7 Myths Of The Canada Government Small Business Loan – Mom Never Told You This!

Putting An End To Confusion Around the federal small business loan

Information on misunderstandings and incorrect perceptions on the Canada government small business loan . Let good information on SBL loans be your key to financing success.



Misinformation. It's all over the place these days it seems. Let's clear up some ' myths' and misunderstanding around the Canada Government Small Business Loan.

The small business loan program in Canada is sometimes more commonly known as the ' SBL ' loan. It is a tremendous program to assist Canadian new and existing business owners with the financing of their business.

At a time when Canadian business financing seems more challenging than ever it seems logical that the entrepreneur and business owner wants to explore all possible financing alternatives. In our opinion the program in question is bar none of the best financial alternatives for Canadian business.

So why does so much misinformation and misconception seem to exist whenever we discuss the program with clients. We don’t know, but we do know we can help clear up the misinformation - so let’s go!


Myth # 1- ' Our business is doing ok and doesn’t need a government small business loan ' Well that might be the case but if you are looking in the future for equipment , real estate or leasehold financing ( yes you can finance leasehold improvements!) then the rates , terms and structure of the program cant be beat .

Myth # 2- ' The SBL loan is for business owners with bad credit ' - Wrong, very wrong, in fact the business owner, although he or she only guarantees 25% of the loan under the program must have reasonable personal credit . The program is best described as being financing for businesses, including start ups that can't access all the traditional credit they need.

Myth # 3 - ' The government lends the funds directly to you or your company ' - Wrong again, as the program is guaranteed by the government, and administered from a policy perspective -- however primarily banks are the ' facilitators ' of the program.

Myth # 4 -' the program is a grant - and no payment is required ' Very wrong! This is not a grant; it’s a 5-7 year term loan with regular monthly payments. Many people we speak to are inquiring about ' grants' and other federal incentives... that is NOT the SBL program.

Myth # 5 - ' Anyone can get a Canada government
Small business loan ' - You guessed it, wrong again. Although the rates, terms, structures, flexibility, and limited guarantee are the key aspects of the SBL loan there are certain criteria that must be in place to qualify. Additionally the program only covers businesses with actual or projected revenues under 5 Million dollars.

Myth # 6- ' Government small business loans are hard to get, and involve a lot of ' red tape' '. Well, some may think that, we certainly don’t think that’s the case. Approvals with the proper package in place can take only a day or two! It's all about ensuring you have a package in place that covers all requirements in a clear fashion.

Myth # 7- ' A company or individual can get a Canada government small business loan anywhere ' - Well not really, you need to ensure your institution works with the program and has experience in submitting requests that are clear and make sense and satisfy program criteria .

Well, there you have it. If you want to maximize the benefits of this great program speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can help you fast track business financing success, with a program that is much tailored to your 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 . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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

Canadian Business Financing For A Franchise? Just A Thought – Do It Right The 1st Time With Franchising Lenders

Need Some Help With Franchise Finance In Canada?

Information on business financing for a franchise in Canada . The lenders and the offering .



We guess they call it ' crunch time '. As far as you are concerned your chances of success are excellent... now it's time to find the business financing you need for your franchise... from lenders that provide the funds you need.

Let's ensure you've got the basics covered, starting with the amount of funding you need, and solutions for each part of that capital. I guess we're saying also that in many cases you need to potentially cobble together a solution from a number of financing sources. It's somewhat rare that one franchise lending solution is going to cover all your financing needs, simply because we're talking about different classes of assets.

So what makes up a franchise structure? Typically there are several components - the franchise fee itself, potentially inventory, and equipment and leaseholds. Any business, whether its a franchise or not requires working capital for ongoing operations ; and remember also that a key component of that working capital are the royalty fees that you pay back every month to the franchisor . Typically royalty fee arrangements that we see all the time are in the 8% range, but that varies per size and type of franchise of course.

