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, May 10, 2011

The New Truth About Business Equipment Loans and Lease Financing In Canada


Talk about the winds of change. Wow. And we mean ' really Wow! '. Was it only a year or two when lease financing in Canada seemed like it was almost on its back. Many lessors themselves were financially challenged, borrowing rates had risen dramatically (by the way - those are passed on to you!) and, most important, it was simply difficult to get approved - even with lessors with whom you had a relationship for years .

New Weather report! Sunny for business equipment loan! The new bottom line is that lease financing is back in a big way, the industry seems to have corrected itself, and with respect to you the borrower rates, structures, and oh yes , approvals ! are all over the place .

So let's ensure you don't miss the bus and let’s focus and recap on some major new trends (and old benefits) for this valuable part of business financing in Canada.

Appropriateness. Well here’s another shot of even more good news, in that lease financing continues to be right for every type of firm in Canada -. And that’s of course whether your firm is a start up, small to medium sized company, or a major Canadian corporation in the Financial Post 100. We think that pretty well covers everyone!

Abundance. We're talking about capital, and its availability. In case you didn’t notice abundance of capital, let alone getting approved for financing kind of disappeared in the 2008-2009 global financial implosion and recession. However banks, insurance companies, hedge funds etc are back to capitalizing the lease industry in a big way.
You probably know that abundance of capital means more often than not competitive rates and lease finance rates have slowly improved - with competitive pricing getting better everyday in the Canadian marketplace.

Creativity was always a second name for business equipment loans and leasing finance. So ensure you use this form of capital to finance anything that makes sense. And in the new economy that means anything from software, computing power, telecom equipment, and even a corporate jet... should you be that lucky.

Over time industries changes - and in the lease finance industry the overall Canadian market segmented itself into 3 sectors, small, mid and large ticket. It's very important from a time waiting perspective that you understand what niche you need to exploit via a Vis your capital acquisition needs. A 2k photocopier can be approved within minutes in the current environment, and if you are financing large asset acquisitions consider choices you have such as off balance sheet financing via operating leases, IFRS ( some new accounting rules) not withstanding .

So that’s the new truth in Canadian equpment financing. Lease financing for business equipment loans is viable, available, and creativity knows no bounds when it comes to asset financing for your firm.

Want to get plugged back in? Really quickly? Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who will bring the world of leasing finance to your door very quickly.



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 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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

Monday, May 9, 2011

At Last ! New Method To Finance A Business - Canadian Confidential Financing Factoring Receivables


A new thing in business is usually a good thing, it’s usually a welcome thing, and a new spin on that same good thing is of coruse even better.

C I D . What the heck is that you say? It's a little known term in Canadian business financing called confidential invoice discounting. Simply speaking it’s a new way of factoring financing your receivables when you want to finance a business.
Let’s ensure we have a clear understanding of financing factoring in general though, and then we'll show you why C I D is clearly head and shoulders above.

Believe it or not, because we run into them almost every day, there are still many small and medium sized businesses in Canada that aren’t aware of receivable financing . Simply speaking its getting an advance on your billed receivables today, with a fee being charged for the use of the funds until that receivable is collected.

Why would something so simple then be so popular and dramatic when it comes to cash flow and working capital for you business. Simply because as your revenues grow you ability to borrow, lock step in turn with those sales, grows also.

In the U.S. alone billions of dollars (yes that’s billions with a ' B') are financed every year. Slowly, almost too slowly we think, this method of financing is becoming more popular every day - even to the extent that some of the largest firms in Canada employ financing of this type. (If the big boys do it, well it must be right ...?).

We seem to spend a lot of time with clients talking about the ' stigma ' of financing factoring your receivables. That is kind of because receivable finance used to be associated with firms that had financial challenges, so to speak! But let’s get serious, after the 2008-2009 global recession and financial implosion even banks and worlds largest corporations were on their knees to some extent, so don't talk to us about financial challenges..!

There is kind of a second part to the whole ' stigma ' issue, which is simply the core of our subject today. When factoring moved into Canada awhile back it’s not surprise it came from the U.S. and European models. That business model for this type of financing has your financing factoring firm confirming your receivables with your clients.

What's that you say...??You find that a bit ' intrusive '?

Voila! Enter C I D - confidential invoice discounting. Simply speaking you are in charge of your own billing and collecting procedures - but, and it's a big ' but ‘... you still get all the benefits of receivable financing when you choose to finance a business in this manner .

Costs for C I D are essentially the same as ' regular ' factoring... so why wouldnt you opt for this type of Canadian business financing solution.

