Franchising Success Is Pretty Well Guaranteed With The Right Franchise Loan For Profitable Franchises In Canada

Just Say ‘ Yes ‘ When It Comes To Profitable Franchises

OVERVIEW – Information on franchising profitable franchises in Canada . The right franchise loan can make or break entrepreneurial success . Whether specialty lending or utilizing the BIL program it’s important to understand requirements and issues




Success via a profitable franchise is of course the dream of every franchisee entrepreneur when he or she is seeking a franchise loan. While most would agree that nothing is ' guaranteed' in business profitable franchises within growing industries certainly provide a strong level of comfort to the borrower. Let's dig in.

When applying for a franchise loan (these are done via a specialty lender or under the BIL program in Canada) the concept of profits as they relate to cash flow and loan repayment are key.

In the case of a turnkey situation the franchisee and the lender of course will rely on the business plan and cash flow projections of the borrower. Loans are repaid from cash flow; it’s as simple as that. So your ability to project reasonable success in a business plan and cash flow statement is key.

We often meet with clients who are looking for a bit of a different story when it comes to a franchise loan. That story? They either wish to purchase an existing franchise from a current operator or, in some cases wish to complete a parternership buyout. (Partnerships are difficult!)

In the case of ' refranchising ' - i.e. the purchase of an existing location it’s critical to get a strong handle on the current financials of the business. If in fact is a predominantly cash business ( a huge per cent age of franchises are ) its critical to understand what happens to cash ( !) , is cash being reported and recorded properly , and if its sufficient to repay both existing and new debt . One tactic we've used successfully over the years is to ensure we are provided with 3 months of bank statements and credit card transactions to allow us to see the inflows and outflows of cash.

Again, staying with the idea of purchasing an existing business, it’s critical to get an appraisal done on the existing assets and leaseholds. These will form the basis for any term loan refinancing, and you want, as a prospective buyer to get a handle on current values, replacement values, and liquidation values. Those are of key interest to your lender also.

Many franchisors these days will mandate ongoing replenishment of leaseholds and assets to keep the business ' fresh '. That’s why your business plan and cash flow projections (if you're not in a service business) should account for ongoing asset upgrades as needed.

Leaseholds are difficult to finance and they are in many cases best financed via the Govt SBL loan which allows for this type of financing. (It’s difficult for many lenders to accept ' fresh paint' as collateral for your loan!)

Your business plan and cash flow is often best when you approach it as a living document - using it to answer basic questions of profitability, cash flow, reasonable growth, etc. We recommend that down the road the franchisee revisit the plan as a useful template to track financial and personal goal success.

Purchasing a franchise in a sector that has a strong chance of profit is part of the winning combination of franchising in Canada. The properly constructed franchise loan and financing plan will help guarantee this success. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can help you achieve that guarantee.


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 Franchise Financing 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

905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '


























Stan Prokop

Cash Management : The Case Against Procrastination : Here’s A Winning Working Capital Formula

Are You Controlling Cash Flow In Your Business – Here’s The Why and How!




OVERVIEW – Information on how the working capital formula is a key part of cash management in Canada




Is Cash Management in your business in control... of you? , or are you in fact managing with a working capital formula and solutions that work. When it comes to business cash flow it's not a time for inaction or procrastination.

Let's dig in.

The irony has never been lost on us when it comes to what 'academics' might say about how great your liquidity position is in, given the way accountants, textbooks, and even banker measure working capital . It all starts when you're told you have a ' high' working capital (current asset to current liability ratio).

Naturally you want to be in a position where you liabilities are low, but does having high levels of receivables and inventory create a winning scenario ?We sure don't think it does , because all that might mean is that you're mismanaging or perhaps simply unaware of the quality of asset turnover in A/R and inventory.

Using inventory specifically your warning signs might be as follows:

Sales are down and inventories are building up - Not good!

Inventory is outdated and somewhat unsalable - Not good!

Inventories are building up - Not good


And then there is your receivables position. Your A/R is of course your most liquid asset next to cash itself; in essence the heart of your liquidity.
Here are your potential problem sign warnings:

Customers are paying you more slowly relative to your terms of payment - Not good!

Potential bad debts loom on the horizon based on serious delinquency in your A/R


If your business has the right levels of current assets solutions to a working capital might be more abundant than you think. They include:

Selling receivables (A/R Financing)

Inventory finance

Canadian commercial bank lines of credit

Asset based (‘ABL ‘) lines of credit that are non bank in nature and monetize all your current assets - plus your equipment!

Tax credit monetization, i.e. financing your SR&ED claims

Working Capital term loans

Supply Chain / P O Finance


In utilizing any of the above solutions it’s all about timing. Here's where you need skill and attention to details such as timing your payment inflows, managing payable and term loan commitments and of course keeping costs in line.