In order to determine your strategy and chances of success you have to spend some time checking one specific person out ...that’s YOU! So that should be easy to do, right? Your ability to position your personal finances and your background and experience plays a huge part in franchise approval. One of the documents you'll need is a PNW statement - a statement of personal net worth. A simpler definition - what you have; what you owe!

Your PNW form is assessed as a key part of the credit approval decision, in conjunction with your personal credit history. Remember that as successful or well known as your franchisor might be... from a lenders perspective you are still essentially a ' start up ‘. If you're buying an existing franchise, we guess you could call it a re-start!

In Canada, similar to the U.S. your personal ' score' at the credit bureau has to be over a certain threshold. The entire system is run on a scoring system with 800 being perfection at the credit bureau. So what’s a satisfactory score - we'll share with you that in Canada the majority of lenders, of all types of business and personal financing rely on a score in the 650 range. And trust us... higher is better. This whole exercise also allows you to determine what amount of capital you can put into the business, as it's not possible to get 100% financing for all your franchise financing needs - typically 10- 40% should come from yourself.

In assessing your overall financing situation take into consideration that the lender will quite often being factoring in a ' worst case' scenario , one that assumes that perhaps your sales and profit and cash flow ( out of which you repay your franchise loan ) might not be as optimistic or real as you have positioned

Our theme today is of course ' doing it right the first time ‘. That’s where your business plan or executive summary comes in play. It should be clear, understandable, at the same time positioning you and the industry in a positive light. We advise clients that a key goal here is simply realistic financial projections, and don’t forget to include repayment of franchise debt! We're often dismayed by how much none financially oriented clients spend for a business plan - a slick proper one should not cost you more than 1k in our opinion.

Doing some careful preparation in the areas we have discussed will help you ensure both final financing approval, as well as a shorter timeline than we see many clients suffer ring through. And help is only a call away via a Canadian business financing advisor who has credibility, experience, and can be trusted - ensuring you final business financing approval from your franchise.




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 . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


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

Heard About The Revolution? How ABL Lending Revolutionized Canadian Business Line Of Credit Financing

Canada’s Revolving Line Of Credit Evolution



Information on how ABL lending via an asset based line of credit has revolutionized business line of credit financing for Canadian businesses of all size.


We checked... a revolution is a ' complete or marked change in something'. So why do we maintain that ABL lending, i.e. asset based non bank lines of credit are, of all thing revolutionary? Here's why.

When Canadian business owners or financial managers are exploring new business lines of credit they are in one of small number of situations - those include ; financial distress, acquisition finance, growth, start up, etc.

Any one of the above situations has is a challenge - lets look at one that can be realistically position as a ' larger challenge ‘... aka THE TURNAROUND.

Is there anyone more challenging for a business to change the financial course and direction? We personally doubt it (although makings sales is sometimes as tough!). Many business owners and financial controllers associated credit risk with the pricing of their financing. That’s a reasonable assumption. So logically banks, who only offer great pricing, are... you guessed it... some risk averse to financing a turnaround. Even we agree with that... and by the way... did we mention we love Canadian banks.

But if that’s the case... how can a legitimate turnaround be financed? Good question? We've got an answer - an asset based line of credit, via ABL lending in Canada.

The reason an asset based business line of credit works when a traditional alternative doesn’t is two fold - you have business collateral and assets and the fact that a true asset based lender prices risk, quite somewhat unlike our chartered banks.

Typical situations in a turnaround are quite logical - financial losses, being put into ‘Special Loans’ or your firm is perhaps ' off covenant '. Off covenant is of course when certain ' number relationships' in your financials don’t make sense. In many cases we see clients are also in debt to CRA, those good folks at ' the government '.

The asset based lender is often the solution that both you, and your bank! are looking for. This financing attempts to fix the problem that you and the bank cannot. The good news is that often your firms reputation and expertise are of course worth saving.

