A Government Backed Business Loan : How Not To Fail At SBL Bank Loans

The Path From Start Point To Successful Finish In Govt Business Loans – The SBL Goal Line Is In Sight

OVERVIEW – Information on the government backed business loan in Canada. Known as the ‘ SBL ‘ these bank loans provide tremendous financing possibilities to Canadian business owners and start up entrepreneurs







The government backed business loan in Canada - what Canadian business owner/financial mgr wouldn't want a clear start to finish road map for ' SBL ' bank loans in Canada? Let's dig in.

Expectation, or should we say ‘realistic’ expectation is key in understanding the path to success in govt business loans. Specifically this is the financing offered under Industry Canada's CANADIAN SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING (CSBF) program. Our chartered banks fit in because they are the facilitators of the loan under the government’s ever watchful eye.

So how does the owner/entrepreneur successfully prepare an application and obtain financing approval for these loans? It's all about really bring the pieces of the pie together in accordance with what is really required to achieve loan success - we see a lot of clients focusing and preparing issues and info respectively that is simply not required or is much less important relative to final loan approval. Doing it right allows you to eliminate the pitfalls and failure.

At the outset its key to understand the amount of financing you are eligible for. In the case of the program itself it's specifically $ 350,000.00 for the main offering of the program. (If real estate is involved as the asset financed a 500k loan is allowed - however in our experience SBL loans are rarely used for real estate).

One top expert, and we agree, advises that adopting an ' as much as I can get ‘attitude is a failed strategy!

Here is one case where being specific counts - and that is easily achieved in the following manner: Have a clear ' use of funds ‘statement that specifically identifies the asset and leasehold to be financed, including the $ breakdown. That also reminds us that you need a clear understanding that government backed loans only finance two asset categories - equipment and leaseholds. Equipment by the way can easily include technology, software, etc., as these assets are clearly part of the new economy.

Other key elements of your proposal should include info on the owners - that includes mgmt and industry experience, financial stability, and a general sense of demonstrating you know how to run a business. Newbie’s beware!

The other key element of your application is a strong executive summary, or even better a business plan. This should not be viewed as a difficult document - they can easily be prepared by your accountant, or even better an advisor who works in this area and understands the basics of what the banks like to see - specifically cash flow, an opening balance sheet, etc.
Fine tuning the cash flow to show a positive and realistic ability to repay the loan is essential.

The majority of businesses applying for an SBL loan operate out of a premise, and you should ensure that you have a lease that is at least as long as the term of the loan - for some reason lenders like to know you'll still be around !

In the cases of your ' owner equity ' or ' down payment ' in the program that is a minimum of ten per cent but depending on who you are dealing with that might be more. Demonstrating up front you have ' proof of funds ' is key.

If you want to become a quick ' hero ' in SBL government backed loans and have that ' zero to 60 ' feeling seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can assist you with govt bank loans that are achieved annually by as many as 8000 other businesses in Canada that take advantage of the program.



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 GOVT BACK LOAN FINANCING EXPERTISE






Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?
CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience

Stan Prokop

Government Funding In Canada : Advice On Getting SBL Small Business Loans

Getting A Govt Small Business Loan ( ‘ SBL ‘ ) Doesn’t Have To Be A Science Experiment

OVERVIEW – Information on government funding in Canada via the ‘ SBL ‘ program . Small business loans are an attractive traditional financing alternative for financing assets and leaseholds for Canadian business owners /mgrs

Government funding in Canada comes in a couple different forms, primarily grants and loans. (Good luck with the grants). Many business owners and mgrs are not aware that small busines loans, commonly called the ' SBL ' are available. Let's dig in.

And by the way, achieving success in a Govt small business loan doesn't have to be like a science experiment gone bad - its not as complicated as you think.

The federal government, via Industry Canada, provides guaranteed loans for existing businesses and start ups. (Yes Dorothy - start up financing is available in Canada!). Why is the SBL loan attractive? Simply because it has rates, terms and structures that in some cases arent even available to larger successful corporations?