So what's our bottom line, that’s really what clients are looking for? Simply speaking its that if you are considering a bit of a non traditional approach to financing your Canadian business then investigate factoring financing - and when you do don’t forget to ask about C I D - Confidential invoice discounting finance. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who will demonstrate the costs and benefits of Canada's newest kid on the block in business finance.



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 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.parkavenuefinancial.com/financing_factoring_receivables_finance_a_business.html

At Last ! New Method To Finance A Business - Canadian Confidential Financing Factoring Receivables


A new thing in business is usually a good thing, it’s usually a welcome thing, and a new spin on that same good thing is of coruse even better.

C I D . What the heck is that you say? It's a little known term in Canadian business financing called confidential invoice discounting. Simply speaking it’s a new way of factoring financing your receivables when you want to finance a business.
Let’s ensure we have a clear understanding of financing factoring in general though, and then we'll show you why C I D is clearly head and shoulders above.

Believe it or not, because we run into them almost every day, there are still many small and medium sized businesses in Canada that aren’t aware of receivable financing . Simply speaking its getting an advance on your billed receivables today, with a fee being charged for the use of the funds until that receivable is collected.

Why would something so simple then be so popular and dramatic when it comes to cash flow and working capital for you business. Simply because as your revenues grow you ability to borrow, lock step in turn with those sales, grows also.

In the U.S. alone billions of dollars (yes that’s billions with a ' B') are financed every year. Slowly, almost too slowly we think, this method of financing is becoming more popular every day - even to the extent that some of the largest firms in Canada employ financing of this type. (If the big boys do it, well it must be right ...?).

We seem to spend a lot of time with clients talking about the ' stigma ' of financing factoring your receivables. That is kind of because receivable finance used to be associated with firms that had financial challenges, so to speak! But let’s get serious, after the 2008-2009 global recession and financial implosion even banks and worlds largest corporations were on their knees to some extent, so don't talk to us about financial challenges..!

There is kind of a second part to the whole ' stigma ' issue, which is simply the core of our subject today. When factoring moved into Canada awhile back it’s not surprise it came from the U.S. and European models. That business model for this type of financing has your financing factoring firm confirming your receivables with your clients.

What's that you say...??You find that a bit ' intrusive '?

Voila! Enter C I D - confidential invoice discounting. Simply speaking you are in charge of your own billing and collecting procedures - but, and it's a big ' but ‘... you still get all the benefits of receivable financing when you choose to finance a business in this manner .

Costs for C I D are essentially the same as ' regular ' factoring... so why wouldnt you opt for this type of Canadian business financing solution.

So what's our bottom line, that’s really what clients are looking for? Simply speaking its that if you are considering a bit of a non traditional approach to financing your Canadian business then investigate factoring financing - and when you do don’t forget to ask about C I D - Confidential invoice discounting finance. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who will demonstrate the costs and benefits of Canada's newest kid on the block in business finance.




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 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.parkavenuefinancial.com/financing_factoring_receivables_finance_a_business.html

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Looking For Finance For Lease Equipment ? Which Canadian Business Lease Companies You Should Use


It's probably a common decision that you have to make all the time in business . First of all you have to choose between purchasing an asset and alternatively looking for business finance for lease solution... one that works for your firm.

Let's examine why you should consider and equipment lease as a Canadian business financing solution, and then, as importantly , how do you find the right lease companies to work with . (We’re assuming you don’t have all the time in the world to do this).

If capital was scarce in the past, boy did it become a lot scarcer in the last couple years with all our recessions and global financial implosions. So therefore for that reason alone it probably makes sense to lease business equipment and other assets.

But lets be clear first on ensuring you understand how the benefits of leasing clearly at the same time restrict you in a certain manner - simply speaking it will probably cost you a bit more ,and while an owned asset can be sold you clearly cant sell a leased asset . But we always seem to come back to ' cash is king, and your ability to acquire an expensive, yet revenue and profit producing asset via a monthly payment you can afford makes sense most of the time.

What factors should you consider when you assess your lease vs. buy transaction, even way before you determine which business lease companies you will utilize? You should focus on the following: what will the asset be worth and will it be still useful at the end of a lease term, what the best pricing is and overalls structure you can achieve, and finally, what tax and balance sheet benefits might come out of your finance for lease decision.

Let's use a real world example - Computers. They certainly have very short productive lives based on changing technology. So your decision is really as follows : If you think a 100k computer system will last 5 years should you pay cash or would it be better to pay 2000/mo or 24k per annum to lease this type of asset .

First of all we haven't met a computer that’s lasted 5 years !!,, but putting that aside you can see how cash outflows and monthly payment analysis play a key role in your overall decision .In our case the computer doesn’t really generate profits or cash flow . Remember the old saying ‘the bottom line is on the bottom of the income statement, not at the top of the balance sheet!