Typically your ability to prove that you can still generate sales growth is a key element to an ABL lending turnaround situation. When that can be validated a finance offer typically includes high margining of receivables and inventory, with those funds often being used to restructure some debt, clear CRA arrears, all the while leaving some working capital for growth .

Often times an appraisal of any fixed assets is required... however this ultimately benefits the customer by adding in an additional borrowing base that now becomes a part of the overall credit facility.

And besides growing those sales and operating efficiently again, what are your responsibilities under this type of business line of credit financing. It all comes down to proper and timely reporting of sales, receivable collections, and inventory and fixed asset lists.

So, is a business financing turnaround achievable in Canada? It absolutely is, and one of the ways that can happen is via ABL lending, a revolutionary concept in Canadian Biz finance. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in formulating a financing turnaround, with a business line of credit that makes sense to your current 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 . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


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

Are You Properly Positioned For Working Capital & Canadian Business Loan Financing – Here’s How

A Different Way To Look at Business Financing Needs


Information on working capital and business loan financing in Canada . How do business owners best position their company based on their needs and who they are dealing with?


Positioning... we checked, and it's simply about ' being in the right place'. When we first talk to many clients who are looking for working capital and business loan financing we sometimes find that they are unable to properly communicate their historical , current and of course future financial position.
Your firm will always need outside financing if you are going to grow, and the reality is that achieving financing success is a lot different than running your business – to put it simply... raising money isn’t quite like making money! We’ve always felt that the financing process should not be as stressful as it seems; so whether you’re dealing with a bank, commercial credit union, or an independent finance firm you need to be able to present your data in a compelling manner.

The most important tool you have in that communication challenge is your financial statements. They bring light into what we could call ' conversation darkness'. Business owners of small and medium sized businesses in Canada simply need to be able to convey what their financials tell about their company.

If we had to focus on one key area re: positioning of your firm it’s simply the challenge of showing your firms ability to repay debt. The majority of debt financing in Canada is of course secured. If your firm over performs, increases sales, and generates significant profits your lender , whether that is a bank or a commercial finance firm does not benefit any more than if you didn’t have that solid financial performance we mentioned. So again, any lender is always focusing on repayment.

Typically your positioning on a commercial financing is well served if you are able to demonstrate what lenders call a primary source of repayment - 99% of that time that is going to be operating cash flow. Other assets or strengths of your firm are always going to be a secondary source of repayment - i.e. additional collateral, your personal guarantee, etc.

Whether it’s in Canada or elsewhere a business loan financing its going to always come down to certain ' ratios’. We have always though that’s such a mechanical term and description, and have tended to use the work ' relationships'. Your ability to position certain ' relationships' in your financial statements are fundamental to business loan financing approval.

So what ' relationships' are those underwriters (underwriters = people you will never meet) looking for. Some of those are your gross margins, your net profits, which are usually benchmarked against companies in your own industry.

Working capital and debt financing makes much more sense to the lender when you have a positive net flow of funds. Simply speaking that’s your cash flow, which most lenders calculate by adding your net income and deprecation. The number that we consistently see ' traditional ' lenders applying to cash flow is a 1.25:1 ratio... or relationship.

Want to better position your working capital needs? Then be prepared to address or talk to your operating cycle. Knowing how long it takes to collect your receivables, turn your inventory, etc is what working capital analysis is all about. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in the proper positioning of your firm... for financing success!



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 . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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

Sources of Equipment Financing Loans In Canada – What Commercial Business Lenders Meet your need

Get Practical On Sources of Equipment Leasing For Canadian Business

Information on sources of equipment financing loans and leases in Canada . Commercial business finance options that make sense!


After Canadian business owners have made the decision to acquire assets for their business they are often faced with the choice of identifying the best 'source' of that financing.

Businesses lease or arrange commercial business loans for assets they need for ongoing operations. So who do you turn to for a financial option that makes sense - one that allows you to match cash outflows against the expected benefits of the asset you are acquiring?

