The Government Small Business Loan : Bypassing Business Finance Acquisition Challenges In Canada

A New Way To Buy An Existing Business In Canada ?

OVERVIEW – Information on successfully using the SBL government small business loan to finance a business acquisition purchase in Canada




Use a Government small business loan , aka, the ' SBL' to finance a business acquisition purchase in Canada? Absolutely, and by the way this is not something new, simply a tried and true way to purchase a business in Canada, including franchises. Let's dig in.

Small is always relative (we’ve found), so we're talking about purchasing a business with revenues under 5 Million dollars annual sales.

Why would an entrepreneur, or existing business owner purchase a business as opposed to starting one organically? One reason is pretty simple - risk is often minimized significantly if (and it's a big ' if ‘) the proper research, due diligence and financing is undertaken.

Pricing the cost of the acquisition :

There are, of course, some intangibles that come into your overall business acquisition decision - they include areas such as management depth and experience of owners, industry conditions, etc.

But at the end of the day a financing challenge always looms, and the Canadian Government Small Business Loan, via Industry Canada's program underwrites many thousands of business purchases every year. Those businesses also can include existing franchises in the booming Canadian franchise industry.

Business terms, rates and structures under the program are both attractive, and competitive. They include rates in the single digits, nominal personal guarantees, repayment without penalty, and long amortizations if in fact a longer repayment term is required.

Valuation is key in determining a financing structure that makes sense for the capital structure of the business. That capital structure is basically two components - debt and ownership equity. Purchasers should well be advised to consider a business financing advisor to help on valuation - as key issues around return on investment, cash flow, and asset appraisal are key to a solid and successful financing.

It's important to note that valuable business advice from you lawyer, accountant, or business broker can provide potentially valuable assistance.

When utilizing the SBL loan in the acquisition finance purchase decision it’s critical to know what the program in fact does not finance. Those seeking financing for intangibles such as franchise fees, advertising, etc will be disappointed - the program only finances two categories of assets - equipment and leaseholds. By the way, the programs maxes out at 350k, but other sources of financing can often complement a total finance solution approach.

Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success if you're focused on a success business purchase financing experience.




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 Government Loan And Business Purchase Financing Expertise





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Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

Stan Prokop

SBL Loans . Great Rates , Terms , Structures . The Canada Government Small Business Loan Ticks Off All The Boxes!

Why The Government Small Business Loan Makes Sense For Your Company Or Start UP .

Information on the Canada government small business loan . Why do SBL loans work for a solid Canadian business financing solution



The Canada government small business loan. In our opinion the Canada the SBL Loans program is, bar none, the best business financing vehicle in Canada. Why is that? As we say, it ' ticks all the boxes ' when it comes to what the Canadian SME Canadian business owner or manager is looking for. Here's why.

So why should you know about the program, how do you access it, and what is involved. Entrepreneurs and growing business are always looking for funding, and that’s what this program provides.

Can the SBL government loan program make a small company a big company? We won't weigh in on that one, we're not even sure that that’s the goal of all business owners. But small firms, restaurants, service companies and other business categories have no where to go when it comes to start up or interim financing. That's where the SBL comes in.

The program is run and administered by INDUSTRY CANADA, a branch of the Canadian federal government. It's goal, vis a vis the program is to assist business in finance loans they might otherwise not be able to obtain.

Many business owners in Canada are concerned about the ' personal guarantee ' when it comes to pledging their personal assets against loans. Here's the good news on the SBL - you are only asked to provide a 25% personal guarantee on the transaction, and that transaction can go up to a maximum of 350,000.00$ in borrowing. The limit is actually 500k if the transaction involves real estate, which is one of the asset categories that can be financed under the program.

And by the way, getting back to that personal guarantee of 25%... none of your personal assets are pledged or collateralized, it’s simply your promise to pay... in effect make good... on the portion of the loan you guarantee.

There are three parties to SBL Canada government small business loans. Your company, the bank that originates the loan, and of course INDUSTRY CANADA folks who are in the background. You actually never deal with Industry Canada on a direct basis.

As we said, size eligibility in Canada for the loan itself is 350k. As far as the size of your company, it can either be a start up or an established firm with no more than 5 Million in sales.

Maybe it's just our clients, but they seem to hate ' paperwork '. The perception that this loan is time consuming is, in our opinion, just that, a perception. All you need is some solid advice around putting together a business plan / executive summary, a proper financial forecast, and misc back up info related to any standard business loan application. Those ' misc ' items might include your lease agreement on premises, a list of the equipment or leaseholds you're financing, etc. That’s not bad, right?

