All You Need To Know About Canadian Government Small Business Loans – BIL Business Improvement Financing

The Small Business Loan Program is Your SME tool for Business financing success


Information on the SBL government small business loan – Why the BIL Improvement loans are some of the best financing for the SME sector in Canada .




Many Canadian business owners are often guided to the Government Small Business Loan program in Canada by people such as their friends, advisors, bankers, etc. But boy, have we got stories for you about some of the mis information and frustration many clients have on what is fundamentally a great business financing program in Canada.

Our mission and goal? Clarify some of the mis information and help you understand what you need to know to take advantage of this great Canadian business financing advantage.

Part of the success of the government small business improvement loan surely is who the program is aimed at. In Canada the program focuses on everyone from a start up to companies under the five million dollar mark in sales revenue. Naturally if you are a start up , for either your own business or a franchise it makes sense that you might not be able to qualify for what the finance folks call ' traditional ' financing, in other words ' the bank'!

It has always seemed to us a bit ironic that it’s actually the banks that provide the SBL loans in Canada - however they do that because they have a guarantee from Industry Canada and the federal government with respect to any financial losses they might incur on the loan. While that guarantee doesn’t cover 100% of the loan let us assure you it’s a very significant amount!

So, as we said the banks in Canada (as well as some other miscellaneous institutions (some credit unions, etc) are what some folk’s term as the ' preferred lenders ' of the program.

Limits. Let’s talk about those loan limits. Canadian SBL loans are capped at $ 500,000 for real estate and $ 350,000 for equipment and leaseholds - which includes computer software by the way.

Rates under the program are 3% over the current prime rate, and the bank collect a one time 2% admin fee also. So contrary to what many business owners think, rates are not negotiable on a business improvement loan (B I L) - they are fixed under the program.

Where things often fall part on a SBL / BIL loan is due to the fact, we think, that the government allows each bank to interpret their own credit criteria on a Government small business loan. This causes no end of frustration for our clients who are often unprepared for this individual interpretation of SBL Loans... after all; it’s a ' program' is it not?

Most Canadian business owners and financial managers are keenly aware that ' pre paying ' a business loan without penalty is virtually impossible in Canadian business financing. However, the good news is that SBL government small business improvement financing is totally repayable, at any time, without penalty!

In sports in all about knowing how to play the game... that inside edge all players are looking for. Here's a tip - you should be looking at Canadian business financing process in the same manner... winging it should not be part of your strategy. In future writings we will cover off more info on how to win at the government business loan game. And by the way, it’s not a game!

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on how to successfully apply for and obtain one of the best financing resources in Canadian business - the SBL / BIL loan.




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/government_small_business_improvement_loan_loans.html

What Types Of Loans Are Available For A Canadian Franchisee When Financing A Franchise ?

Successfully Navigate Franchise Finance in Canada



Information on financing a franchise in Canada . Does a Canadian franchisee have options when it comes to types of loans and finance that are available ?



What types of loans can a franchisee in Canada expect to attain when he or she is financing a franchise in the Canadian market? Even more importantly how do you qualify and access that financing?

Those are typical questions clients ask us all the time , so lets examine some critical info that will allow you to be successful in completing a franchise finance acquisition.

A good way to start is to build up a bit of a ' checklist ' on what you need to both investigate a franchise opportunity, as well as to present a finance proposal for that opportunity.

We add also that you have the option of course of purchasing a franchise from an existing franchisee, or working directly with the franchisor on a new unit acquisition. There is a big difference in purchasing an existing franchise for a number of reasons, some good, some not so good. First of all an existing unit of course allows you to independently validate the financial results and assets of that business, that’s a good thing. Your accountant, a Canadian business financing advisor, lawyer, or appraiser can assist in various ways to validate the true value of your purchase.

When you are financing an existing franchise it is important to ensure you are completing the transaction as an ' asset sale ' as opposed to a ' share sale '. It is extremely difficult, if not impossible to finance a share sale arrangement.