In a perfect world, (and trust us we know its not!) you want to find a financing partner that has a good sense of what your business and your overall financial condition is about. Your ultimate goal should be to give your business a financing rate, term, structure and benefits that you deserve.

In one aspect of equipment financing loans in Canada we must regretfully report that ' size counts'! What do we mean by that ?Simply that the overall financing size of your commercial loan or lease dictates who your best financing partner will be . We advise clients that in Canada there are in effect 4 tiers of equpment financing size. They are as follows - large ticket, mid ticket, small ticket, and micro. When you know who the best players are in one of those four niches we believe you’re... to quote Charlie Sheen ' winning'!


Ever tried to put something in a box that doesn’t fit? It’s quite an unproductive task. That’s why we cringe when we see clients trying to put their box in a lease niche that doesn’t fit. The reality is that many Canadian businesses get the run around only because they have stumbled into the wrong niche. So whats our point, simply that the asset dollar size, type of asset and your overall credit and financial strength very quickly determine who you should be dealing with.

Credit quality is what business equipment financing loans are all about in commercial financing in Canada. Optimally you will get the best rate when you have a decent balance sheet, good cash flows, and a credible business history.

Unfortunately that doesn’t include thousands of business owners who have unpredictable cash flows, some historical operating issues, or who perhaps find themselves in an industry that is ' out of favor '. Does that mean you can’t be successful in commercial business leasing? Absolutely not , but it does mean that you are now in the category the industry terms as a ' story credit', and its up to you now to tell a good story . If you do that you will get a lease approval, but your transaction will be structured in some manner that affects the rate, term of the lease, or perhaps outside collateral, guarantees, etc.

So who exactly do you turn to for financing you need in equipment? The parties that are offering you financing today are captive vendors, banks (who really are into leasing these days) and independent specialized lease firms of all sizes, types, and ownership. (Many U.S. firms are key players in the Canadian business equipment financing arena.

Want to fast track lease financing approval, and ensure that you find yourself in the right niche and ticket size that we have outlined? Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who will help you manage the process and identify your rights, obligations and key benefits. Get your 'best deal' with professional assistance, saving you time... and money.




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 . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


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

What’s The Best Financing & Funding In Canada For Your Business - Tips On A Corporate Bank Loan

Does a corporate bank loan for the financing and funding of your Canadian business seem a monumental or impossible task these days? It shouldn't if you have the right information.

When Canadian business owners and financial managers think of financing or funding for their business its natural they gravitate to Canadian chartered banks. If there was one reason it’s a pretty simple one, it’s basically the best commercial loan or line of credit financing in Canada.

Business loan financing in Canada comes in two categories when you're dealing with a Canadian chartered bank - intermediate or long term ' term loans ‘, and of course operating lines of credit .

Typical terms for intermediate loans are in the 3-5 year range, paid in installments. Longer term loans might be available for financing and funding of long term assets such as business or plant assets .It is absolutely essential that you can demonstrate historical and future profits and cash flow to be in a position to be approved for bank term loans of a long term nature .

Many Canadian business owners and their financial staff find the approval process within a bank as somewhat ‘rigorous’. And that’s an understatement for many of our clients! Because of the strong banking system in Canada the supply of business financing and funding is virtually unlimited. Unlike in the U.S. the supply of business credit, we feel in our opinion, is not highly differentiated. The U.S. banking system and their various types of banks (money center, regional, specialized, S&L... etc) is a whole different kettle of fish.

If you can pass what some might call the litmus test for approval within the Canadian chartered banking system then the rates and structures are categorically worth it. Misc fees and standby type arrangements might make you’re financing a bit more expensive, but nonetheless it’s still pretty well the best deal in town.

In Canada the chartered banks have started to compete with the independent lease financing industry. While a bank lease rate might be a bit higher than a term loan scenario it is still very aggressive pricing which many independent finance firms just cant match ( Probably because they borrow those funds from the bank themselves!)

