3-5 years).

Business owners might want to do the math but we're quite sure that if you work the numbers it makes sense to enter into a couple of short term equipment finance transaction rather than purchase/buy outright the same assets over a number of years.

If you do invest time in understanding some lease finance basics, or alternatively work with an expert you'll see that you can actually determine when it makes sense to either upgrade, return, or renew any lease finance transaction.

Can our DIY lease financing business owner affect the final credit and structure approval of his or her transaction? The reality is that tougher credit standards are in place since the 2008-2009 global recessions. Therefore the industry focuses on creditworthy lessees- but the good news is that some basic structuring around any transaction can still make your deal happen. Issues such as term, pricing and down payment can be negotiated to the point where it makes sense for the lessor and your firm.

Working an experienced Canadian business lease financing advisor can ensure you get the best pricing, structure, and achieve the benefits you're looking for.

So, everyone’s talking about ' DIY ' these days. Why not invest some time in developing a solid relationship with a lease advisor? Success in asset leasing allows you to grow your company with the assets you require... 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 .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


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

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Technology Leasing Companies -Canada – Inside Info On Computer & Software Finance


If cash Flow and capital were no object the acquiring of technology assets wouldn’t be as much of a challenge as one would think. Canadian business owners and financial managers like to be on ' the inside ' when it comes to knowledge and competitive information - it’s just natural.

So we want you to be on the ' inside ' when it comes to technology leasing and financing. What companies should you be working with when it comes to financing of telecom, computer and software assets. We want you to know some of the tricks (can we call them that) that the big boys use.

Technology leasing has some different economics when it comes to financing. Some very powerful trends are in play. Is the trend your friend ? We will let you decide!

Your financial commitment to acquiring these types of assets is generally large relative to your overall capital budget; these assets tend to depreciate rapidly, and prices seem to be going down all the time... so when should you purchase? Boy, those are some interesting dynamics!

At the same time the benefits you receive from the use of tech assets are huge, not the least of which is your competitive position in your industry. So let's talk about overcoming some of those tech challenges

Many business owners are not aware that you can finance ' software ', either on a stand alone basis, or in conjunction with a hardware solution. But there is a key differentiator here, which is that it is much easier to lease application software as opposed to software you have developed. But larger, credit worthy companies can in fact get financing for software development on a project by project basis.

One of the interesting ways that the lessor protects himself in these situations is to ensure they have access to and rights to the source code you are developing. How is that handled, usually via an escrow agent who maintains updated access to the source code , with the provision that should the lease default the lessor has access and rights to that source code .


Term. It's all about ' term ' when it comes to technology leasing of computer and software. Leasing companies in general prefer a 3 year term for tech assets. Does that make sense? We think it does... if only for the fact that the dramatic changes in hardware and applications render anything older than three years as somewhat obsolete when it comes to technological change. So the bottom line is to be prepared to defend your need for a 4 or 5 year lease term when it comes to a depreciating asset such as tech.

It should be no secret to Canadian business that technology leasing is secured by the lessor in the same manner as any other assets , a PPSA ( Personal Property Security ACT) registration is made against those leased assets; registering the lessor collateral in the hardware and software described in your equipment list and configuration .

If there is one ultra important thing you should consider when looking at companies that will assist you in technology leasing of computer, software, and telecom assets it’s probably the type of lease that you enter into. Broadly speaking in Canada
you need to only focus on two types of leases - capital and operating. Is there an easy way to immediately pick which one is the most applicable to your need? It's not as challenging as you think, think simply in terms of lease to own (that’s capital) and ' lease to use ' (that’s operating). Those two leases, capital and operating, dominate the Canadian marketplace.

Those big boys we referred to, major corporations tend to use operating leases for some sophisticated reasons such as balance sheet ratios, cash flow coverage covenants, return on equity goals, etc. If you are a small or medium sized business these same operating leases simply could provide you with two things, a lower monthly payment, and some great flexibility at the end of the lease term.

In summary, there are some major differences in dealing with technology leasing as opposed to other types of assets that might be in your budget. Many of the ' tricks' those larger corporations use are available to the small and medium size business owner. Understanding how these assets can be financed is important for any sized business. For extra expert help consider talking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing and leasing advisor who can assist you in ensuring maximum benefits and flexibility.



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 .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Looking For Finance For Lease Equipment ? Which Canadian Business Lease Companies You Should Use


It's probably a common decision that you have to make all the time in business . First of all you have to choose between purchasing an asset and alternatively looking for business finance for lease solution... one that works for your firm.

Let's examine why you should consider and equipment lease as a Canadian business financing solution, and then, as importantly , how do you find the right lease companies to work with . (We’re assuming you don’t have all the time in the world to do this).

If capital was scarce in the past, boy did it become a lot scarcer in the last couple years with all our recessions and global financial implosions. So therefore for that reason alone it probably makes sense to lease business equipment and other assets.

