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.



Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Avoid Missing Out On Finance For Lease Benefits When You Choose The Right Leasing Company

Is it possible to get all the right finance for lease benefits in place with one leasing company ? That might not necessarily be the case, but the reality is that if you know the right questions to ask and which partner firm to work with you should be in a great position to maximize on benefits that makes sense - for your firm!

Your business, when it comes to leasing equipment, is not a lot different than many of your competitors. It's actually quite simple - you want good service, a competitive rate... (Notice we say ' competitive ‘... more on that later ) and prompt approval. We are dismayed when clients tell us of previous experience in getting a lease approved - in our perspective this should takes days, not weeks and months as some clients have experienced in the past .

Let’s get back to that whole issue of pricing - we mentioned a ' competitive ' rate. Our problem is that our clients are always focusing on the absolute best rate and tend to miss out on some of the obviously other advantages that they should instead be focusing on. These other advantages might include lease documentation simplicity, end of lease renewal or buyout options. Ability to upgrade during the term of the lease, etc.

So, yes we agree that you don’t want to pay the highest lease rate in town, but the reality is that finance firms have to stay competitive in business - and guess what... want to know another secret? It’s simply what we have shared with clients for years, in that they get to pick their own rate when looking for a lease company and finance for lease benefits that makes sense.

What?! Asks the client. What could we possibly mean by that? Well it’s simple actually. Your pricing and approval are driven by credit quality in lease financing in Canada. So if you can demonstrate your credit quality, and you choose the right lease partner relative to deal size, type of asset you are financing, etc then, guess what, we can pretty much guarantee that you can have an important say in that final rate . Again, if it’s just 'rate ' that’s important, and it shouldn’t be!

We talked earlier about your company being in the same boat as your competitors when it comes to lease financing - we do acknowledge though that every firm is different in some manner or respect, so if you do have specialized needs on types of assets to finance, customized solutions, cash flow flexibility needs, etc .. Well then of course you need some extra help.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can make sure you are comfortably with the right partner leasing company and that the finance for lease benefits you are looking for is achievable.

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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial -

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com


Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 7 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


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

Monday, January 3, 2011

Why A Merchant Cash Business Advance Makes Sense for Cash Flow

A merchant cash business advance is fast becoming a mainstream financing strategy for Canadian small business owners. However, in talking to clients they are concerned about two key issues around this innovative financing method.

Those two key issues are:

How does it work?

What are the Costs?

We firmly believe that if you understand those two critical points then your firm is in a position to benefit from a merchant advance and Canadian cash flow solutions.

And those benefits are significant and quite clear. They include your peace of mind as it relates to business financing, since these facilities grow with your business and are unlike pre-set bank credit lines, etc .
Time is money as the Canadian business owner well knows. A merchant cash advance in Canada works quickly and efficiently (When you have chosen the right partner and the right type of facility). Once the initial set up process is completed, usually in a week or two the facility runs itself at your discretion. You in effect have taken complete control of your cash flow.

Our final key benefit that we should focus on before getting back to our two critical points is simply that this financing tool, if used properly, allows you to generate more sales and increase profits via key turnover of sales and inventory, etc.

O.K. – You now know many of the key benefits of factoring. Is it right for your firm? Critical point #1 – How does it work?
A merchant cash business advance is simply best described as the short term sale, or ‘discounting ‘of your sales . You generate cash, at your option, on the same day that you generate an sale for a sale and delivery of product and services to your client base.

Critical Point # 2- What does this type of working capital cash flow financing cost? .We have actually demonstrated too many customers that the true cost of merchant advance type financing is actually zero or less than bank financing in many cases. Why is that?

We hate to do it, but let’s go to the text book finance formula known as the DuPont Model . If you discount your sales, i.e. , get cash the same day, buy more inventory with that cash, negotiate a better price with suppliers with that cash, and then repeat the process over and over we can almost guarantee you, depending on your industry and A/R turnover that a business advance can become a profit mechanism for your firm. That’s certainly clears up a lot of the ‘negative ‘things you have heard about this type of financing , its costs, etc.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced business financing advisor on the benefits of a merchant cash business advance , how it works, and how financing costs can be controlled and reduced. That’s true cash flow and working capital financing for Canadian business.

