Therapy For Business Cash Flow Problems ? Working Capital Financing Solutions And Alternatives

THIS DAY IN CANADIAN BUSINESS HISTORY :
April 4, 1896 - News of the Yukon's Klondike gold strike reaches the outside world. Vancouver, BC

Our Comment : 'Thousands of stockbrokers descend on Canada with a viewpoint to providing valuable ' tips ' to clients '- STAN PROKOP





Looking Inside the Cash Flow Conundrum

Information on solutions and alternatives for business cash flow problems in Canada . Working capital financing when Canadian business needs it most .



Business Cash Flow Problems? Maybe some working capital therapy in order. Therapy - it's what they call a ' curative power ' , so let's examine some curative powers around one of the biggest challenges Canadian business financing, working capital and cash flow needs.

We're all familiar with the old phrase ' you need money to make money ‘; well scratch that, we have re-written that one for today and we'll offer up ' you need working capital to make more money '!

The unfortunate part of talking to many entrepreneur and business owners in many cases is that there seems to be a common belief that sales growth will take care of all your business problems ; the reality is that it will take care of things for awhile, but trust us, not for long.

Profits do fund growth for an interim period, but in the end you need to address some very basic issues. An example? Your valued vendors and suppliers want to be paid before you get paid from your own customers!

So what’s the solution? Most business owners and financial managers would offer up ' go to the bank ' or ' put in some more owner equity ‘. That's works of course, if that’s in fact possible - key word ' IF '!

What those sales have done is create a gap... for some clients we meet it’s a rather big chasm or canyon!

Naturally some firms need more working capital than others to address the business cash flow problems we are talking about. That’s because something known as the ' cash conversion cycle ' varies from industry to industry and probably even business to business within that industry.

The cash conversion cycle can be easily calculated by any business owner. The formula? Take your days sales outstanding, add your inventory on hand days, and subtract your payables. That number essentially gives you a very basic ' known ‘. It tells you how long it takes a dollar to travel through your company. And trust us, sometimes that ' travel ' seems to look like a slow meander!

As we said some firms require more cash flow than others - an example might be a large pharma firm who invests tons of money in advance of even bringing a product to market - assuming it’s approved by the government for use! On the other hand a large retailer doesnt sell on credit, they only take cash and credit cards, so their conversion cycle might be a lot less.

So, our take away today? The shorter you can control you cash conversion cycle, the better! And you can accelerate cash flow by bank lines of credit, receivable financing, and inventory financing, monetizing tax credits, or securitizing your receivables if you're a larger firm.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor to assist you with your business cash flow problems and working capital solutions to accelerate your cycle of cash.









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_cash_flow_problems_working_capital.html

Scientifically Proven ? An Asset Lease Whether Operating Or Capital Works For Financial Bridging of Canadian Business Financing

This Day in Canadian Business History - April 4 :

Canada agrees to acquire the Canadian section of the Alaska Highway, including telephone systems, buildings and other assets, for $108 million (1,221 miles at $88,000 a mile); 2,450-kilometre highway originally cost US$140 million to build, as a wartime supply route in case of Japanese invasion of North America.

Our thoughts ? ' What a Deal from a financial perspective! ' Ultimately of course there was a supply route invasion of Canada but it consisted mainly of LCD screens .... Stan Prokop



Conducting Lease Transactions in Canada – Bridging the Asset Gap



Information on asset lease financing in Canada . Capital and operating financial solutions provide the bridging you need for short term and long term fixed asset finance needs .



Scientifically proven? It's defined as a ' body of techniques’ for acquiring new knowledge. Unless we're missing something an asset lease is a trusted financial solution, bridging your operating capital needs to your long term financing solutions.

Whether it’s an operating lease versus a capital lease your company still benefits from the appropriate combination of use and to a certain degree, ownership.

So why does a lease finance solution allow you to reduce the consumption of capital. Simply speaking you can direct funds required to buy assets towards more important things, such as growing your business, expanding your products and services, etc.

When you choose between an operating lease ( using ) versus a capital lease ( owning ) it comes down to two basic criteria for final approval - the value and quality of the asset , as well as of course your firm's general credit worthiness.

The great news for Canadian business owners and financial managers is that leasing companies and solutions abound! They are provided by bank subsidiaries, independent commercial finance firms, and captive finance organizations of larger manufacturers. (In general you can’t beat vendor/captive financing for rates, terms and structures - simply because the finance arm is incented to approve and finance your asset based on the sales focus of the mfr itself).

Depending on what industry you are in you might well find that certain lease firms and solutions are more appropriate than others. Technology, computer, software, and telecom type assets lend themselves perfectly to be financed via firms with that special tech experience. More often than not you will, or in fact should, consider an operating lease for these types of assets.