So, great rates, terms and structures? You got them with SBL loans. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor for up to date advice on Canada government small business loans. And check your list, because this program ticks all the boxes!

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
CANADIAN SMALL BUSINESS LOAN EXPERTISE






Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial –

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 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/sbl_loans_canada_government_small_business_loan.html




Stan Prokop

SBL Financing . Stop Worrying And Learn To Love The Canadian Government Small Business Loan

Canadian Business Finance solutions via SBL loans


Information on SBL government small business loan financing in Canada . Benefits and Overview of program requirements



The Government small business loan in Canada - AKA ' SBL FINANCING. What a great way to stop worrying about how you'll finance some of those key business needs when you're a start up or SME sector company in Canada .

Worrying about business financing surely ranks right up there when it comes to business owners and financial managers looking for the right type of finance for their firms.

The solution in fact might be right in front of you, via the Federal government (INDUSTRY CANADA) small business loan program. You're able to access financing up to 500k if you can demonstrate you qualify, have the right documentation, and know how to fast track an approval without some of the frustration experienced by many Canadian business owners and financial managers.

Is the SBL loan a good option for your business? We'll let you decide but we're pretty sure we think you'll find that when credit is tight and other forms of finance are unattainable you may have just found the perfect solution. It's simply a case of knowing the rules, and as we've said in the past, creating a short roadmap to business finance success.

So when does some of that ' worrying ' come in? It usually happens when you don’t have some key knowledge or professional assistance in the area of SBL financing. Having an advisor assist you can play an important role in your overall business financing success. It simply that role that assists you in ensuring you qualify and can access for the Government small business loan in Canada. And if you are working with the right advisor services will only have to be paid for on Success; talk about a win / win situation!

So how can you validate who is or is not an expert in SBL finance. You want to ensure you are working with a seasoned advisor who has raised funding for business and can demonstrate that track record. So validate their credentials, experience and save yourself a lot of time and definitely a bit of money. You actually are fully entitled to ask the advisor for references from the SBL lending community.

So what then is the value of such an advisor? First of all it's time saving, but secondly its more of a guarantee of success based on the advisors knowledge of what makes an application successful.

In our experience there is a lot of myth or misinformation around the program. Here's the truth around some of those myths and misinformed issues:

Everyone business person or company legally allowed to borrow money in Canada is theoretically eligible for the program. You do have to have reasonable net worth, credit status and experience in business.

All business sizes are not eligible for the program; in fact you have to have projected or real revenues under 5 Million dollars.

Real estate is in fact eligible for the program max, it 500k. Other assets such as equipment and leaseholds top out at 350,000.00$ max under the program.

So, a bottom line today? It's simply ' stop worrying' and spend some time to get the real ' skinny ' on SBL financing under the government small business loan in Canada . Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on making the program work for you.

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
CANADIAN SBL LOAN FINANCE EXPERTISE






Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial –
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 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/sbl_financing_government_small_business_loan.html

Are You Eligible? Canadian Government Small Business Loan Qualifications – SBL Financing Is The Funding You’re Looking For !

Curious About SBL Government Financing Loans?



Information on the government small business loan ( SBL ) financing program in Canada . Start Up ? In Business ? Here’s how to qualify for this great funding program .



It's actually not that complicated. The Government Small business loan financing program makes funding for your new or established Canadian company accessible and on terms that even larger more established firms simply can’t often achieve.

Funding under the SBL program obviously has a long term gain for Canada as the 7000+ firms that use the program every year create jobs, pay taxes, etc.

Clients sitting down with us only want to know one thing. Are they eligible?! Eligibility for small business loan financing therefore allows them to reap the financial benefits of the program.

So, eligibility. Its a simple case of knowing how the loan guaranty program works , what options are available from a structure viewpoint, and what exactly does the program finance ?

Great questions. Let’s get some answers going! The government small business loan financing option was developed for businesses just like yours. You can either be a start up, or an established firm already in business, with the one caveat being that your revenues must be under 5 Million dollars annually.

Because you may not be eligible for financing at a Canadian chartered bank doesn’t mean you aren’t qualified to receive the SBL loan. That’s because the government guarantee on the loan, by its nature, allows the bank to now provide you with the financing you need for your business.

So when actually are you eligible ?The answer is ' all the time' as the program has been in place for years and allows you to obtain financing for real estate, equipment and capital assets, including software, and even leasehold improvements to your business facility . Many restaurants and franchises use the program for the initial funding of their transaction.