So let’s agree you have made the decision to finance business equipment or assets. Now what?

In Canada your choices are significant - that’s a double edged sword though. You can investigate captive finance firms, independent lease companies, bank leasing firms, and specialized niche lessors. If you started tomorrow you'd probably have a thorough decision made in a year from now. What's that...? Not a good use of your time? We agree, so consider speaking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor. You'll be guided very quickly to an equipment business lease financing solution that maximizes benefits of lease finance specifically for your situation - at rates terms and structures that match your credit quality and the nature of the asset you're financing.

P.S. Remember what famed investor Harold Geneen once said ‘the only irreparable mistake in business is to run out of cash '. Use a finance for lease solution that won’t take you out of the cash flow and working capital game.



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 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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

Canadian 21st Century Financing – Utilizing Government Small Business Loans - Why an SBL Loan Is Right For You



Let's quiz you first. Answer yes or no to the following question. Do you believe you can get a 350,000.00$ business loan in Canada with a 10% down payment... 7 year terms...oh and how's this for size .. only a 25% personal guarantee . Oh and one more thing, at a rate just a few points over prime. Even if you are a start up or a relatively new or smaller firm?
So, yes or no. Then Read on!

Is your company a ' start up ‘? Or, are you a small to medium sized Canadian business looking for financing choices?


Have we got a deal for you! Well at the risk of sounding like a hack used car salesperson we are actually genuinely excited about some Canadian business financing that a lot of biz folks seem to be overlooking these days. And wait until you hear why.
And the reasons why. Simply that the answer is ' YES ' to our first question. Those are the key elements of Canadian government small business loans. And with all due respect to our friends in government, you don't even deal with them on the loan.

We're talking today about what many folks call the Canada SBL loan. It seems to be one of the better guarded secrets in Canada - even though 7,441 of your peers and competitors in small business used it in Canada last year. Oh, and by the way, they got a total of 957 Million dollars in financing at those great rates, terms, and structures that we mentioned in our opening question to you.

Let's dig in then, and get you very quickly up to speed on the program. You'll be surprised at how clear (hopefully!?) our info is on getting you what you want to know about your participation in the program.

Here we go... strap youself in. The program is administered by the good folks at Industry Canada, but on a day to day basis the loans under this special program are administered by your local banking institution. The program maxes out at 350,000.00$ ... which from our perspective is quite generous, don’t you think. And here’s a special kicker - if you just want to use the program for real estate you can actually borrow up to $ 500,000.
Financings can be used for equipment, leasehold improvements

Qualifications, simply your 10% equity contribution against the asset you are financing, and a reasonable personal credit history. In Canada those folks with Credit Bureau Scores of 650 are deemed ‘good ' from a credit perspective.

Want some winning suggestions on getting government small business loans approved quickly, efficiently, and for the amount you need? Your best bet might not be to go it alone. Seek a credible, experienced and trusted Canadian business financing advisor who will help you draft a proposal, present it for you and with you, and help you ensure 100% financing success for your Canadian SBL loan . Welcome to the 21 st Century! ... Finally .. great financing when you need it, at rates, terms and structures that work!






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 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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

Friday, May 6, 2011

How To Qualify For Franchise Financing In Canada – A Franchising Finance Business Loan That Makes Sense!




















Buying A Franchise?


What do I need to do to get to the goal line? That's a favourite client question when it comes to franchise financing in Canada. We're talking about a franchising business loan to finance your new business (or one that exists already which you're buying).

Franchise Finance


Information. Solid info that you want on the qualifications and process involved in getting approved for your franchise investment. Let's dig in.




Franchise Loans Canada


To say that franchise finance is a ' specialty' area of Canadian business financing is an understatement. There is a fundamental misunderstanding of how this type of finance works, the processes around it, and the risks that you can avoid by doing things properly... with some expert advice along the way.

Franchising In Canada


Is there a systematic way, or method that Canadian franchisees can use to get the financing they need? We think there is. Essentially it is really two very simple concepts, planning, and knowing the process. Simple as that.

Many new Canadian franchisee ' wannabees' view financing as an obstacle. We can forgive those clients sometimes because in the last few years any type of business financing has been a challenge, whether you're General Motors or purchasing a new franchise in the restaurant industry!

Many franchisees (mistakenly so) think the franchisor you are working with is either going to provide you with the financing you need or in some cases at least steer you in the right direction. They might do a bit of the latter, but let's be honest here; the franchisor's job is selling franchises, not financing them.