When you are financing a franchises types of loans dictate what will be financed and how. The key aspects of any franchise acquisition revolve around the following: the franchisee fee, the royalty arrangement, equipment, leaseholds, and sometimes forgotten ' working capital ' to ensure the future growth and health of the business.

If your franchise requires that you have physical leased premises it is critical to ensure that the term of the lease for those premises will at least match the term of the loan financing you are hoping to achieve. Simply speaking, a franchisee can’t get a 5 year loan for a business that has a one year lease! Makes sense, right?

Prior to starting to focus on the financing of your new business and life as an entrepreneur you should of course have completed what the legal and business folks call ' due diligence ' on your franchisor . That might include references from another franchisee, whether they are compliant with franchise regulations in Canada how royalties are paid and structured, etc. The bottom line? There are a lot of rights (and obligations) for you and the franchisor... ensure you understand wha they are.

As we referenced earlier start up capital and final approval can be challenging if you are not well armed with info and resources. In Canada the banks and some other institutions, (but mostly the banks) are the ' approved lenders' for the government BIL/CSBF program.

The vast majority of franchises in Canada are financed under this program. You would be totally missing the boat if you did not at least investigate why this program is one of the best methods of financing a franchise in Canada. The simple reason - just that it has great rates, terms, structures, repayment without penalty ability, and yes, even a low personal guarantee or ' covenant ' requirement.

Maximize your financing potential as franchisee by speaking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can help you navigate a path to entrepreneurial 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/financing_a_franchise_types_of_loans_franchisee.html

How Asset Based Lending Loans Competes With A Bank Business Line Of Credit Loan – Do You Understand ABL Finance?

Don’t accidentally discover asset based lines of credit!


Information on Canadian asset based lending Finance . Why ABL Loans are a direct competitor to a bank business line of credit . A finance alternative for business owners in Canada .


We're the first to endorse healthy competition in Canadian business finance (although it’s not as fun when we're doing the competing) so it seems a good time to profile ABL asset based lending and business line of credit loans which compete directly with Canadian chartered bank facilities.

To say that Canadian business finance has changed over the last ten years or so would be a dramatic understatement. The reality is that a whole new wave of offerings to commercial business borrowers are available, and they come, you guessed it, not always from the Canadian chartered banking system.

Independent finance companies, some from the U.S. and even overseas have a multitude of new products for the Canadian business borrower. Even the internet empowers the Canadian business owner and financial manager as it often reveals a multitude of varied choices to those willing to search. Entering a keyword such as ' abl asset based line of credit ' will get you tons of info on alternative business credit facilities.

While banks often command the first train of thought when it comes to business finance for a revolving line of credit asset based lending finance is gaining more traction everyday.

So let’s provide some clarity around ABL finance in Canada. If there is one differentiator of the product it’s simply that the total focus of the facility revolves around one word, ' assets '. Non bank asset based loans are more flexible than a traditional bank offering, and at a time when more is better they leverage your assets significantly greater than a bank facility. Remember that an ABL loan is typically from an unregulated lender; they have different sources of capital and don’t require key elements that are necessary in the Canadian chartered bank system.

Clients, and we can forgive ourselves also, often make the mistake of viewing the asset based business line of credit a as a term loan... in fact its not. It’s simply a monetization of assets with the intent to liquidate the assets or collateral in the event of a default. A good way to look at it is to view it as thinking of your assets having to perform, not our ratios which tend to become the prime fixation in a commercial business line of credit.

So why the sudden and growing popularity in asset based lending in Canada. We think the answer to that is the fact that it covers every type of industry, retail, manufacturing, service, etc. But more importantly it also addresses your company life cycle.