But lets be clear first on ensuring you understand how the benefits of leasing clearly at the same time restrict you in a certain manner - simply speaking it will probably cost you a bit more ,and while an owned asset can be sold you clearly cant sell a leased asset . But we always seem to come back to ' cash is king, and your ability to acquire an expensive, yet revenue and profit producing asset via a monthly payment you can afford makes sense most of the time.

What factors should you consider when you assess your lease vs. buy transaction, even way before you determine which business lease companies you will utilize? You should focus on the following: what will the asset be worth and will it be still useful at the end of a lease term, what the best pricing is and overalls structure you can achieve, and finally, what tax and balance sheet benefits might come out of your finance for lease decision.

Let's use a real world example - Computers. They certainly have very short productive lives based on changing technology. So your decision is really as follows : If you think a 100k computer system will last 5 years should you pay cash or would it be better to pay 2000/mo or 24k per annum to lease this type of asset .

First of all we haven't met a computer that’s lasted 5 years !!,, but putting that aside you can see how cash outflows and monthly payment analysis play a key role in your overall decision .In our case the computer doesn’t really generate profits or cash flow . Remember the old saying ‘the bottom line is on the bottom of the income statement, not at the top of the balance sheet!

So let’s agree you have made the decision to finance business equipment or assets. Now what?

In Canada your choices are significant - that’s a double edged sword though. You can investigate captive finance firms, independent lease companies, bank leasing firms, and specialized niche lessors. If you started tomorrow you'd probably have a thorough decision made in a year from now. What's that...? Not a good use of your time? We agree, so consider speaking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor. You'll be guided very quickly to an equipment business lease financing solution that maximizes benefits of lease finance specifically for your situation - at rates terms and structures that match your credit quality and the nature of the asset you're financing.

P.S. Remember what famed investor Harold Geneen once said ‘the only irreparable mistake in business is to run out of cash '. Use a finance for lease solution that won’t take you out of the cash flow and working capital game.



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 .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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

Saturday, April 9, 2011

The Greatest Question Ever Asked About Canadian Equipment Finance and Leasing Companies - Let Your Company Join In!



It was a September night in 2002 - I will never forget it... the clouds rolled in ominously from the mountains as we drove... I strained to see the lights of home in the distance. Holley, my stepdaughter, 7 years old at the time turned to me and said ' I don't understand rent ‘. Wow I thought, great way to phrase that one! It's a true story. (Editors note - the clouds weren’t really ominous - he is using literary discretion)

Fast forward... 2011. Her better question today might be ' I don’t understand why hundreds of millions of dollars of equipment finance occurs every year in Canada.

Well if you didn’t know we're about to share that , and more importantly focus on highlighting some key issues around why all your competitors utilize equipment finance as part of their overall business strategy . And also, once we get you to ' buy in ' to the subject then we'll show you where to find the leasing company that works for you, not against you.

So why do start up, small and medium sized firms, and mega corporations utilize equipment finance companies to procure and finance their assets. One key reason is the emphasis placed these days on working capital. To finance the type of capital expenditures you need to stay ahead of the Jones’s (that’s your competitors by the way) you need access to credit and capital. And that capital varies in size, that’s the true beauty of equipment finance - it covers a 5k photocopies to a 20 million dollar aircraft.

And yes, it’s a free country, so feel free instead to dip into your operating line of credit of wait for A/R to be collected to acquire these much needed assets - but we can assure you the rest of the world instead has opted for equpment finance as an acquisition strategy. A harsher reality is that if you are a smaller company or start up you can't or don’t want to dip into additional equity for much needed new assets.

We will never not say the bank wont finance your equipment - but that financing, just to be clear becomes a term loan , and further ' complicates ' your banking arrangement , potentially adding new covenants, new collateral required, and diminishing the ability to get more working capital and cash flow down the road, when you need it .

So is there a real benefit in creating a ' relationship ' with either trusted Canadian equipment financing advisor or a leasing company directly?
Again, the ' ayes' have it; we absolutely feel that’s the case. Why? You benefit from the advice, counsel and structuring that can save you hundreds, thousands, or tens of thousands in financing costs, option flexibility, and tax benefits. Those are real world dollars we are talking about.

In fact, many clients opt to set up a lease line of credit, utilizing either capital leases or operating leases on an ongoing basis for asset or technology turnover. That’s when you have totally bought into the concept of lease finance. It in effect becomes your long term stated asset acquisition strategy.

How do you identify the best advisor or leasing companies to work with? Look for specific experience, credibility, references, and a track record of matching your equipment finance needs to rates, terms and structures that make sense.

--


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 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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

Friday, February 18, 2011

Pitfalls And Solutions When You Finance A Franchise With Franchise Financing Companies In Canada

When you want to finance a franchise in Canada the type of financing companies you work with and how you address your new business acquisition as an entrepreneur is as important we think as the time and research you spent on choosing your new business.

