Our blog highlights Canadian Business Financing solutions via receivable finance , equipment finance, working capital financing, asset based lending, business acquisition financing,franchise finance, and tax credit monetization via SRED and Film Tax Credits. Our goal is to educate and assist Canadian businesses with their financing needs. You Are Looking For Canadian Business Financing! Welcome to 7 Park Avenue Financial Call Now ! - Direct Line - 416 319 5769
WELCOME !
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.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Business To Business Financing And Financial Factoring – Whats In It For Me?
It's not an unreasonable question! If you as a Canadian business owner or financial manager are going to make the change to a business to business financing model such as financial factoring you want some great reasons why this is a positive move .
Let's examine some of the key reasons that you as a business person would, or perhaps should! consider financing your receivables .
From the outside it seems fairly simple, doesn’t it? Your company appears to become a cash flow machine just by utilizing this type of financing for Canadian business. And what could be better than a financing strategy that brings no debt to the balance sheet and doesn’t dilute your ownership either - that seems to be to powerful ' whats in it for me ' reasons right there!
But will this type of business financing benefit your firm. We'll say two things about that - it will, but, and it’s a big but, only if you manage the whole process properly. Very clearly speaking it’s a case of having a strong handle on your overall financial position at any point in time. Let's be honest also, any cash flow problems you have now did not happen overnight and your ability to both manage working capital and plan for cash flow needs is key to everything we are talking about here .
Clients are always asking about the benefits of financial factoring - those seem obvious - you can grow your sales revenues, purchase additional products such as key inventory requirements, and one other benefit that many Canadian business owners almost always forget. What is that key benefit?
Simply that you are now in a position to reduce the cost of this type of financing by utilizing cash to take supplier discounts as well as purchase your goods in a ' smarter and harder ' way . Imagine being able to say to your suppliers that you will pay them on delivery... if you can get a better price.
Canadian businesses that consider business to business financing comes in all shapes and sizes! The reality is that you can set up a facility to finance 15k a month or you can set up a facility for tens of millions of dollars. Larger facilities come with improved rates, as well as a day to day business model that you will find more accommodating.
So what about that cost of factoring - There isn’t a day when we aren’t debating that issue with customers. In Canada the cost of business to business financing and financial factoring ranges from 1-3% a month on balance - yet don’t forget we've shown you how to potentially cut that cost in half when you utilize the cash flow generated in a positive manner.
As a business owner, if we had asked you these questions yesterday “Where will your cash flow be 6 months from now? what would have been your answer . We're betting that you would say that you just don't know the answer to that one - however if with accounts receivable financing you can now say with surety that if you will have sales you will have cash flow ! Simple as that.
Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on the merits of factoring and the business to business financing model in Canada. Whats in it for you? Peace of mind and cash flow predictability... that's all.
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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/business_to_business_financing_financial_factoring.html
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Guaranteed Powerful Equipment Leasing Tips For Canadian Companies Financing Large and Small Assets
As a Canadian business owner or financial manager you would prefer to have the inside track on equpment leasing and financing companies in Canada. How would that inside track benefit you on asset acquisitions both small and large?
Well for a starter you would have a strong sense of when this type of financing is appropriate, where does the financing come from as it relates to your firms needs, and what is the best use and cost for this type of financing. The bottom line? You are simply looking for an ease of acquisition Canadian business financing strategy.
Let’s get you going on both the inside track and the fast track! Let's start with a typical situation many of our clients find themselves in. Business isn’t bad, but it isn’t great. You see the potential to significantly grow revenues and profits with the addition of new equpment. This new equipment gives you the opportunity to grow.
Where do business owners go when they need such financing. Typically most owners consider Canadian chartered banks. If you can achieve bank term loan financing and can support your transaction with strong financial statements and good personal credit that is a viable option.
However, many business owners find themselves ' cash poor ' and not always able to meet more stringent bank criteria. Enter equpment leasing companies! Your best bet for financing / leasing long term assets.
Why is the equipment leasing strategy so powerful and virtually guaranteed? Powerful for many reasons - some of the key ones being that you can often achieve 100% financing of the asset, the approval time compared to other types of financing is basically ' rapid ' to say the least, and finally, it a whole separate subject in some cases, but its safe to say that many accounting and tax benefits accrue to this type of financing of small and large assets.
Can we add anything else to our ' power strategy ' on the offering of equpment leasing companies - We sure can. This financing is flexible. Payments and overall structured are geared to making your transaction work in the best economic light.