Unfortunately some businesses have it easier than others. Service businesses that require low investments in capital and little or no inventory are often cash flow ' winners'. Tech businesses with high margins and low capital investment also can be cash flow machines.

If you're not in the above industries as an example you're going to have to master a solid working capital formula. That's simply because you need cash to run operations, buy assets, and finance working capital in A/R and inventories. Your ability to manage and exhibit good cash flow management will affect the type and quality and rate and structures of financings available.

If you need help in winning the cash flow battle when it comes to mgmt and financing of assets

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 a winning finance solution and working capital formula.



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 = Working Capital Finance Solutions






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

Cash Flow Problems : Here’s Your To Do List For Your Turnaround In Working Capital Management

Cash Flow Shortage ? Don’t Worry The End Is Not Here and Here’s Why


OVERVIEW – Information on how business owners can correct the problem of a cash problem shortage . Working Capital Management is about solutions and actively managing your balance sheet




Working capital management in Canada must make some business owners and financial managers surely feel sometimes that ' the end is near '. It definitely doesn't have to be that way when it comes to fixing cash flow problems when you're focusing on techniques and solutions for ' the fix ' Let's dig in

We're the first to admit sometimes that the term' cash is king'

is somewhat of a overworked cliché , but when you're in the real world ( where we work and toil everyday) achieving cash flow to run your company, pay your bills, satisfy your creditors and , oh yes, grow your business is .. Suffice to say... challenging!

In many cases a large part of cash problems revolves around what we could term ' bulges' or ' seasonality' in a business or industry. It's simply those times when revenue at outpaces sales you would normally have at that time of year - perhaps due to a large contract, order, etc. In the case of retailers it simply might mean: Xmas!

At the other end of the extreme are start up businesses who are struggling to achieve the sales growth they have projected, all the while trying to contain those fixed costs they have.

One other key area of cash problem strife is the concept of ' progress billings '. We meet with many clients who have to bill their customers in stages - typical scenarios are a down payment, interim billings and final payment. This whole process can almost always reach 90 days, if not longer depending on the industry.

So how does the owner/manager address these issues? To the extent they can it’s very valuable to put a cash flow budget/estimate in place based on your historical experience. This will help you explain to banks and commercial lenders the reality of your situation.

Solutions that ' fix' working capital management problems include:

A/R Financing
Inventory finance
Working capital term loans
Commercial bank lines of credit
Non bank asset based lines of credit
Monetization of tax credits

Don't forget also that a key part of the accounting ' cash flow equation ' is accounts payable management. Delaying payables in a positive manner (negotiating better terms and better discounts and pricing) aids cash flow big time. How do you think big firms are so successful - it's because they have ' clout'.

Remember also that in the nether world of accounting profits don't equal cash flow , and the more inventories and receivables that you have in place simply means more financing with the above noted mechanisms are necessary . Naturally your ability to turn over A/R and inventory faster simply means better working capital management and positive cash flow.

If you are looking for a turnaround in your working capital and cash flows seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success
who can ensure your ' to do' list is achievable in business financing success.




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 = Working Capital Solutions





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

Receivables Funding In Canada: Let A Receivable Credit Solution Become Your Key To Cash Flow Challenges

Is Receivable Funding Your Golden Chance For Cash Flow Success?

OVERVIEW – Information on receivables funding solutions in Canada. The Receivable Credit solution comes in various forms – which one works for your firm


Receivables funding in Canada, thankfully, comes with choices. Is a receivable credit solution your firm's ' golden chance ' at working capital success. It just might be, and here's why. Let's dig in.

It clearly is a good thing that the business owner has choices in A/R financing. One of those reasons is that bank financing, for some, or all of the cash flow financing you need simply might be unattainable by Canadian chartered bank standards.

So enter A/R finance. It comes in various ' sizes' and ' flavors’. It can be a stand alone solution, or in some cases it can be a sub set of an asset based line of credit, that type of facility monetizes both receivables and inventory and equipment into one revolving line of credit.

And, throwing more choice into the mix, the Canadian business owner and financial manager has the choices of utilizing ' traditional ‘A/R factoring, or it can opt for our preferred and recommended solution: CONFIDENTIAL RECEIVABLE FINANCING.

The key difference in understanding non bank receivable financing simply boils down tot two things:

UNDERSTANDING PRICING
UNDERSTANDING HOW IT WORKS

While it only makes sense that an alternative non bank solution will be more costly thousands of firms gravitate to this method of business financing simply because it gives them all the cash flow and working capital they need based on their sales level - with virtually no upper limit to financing available.

If you opt for traditional financing, most typically called ' FACTORING' you're involved in a tri part deal between yourself, your lender, and your client. Your client pays the lender, the one key advantage to your firm is that you receive the cash, at your option, the day you make and invoice the sale. That's clearly cash flow power. The cost of that transaction, typically 200$ on a $10,000.00 invoice ( assuming 30 day terms/payment) can often be very justified when you consider your new found ability to buy inventory, reduce payables, take discounts with your own suppliers, or negotiate better pricing.