Can we explain that last comment? (Yes we can). Some of the key attractiveness of the program revolves around a limited personal guarantee (the majority of the loan is guaranteed by the govt) and the loan period can be anywhere up to 7years, with 5 years being a typical term. Repayment? It can be any at any time, and without penalty... even the big boys can't often achieve that one.

So where does the applicant get this type of financing? Things get even easier now, as it's available through any Canadian chartered bank - the key point being that you must have access or a relationship with a banker that is very familiar with the program and paperwork.

Paperwork? It's not as complicated as one might think, as government bureaucracy conjures up images of piles of paperwork

and untold delays. The truth? Simply that you only need a basic loan package consisting of a business plan, cash flow, info on yourself as the borrower, and some back up document such as a use of the proceeds, which is often demonstrated by quotes or invoices. For a proper loan package a transaction can be approved within a couple of days .

We can save you a lot of time by also advising you that if you don't have your personal finances and credit history in order you won't be approved for the program .That means income taxes up to date (no CRA arrears) and a reasonable credit history as evidenced by a typical business credit check. Technically speaking a credit bureau score of 650 tends to be the threshold of go/no go.

Amounts under the program are typically 350k max, although recent amendments to the program suggest higher amounts are available. And don't forget that the only two asset categories financed under the program are equipment and leaseholds. That includes technology also, and even software.

Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success - avoid that science experiment gone wrong

by focusing on quick and positive success for government funding under Small Business Loans.



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 BUSINESS LOAN EXPERTISE




Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?
CONTACT:

7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

Stan Prokop

The Government Small Business Loan In Canada : Skipping Intelligently Through Changes In The SBL

Translating New Rules For Government Small Business Loans Into … Plain English !

OVERVIEW – Information on new rules around the government small business loan in Canada . The good, bad and some ‘ugly’ around SBL loans in Canada

The Government Small Business Loan in Canada , aka the ' SBL ' is undergoing some dramatic changes in the program. Are you up to date on the good, bad and ugly (there’s very little ugly!) and the ' who cares' of this very popular program that finances thousands of new and existing businesses every year? Let's dig in.

Many clients we meet and talk to have not even heard of the program in some cases, so a super quick ' primer ' just might be in order. Patterned similarly to the U.S. equivalent ( there it's called can 'SBA' loan ) this financing was created by the Canadian government many years back to allow Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs to have access to capital where they might not normally access traditional Canadian chartered bank financing .

Although it can be debated how seriously the banks embrace the program the reality is that over the years tens of thousands of businesses have qualified and been approved under the program. The government guarantees a large portion of the loan to the banks in case of default.

If the government guarantees default why wouldn’t the banks fall in love with the program? The main reason is... which you might not believe, is ' paperwork' at the bank level.

Yes, it’s correct that top experts in the field tell us that the ' administrative burden' that come with banks filing for the loan had become too much.


So... enter Change! And while significant, on balance they still in our opinion make the program robust and a solid solution.

So what are those changes? First of all the old program had a personal guarantee scenario that was quite attractive to borrowers, in that they only had to guarantee 25% of the loan from a personal liability perspective. New legislation via INDUSTRY CANADA (the program administrator/manager) allows banks to take a full personal guarantee on the amount. What's our take on that one? Pretty simple actually - since almost 99.999% of all business in the SME financing sector requires shareholder guarantees anyway what’s really the issue here.

Oh, and by the way , under the SBL small business government loan no personal collateral can be taken or secured, which definitely isn't the case for most normal bank borrowers under SME Commercial Finance conditions.

Other changes to the program include small fees to be charged for set up, documentation and registration of SBL loans in Canada. The truth is that in any financing in the SME sector the borrower almost always pays the legals and doc fees anyway, which are often in the several thousand dollar range or more. So the few hundred dollars charged for an SBL loan is somewhat of a moot point, don't you think.