An asset based ABL finance facility can be achieved for a start up, an established growing firm, and yes, those firms that have suffered severe financial challenges. In the ' old days' (yes we remember them) it was not uncommon for forms of asst based lending to be viewed as a ' last resort' type of financing. Fast forward to today and some of the largest corporations in the world, in Canada included; utilize this financing as opposed to a traditional bank facility. So something must be working!

So what would you need to start discussion around this type of facility? Typically it’s just the basics: your financial statements, aged receivables and payables, and detailed asset listings of any fixed assets. And by the way those fixed assets can easily become part of your revolving day to day facility - that’s clearly a major advantage when it’s required.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor to better understand how asst based loans can monetize your firm’s assets into an ABL facility that provides you with maximum working capital and asset leverage.



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/asset_based_lending_loan_loans_abl_finance.html

On Top Of The Latest Trends In Canadian Growth Financing ? Working Capital & Purchase Order Finance Alternatives

No Jargon Get It Done Today Finance Solutions for Businesses in Canada


Information on growth financing alternatives in Canadian business . How working capital solutions such as purchase order finance can provide alternatives to business challenges .




Staying on top of any aspect of your business is important, and that includes ensuring you understand some of your alternatives when considering growth financing and working capital solutions. We're talking about everything from standard solutions such as working capital term loans all the way out to the end of the spectrum, the new kid on the block, purchase order financing.


When the SME sector (small and medium sized businesses in Canada) can't meet the requirements of a Canadian chartered banking solution then what are some of the alternatives. The last couple of years have been somewhat brutal on manufacturing companies, balance sheets have been hit and breakeven, let alone profits have been touch to achieve for many.

A total solution for many firms is to utilize a Canadian asset based lender to address numerous challenges at the same time. Let's examine a typical situation which many clients have found themselves in over the last couple years. They might have secured debt via a bank revolver or term loan, coupled with challenges around CRA arrears and accounts payable which have ballooned due to an overall working capital shortage.

In this type of case, as profiled above the growth financing comes from an all encompassing working capital facility to replace the banking solution, This type of financing margins receivables to 90%, provides a healthy margining of inventory previously not available ( anywhere from 30-70%). In more rare cases a straight cash flow loan might be added to the facility to further enhance the working capital

The bottom line is that the asset based growth financing solution solves a number of problems around collateral, size of the facility, and general health of your firm. Most importantly it addresses your company's ability to grow again and fund that growth at the same time. In effect we've achieved a hybrid type solution that many small and medium sized firms sorely require.

And what about that purchase order financing concept. Actually it’s not a concept; it’s a viable solution that gains more traction everyday. The P O finance solutions bridges the gap between fulfilling your contract or purchase orders from the time you receive them to your ability to get final payment from your end user customer. In some cases, but not all, purchase order financing involves a foreign supplier, either in the U.S., Europe or Asian. Your P O financier makes payment to your vendors, on your behalf, taking the products, inventory and receivables from that transaction as security. It is a more expensive form of financing but provides a valuable bridge to sales growth success.

So, is staying on top worth it? We think so, therefore you will want to ensure you have thoroughly investigated all solutions available for growth financing in Canada. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced working capital financing advisor who can assist you in identifying solutions that make sense... for you!



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/growth_financing_working_capital_purchase_order.html

5 Reasons Why Your Competitors Lease Equipment – Achieving Great Leasing Rates On A Commercial Equipt. Loan

A Canadian Equipment Financing Perspective


Information on why Canadian companies lease equipment and how the best leasing rates and terms and structures are achieved on a commercial equipment loan .






Recently we ' Canadianized' a U.S. update on what was termed the ' 10 Advantages of Leasing Equipment. The U.S. document also spoke of the top 5 reason why companies lease... We thought those were worthy of some comments also.

Canadian owners and financial managers who wish to lease equipment or obtain a commercial lease/loan for equipment are not only motivated by good leasing rates. Let’s examine some of those other motivators also.