We once read that equpment leasing approvals are more ' adventurous ‘! We're not so sure that is the best use of the term, but what we can say is that your chances of getting a lease approved is significantly higher than almost any other type of financing you could get for those new large or small assets .
So whats the best way to implement power strategies for Canadian equipment leasing and financing. You need to know that equipment leasing companies focus on the following - your years in business, your industry, the type of equipment you are financing, and the general credit quality of your company. In many cases for smaller transactions only one simple application is required. Larger assets will require some financial due diligence on your financials and prospects, but approval still comes as quickly more often than not.
Want to improve your chances of equipment leasing companies approving the financing you need be it small or large. Simply talk to an experienced, trusted and credible Canadian business financing advisor in the area of equpment leasing and financing - you'll get tips and strategies on achieving the best and easiest type of business financing in Canada.
P.S. Remember, whether is 5K, or 5000K, no transaction is too small or large!
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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/equipment_leasing_companies_financing_small.html
Navigate the Canada Small Business Government Loan - Successful SBL Financing
Navigate! The Dictionary defines the term as ' to walk or find ones way ‘. That's what we are going to do, make you a navigational expert on the ' SBL ‘, more commonly called the Canada small business loan . It’s also called ' the government loan ' and we will provide some clarity around why that is and is not necessarily the case!
Let's get down to basics. Your first questions probably is - ' what is the Canadian government doing in the loan and Canadian business financing area?! ) That's a valid question of course. Industry Canada is the department that runs the program. The program has been around for many years and is designed to encourage ' financial institutions ‘to provide small business loan financing that they otherwise might not be able to do.
So who are these financial institutions? For the most part we're talking about Canadian chartered banks, although some business oriented credit unions also underwrite the program. That is where a lot of the confusion around the program exists - namely that while the government sponsors and in fact created the program it is administered on a daily basis by Canadian banks.
Why would the banks participate in the program? For the very simple reason that the Canada small business government loan, aka ' SBL ' has Ottawa picking up 85% of the tab if a loan defaults.
When we look at all the questions clients have around the program a couple common themes consistently come up - they are key issues such as ' How much can we get “(that’s a very popular one!) as well as ' how does it work and what do I need to do to apply ?
Let's address the dollars in the SBL program. The magic number for the program is $ 350,000.00, but if you use it specifically for real estate the program actually can be up to $ 500,000.00.
Would any company or entrepreneur want to purchase real estate under the program? That may or may not be an attractive option - for example under the current terms of the program the monthly payment would be in the 7K per month range , so that would have to be weighed against other options .
So who uses the Canada small business loan, and why is it beneficial. The reality is that over 7 thousand firms used the SBL government loan last year alone, for financings approaching 1 Billion dollars. Funds for the program are geared toward two asset classes - equipment, and leaseholds. Your ability to finance leaseholds under the program is one of the best features of the program. as this asset class is very difficult to finance otherwise .
Most popular questions #2 about the program is simply ' how does it work - where do we apply ‘. This is where it falls apart for many entrepreneurs. They aren’t prepared, spend days, weeks, and yes months stumbling through the program, and are frustrated if they are declined. They are simply astounded when we tell them a simple clean proposal, done properly can get the financing approved in 48 hrs.
Not sure about navigating your own way around the program to both achieve maximum financing and of course approval? What then. Simple, speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can help you navigate the waters of financing success for the government SBL loan program in Canada.
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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/canada_small_business_loan_government_sbl.html
Friday, April 1, 2011
How Charlie Sheen and I Discovered How Financing a Franchise Works – A Canadian Franchise Lending Loan Business Story !
This is a strange one. I had a dream last night that I was on a business trip searching for the answer to financing a franchise in Canada. To many people franchise lending and getting a franchise loan for their new business is a challenge.
I wanted to reduce the risk and increase the chances of success for Canadian franchisees.
When I returned from the trip who did I find at our offices but Charlie Sheen, a very famous personality these days. I was surprised but I simply figured that he too wanted to know the secrets and inside tips on franchise financing in Canada. So not too surprising that he had such a strong interest in this area.
Charlie wanted to know about my trip - he seemed excited about being able to know the methods in which franchises were financed in Canada - he seemed totally interested in everything I was about to share .
I told Charlie that I had stumbled upon the exact method under which most franchises were financing in Canada, and moreso, I knew exactly how to complete transactions successfully. He was all ears.