It would initially appear that the old cap of 350,000.00 for equipment and leasehold financing may be lifted. So. Does that mean ' unlimited financing '? Hardly, we think given that new borrowers still have to meet the same equity requirements and working capital requirements of the program.

Rates, terms, and overall structure of these loans still remains the same, and they are ultra attractive in our opinion given the often start up or early stage nature of businesses that apply.

So, while Mr. Dylan

might still be right ( " The times they are a changin' ")
the CSBF program - the ' SBL ' Government Business Loan is still a great deal and should be considered by all borrowers who can't qualify for full traditional financing. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can guide you successfully through changes to the program.



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 SBL Small Business Loan Expertise!







Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:

7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8
Direct Line = 416 319 5769
Office = 905 829 2653

Fax = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

Stan Prokop

Canadian Government Small Business Loans : The SBL Eliminates Nightmares Around Successful Financing

Crisis Averted ! Financing Via The SBL Government Business Loan In Canada

OVERVIEW – Information on Canadian government small business loans in Canada . Commonly known as the ‘ SBL ‘ this type of financing has numerous benefits not available to all businesses. Here’s why and how










The ' SBL’ is the common name for Canadian government small business loans
. It's a solid way to start or grow a business, and in its case small is relative, as the revenue cap on the program is 5 Million dollars in projected or actual revenue.

In our experience with our clients the loan is best suited for start ups, acquisition of a franchise, or adding equipment and leaseholds to an existing business.

There are numerous misconceptions around the program, one of which is that the loan is in the form of cash or working capital financing. Bottom line, not the case!

Can an SBL loan avert a financing crisis for the owner/entrepreneur? Quite often if can as it’s a substitute for traditional bank financing which comes with a higher level of criteria for approval.

While business owners think of our Canadian chartered banks as still the lowest cost and trustworthy type of financing it is comforting to know that it is the banks themselves that administer the program for industry Canada. That’s the department that administers and manages the program.

In fact the ' bank' is in fact the ONLY place to get an SBL loan.

We find it somewhat ironic that often the biggest challenge in getting Canadian government small business loans is the challenge of finding a banker that understands and fast track the program. As the majority of bank lending in Canada, if not all, has moved to major commercial centers or the head offices of the banks themselves its difficult to find a banker that is ' on board ' with getting your financing approved under the program. In this case consider seeking out an expert advisor in this area that has a track record under the program.

Successful loans under the program happen when you can articulate a thought out need for the financing, and demonstrating you will have the cash flow to make payments.

The loan cap for the program is 350k, and amortizations are typically 3-7 years. Two quite incredible features of the program are the limited personal guarantee, as well as pre payment without penalty. Why is that incredible... simply because even larger corporations can't escape those terms and conditions when financing assets.

If we had to summarize for our clients the entire process it would come down to:

Ensuring you understand program criteria

Preparing back up documentation

Presenting the request in a positive manner, outlining management experience and company potential - Here a business plan and cash flow projection is required

A financing crisis can often be averted via a successful SBL loan financing. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can assist you with you loan needs in this program.




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 Small Business Loans Expertise









Stan Prokop









Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:

7 Park Avenue Financial

South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653




Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

Stan Prokop

Government Loans In Canada : A Fool Proof Formula For The SBL Small Business Loan ?

How Long To Get A Govt Business Loan? Not As Long As You Think


OVERVIEW – Information on government loans in Canada. What Does It Take To Get Approved For A ‘ SBL ‘ Small Business Loan . Tips for Success





Government loans in Canada , specifically the ' SBL Small business Loan ' program often seems ' unattainable' to clients we meet who don't understand the program. So if there is a key, or in our words, a ' fool proof ' formula for success in financing here its understanding eligibility. Let's dig in.

We feel that because the program is so straight forward the only reason you can not be successful with such financing is simply because you didn’t know if you or your firm/project qualified. So let's review some of those key qualifiers.