Number 1 on the list was ' the bank won't help our firm’. That’s a common thread when we talk to clients looking to finance their assets. However, we must also point out that the Canadian chartered banks in very recent times have become very aggressive in lease financing of assets. Several banks have even purchased commercial lease companies and reframed them under the bank logo.

If your company can ' meet mustard' for the bank credit bar, which is typically quite high then you are in a position to get rates, terms and structures that clearly can't be beaten.

Another complication we have noted with bank leasing in Canada is that the preference is for them to only finance their own commercial borrowing customers under their lease programs. If they can’t do that there is usually a strong pitch made for moving all your credit facilities over to their bank. That of course may, or may not, make sense! It certainly complicates the process in our opinion. However, those bank leasing rates can be very appealing and are often significantly, and we really mean significantly under their competitors, the independent lease finance firms in Canada.

Reason # 2 for Canadian firms to choose Leasing .We guess you can call it our ' royalty' reason, because, so we've been told, cash is king ! So if you can obtain 90-100% financing of your asset, conserve credit lines, and finance numerous ancillary needs of the asset, i.e. maintenance, warranty, delivery, installation, etc then you are clearly way ahead of the game.

Reason # 3 - It's easy, it’s as plain and simple as that. The reality is that in 2011 the equipment lease is a highly competitive offering in Canada. Numerous firms that finance small, medium and large ticket transactions are very aggressive in marketing their financing services for a commercial loan / lease. The trick here we caution customers is not to reverse that ease of application by wasting time in talking to the wrong firm - someone who doesn’t match your firms credit quality or asset financing need .

Reason # 4- Want to be held captive? What do we mean by that? Simply that one of the category of lease offerings in Canada is held by captive finance companies and dealers who offer financing. They have one main motivation. Sell you their products! So their ability to finance those products for you becomes their motivator, with your firm being the winner, often getting great lease rates and terms by an incented manufacturer or dealer.

Reason # 5 - Hold on a minute, we have to talk to our accountant. By that we're simply saying there are number tax, deprecations and accounting implications and benefits around an equipment lease. This further solidifies the reason why many firm not only focus on leasing rates but other intangible benefits such as accounting, tax treatment, etc.

So, as always there’s a bottom line. Canadian firms who lease equipment have some great reasons to finance their asset needs in this manner. Speak to a trusted, credible an experienced Canadian business financing advisor to find out which of these reasons make the most sense to 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/lease_equipment_leasing_rates_commercial_loan.html

Put An End To Business Funding Challenges - Why Accounts Receivable Financing Via A Confidential Invoice Finance Strategy Works

Don’t Let Your Business Experience Financing Downtime!


Information on accounts receivable financing in Canada . What is the best type of invoice finance strategy and how does this type of business financing work?




When Canadian business owners and financial mangers want to put an end to business financing challenges they are prepared to consider all alternatives. One of the most popular these days is accounts receivable financing via a confidential invoice finance facility. It only does one things for your company - it accelerates cash flow!

One of the other reasons that this type of financing gains in popularity every day is that allows you to increase your cash flow and working capital without having to consider additional equity arrangements into your company. Even more important is the fact that many business people miss the fact that an A/R finance strategy is not ' debt ' - you are simply monetizing your current assets, i.e. the accounts receivable, into immediate cash.

The concept is exceptionally simple, where it gets complicated we find is that clients don’t really understand some of the terminology, costs, and benefits of this type of financing. As we said, it couldn’t be simpler - you generate sales, and, via your receivables, sell those invoices, gaining immediate cash flow. Clients tell us it certainly is not unusual these days to have their A/R run anywhere from 30-90 days from a viewpoint of when they can expect payment from their customer.

So imagine how your firm would do if you have really unlimited capital based on the sales you generate. You're back to where you want to be, growing your company, not wondering how you will finance that growth!