Two other key factors come into play when considering non bank receivables funding. First of all, you aren't taking on debt; the accounting treatment of A/R financing is simply not ' borrowing' when recorded by your accountants. And finally, you can of course bring in new equity into your firm, or consider a working capital term loan - but those two solutions simply dilute ownership and bring debt to the balance sheet.

The Confidential A/R financing we mentioned simply allows you to receive all the benefits we mentioned, but it’s not longer a ' 3 way ' - because you bill and collect your own receivable with no notice to any client or vendor.

Is a receivable credit solution in the works for your firm? It just might be the ' golden chance ' for cash flow peace of mind. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can guide you through the myriad of lingo and options for this very popular method of financing growth.



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 A/R Funding Solutions





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

SR ED Claims Financing In Canada. Don’t Be A Victim Of The Waiting Game in SRED And Film Tax Credit Incentives

Just How Good Is Movie tax credits , SR&ED Program Claims Financing Via Bridge Loans ?


OVERVIEW – Information on financing s red claims and film tax credit incentives . These credits , financed properly and in a timely fashion can provide valuable cash flow

and working capital to business owners in industry and project owners in media ( film/tv/animation)




SR&ED Claims financing and the finance of film tax incentives in Canada eliminate the ' victim' part of these two solid government programs. The' victim' part arises when a lot of work and effort and by Canadian business people leads them to ' waiting '

for their claims to be finalized and funded.
Let's dig in.











Let's examine some key benefits in financing tax credits under 2 of the most popular programs in Canada -

SR&ED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development)

Film/Digital/Television Tax Incentives


Similar to programs in the U.S. the Canadian government funds research via R&D tax credits. Here's one case where the ' little guy' often benefits more than larger and sometimes publicly traded companies in Canada. Private ( i.e. not publicly traded ) firms receive billions of dollars of funding in Canada for recovering a large percentage of the monies they spend on salaries, contractor cost and overhead as these relate directly to research.

While the thousands of firms that receive funding might find their claims a little smaller these days (example: equipment purchases related to R&D no longer qualify) the ' cash back ' benefit of the combined federal/provincial program can't be denied.

Prior to considering SR ED claims financing a tremendous amount of work, and some risk goes into claim preparation . From software firms to mfg companies all across Canada third parties known as ' SRED Consultants ' prepare and file claims. The majority of claims prepared seem to be on a contingency basis, with the SR&ED consultants bearing the risk in time and costs in your claim preparation. In return for that they typically take a fee of 15-30% of the total claim. Naturally business owners also have the choice of simply paying for a qualified SR&ED practitioner on a straight fee for service basis.

While the government has clearly made things easier for claimants, i.e.

Self assessment tools to help guarantee approval success

Simplified and shortened online application

none of that takes the ' waiting' out of your cash refund.

FILM TAX CREDITS:

Media credits in movies, TV and animation, also under the auspices of federal and provincial programs, take a lot of the risk out of the task of financing projects. Traditional bank type financing is difficult to achieve for smaller independent producers. The complex web of financing a project involves a lot of moving parts:

Pre-selling your project

Consideration co-producers to complete funding

Owner Equity

Product placement/sponsors

'GAP' financing (a ' bridge' between production and future sales potential)




Have we forgotten anything?

We sure have! It’s the generous film tax credit incentives that monetize a large part of the costs of production of any project. In many cases of 40-50% of a qualified budget can become a tax credit refund to owners. Claims are best prepared by experienced film tax credit accountants - specialized folks who maximize claims.

While some might argue there is little in common between producing an animated film versus striving for improvements in software, biotech, mfg, or robotics the one constant is the finance ability of either of these two programs.

While owners can choose to wait for months , perhaps up to a year for recouping funds under either program they also have the option to ' cash flow' their tax credits .

Tax credit loans for SR ED and Media are financed very similarly. Bridge loans will advance typically 70% of the combined value of the federal and prov. claim. No payments are made during the loan period. When the government approves and funds your credit you receive the balance of the claim, less financing costs that are typically priced at ' mezzanine ' type rates.

If you feel you can benefit from the immediate financing of film tax credit incentives and SR ED projects seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in claim finance.

P.S. Yes, it's true; claims can also be financed prior to formal submission to government bodies.




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 = SR&ED And Media Tax Credit 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

Fax = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '


































Stan Prokop

A Franchise Business Loan Shouldn’t Be A Gamble: Make Franchising Finance Strategy Successful

Do You Have What It Takes To Get A Franchise Loan In Canada

OVERVIEW – Information a achieving success in a franchise business loan in Canadian franchising . Franchising finance solutions depend on what you’ve got and how you show it! Here’s why and how



A franchise business loan in Canada seems to be viewed by some as a ‘gamble’

on franchising finance success. We certainly have never looked at it that way, and if you follow that famous Boy Scout motto (BE PREPARED!)
you'll be viewing financing your franchise in terms of a strategy, not a gamble! Let's dig in.