The true benefit of the program is of course the ' government guarantee ' that the Canadian government loans come with. So your ability to put forth a solid proposal hinges on ensuring that guarantee is available.

That goes for every use of the program, which predominantly finances assets and leaseholds, and in some cases actual real estate. Franchisees contemplating entry into the Canadian franchise financing industry also make maximum use of the program.

It's also critical to understand ' sizing' of the program. This loan program maxes out at $ 350,000.00, and finances 90% of all items up to and including this cap. That means two things of course:

Any financing you require over 350k must be met or arranged by the owner/owners

You will need a minimum personal equity investment, aka the ' down payment' of a minimum of 10%. You should ensure that you should be able to meet two other key criteria of the program - a debt to equity ratio that is reasonable, and a positive ' current ratio ‘. That item simply signifies your need to show that a combination of cash, inventory and prepaids is able to meet 1st year debt repayments.

A great way to look at your potential success in Small business loan financing is simply to walk a mile in your banker/lenders shoes. That's because unlike your suppliers that supply you with goods and services your financing sources is lending with the sole expectation of loan repayment, with interest income as their only profit.

Here's where a solid business plan and cash flow kick in, as your ability to demonstrate realistic cash flow repayment becomes a key critical element in the SBL loan formula approval. That repayment is going to come from sales revenue and profits, receivables collections, sale of assets, etc.

Businesses that aren't cash flow based should also be able to, within a reasonable amount of time, utilize business credit lines that help offset revenue bulges versus cash collections.

While many clients we talk to at first believe an SBL loan process takes weeks or months, the reality is that a properly prepared proposal should only take a matter of days for adjudication. The key? A properly prepared package that consists on owner information, business plan, cash flow, and financing requirements for assets and leaseholds to be financed.

The bottom line - the winning formula in government SBL loans really revolves around understanding eligibility and providing a tight package of the basic requirements which certainly are NOT onerous. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can fast track your SBL small business loan with maximum chances of success and minimum expectation in timing!



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 = ‘ SBL ‘ Govt Business Loan Expertise








Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:

7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

Stan Prokop

The Canada Small Business Financing Program : Exploding The Myths Of SBL Loans In Canada

What’s So Smart About Government SBL Small Business Loans

OVERVIEW – Information on SBL loans in Canada . Why is the Canada small business financing program loan ‘ smart’ financing for many business owners and entrepreneurs





Is the Canada Small Business Financing Program a smart way to finance your business? We think it is, if you understand what it is... and what it isn't! Let's dig in.

The SBL govt loan program in Canada is in some way a ' preferred' program when it comes to the SME sector. While some SME businesses in Canada can in fact be a fair size we would quickly point out that our first fact here is simply that the program is geared toward businesses that have actual or projected revenues under the 5 Million $ threshold .

It's a customized program that provides financing for a small handful of asset categories; those include equipment, leasehold improvements, technology equipment and application software, and even real estate. The typical mis-interpretation of the program is that it's a cash loan, a working capital loan, or a revolving line of credit. The answer is a categorical ' NO IT IS NOT ' to all 3 of those!

How does the program work? It could not be simpler. The SBL loan funds 90% of anything you buy in the approved asset categories, which of course mean that your ' down payment' or a better term ' equity component' is a minimum of 10 per cent. Careful attention in your business plan and financial projections needs to be made around ensuring your working capital and debt to equity ratios are considered reasonable.

While many business owners wish funds could be used for working capital and cash flow needs that simply is not the case. So if you're ' smart' on SBL loans you'll take some time to know what it covers relative to what can be financed.

Terms typically sought by our clients tend to be in the 5-7year range.

In the U.S. many institutions partner with the government on their version of this loan program. That isn’t the case here in Canada - the main partner is your local chartered bank. Your application and approval process will in fact be much quicker, and smoother when you've found a banker or Canadian business financing advisor that understands the program and knows how to ' fast track' you toward approval .