It's always somewhat amazing to us that the bank criteria for making decision on Canadian business financing have pretty well stayed the same for 100 years. That criterion is as follows, and should be no mystery to a Canadian business owner. The management experience and personal credit history of the owners is always a key element in financing approval. Also banks think in terms of capacity - which is a fancier term for simply ensuring that they feel you have the ability to repay. Significant analysis on your cash flow coverage, leverage, etc is done at this point.

Additional outside collateral is sometimes also requested, which can come in many forms, i.e. Other assets within the business, spousal or third party personal or corporate guarantees, etc

Is there one final tip we can offer up on knowing how to succeed when looking for a corporate bank loan? It's personality. Personality? Simply speaking we have always felt it’s the banker, not the bank, so spending a lot of time in searching for high quality commercial bankers that actually want your business is worth it. That banker will have a very clear idea and plan to get you approved, and will work with you to be successful.

If you don’t have the time to conduct banker interviews (?!)... who does ?... then seek and speak to a trusted credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can help you forge a relationship with the right banker .



About the Author:
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 . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


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

Commercial Bank Financing In Canada – Solutions and Maybe An Alternative Via Business Banking Competitors!

Canadian Bank Business Financing .. & Alternatives !

Information on commercial bank financing in Canada . What are the key issues in getting approved for the business financing your firm needs . There is in many cases a bank alternative via non bank financing from competitors to the Canadian banking industry .


When most Canadian business owners and financial managers think of commercial finance in Canada commercial bank financing comes up logically as the ' go to ' solution. That seems logical because probably for many decades in Canada it was the only solution. In recent times financing alternatives via bank competitors have proliferated. Let’s examine some key aspects of Canadian chartered bank commercial financing, and perhaps some alternatives... who knew!

Borrowing from a chartered bank in Canada comes under two categories for most small to medium sized corporations ... term loans and revolving lines of credit. Banks are very focused on your cash flow for the simple reason that it, plus additional collateral that is pledged, becomes the source of repayment.

It is well known that the Canadian chartered banks have pretty well the highest reputation in the world for being well run, profitable, and soundly capitalized. That becomes a double edged sword when you are a borrower looking for commercial bank financing , for the emphasis on your overall credit risk, assets, cash flow coverage , and personal guarantees of shareholders is somewhat intense !

When your lines or credit or term loans can’t be repaid in the eyes of the bank then you're deemed ' none performing ‘... (Even though you're working as hard as ever!) .

Over times business owners realize that a lot of the financing they need might not be accomplished by a Canadian chartered bank because of the significant emphasis that is placed on the rear view mirror. What do we mean by that?! Simply that your past financial performance is often a huge part of the overall bank approval decision for your new financing. So even if you have great prospects, new contracts, new owners, new equity, etc, etc, etc the reality is that last years financial losses, or negative cash flows or some other incident in fact will probably preclude you from being approved, at least in the amount that you might desire.

But of course being approved by a commercial bank in Canada for the financing you need pretty well means you are achieving the best finance rates and terms in the country. The banks low returns on commercial borrowers (because of those low rates) are compensated by the low risk they take.

When clients talk to us about focusing on a traditional Canadian commercial bank financing it is our advice that they totally disregard rate (because as we said, there isn’t any better) and instead focus on the ratios and covenants and personal guarantee that make up your financing approval.

And what about those alternatives and competitors to Canadian chartered banks .Over the last 10 -20 years a number of very solid alternative finance offerings are available to you the Canadian business borrower. They include asset based lending via non bank credit lines, confidential receivable financing, equipment financing for new and sale leaseback scenarios. Even more alternatives are available, including purchase order financing, bridge loans, and private equity.

In many cases a lot of the banks actually have started new divisions to compete with these new competitors - however typically in our opinion their same credit standards are in place; that is to say it’s not a bad thing, just the same challenge of getting approved within a bank offering.

Want to discuss commercial bank financing, or an alternative via competitors to the chartered banking industry in Canada? Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financial advisor who can work with you to achieve proper financing 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 7 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


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