So whets with the guarantee? As we referenced it’s the federal government that guarantees the funding to your chartered bank or other financial institution that participates in the program. That’s one of the big misconceptions, because the same bank that couldn’t provide you with ' traditional' financing because you were a start up, didn’t have enough collateral, etc is the entity that both provides and administers the loan. Talk about irony.

Restrictions on the use of loan proceeds is actually one of the continually misunderstood aspects of the government small business loan. You cannot use the loan for working capital or things such as inventory ; it must be used for our three aforementioned categories - real estate, assets, including software, and leaseholds.

The general terms of the program are as follows, a very limited personal guarantee, 5-7 year term amortizations, and rates at approximately 3% over the Canadian prime rate of interest. By the way that’s a fabulous rate for a start up, wouldn’t you agree, if in fact you are utilizing the program for a new business? It’s also important that the owners of the business have a decent personal credit history, as validated by their personal credit score at the credit bureau.


How can you quickly determine your eligibility without wasting time, monies and resources? Its simple, speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can quickly steer you through eligibility and yes, approval!


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/government_small_business_loan_financing_funding.html

Are You Eligible For The Canadian Government Small Business Loan?

Use Government SBL Loans For Asset Financing Needs


Information on the ‘SBL ‘ - commonly know as the government small business loan . This program offers some of the best rates, terms and structures for small business financing needs in Canada .



Many business owners in Canada in the SME sector aren’t fully aware that they are already qualified to take advantage of the SBL loan program in Canada. The Government Small Business Loan is an initiative of the federal government in Canada that helps thousands ( in fact over 7000+ in 2010 ) of Canadian businesses to securing business financing on terms that rival those of the big boys when it comes to attractive rates, and structures .

There are many misconceptions about the program and that is why we feel quite sure that you may already qualify and probably just didn’t know it! Let’s examine some of these very basic and reasonable qualifications of the program, and let’s help you maximize the benefits already utilized by thousands of firms just like yours.

'Government ' isn’t necessarily the most popular word at any time when it comes to your day to day business. However, that’s misconception number 1, simply that this loan program is in fact operated in the private sector, by Canadian banks, not the government directly. So where does the government come in then? , ask clients. Simply that they are in fact guaranteeing the majority of the loan. Actual funding is done through your bank.

The challenge we work through with on a daily basis is that not all banks or bank employees rather are always familiar with the details of the program. So many clients who are keenly interested in availing themselves of this financing in fact get mixed signals on how the program operates, its benefits, and mostly importantly, how to start the process and get approved quickly!

Let's cover off some of the basic facts. To be eligible for the program your Canadian business, either incorporated or a proprietorship, must have revenues not exceeding 5 Million dollars. Start ups are eligible for the program also.

Most Canadian business owners who start from scratch are keenly aware of the financial challenges that are faced when financing a start up, or a franchise. That’s really the spirit of the Canadian government small business loan program... it’s providing financing to businesses and business owners who otherwise might not be able to acquire the financing they need.

Owners of the business must have reasonable good credit... in terms of the credit bureau beacon score that all Canadians possess that score should be in the 650+ range. Contrary to the belief of some this is not financing for people with poor credit.

What does the SBL government small business loan finance? That’s another area of what seems constant confusion when we talk to clients. In fact the program only finances equipment and leaseholds. Software by the way is included in the equipment category. We meet many clients that are under a major misconception on SBL’s - namely that the financing is cash and working capital. It absolutely is not!

How can any business owner in Canada not want to take advantage of financing that can help build and grow their business? Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in being successful and unlocking the benefits of the government small business loan program. That’s SBL for short!








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/government_small_business_loan_sbl.html

5 Things You Didn’t Know About The Government Small Business Loan In Canada - SBL Federal Loans Info

Use This Info For The Payoff in Canadian Small Business Financing

Information on common questions surround the government small business loan in Canada . How do these federal loans work and what must business owners need to know to maximize the program .



Can we ask you a simple question? Actually, if it’s ok with you, we'll ask 5 questions, and we trust and hope you will gain some valuable knowledge about the Canada government small business loan. Federal loans under the CSBF / BIL program could be your secret weapon in Canadian business financing.

Ok, so let’s get the questions out of the way first and onward to those answers! Here are our 5 key shares around the program based on questions we continually get from clients.

Why should we finance equipment with federal SBL loans? What are the basic requirements of the program? Can the government small business loan be used to refinance business debt? Can we use the federal loans program for cash flow and working capital? And finally can we purchase a business via the SBL loan?

Great questions, and now hopefully some surprising answers! Here we go.