In order to access the capital you need for financing a franchise in Canada wouldn't it be safe to say that you needed to understand who is offering this financing. I told Charlie that although there are a very small handful of specialized firms in franchise finance that the actual majority of franchise lending in Canada is done under a specific program called the CSBF program. It is underwritten and sponsored by Industry Canada, and the government mandates that Canadian banks ' administer ' the program. Charlie’s eyes were locked on mine. He couldn’t believe government on a daily basis was financing franchises.
Charlies asked if it was possible to ensure that the whole process of obtaining a business franchise loan wasn’t time consuming and frustrating. I assured him that if the prospective franchisee was properly prepared it was a smooth process.
Charlie wanted to know more. ‘So this actually works?' he asked. I assured him it did. To keep it simple for Charlie I explained that a good way of sizing up your ability to get approved is thinking like the lender. In small business financing, because that’s what a franchise is, the focus is on what some call the 4 C’s.
Charlie moved closer. What are the 4 C's he asked? I explained that they were character, capital, capacity and credit. Simply speaking if you have a good business reputation and experience, some funds of your own, and reasonable personal credit history then the ' capacity ' to repay the loan becomes significantly enhanced - bottom line - you will be approved!
Charlie had a question - ' Are you saying that if I am properly prepared I can be successful in financing a franchise?" Exactly, I replied. Ensure that your experienced and credible Canadian business financing advisor works with you to achieve a package that includes a solid business plan, an overview of your experience, a documented cash flow repayment, as well as your ability to put a reasonable personal investment into your new business.
Charlie wanted to know how we could share this knowledge - he suggested a Cross Canada tour we would call ' The Torpedo of Franchise Financing Truth ‘. Not necessary I said , lets just advise Canadian franchisees to seek the services of a trusted, credible an experienced Canadian business financing advisor who will assist them to get the franchise loan and financing they need to begin their new role as entrepreneur/ business owner.
I’ll always wonder if Charlie had the same dream?
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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/financing_a_franchise_lending_loan_business.html
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Is ABL lending And Banking the Fountain of Youth Of Business Financing ? Financing Via Asset Loan Lenders
We're all familiar with the story - searching the jungles to discover what may not exist - a secret or dream that might deliver on wealth or happiness.
What does this possibly have to do with ABL lending and banking in Canada?! Our point is simply that something you think may not have existed in terms of an all encompassing business loan financing arrangement in fact might exist - you just didn’t know where to find it.
Let's look at the hard facts - in 2008 and 2009 the Canadian business financing market went ' conservative ' and boy is that an understatement. Business financing reduced, companies such as yours hunkered down and just tried to exist, let alone expand and grow. Canadian banks emerged as the superstars of the Global financial marketplace - they didn’t go under... they remained profitable, they just did a lot less for many Canadian businesses, and in hindsight it’s hard not to understand why.
Could it have gotten any worse -actually yes, borrowing rates rose, many firms disappeared, and, at the core of our subject here, active lenders exited the Canadian market.
So was it all gloom and doom. You can make the call on that one, but the good news is that one form of business financing, ABL (Asset Based Lending) banking and lending become more valuable and more popular... in a way it become out business fountain of youth.
With the increased flexibility of abl financing in Canada came the financing that your business needed to grow. Essentially this type of financing margins assets at higher value, because abl lenders understand the true value of the asset - and if they don’t understand it they will take the time to understand the value those assets. (You might get a bill for that, but it will be worth it, we can assure you!).
We may have glossed over the true meaning and definition of abl loan financing in Canada. Simply speaking it’s a very clear formula based on the ongoing liquidation values of your receivables, inventory, and equipment, and you borrow everyday against those values. It’s a concept that is very easy to understand for most Canadian firms - especially when benchmarked against Canadian commercial banking facilities for small and medium sized companies in Canada.
So what have we got against banks? Absolutely nothing, in fact Canadian bank reputation is stellar globally. However, if you cant get prime based borrowing and if you are unable to meet covenants and ratios required , or if you are too ' small ' for such a facility then guess what - the fountain of youth, the secret to business wealth and happiness just might be abl lending and banking facilities .
True asset based facilities aren't ' loans' per say, you are just monetizing assets to create on going cash flow.
Interested? If your firm is growing rapidly, highly leveraged and unable to meet bank covenants, or is you just have curse of growing too quickly (?!) speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on ABL banking in Canada .
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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/abl_lending_banking_lenders_loan_financing.html
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Interested In Understanding Business Working Capital in Canada ? Cash Flow For Operational Needs
Interested in finding out why business working capital and cash flow challenges for operational needs are a challenge for small and medium sized businesses in Canada? We are pretty sure you are even more interested in some solutions to that challenge!
