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 small business loans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label small business loans. Show all posts

Monday, April 17, 2017

Business Lease Finance Options In Canada : Know Your Asset Needs & Understand Leasing Equipment Finance Strategies












What Mom Never Told You About The ‘ Credit Box ‘ & Acquiring The Business Assets You Need












OVERVIEW – Information on leasing equipment in Canada. Knowing your business lease finance options allows you to acquire the assets you need to run, and yes grow your business






Business lease finance options aren't necessarily always a straightforward process when it comes to acquiring assets. Equipment leasing might also find your company ' outside the credit box ' - in otherwards potentially not qualifying for the asset financing you require.

The real world reality? Your lease options and who you deal with in this area can make or break good or bad financing decisions. Mom never told us that one! Let's dig in.

We're arming you with some lease basics, and we'll let you in on some inside secrets to the trade. We have often told our clients we're not impressed by the ways in which some industry participants create a smoke and mirrors scenario around some of your most important lease financing acquisitions.

You're wrong if you think that it's all about interest rates also. Unfortunately most of the time new clients we meet are only focused on rate. In reality pure math analysis will more often than not show that leasing is a bit more expensive option. The actual reasons you chose to lease probably should be more focused around the two types of leases available, and which one is right for your firm. And as mentioned, leasing strategies properly structured will also put you inside that ' credit box ' - in other wards: You're approved!

Alternate decisions to lease are driven by, guess what...? Credit approval (leasing approval is easier to obtain) and the managing of your payments in a predictable fashion related to your cash flow. An if you are in a technology business you're most concerned with the fact that you have 3 or 5 years to go on payments and your asset is depreciating, or become obsolete a lot faster.

Don't forget also that many small, what we can call ' service features ' come with the lease facility. They include the ability to include taxes on your payments, bundle in warranty and maintenance, etc. Not everyone knows also that used equipment can be lease financed - provided the asset is purchased from a legitimate vendor either here in Canada or in the U.S.

Is it possible to figure out the exact rate you are being charged in a lease? As we said, it shouldn't always be about rate, but the answer is ' yes'... you can figure out what the interest rate is.

How do we do that then? Relatively simple, if you have the tool. The parts of any lease calculation are term of lease, amount financed, the final obligation or future value, the interest rate, and the payment. If you know any four of those you can use a financial calculator to calculate the 'real' rate the lessor is using.

Example: Your business is leasing 50,000$ of assets/ asset for 3 years and you own the equipment at month 36 you are told, and the monthly payment is 1600.00$. By entering those 4 into a financial calculator (a real financial calculator) you can see that the rate is 10%.

Let's stay with our client's fixation on rate. Is that 10% high, low, acceptable, competitive? More often than not it's a competitive number because the entire industry has to stay competitive to be in business.

A better question you never asked is what rate your lease company borrows at in order to allow leasing equipment for business such as yours. If they can borrow at 5% they are making 5% on you... if their cost to borrow is higher... and in most cases it's higher than you think, they are making less.

Let's share another of those secret strategies not commonly known. Your firm has a lease... it's for 50,000, for three years, and the monthly payment is 1600.00 and you. Your competitor has the same lease, but that monthly payment is 1480$. How could that be, ask clients?

The answer is that one lease is probably an operating lease, structured as a rental, and the lower payment simply means the lessor is going to get the equipment back at the end of the lease - sell it, and recover the shortfall (hopefully) on the lower payment you have been making.

So... is it all smoke and mirrors when it comes to lease finance options? It doesn't have to be.80% of Canadian business use various lease strategies to acquire assets. Shouldn't your firm be considering that?

Do your homework, compare apples to apples, and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor in the lease financing area.



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 . Info /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 '







Thursday, April 13, 2017

SBL Loans! Is The Canadian Government Business Loan Help From Where You Least Expect It? Gov Programs For Business Finance








Government Assistance In Financing ? Yes!



Information on the Canada government business loan . SBL loans are the leading example of gov programs that work for Canadian business financing






Help from where we least expect it. We can't speak for you but we've always appreciated assistance in business, especially when it comes from sources you least expect. We're talking about the Canadian government business loan, in our opinion it’s the best or 2nd best of gov programs that work.


We've always loved the line ' Hi, we're from the government and we're here to help ‘... which is why SBL Loans in our opinion are the real world example of a phrase that is often associated with negavity. ‘Government ' ... ‘Banking’ ... many small and medium sized business owners cringe when they contemplate those words. Not today, though.