Let’s examine how you can make it much easier process from a viewpoint of time, cost, and ultimate success.

Is franchise financing in Canada viewed as an excepted and positive method of acquiring a business. The facts certainly point to that. The Canadian franchise association has hundreds of franchisor members, and most financial institutions that participate in franchise finance advertise aggressively on their support of this type of Canadian business financing.

Once you have made that decision and chosen your franchise type you want to be in a position to spend the minimum amount of time in securing financing for your business, while at the same time doing it right. That’s when you need to understand the basics of a complete package that will virtually guarantee you success and full approval for the funding you need.

Are there some pitfalls along the way? There sure can be. Time and time again we meet with clients who either have little or no experience in the business they are getting into, and coupled with that, don’t have any financial support or cushion that allows them to properly finance a franchise without full depleting their personal financial resources.

We all read about companies that fail because they have too much debt and are unable to meet loan obligations - that’s the pitfall you want to avoid in franchise finance. The reality is, and this is a surprise to many clients... that you dont want to borrow 100% of the funds you need, but at the same time you dont want to cash in your RRSP savings or fully mortgage your house either. The optimal blend of debt and equity in your franchise tends to be 2 or 3: 1. By that we simply mean that for every dollar you put into your new business you should plan to have only 2 or 3 dollars of debt. And quite frankly that applies to most businesses in corporate life.

You absolutely need a business plan for your franchise, as franchise financing companies and banks want to ensure that you have properly thought out how the business will generate sales, and hopefully profits.

The pitfall we see many times in client plans is that their plan is very marketing oriented, and in reality all the lender wants to see is some financial logic that will demonstrate how the franchise loan will be repaid .

Lenders call that debt service, and you want to be able to demonstrate that you will have cash flow coverage that allows you to both run the business and repay your franchise loan.

If you want a one stop solution for the majority of franchises in Canada, from a finance perspective it’s a customized loan called the BIL/CSBF program. It's underwritten by the government, has fabulous rates, terms and structures, and provides you in most cases with the majority of financing you need. Reasonable personal credit history is a requisite for this type of financing. Some private independent firms also offer franchise solutions when it comes to financing, including leasing of equipment.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on what solutions you can effectively and properly implement to achieve financing success.

-


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 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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

Monday, February 14, 2011

Why Canadian Companies Use Factoring Receivables Solutions for Business Financing


Knowing you are making the right choice in factoring receivables for your Canadian business is half the battle. You then have to pick the best firm to facilitate your transaction, and like most business owners you want to know you have made the right decision.

Let's recap why A/R financing works, and more importantly, how to select the best companies to work with based on your own needs.

There are numerous reasons why you might want to use a factoring receivables strategy to finance your business. The best reason you can have is that you are growing! And growing quickly - Because in that situation you are unable to achieve the sort of traditional financing you need to run and finance your business on a daily basis. Simply speaking working capital and cash flow become your overwhelming priority on a day to day basis, and that shouldn’t be the case!

So, yes... you have identified invoice factoring and financing as your solution - but more importantly you also want to know how it works and how it will both affect and benefit your business on a day to day basis. The reality is that if are a small and medium sized business owner in Canada you are probably relying heavily on what the finance folks call a ' self financing' strategy. That simply means that you are only using your existing cash flow to finance your growth and profits - you are not in a position to, or don’t want to... take on more debt for your company.

Enter at stage left receivables financing companies! They purchase your a/r a daily, weekly, monthly ( its your choice!) basis and provide you with same day cash flow as soon as you have generated a valid sale and invoice .

And why does this strategy appeal to Canadian business owners? Simply because you are not creating debt on your balance sheet, and the personal guarantee situation is all but eliminated and you have the ability, ( if you choose the right partner firm ) to exit this financing at any time .

So, it all seems like a perfect world right? in effect the perfect business financing situation . Well in business it doesn’t work that way, there are pitfalls and mistakes you need to avoid when utilizing a factoring receivables strategy.

So what are those mistakes you should not make? Partnering... you need a firm that meets your needs, both geographcially, with competitive rates, and the ability to transact with you on a daily basis. We strong recommend what we call a C I D solution, which is the acronym for Confidential Invoice Discounting. This allows you to bill and collect your own receivables, finance them when you want, and receive the same rates as your competitors who aren’t using this C I D strategy. In their case their customers are contacted for payment by the factor firm, and this is unappealing to many Canadian businesses.

Whether we like it or not our clients always focus on rate when talking about a move to companies that will finance their receivables. Factoring rates are perceived as more expensive but in many cases when you factor in use of funds, ability to grow your business, etc the decision is not as difficult as you might think.

Speak to a trusted , credible, and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who is an expert in factoring pricing, picking the best solution for your firm, and negotiating pricing and fees and advances that work best for your future growth and profits .

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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 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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