Equipment and lease financing in Canada are solid alternatives for the financing of your asset acquisitions. Numerous lease finance options are available, so why does it make sense to use the SBL program for equipment financing. For a start the small business loan program in Canada finances 90% of your equipment financing needs, the other 10% comes in the form of your down payment, which the program refers to as your equity in the transaction. Numerous lease scenarios may require either larger down payments, first and last monthly payments in advance, and in some cases might have a higher level of credit due diligence requirements .Equipment can be financing on terms up to 7 years, and typically that type of term may not be available through lease financing scenarios.

So what about those basic requirements of the program? The government small business loan requires the aforementioned 10% owner equity in your financing. Business owners and your business should have a reasonable credit history; you also should be ready to prepare a simple cash flow forecast that allows you to demonstrate repayment of the loan. Typically no other collateral is required for federal small business loans in Canada. We determined over time that it makes great sense to be able to properly demonstrate that you have sufficient management experience in your business and industry, whether you are a start up or an established firm.

On to our third question - can you utilize the loan to refinance existing debt .The short and simple answer is that any debt you wish to refinance in terms of equipment, leaseholds, software, real estate, etc can be financing within a 6 month window. Example - if you bought a major piece of equipment 5 months ago it can be refinanced under the program, bringing additional cash flow and capital into your business.

Can the program be used for cash flow and working capital? Simple answer = No! Unlike the U.S. equivalent of the program the government small business loan is massively understood by many, thinking it’s a cash flow loan. The program only funds equipment, leaseholds, and real estate.

And on to our final question. Can you purchase a whole business via SBL federal loans in Canada .Categorically yes if the business purchase is within the government loan cap you absolutely can purchase a company, competitor, franchise, etc using this program? Some very basic steps apply, including an appraisal of the business you are buying for example.

Well there you have it, 5 answers to common questions we get from clients everyday on Canadian government small business loan. Want more info, or wish to explore other issues pertaining to your financing needs around this great program? Seek and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in maximizing benefits of the program.


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/government_small_business_loan_canada_loans.html

Simple Question – Is the Canadian SBL Government Small Business Loan Financing Right For You?

Could our question on the Canadian government small business loan (commonly called ' The SBL ‘) be any more simple? Is this specialized Canadian lending program right for your company? If you are a Canadian business with fewer than 5 Million dollars in actual or projected revenue we categorically think it is - as always though we'll let clients decide for themselves!

Business loan financing in Canada varies greatly. Structures, documentation on the loan, and guarantees or collateral required vary widely, and we can assure you with certainty that’s an understatement!

The Canadian government, specifically the good folks at Industry Canada (they sure seem nice when they call us at least ...?) sponsor this loan program . The technical name of the program is BIL/CSBF... but we're never one to get too technical.

This type of financing in general serves the lower end of the Canadian business financing scene, and does at a great job of financing business in Canada who otherwise might not be able to qualify. And do you know what the difference is? The rates, terms and structures of this program, compared to almost all other type of financing are... are you ready? better!

What are some of the reasons then that we can say with assurance that this financing is of the best in Canada, whether you are a start up, a franchise, or a established company with sales and profits .

What most Canadian business owners and financial managers don’t immediately realize is that while everyone thinks of this as a government loan the program is actually run on a daily business by Canada’s chartered banks. The challenge in many cases that we've seen with clients is they are unable to find a banker as bullish and excited about the program as we are. (We guess filling out forms is somehow not appealing to all ...?)

Why the program should appeal to banks more, in our opinion, is simply the fact that if a loan is unable to be repaid the government reimburses the bank for 90% of your firm’s loan. So banks are therefore only partially at risk, and that risk is often taken care of nicely by a combination of your 25% personal guarantee, as well as security over the assets financed.

That’s why we are always surprised that the appetite for this type of financing is rarely as large as we think it should be. The program is in place all the time, and is never under any form of suspension, as has happened in the U.S. on occasion.

So why don’t more businesses use the program. We can only offer up a few basic reasons - they don’t know about it, they find filling out forms cumbersome (we’ll fill out a form all day to get the 350,000$ that is in fact the loan maximum!!) or they don’t qualify.

But are those qualifications stringent? Hardly - Business owners need only to have a reasonable personal credit history, they must be willing to guarantee 25% of the loan, and the financing capabilities of the loan are limited to equipment, leasehold and real estate.

We're not telling you to get a government small business loan... we're simply asking you to consider it as one solid mechanism for obtaining the financing you need when other alternatives might not be available .

7441 of your competitors and peers in Canada used the program last year. Maybe you should?

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on why SBL financing just might be right 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 .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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