The government business loan in Canada is a primary offering via INDUSTRY CANADA in Ottawa. It offers SBL loans up to $ 500,000.00 for the purpose of financing equipment assets, leaseholds, real estate, software, etc. In actuality the 500k limit is specifically related to real estate, while other asset categories are capped at $ 350,000.00.


The program provides a long term fixed or variable rate financing to businesses looking to start, expand, and grow!


Misinformation abounds around the program; we're always surprised at the amount or lack of solid understanding and facts around gov programs such as this.


One of those main misconceptions revolves around who the lender is. We can at least forgive our clients who misunderstand the fact that while this is a government sponsored and guaranteed loan, in actuality the actual day to day dealings are in the private sector.


One of the greatest benefits of the program is something we have alluded to already, its that SBL loans fit perfectly for a number of company categories, including start ups, growing firms, and also franchises which make up a huge portion of the borrowing segment of this program.


As we have hinted, the program is run at the local level, local meaning wherever your firm is, because the program is underwritten and funded by your local Canadian chartered bank. By the way, one of the challenges of the program, as ironic as it may seem, is to find a banker that understands and supports the program in a positive manner. That means of course facilitating your application and recommending you for approval!


A common complaint we hear from clients on anything to do with ' gov programs' or banks in general is that ' forms and documents' are a challenge. Let's be realistic. All business financing requires a forms and app's, and we don’t necessarily subscribe to the fact that SBL loans are any different.


Some key basic requirements are a reasonable personal credit history for the busines owner/owners, a business plan and cash flow, and some historical financial statements if you're already in business. Very basic things such as your articles of incorporation are also required. Oh, and by the way, we strongly encourage clients to pay their taxes as you can expect to get a government loan when you owe them for back personal taxes already, right?!


The Canadian government business loan funds billions of dollars of small business loans in Canada. It's a working example of Gov. Programs that work. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor today on achieving solid finance rates and terms you otherwise could not achieve. Bottom line? Get with the program!

Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 13 years - Completed in excess of 100 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing. Info & Contact Details :



http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com


7 Park Avenue Financial

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



Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.





Sunday, April 9, 2017

Business Cash Flow A Problem? Here’s 4 Working Capital Financing Solutions! Count ‘em!










Is 4 Your Favourite Number When It Comes To Business Financing ?

It Just Might Be & Here’s Why!



OVERVIEW – Information business cash flow solutions in Canada. The ability to source the right working capital financing for your company is a ‘ make or break ‘





Business cash flow
! These days you probably would be happy with 1 solid working capital financing solution for your cash flow business needs. We'll beat that and give you 4! How is that for alternative solutions to your working capital and cash flow needs? Let's dig in.

Funding of working capital continues to be a large challenge for Canadian businesses of all size - The business owner/financial mgr want to grow the business. That requires investment and along the way those suppliers and employees want to be paid on time also. That's called running a business.

The most liquid asset any business always has, (next to cash) is your receivables. Working capital financing is best generated by the collection, or financing of your receivables. This can be done by:

Faster collections

Financing / selling your receivables as you generate them

This financing is called receivable discounting or factoring, and is becoming increasing popular every day. For firms qualifying for bank credit, i.e. traditional bank financing via business lines of credit are optimal

You've spent your working capital - would you like to get it back? Clients always ask what we mean by that. Any equipment you have already paid for can often be refinanced, the technical term is sale leaseback, and we find that either that strategy or a short term bridge loan with the equipment as security is exactly what our clients need to bridge the cash flow gap.

We spoke above about receivable financing - one of the best facilities for Canadian business is a combo working capital facility that finances, or ' margins ' both your A/R and your inventory. Since many firms previously couldn't finance their inventory either elsewhere, or via banks, the combined liquidity of borrowing against your A/R and inventory is a true power punch! Typical this type of financing is known as an asset based lending facility, and makes most sense when the facility is at least in the 250k range, and sky is the limit after that.


Many clients are totally unaware the Purchase orders financing is available in Canada. This is a strong potential cash flow saver, and generator, since your suppliers are paid for product when you order it, once you have received the P O. The P O lender takes the inventory and receivable as security, but in effect finances your whole sale. While it is an expensive form of financing if you have good gross margins and could otherwise not facilitate the sale of your large new orders and contracts it's a perfect solution.

In summary, make yourself aware of your Canadian business financing options. Working capital and cash flow are available if you have assets and orders. We have demonstrated that clearly to you via 4 separate solutions. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor to determine what works for your firm.

Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 13 years - Completed in excess of 100 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing. Info & Contact Details :


http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com




7 Park Avenue Financial

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


Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.






Wednesday, August 6, 2014

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 '