---
Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial -

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 7 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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

Get A Fast Merchant Cash Advance And Business Cash Flow Loan in Canada

A merchant cash advance for business cash flow continues to grow and become more widely used in smaller sized firms in the Canadian business environment.

Smaller Canadian firms who do not have major investments in receivables and inventory do not have the financing alternatives enjoyed by their larger company counterparts. Larger corporations use the concept of securitization as a method of financing working capital and enhancing balance sheets. This type of sophisticated financing allows firms to improve liquidity and satisfy lender loan covenants.
Smaller firms, usually do to cost, lack of financial sophistication, and size are unable to utilize such alternative financing. Additionally, in the current 2009/2010 financial environment many firms are struggling with their ability to maintain bank credit facilities, let alone increase them!

The discounting of future sales, for cash today , allows firms to convert working capital into immediate cash. This comes with a cost which we will also discuss.

It is critical to note that when a firm sells, or factors, or discounts (they all mean the same thing) they retain no ownership or interest in the future sale .

Depending on how the merchant advance facility is structured they may or may not have responsibility for the ultimate non- collectibility of the account. Lenders address that issue in a variety of manners.

Smaller companies in Canada aren't able to enter to large multi year arrangements, with lower costs, that would allow them to achieve the benefits of a true securitization.
But ... ! .. you can sell sell future sales under a discounting agreement. This can be done with a minimum of cost and deals can be structured uniquely to the customers situation, and their is a lower cost and no reliance on lawyers, advisors, etc.
If used on a regular basis the merchant cash advance discounting process continually generates new working capital, allows the customer to generate better rates as time goes on, and, most importantly, relieves the financial stress of managing working capital.
It is very important to note that smaller companies have some distinct choices that on occasion the larger firms don't have. They can on a one time basis, or periodically choose to utilize this alternate financing method.
Ultimately the business owner does have to pay back the lender or generate sales that will allow the repayment .
Typically the costs in business cash flow financing vary greatly. Rates range from 1.5 - 3% on a monthly basis. Most customers view this as an ' interest rate ', while the lender tends to view it as discount rate.
Generally the facility can be set up in a couple of weeks! We have seen our clients set up a facility in a matter of days !
As we can imagine it takes the larger corporations many months (and many thousands of dollars) to set up their large dollar securitization facilities.



In summary, more and more firms are turning towards a merchant cash advance business cash flow loan to manage their working capital and liquidity challenges.
Firms are strongly advised to search out experts in this area who know the Canadian marketplace, as it differs substantially from the U.S. environment in this unique method of alternative financing.

--

Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial -

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 7 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


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

Why a Confidential Factoring Receivable And Invoice Finance Program Will Work For Your Firm

Are we right or wrong? We have always maintained that knowing something others don't in business gives you an advantage, and we think you’ll see that advantage when we tell you about a confidential factoring program that works and why this type of invoice finance puts you head and shoulders above your competition.

You probably have heard that thousands of Canadian firms have moved to invoice discounting as their primary finance vehicle. Unfortunately mis information about this type of financing is everywhere, and we'll show you how the advantages of receivable financing can be put to work immediately.

The real power of confidential invoice financing is the fact that you have the ability to bill and collect your own receivables. 99.9% of your competition won’t be able to do this, and it is that stigma along with their suppliers, employees, etc that your competitors cant overcome.

Invoice financing works because as you grow your company the collection of cash doesn’t, unfortunately, match the amount of sales you are generating. Those customers of yours continue to pay you in 30, 60, and 90 days... like it or not.

Naturally we tell our clients they have the option of restricting their customer’s credit, holding shipments, and enforcing a strict collection policy - as you can imagine that is not their preferred solution - which is more often than not to extend more credit and be patient with their customers.

If you have an operating line of credit from a bank you could generally fund this working capital at a pretty decent cost - unfortunately small and medium sized business in Canada can't always access this type of credit.