Some of the day to day nuances of factoring need to be clarified to Canadian businesses who are considering invoice finance for the first time. One is the holdback. When you finance one or a number of invoices (and by the way, it’s your choice) you receive typically 80-90% of the invoice value the same day. The remaining balance is held as a holdback or reserve and remitted to you when your client pays.

If one issue typically concerns the Canadian business borrower who is considering and accounts receivable financing strategy it’s the cost of the financing. In Canada that cost, on an average, is typically in the 2% range. We hasten to add that sometimes it’s less, and sometimes it’s more. Factors that decide your final pricing are the general health of your business, the size of your monthly A/R, and the overall quality of the customer base.

Firms considering invoice finance are typically those that are growing too quickly and are unable to achieve traditional bank financing. Alternatively they may be working their way through some business challenges, such as an off year for financial results, etc,

One reason this method of business financing is growing so quickly in Canada is the fact that facilities can be set up very quickly, with less focus than the bank on issues such as rations, shareholder equity, personal guarantees, etc.

Is any one facility of this type better than the other? We sure think so, that’s why we constantly are recommending a confidential accounts receivable financing strategy.

This allows you to bill and collect your own receivables, finance which ones you want when you want, and has no involvement or notification to your clients. Unfortunately the majority of facilities offered in Canada don’t offer this type of financing
So consider speaking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can work with you to get you the optimal facility that works for you from a viewpoint of benefits and day to day ease of management.



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/accounts_receivable_financing_invoice_finance.html

Are You Eligible For The Canadian Government Small Business Loan?

Use Government SBL Loans For Asset Financing Needs


Information on the ‘SBL ‘ - commonly know as the government small business loan . This program offers some of the best rates, terms and structures for small business financing needs in Canada .



Many business owners in Canada in the SME sector aren’t fully aware that they are already qualified to take advantage of the SBL loan program in Canada. The Government Small Business Loan is an initiative of the federal government in Canada that helps thousands ( in fact over 7000+ in 2010 ) of Canadian businesses to securing business financing on terms that rival those of the big boys when it comes to attractive rates, and structures .

There are many misconceptions about the program and that is why we feel quite sure that you may already qualify and probably just didn’t know it! Let’s examine some of these very basic and reasonable qualifications of the program, and let’s help you maximize the benefits already utilized by thousands of firms just like yours.

'Government ' isn’t necessarily the most popular word at any time when it comes to your day to day business. However, that’s misconception number 1, simply that this loan program is in fact operated in the private sector, by Canadian banks, not the government directly. So where does the government come in then? , ask clients. Simply that they are in fact guaranteeing the majority of the loan. Actual funding is done through your bank.

The challenge we work through with on a daily basis is that not all banks or bank employees rather are always familiar with the details of the program. So many clients who are keenly interested in availing themselves of this financing in fact get mixed signals on how the program operates, its benefits, and mostly importantly, how to start the process and get approved quickly!

Let's cover off some of the basic facts. To be eligible for the program your Canadian business, either incorporated or a proprietorship, must have revenues not exceeding 5 Million dollars. Start ups are eligible for the program also.

Most Canadian business owners who start from scratch are keenly aware of the financial challenges that are faced when financing a start up, or a franchise. That’s really the spirit of the Canadian government small business loan program... it’s providing financing to businesses and business owners who otherwise might not be able to acquire the financing they need.

Owners of the business must have reasonable good credit... in terms of the credit bureau beacon score that all Canadians possess that score should be in the 650+ range. Contrary to the belief of some this is not financing for people with poor credit.

What does the SBL government small business loan finance? That’s another area of what seems constant confusion when we talk to clients. In fact the program only finances equipment and leaseholds. Software by the way is included in the equipment category. We meet many clients that are under a major misconception on SBL’s - namely that the financing is cash and working capital. It absolutely is not!

How can any business owner in Canada not want to take advantage of financing that can help build and grow their business? Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in being successful and unlocking the benefits of the government small business loan program. That’s SBL for short!








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/government_small_business_loan_sbl.html