There are a couple other key advantages of the program - they include the pricing, which is very favorable relative to overall credit risk in the SME sector ( that includes start ups also by the way ) and is currently in the 3% over prime these days. With rates currently so low that’s a solid cost of funds.

Many franchises in Canada are well suited to the SBL govt loan program. We suspect it wasn’t intended for that, it’s simply turned out to be the case. Banks won’t finance 95% of all franchises directly, but are happy to do so under the auspices of the Govt Canada Small business financing program.

‘Will I have to guarantee the loan personally? ‘Is a key question asked by clients we meet in the SBL process? The answer is... partially, as only 25% of the loan will be under your personal covenant.

There are many myths around SBL loans:

Myth # 1- Do I have to work with or meet or present to the government
Answer - NO

Myth #2 - Is the process complicated
Answer - It will absolutely be complicated if you're not prepared. However if you have a business plan, reasonable personal credit history, a list of assets you need financed, and some other minor documentation you're off to the races !

So are SBL loans ' smart financing’. In the right circumstances, absolutely. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can help you navigate

Govt loan waters!


Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

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

7 Park Avenue Financial = Candian SBL Canada Small Business Financing Govt Loan Expertise

Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?


CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8


Phone = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

Stan Prokop

Small Business Government Financing . 6 Things You Might Not Know About Canadian SBL Loans

You Might Have It Wrong On Government SBL/BIL Loans






OVERVIEW – .Information on small business government financing loans in Canada. The SBL Loan works for thousands of companies just like yours with Canadian finance needs



Canadian small business government financing . There isn’t a day when we don't meet clients who are looking for information on the SBL loan in Canada. What's worse, in many cases what they do know... well suffice to say... they've got it wrong. We think we can fix that in pretty short order, so let's dig in!

There are several methods of financing a start up in the start up and SME sector in Canada. Knowing what they are and preparing to address them is what the business owner/manager needs to deal with.

In many cases our clients often focus on their bank that they have always dealt with - that comes from the convenience of a past and current relationship more often than not. Just remember though that convenience and a short walking distance are not always guarantors of successful Canadian business financing!

No Canadian chartered bank is going to bend rules or get involved in marginal situations, so it’s important to focus on a bank and banker that will deliver - many do, but not all. While things like fees, access to on line services, etc are important they ultimately depend on getting your company the kind of credit and working capital you need.

Common sources of business financing in Canada also include unsecured business lines of credit, business credit cards, supplier financing, equipment and receivable financing.

But is that all? Definitely not, because today we're focusing on the Govt SBL loan and why it just might make sense for your firm.

So, here's 6 things you might not know about the BIL (that’s the formal name of the program) loan in Canada.

1. The loan has limited personal guarantees (for some reason our clients like that one!)

2. Pricing is very competitive given that many businesses that apply are in start up or very early years of growing their business

3. There are only 3 asset categories that can be financed - they are equipment assets (including trucks, etc), Leasehold improvements, and real estate.

4. The term ' government ' is a bit of a misnomer - while the government runs the program and guarantees the loan to banks in actuality all loans are delivered through the chartered banking system. So as much as the Canadian business owner dreams about having a strong day to day relationship with the government and its business the reality is that its business as usual with no direct contact with the government!

5. Many clients imagine the application is cumbersome and involved. It isn’t. You need a business plan, some very normal info on your business - i.e. articles of incorporation, premises lease, etc - Voila... you're off to the races. Oh and by the way, while many business people choose to be incorporated you in fact can be a proprietorship or partnership.

6. Even firms that are start up in nature can be financed under the program which provides a maximum loan of 350,000.00. That covers off a lot of business financing needs.

So, did you have it wrong? Many do... so seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your finance needs via small business government financing - aka the ' SBL '.






Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

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

7 Park Avenue Financial = Canadian Small Business SBL Loan Financing






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










Stan Prokop