What then are the key questions or issues that you should address when considering an asset lease, or utilizing this financing tool as a bridging solution... for example a sale leaseback ?

The key considerations are your expected term under which you believe you will use the asset. (3 and 5 year terms are most typical - however 2-7 year terms are available depending on asset type).

Capital or operating leases work best when they are part of an overall strategy. Your company will derive maximum benefits when you consider several issues around your asset or bridging needs - they include tax implications, how you will account for your lease, your future needs for the type of equipment you are acquiring, etc.

The Sale leaseback scenario is a great bridging strategy for financial solutions. It takes your current investment in assets and monetizes them, giving you critically needed capital.

Can leasing ever be a poor choice? Perhaps, but certainly not often. The weight of evidence, scientific or otherwise! suggests that this financing tool gives you maximum leverage in asset lease finance. If you're looking for more information and expert advice on lease concepts speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor.







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_lease_operating_capital_financial_bridging.html

A Quick Proven Way To Accelerate Cash Flow Finance ? Use A Purchase Receivables Factoring Program

Cash Flow Financing Via A/R Finance Doesn’t Have To Be Ultra - Secret !



Information on cash flow finance and purchase receivables factoring in Canada . Benefits, Costs, and How To !


Waiting for anything good to happen is business isn't really our favorite thing to do. That's why cash flow finance via a purchase receivables strategy to finance your business eliminates waiting.

Waiting for what? Well the question simply becomes: ' Would you rather have cash in the bank now for your sales, or would you prefer to wait 30, 60, and oh wow... 90 days for the funds do your firm from your clients?”

The answer is pretty obvious of course, and that’s why factoring, aka the purchase of your receivables by an independent finance firm is one of the quickest and most solid ways to eliminate the cash flow growth and survival programs that come with growing your business. Those cash flow challenges come of course, from the simple fact that as you sell more your inventory and receivable portfolio grows

So why don’t hundreds of thousands of firms that are eligible for this method of financing utilize it? We don’t know for sure but we often think it boils down to either they haven’t heard about it, or they have but don't understand how it works.

How could Canadian business owners not consider using a financing method that eliminates the pressure of having cash on hand, making payroll, and paying your government taxes such as HST and employee remittances?

How then does cash flow finance via factoring work. It couldn’t be simpler. As you make sales you are able to borrow immediately, and by immediately we mean ' same day ' against those sales. The way the industry handles the mechanics around this is that your A/R is in effect ' purchased ' as you generate sales. And by the way, with the right type of facility you certainly are under no obligation to finance all your sales, only the amount you require. That’s a key flexibility option.

Our opinion is that the best purchase receivables program is in fact a confidential one, one that allows you to bill and collect your own A/R. The majority of the industry in North America does not offer this solution, but working with an experienced advisor allows you to in fact choose this method over the traditional one as long as you identify up front in discussions that the confidentiality aspect is important to yourself.

‘Can we learn more about the daily ' mechanics ' of this method of financing?' That's a typical client question, so here's the answer. As you generate sales you submit invoices for services that product that you have rendered or delivered. (Service receivables can be financed also!).

Typically you receive 90% of those funds the same day - the balance is held as a holdback or buffer. You receive the other 10% when you client pays, less a discount of approx 2% for financing costs if your terms are 30 days and your client pay in 30 days. Otherwise daily per diem charges run until your customers pay.

So why is this method of Canadian business financing fast and why is it effective at the same time.

The answers should seem obvious - you accelerate cash flow, your receivables are the asset you are borrowing against, so there is no debt incurred. At the same time as a business owner or financial manager you're doing what we think you do best - running and growing your busines, getting new larger orders, etc!

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on the method of receivable financing via cash flow finance factoring that works best for your firm.




Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial -

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com


Originating Canadian business financing , 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/cash_flow_finance_factoring_purchase_receivables.html

Byte Sized Tips On Financing Technology For Your Canadian Computer ‘ IT ‘ Leasing Needs !

Thinking of Jumping ? .. into The Present For Your Tech Finance Requirements ? !

Information on financing technology for the Canadian business owner / manger . Canadian computer , IT , and telecom leasing works!


Financing technology. Is it as complicated or even risky as it might seem when it comes to your Canadian computer, IT, and leasing needs for survival and growth. Perhaps we have been doing it too long, but we don't think so - lets cover off some key basics.

We've often spoken about a killer concept, the idea of what is your ' obstacle to innovation '. Unfortunately many times it's price and cost, and financing those tech needs provides a solution to the elimination of the barrier. If you know how, and why, and... when!

In a recent Canadian Federation of Business (CFIB) poll over 63% of all small and medium sized business owners indicated that both price and costs were what limited their access to the technology and computer IT needs they had. Unless we're missing something that’s a majority.