 Even various banks and other franchise lenders probably would like to see franchisors being more involved in the franchising finance business, but we simply don’t think that is going to happen.
Education. And guess what, we are not talking about educating you, we're talking on your need to be able to educate your franchise lender about why you are the perfect franchise financing in Canada candidate.

Financing A Franchise In Canada


And who are the franchise lenders in Canada? That's probably the main thing you wanted to know, isn’t it? There are 4 key franchise lenders in Canada. They are the Canadian chartered banks under a special program called the BIL/CSBF program, one or two very specialized franchise finance lenders ( they only do very large transactions ) , and thirdly some independent finance firms that offer equipment financing tailored specifically for the franchise industry.

But didn’t we say there were 4 lenders? We did. And we're pretty sure you know that 4th lender already. It’s yourself because your own equity portion or down payment into your business is viewed of course as a debt or a loan.

So what's the clear process in qualifying for franchise financing in Canada. Is there a clear road map you can follow? We categorically think there is. And here it is.

Identify the total franchise funding you need. Determine what amount of owner equity you are prepared to put into the transaction. Anywhere from 10 - 40% is typically required. Determine which of the 3 other methods of financing will allow you to cobble together a total solution to finance your new business.

Next step - prepare a package that includes a business plan, cash flow, info on yourself and the franchisor, with a focus on success and repayment of your debt. Along the way don't forget that you need reasonable personal credit history, and boy does some specific industry experience or general business knowledge help in confirming your future ability to be successful for a franchise finance business loan.

Focus on the best financing that matches your needs; we strongly recommend the BIL program which has great rates, terms, structures, and limited personal guarantees.

Going it alone. It’s possible. A better idea? Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canada business financing advisor on information and help on franchise financing in Canada. Next step = ' You're approved '!





7 Park Avenue Financial :

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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !




7 Park Avenue Financial provides value-added financing consultation for small and medium-sized businesses in the areas of cash flow, working capital, and debt financing.



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.


' 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. He is an experienced

business financing consultant

.

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 financing 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.










7 Park Avenue Financial/Copyright/2020











How To Qualify For Franchise Financing In Canada









Thursday, May 5, 2011

What’s Your ABL Finance IQ? Info On Canadian Financing By Asset Backed Lenders !


We're pretty sure that most Canadian business owners consider themselves knowledgeable about their business and options they have in both operations and financing. But seriously, how much do you really know about ABL finance - were you aware that assed based lines of credit is the ' new financing ' paradigm shift in Canada .

So who exactly are these assets backed lenders and why can they take your firm to new heights in growth? There isn’t a day when we don’t read of many ABL (asset based lending) transactions happening here in the U.S. - for tens of millions of dollars.

Is that happening in Canada but we just didn’t know it? Well yes and know, in case you haven’t heard we've got a smaller economy, but we can assure readers that ABL Financing is becoming a mainstream solution to Canadian working capital and cash flow needs .

Did you know that in the last decade over 10 Billion dollars of ABL financing was taking place in Canada on an annual basis? Right under your eyes!

But we're realists and we fully realize that many Canadian firms aren’t aware that asset backed lenders exist, let alone are using them. Ours therefore is to inform!!

We do forgive some quasi well informed clients that have a perception that ABL finance was a financing of last resort so to speak. The reality is that ABL does in fact finance many firms that are challenged and can’t obtain traditional bank financing.

But, and its a big but, thousands of firms in Canada utilize asset backed lenders for their operating lines of credit to facilitate growing their companies, expanding into new lines or geographies, acquiring competitor, or simply re financing their company in a manner that works better!

So why is Canadian business migrating to this new form of business financing? Simply because it’s more creative and flexible than the more formulaic approach that our great friends at Canadian chartered banks take.

And what is the cost of this type of financing. More often than not that’s questions number one when we sit down with clients. We'll put on our lawyer hat and say ' it depends ' which isn’t quite the answer we think you were looking for..!

The reality is that ABL financing is based on size of facility, who you are dealing with, your overall asset quality (abl finances receivables, inventory and equipment and real estate) as well as your firms overall credit situation - i.e. good / bad/ugly. (Yes ABL finances ugly.

One or two more things to know to fill up and increase your intelligence quotient (IQ!) on lenders that offer this financing . Simply that many are non bank independent finance companies , some are U.S. based but doing great jobs here, and some are Canadian but smaller in size - but still able to satisfy the majority of Canadian firms .

Well that’s it... Oh! Did we forget something? Oh yes. What is ABL by the way!! Simply a revolving line of credit that lenders against the value of your current and fixed assets on a daily revolving basis. It's a business line of credit!

Looking to fill up more on your ABL IQ? Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who will help you determine if this facility is the best thing that ever happened to your business financing needs.




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 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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