Enter a confidential factoring receivable and invoice finance program! When you utilize this type of financing you are generating all the short term borrowing you need, and, more importantly, you have the ability, unlike those competitors of yours to bill and collect your own receivables. Most receivable financing in Canada is actually done on a full notification basis - it works, but we don’t like it, because it involves notifying our clients, employees, etc as to how your firm is being financing. We prefer that to be our clients business, not the entire marketplace!

When you use confidential invoice financing you receive approx 90% of the invoice amount the day you generate the invoice. The balance is simply held back and remitted to you when your customer pays you - less the financing charges.

And hey, what about those financing charges - aren’t they high? We have some strong opinions on that, mainly due to mis information that abounds on the cost of factoring. Confidential invoice factoring costs the same as regular financing in this manner, and we point out to clients that the charge is not dissimilar to carrying those accounts receivable for 60-90 days on your books. And making using of that cash to generate further sales and profits, enhance relationships with suppliers, etc, is a key benefit of this financing.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor and learn how you can take a unique competitive lead via a confidential invoice finance 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 6 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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

Sunday, January 2, 2011

How To Get Approved For Cash Flow Funding Via A Merchant Cash Advance In Canada

There isn't a day these days when we don’t meet or talk to a small business client who is having cash flow funding challenges. One solution becoming increasing popular in Canada is a merchant cash advance.

With the right partner firm we have found this type of financing to be a solid interim solution for cash flow financing and working capital. Let’s look at how this type of financing helps our clients achieve working capital success and why it might be right for your firm.

You can call it non traditional or alternative, but quite frankly its becoming more popular everyday and thousands of businesses are taking advantage of this type of business cash flow funding . The success of merchant cash advance financing always seems to come back to the issue of your business not being able to secure working capital financing from what we call our traditional sources, i.e. banks, finance firms.

And the reality around this type of financing is that it is quick and easy, and , more remarkably, often unsecured , depending solely on your ability to generate sales based on historical performance and projected profits . Even though the government continues to encourage banks to pay more attention to small business financing the reality is that traditional financing is 99.9% of the time secured via collateral, personal net worth’s, strong personal credit scores of the owners, and generally stable financial performance from a historical perspective.

The above is all well and good, but tends to eliminate the hundreds of clients we meet who have real business challenges and can’t meet some or all of the aforementioned lending criteria.

So how does this type of financing work. You may have heard of the business financing known as factoring. This, in a nutshell, is the financing of your receivables as you generate them. - I.e. same day cash for sales you make. However, thousands of firms, perhaps yours, have a major revenue component made up of cash and credit card sales, and you still need financing for the same reasons: purchasing inventory, reducing payables, making loan payments, etc.

That’s where the merchant cash advance comes in - in essence you receive cash today for future credit and cash sales. Isn’t this risky for the lender, asks our clients? That may or may not be... but the reality is that if your firm, as an example , can demonstrate via bank statements or credit card sale stats that you have solid sales then the merchant advance lender is prepared to advance you funds today for a percentage of those future sales . A quick example is that you could receive , again, as an example, an $80,000 cash flow loan today and repay it, by agreement, with , for example, 20% of all future cash or credit sales . You are receiving cash today, allowing you to fuel further growth in sales and profits.

Speak to a trusted, credible, and experienced Canadian business financing advisor as to how your firm can benefit today from this innovative and valuable cash flow financing.

--

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 6 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


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

Looking For Canadian Tax Credits For Film Financing?

The train has just left the station and unfortunately your project isn’t on it? We're of course referring to the fact that you might be missing out on Canadian tax credits for film financing.

While many states in the U.S. and in other parts of the world also can only currently describe their film tax credit programs as mild disarray Canada's robust tax credit program for film finance is dead on track for being generous, robust, and, in our clients opinion well administered and funded .

Utilizing Canadian film and video production services tax credits can be the final piece of your financing puzzle as you cobble together debt, equity, and tax incentives to complete the financing of your project. The new paradigm of film financing (we’re also talking of course about television and digital animation projects) is to do the best you can with any number of finance vehicles to complete your project. The economic meltdown of 2008 and 2009 is behind us, things are looking up, but unfortunately there is left a bit of scorched earth as the landscape for independent film financing has eliminated many finance firms, hedge funds, and banks who participated in this entertainment financing.