Naturally most business owners and financial managers also referenced that they needed to be able to achieve a solid return on those investments. Information technology (‘IT) allows you to do that, and even gives you certain measures of flexibility you didn’t think you had.

That flexibility, along with the benefits of using new tech solutions allows you stay competitive, as well as save you time and money, two precious business resources.

Financing your IT needs allows you to do the basics, ie run your office, manage your financials... in effect, and run your business.

When choosing new tech assets focus on over what time period you will receive a payback. At that point it’s when lease financing emerges as solid acquisition tool because it allows you to spend cash as you are in fact receiving those benefits over the term of the useful life of the asset.

Software, and software licensing is a huge part of lease financing in Canada. We are often surprised when many business owners don't even know that application software can be financed - It surely can! Although software is viewed as a soft cost, i.e. not a hard asset it still has a significant value to you the use, including of course the right to use the software under license from its owner .

The documentation around financing technology is critical. Long term relationships are more well served under a Master Lease concept - simply speaking you sign one lease with terms and conditions you are comfortable with and then add on as you replace or delete assets .

Capital vs. operating lease choices are critical in Canadian computer IT leasing. It’s all about owning and using respectively. Operating leases can provide fabulous flexibility when it comes to using for a shorter period, upgrading, buying out early, etc

Maintain a competitive edge by considering financing technology needs. The larger corporations, even banks do it all day, every day. So should your firm. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on how to achieve the right balance of cash outflows and return on investment in computers and IT.





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_technology_canadian_computer_it_leasing.html

No ‘ SRED ‘ Of Doubt ! SR And ED Tax Credits Finance Via A Bridge Loan Is Still Here !

SR&ED Finance – Alive And Well


Information on sred bridge loan finance in Canada . Despite recent changes to the program your s red ( sr & ed ) tax credits are still eligible for financing .



SR & ED Tax credits. Did you or your firm have any doubt about the SRED program in Canada? I think we can safely say thousands did, and the good news is that the SRED Program is still intact... yes some changes, but still alive and well .

And even better news? Your SR ED claim is still 100% financeable with the same criteria that have always been in place.

Let’s step back a bit. Naturally the thousands of business owners in Canada who receive a total of Billions, yes that Billions with our capital ' B ' were concerned about what many felt was the best research tax credit scheme ever, the Scientific Research and Experimental Development ( hence ' SR & ED ' ) program .

Criticism and hope abounded from every direction. The government wanted to ensure that funds spent were getting Canada an appropriate return on investment - which seems like a reasonable request for us taxpayer type folks. At the same time thousands of firms used the refundable tax credit as valuable cash flow and working capital to both survive, grow or start their business, and to be able to invest even further in next years r&d.

Many felt the program was too complicated. We're not lawyers, accountants, or government mandarins, so there’s certain issues we won’t weigh in on, and that’s one of them!

The reality is though that close to 4 Billion dollars was being doled out every year to almost 25 thousand firms in Canada, which was a huge portion of the government R&D subsidy. And it was all about return on investment as we said;

Who in fact is benefiting?
How are they benefiting? Etc!

A major report that was widely anticipated concluded that a reduction of the program was appropriate and needed, and that the better choice was for strategic financing initiatives that would bring a better ROI.

Anyway, its over, if in fact the federal budget that was table will be ratified by the government. So yes, there will be changes in how your expenses are computed, and in some cases they will be reduced. Capital expenditures, which were often a large part of the calculation seems to have been eliminated... again futher reducing your total refund.

Certainly the onus is on the industry's private SRED Consultants to prepare higher quality claims and in some cases address their fee structures from a viewpoint of optics.

Anyway, that’s the news from the top! But down here at the bottom, where we toil in the real world sred (sr & Ed) tax credits are still financeable via a bridge loan for the finance of the credit.

The criteria are still the same. Your SR ED claim is generally financed at 70% loan to value... the transaction is structured as a bridge loan with no monthly amortized payments. You receive the balance of your claim, i.e. the other 30% when the claim is audited/approved, less financing costs.

Basic back up info is still required, i.e. a copy of your claim, confirmation of your firms arrears or non arrears to CRA, and your financials. It's as easy as that.

Did you have that ‘ SRED OF DOUBT ‘ ? ! The dust has settled, and if you want to finance your claims via the SR & ED bridge loan speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian busines financing advisor today.







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/sred_sr_ed_tax_credits_bridge_loan_finance.html

Creative Ways for Franchise Finance In Canada. From IT Franchises To Restaurant Franchising Here’s How !

Avoid The ‘ Wait & Hope ’ Of Franchising Finance In Canada


Information on franchising in Canada . From IT franchises to a restaurant you need a clear franchise finance success plan




Franchising Canada. Whether it’s an ' IT ' franchise in the world of technology, or a restaurant in the quick service / full service/ casual service industry everyone it seems wants to get on board. If they know they have the ability to finance the business...so let’s examine some creative ways in which to complete the financing of the entrepreneurial dream.