Various types of financing might be required by a franchisee. The most common is probably a term loan - typically with a 5-7 year term, fixed interest rates, and a therefore predictable monthly outflow of cash in terms of the loan. Naturally the amount of the purchase, coupled with your down payment or equity installment determines the ' monthly damage'!

In almost 99.99% of the time your ability to repay the loan will come from sales and profits you generate in the business. That’s where a serious amount of time needs to be spent on your cash flow forecast - it’s a task not loved by all but very necessary. And frankly if you don't want to do it yourself there is a lot of help available from your banker, accountant, or a Canadian business financing advisor.

We often hear the expression that you shouldn’t assume anything.

However, assumptions in your cash flow forecast are critical relative to revenue growth, expenses, owner draws, future investments required in the business, etc.

Security for a franchise business loan in Canada typically is the personal guarantee of the borrower, as well as the collateral financed inside the business. That typically exists of equipment and leasehold improvements.

If the franchisee is dealing with either a specialty lender, or utilizing the Canadian small business loan program to finance the business typically no outside collateral will be required. That tends to be great news for the wives and husbands of new franchisees who don't have to put the family home on the line. We see many franchise owners that mortgage their homes to purchase a franchise - in hindsight this tends to be a failed strategy - in essence they have ' too much' equity in the business and are putting personal asset at risk in case of problems down the road .

As we have hinted the success you have in financing your new venture is clearly tied to your business plan / executive summary. Many clients we meet have that ' glazed look' when we start discussing preparation of their plan. It's a lot more common sense than you think.

Elements of your plan will hinder, or guarantee franchising finance success. Our key tips in this area include:

Focusing on the basics - start up risk mitigation. Cash flow & profit projections

A clear summary of how revenues will be achieved and how expenses can be contained

Strong focus on the franchisor, the industry you are entering (hospitality, service, etc), client growth, etc - Some good industry data helps re trends, competition, etc

Conservative financial projections that make sense when it comes to making money and paying your franchise loan(s)


In fact the business plan can be a great document to revisit on a monthly or annual basis to determine what’s working, what didn’t work.

Take the gamble out of franchising finance risk - Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can ensure you've got what it takes to be a franchisee entrepreneur.


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 :



http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/franchise-business-loan-franchising-finance.html




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

Working Capital Management A Priority : Cash Flow Finance Explanations And Solutions In Canada

The Science And Fiction Of Working Capital



OVERVIEW – Information on working capital management in Canada . Understanding cash flow finance for management of assets and financing solutions just got easier

Working capital management in Canada should be a priority for Canadian business owners and financial managers. So when it comes to understanding cash flow finance we maintain it’s a bit of a science (or art?) and there’s a bit of fiction or fallacy in some of the information out there. Need clarification? Let's dig n.


As a business the levels of your ' working capital ' determines the amount of cash you will need and use in your day to day operations and growth plans.
We are always somewhat amused at the ' textbook ' definition of working capital, which maintains that if your current assets such as accounts receivable and inventory are ok to be converted to cash within a year you have... you got it... working capital. Another fallacy, it seems to us at least, is that the larger current ratio is desirable.

In our words those last two points are a bit of the ' fiction ' we're talking about. Why? Simply because in the real world (that’s where we work everyday) asset turnover needs to happen with a lot more emphasis than a 1 year timeframe. Furthermore, if you delve deeply into the text book definition of current ratio liquidity you just might find that great current ratio your accountant, or banker, maintains you have simply masks poor turnover of inventories and slow or uncollectible A/R.

The best way to determine if your working capital is ' working ' is to take a close look at your operating cycle. That’s the time it takes for 1$ to flow through your company from the point of taking an order to collecting cash

Since working capital management is all about paying and reducing accounts payable any current assets that can't always cover payables in their turnover must be financed.

Ways to finance working capital cash flow needs? They include:

Bank lines of credit
Non bank asset based lines of credit facilities
Accounts Receivable Financing
Inventory Financing
PO Financing
Tax credit monetization of SR&ED Receivables
Working Capital term loans

In all cases except for the above mentioned working capital term loans you are not taking on debt, you're just monetizing assets.

Always track the level of current and projected sales in relation to your cash flow and working capital needs. Sales are not ' gratis' - they have costs associated with them, and remember that profit does NOT equal cash on hand.

If you're looking for cash flow finance solutions and management tips seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can assist you in sorting out the fact and fiction of working capital management and finance.


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 = Working Capital & Cash Flow Finance Solutions




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