But through all that the Canadian tax credits for film financing not only stayed intact, they got more generous, and most would agree are efficiently administered. And when you take those tax credits and utilize them as a key part of your financing strategy then you've got a winning combination.

The Canadian government uses provides these tax credits to attract productions such as yours - their own reasons , whether they be cultural, economic, employment , etc are for academics and tax payers to debate - all you have to do is utilize these credits to the maximum for your own projects success .

In the past the entire approval and financing of the Canadian tax credits for film financing was viewed as cumbersome. Boy has that changed. With the aid of a Canadian film tax consultant you can very quickly assemble a competent team which would include an entertainment accountant who can validate your budgets and spends, and at the same time help you navigate the whole tax credit certification process.

With a proper team in place, and having your other debt and equity lined up, you can actually cash flow the credit prior to your project completion - that simply provides you with cash flow and working capital for your project. Typical tax credits on a per cent age basis can actually be 30-45% of your entire project. We repeat - 30 -45%!

So whats our bottom line again? We think its quite simple - don’t let the Canadian tax credits for film financing train leave the station without your project on board! Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor in film tax credits who can help you cash flow and monetize your project.
--

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 6 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


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

Saturday, January 1, 2011

How Much Will Sred Tax Credit Financing Cost You and why Sr ed Funding Makes Sense

Does a sred tax credit financing make sense for your firm, and whats the cost of sr&Ed funding in Canada? Well, we'd like to show you some solid reasons to consider a sr&ed loan - we'll let you make that decision , our role is to inform – yours is to decide!


If you are filing sred tax credit claims in Canada you also have the option to finance those claims, when completed, or in some cases, in advance! More about that advance scenario later.

Not every Canadian business owner and financial manager knows they can finance a sred claim - we meet with clients all the time who are surprised their tax credit can actually be financed and monetized into real cash flow, immediately. Naturally we are even more surprised when we run into firms that don’t even know about the program , or , more astonishingly, consider it ' troublesome' to file for a non repayable tax credit . Are we missing something, or is that akin to saying ' no thanks' to some free money.

If you do an internet search on the term ' government grants and loans ' you will see that there are thousands of inquiries around that term. In our humble opinion the two best ' government ' related programs in Canadian business financing are the Scientific Research and Experimental Development program, aka SRED! The other program is the government guaranteed subsidized Loan program, commonly known as the BIL program. More about that one on another day.

Filing your sred claim with the assistance of a firm or accountant or industry specialist is a large part of maximizing your claim. They know the positioning and guidelines around a proper submission, and its all about that fine line of maximizing your claim but ensuring it meets all the criteria. In the last year or so the government has actually streamlined the whole process around submissions, and the jury is still out as to whether Canadian business owners filing for sred tax credits consider this a good or bad thing.

Anyway, sred tax credit financing is available if you have a claim. And we are not talking via the bank, which generally doesn’t consider this a finance vehicle, but rather independent finance firms and Canadian business financing advisors who specialize in sr&Ed funding.

Clients are always very focused on their questions - we can close our eyes and rhyme them off - ' how much does it cost' ' whats involved' and ' how much can I get '.

Claims are generally financed at 70% of the value and the balance is simply held back as a buffer. The whole process can be completed in a week or two with your firm’s co operation, sr&Ed funding is structured very uniquely. You receive funding and don’t make any payments on this financing; it’s a kind of bridge loan. The financing charges are in the 2% per month range - sometimes less, and sometimes more and you can use the funds for any general corporate purpose. With a good track record your claim can be financed during the year as you spend funds , so it is kind of an accrual scenario .

Does sr&Ed funding makes sense? It does it you can use the cash from your non repayable grant to grow your business, increase profits, continue the battle against the competition, and increase your firms cash flow and working capital. The opportunity cost of not doing anything with your claim might just be too great!

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor around tax credit financing that might just make great sense 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 6 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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