It's no secret to the potential franchisee that it's all about cash - a combination of your own and borrowed funds. What are some of the methods that clients use to creatively, yet sensibly finance the franchise dream in Canada.

Every business in Canada, new or existing, has two components to the capital structure. Debt... and equity. Equity is of course your portion; debt is of course that contributed by your lender or lenders. And remember, you have the upside potential in equity... your lender has only the interest income, and the hope and belief that they will be paid in full.

That's one of the reasons that many franchisee ' newbie’s' in fact get overly enamored with the financial potential of their business when pitching a franchise finance scenario. We think they would do better often to tone it down a bit and focus more on the lenders ability to feel comfortable that cash flow will cover the loan or loan payments.

In talking to clients over a long period of time we've been intrigued by the manner in which customers come up with their portion of the funds, the equity. Sometimes it's savings, other times they are leaving corporate life and utilizing their severance from the previous employer.

In other cases there is ' friends and family ' - we see that a lot. In order to be truly creative in using funds from friends and family (it hasn’t escaped us that they are in fact your ' angel investors;) you need to be sure these funds arent documented as formal debt - otherwise your banker or lender will have to show this on your personal balance sheet as debt, which will affect some of your borrowing ratios.
Supplementary to this strategy is getting a minority operating or silent partner in the business. Giving up a small amount of equity, say 5-10% might induce a family member or third party to help you out.

Typically the collapsing of registered savings plans is viewed by most as not, we repeat, not the best way to finance a franchise. Two reasons here actually, one is the huge tax bite involved in such a move; the other is simply that you have put your savings at risk, which clearly is not optimal.

Other creative ways to compliment franchise financing in Canada are to consider supplementary forms of financing such as equipment lessors for certain assets, or merchant receivable firms for ongoing cash flow. They are complimentary to your overall finance strategy.

Is there one way to really move along quickly in franchise finance in Canada? How about a co- signer, and boy do we have one for you. It's the government of Canada, via Industry Canada’s BIL program, with the government in effect guaranteeing a huge portion of your loan in the franchising Canada environment. Don't overlook that one!

So, a service franchise, such as in the IT (information technology) industry, or a restaurant... it’s your call when it comes to selecting and finalizing the franchise dream. Just make sure you have considered all options, traditional and alternative when it comes to ' creative ‘.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor for franchise finance advice that gets you to the goal line of 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/franchising_canada_it_restaurant_franchise_finance.html

Feeling Mathematically Eliminated From Canadian Business Financing . The ABL Asset Based Business Line Of Credit Facility Will Change That !

A Proven Strategy For Business Capital Liquidity


Information on the asset based business line of credit facility in Canada. ABL business financing increases working capital and Liquidity



How In Fact Can an ABL Asset Based line of credit facility have you feeling UN - mathematically eliminated in Canadian Business financing? Let's explain.

The other day we heard on the radio that a local hockey team was in fact ' mathematically eliminated ' from the playoffs. What is meant of course was that no matter how well they did for the balance of the season they in fact couldn't make their final numbers and success better.

In our opinion that’s how many Canadian business owners and financial managers feel about their ability to access the maximum amount of business line of credit they need - simply speaking they're constantly being told that the numbers don't add up and they are coming short with their working capital and cash flow needs.

Does that have to be the case? We don't think so and that’s why we propose an asset based business line of credit facility, termed an ' ABL ' to give your company that feeling of not being eliminated!

Let's recap what the ABL is. It's really a loan or monetization in the form of a business line of credit. It focuses on one thing and one thing only, your assets! Typically its the current assets on your balance sheet, i.e. receivables and inventory, but it can very easily make fixed assets and real estate a part of that same business credit facility.

The amount you can draw on for daily cash flow operating needs becomes a function of your growth in assets. We think you can see what is happening here - as your sales grow your cash flow draw down ability grows, in lock step! You in effect, using our theme today, can't be eliminated!

Once your ABL facility is in place you're in a position to constantly draw down on those agreed upon percentages. Typically the ABL allows you to draw 90% of A/R and anywhere from 30-70% of inventory. The astute business owner or finance manager can quickly see that the amount of liquidity that they immediately can access is significantly larger than they are receiving anywhere else, including their chartered bank.

As your company grows every owner/manager, whether you are in a start up or established firm realizes you have to have a handle of access to cash flow... Cash flow isn’t ' accrual accounting’; it’s the result of your asset conversion.

The Asset based line of credit facility allows you to avoid mistakes and it outperforms pretty well every other type of business line of credit. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on how you can keep in pace with your operating and growth 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_asset_based_business_line_of_credit_facility.html