A March 2011 report out of the U.S. noted among other things that small and medium sized firms are still having huge challenges in raising the working capital they need - even though in many sectors business is back to ' booming ' again . As a Canadian business owner or financial manager you would like some solutions to get that cash flow booming again, we're sure.
For firms that are mature in age, have good assets and strong operational cash flow those challenges are limited. However, if your company is on the opposite side of that spectrum you're living in a ' business hell ' if we can use that term - at least if it isn’t hell its purgatory!
How can you identify the best, what we can call ' straight forward ' options for working capital and business cash flow solutions? We think the answer is simply understanding and getting a handle around the traditional ( or conventional ) Canadian business financing techniques , but, even more importantly, understanding newer solutions that are becoming more mainstream in acceptance everyday . Without the resources of an experienced business financing advisor you might not even have heard of some of these solutions, let alone having considered implementing them.
We're the first to agree that Canadian banks are lending again, rates are close to all time lows, and credit reins and collateral and covenants have slowly loosened. But again, small and medium sized businesses aren’t feeling it. Another recent March2011 survey, albeit U.S. based said most business owners still experience temporary or severe cash flow issues, forcing them to delay payments to suppliers, and delay spending on new assets for business growth.
In order to implement better, or newer working capital and cash flow business operational strategies your firm must understand how you are managing your finances now, what assets are available to monetize, and, often forgotten, you must have a handle of what future cash flow needs will be.
As we noted, traditional bank financing is alive and well in Canada. For those that can't leverage the amount of operational credit that they require a better understanding of ' new ' solutions is required. And we know you've been waiting for what those new solutions are!
More recent and increasing widely accepted methods of generating working capital include the following - asset based lending , working capital facilities that margin a/r and inventory as a combo , confidential invoice discounting , securitization, cash flow sub debt loans, purchase order and contract financing, as well as bridge loans on already owned equipment . Our favorite - asset based lending... but more about that one on another day.
Any of the above solutions will allow you get your cash flow and working capital under control. Speak to a trusted, credible an experienced Canadian business financing advisor. Reclaim your business cash and operational financing!
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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/working_capital_cash_operational_business.html
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Cash Flow Restricting Your Growth? Let business Equipment Financing And Leasing Of Industrial Assets Do The Job
Can you count them? How many times have you felt your ability to grow your company with additional sales and profits was restricted by inability to obtain business equipment financing and leasing for industrial and other types of equipment? If you're one of the lucky ones that survived the 2008-2009 recession and your business is growing again (or surviving?!) let equipment financing and leasing move your business forward.
The scope of leasing for industrial and other types of business equipment is broad, and that’s an understatement. Canada's largest corporations utilize lease finance, and even small entrepreneurial start ups can utilize all the advantages of this type of Canadian business financing.
Most business owners and financial managers in Canada prefer certainty when it comes to business financing. Equipment financing and leasing brings that predictability. Why is that? Simply because if you have chosen your asset properly (we’ll leave that one up to you) and matched the asset with the right type of business equipment financing then you have just succeeded in closely matching the cost and cash outlays to the benefits you will receive from the asset - whether that be high end industrial equpment or the latest computer or telecom technology.
Again we come back to restrictions you face on acquiring those assets. And this time the evil doer is ' the budget ‘. In talking to clients about lease finance and their strategies they employ they are often stymied by the budget cycle. Again, this applies to every type of corporation, large and small, it’s just that the big boys probably have a bit better handle on the planning and documentation around a budget.
But does budgeting have to restrict your success. We don’t think so, and that’s why equipment leasing comes to your rescue. When your company budget doesn’t not allow for either the size of an asset or the timing of the acquisition to work the way you want it to then business equipment leasing should become the solution of choice.
Why? It doesn't get any simpler. You can acquire assets of a significantly higher size by focusing on monthly payment and not total expenditure, and there are tens of ways you can adjust payments to reflect beating that budget. Payments can be temporarily deferred, lowered in earlier term of the lease, and if you choose an operating lease then your asset doesn’t even get impacted by the budget cycle. That’s because the monthly lease payment is treated as an operating expense within your operating budget.
In summary, it’s a battle out there, and you shouldn’t let your competitors win the asset acquisition battle because your firm didn’t take advantage of the flexibility of business equpment financing. Whether your obstacle to innovation is cash flow, budget cycle, asset dollar value, etc we think we have shown that you now have the ' tool kit ' to combat the business growth challenges you face in acquiring assets.
Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on lease strategies that will allow you to meet and achieve business financing goals.
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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/business_equipment_financing_leasing_industrial.html