Business Financing In Canada . Know Your Options for Funding And Finance , Loans and Monetization

Traditional ? Alternative ? Which Finance Solutions Make Sense For Your Firm


Information on business financing and funding in Canada . What options for loans and finance strategies exist for the Canadian business owner.





Sources of business financing. What we really mean is do you as a business owner or manager really understand the type of funding your company might need, and moreover what alternative to loans and finance exist.

Capital has always been a challenge for Canadian business, more so in the SME sector. While larger corporations have Chartered banks, advisors, and access to capital pools both public and private the ' little guy ' in the small and medium enterprise sector struggles to search for capital.

It really is a bit easier than some business owners or financial managers might think - it’s about knowing whether it’s the time to take on more debt, how you balance taking on more capital, and why loans and funding, seemingly expensive, are in actuality much cheaper than equity.

Your ability to generate financing is of course what is going to make or break your growth aspirations. While there is probably no one perfect solution for all your financing needs the reality of the matter is that you can actually often ' cobble together ' finance sources that make sense when it comes to funding your firm.

As we hinted previously, you of course could consider equity investments into your firm via VC's or angel investors but the reality is these are demanding sources of capital and selling ownership at a point when you are starting to grow is in fact, quite simply, not optimal !

Let's then examine some sources of capital that are both traditional and a bit alternative. We say a bit alternative simply because many of those sources are becoming the new traditional. Talk about a paradigm shift.

Lease financing is a great example of traditional financing that works. You can use the cash to fund working capital for receivables and inventory growth. In Canada lease finance is available for firms of all credit quality and asset finance requirements. While it quite often might be a bit more expensive than bank financing it's simply less painful to acquire.

No one is a bigger fan of Canadian chartered banks than us. To companies that are well qualified they are a veritable ' buffet ' of funding and loans for cash flow, fixed asset acquisition, real estate, etc, Just make sure that you're in a position to qualify for bank financing or you might waste a lot of precious time . And remember also that the bank looks to alternative collateral, strong cash flows and balance sheets, etc.

Although the Canadian banks administer Govt SBL loans they in fact are underwritten by the government. These loans make bank financing seem quite a bit ' looser’... and thats a good thing .Because the government guarantees a major portion of your loan the bank financing on an SBL loan is flexible, competitive, and less restrictive from a pesonal covenant point of view .

The small 2% service fee on an SBL loan is, in our opinion well worth the quality of financing and funding you're receive with this product .

Are there some sources of business financing and funding in Canada you have not even considered. Some are very obvious, some less so. As an example let you customer finance your business! How? Consider an advance payment structure which also clearly identifies the commitment a client is prepared to make with you.

In the same vein as above ask suppliers for extended terms. If you're a valued client who has paid promptly in the past you've got more bargaining power than you think.

Monetize. That’s our alternative word for the day. Take a look at your balance sheet and if you have tax credits under the SRED program due your firm you can also finance those. Borrowing against a tax credit is a solid funding strategy.

Keeping in line with our monetization theme we are huge fans of receivable financing, aka factoring. By selling your receivables your balance sheet immediately becomes cash positive, there are no limits to this method of financing if you are in growth mode and the only trick here is getting into the right facility with the right partner.

Many firms who have an actual product as opposed to a service can take advantage of setting up their own vendor finance program. With a solid partner the cost is pretty well zero, and provides you with increased selling power plus the obvious fact that you have provided a true total solution to your product - you make it, sell it, and finance it! Setting up a program is a lot easier than you think.

Supply chain financing or purchase order financing is also a solid alternative funding vehicle for your firm. If you have good vendors and qualified customers the PO financier will pay your suppliers directly, assuming the risk in the whole supply chain scenario

Never forget you have options, both traditional and alternative for funding via loans and monetization strategies in Canada. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor today. It's all about the options!

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
CANADIAN BUSINESS FINANCING EXPERTISE




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_funding_loans_finance_canada.html

Franchise Loans In Canada . 4 Critical Components of Franchising Financing And Lending For Canadian Franchisees

Franchise Financing In Canada


Information on franchise loans in Canada . When it comes to franchisee financing and lending the applicant needs to identify key requirements of franchising loans.




Franchise loans in Canada. Is the financing for a franchisee opportunity really any different than any other type of business lending / loan? The answer is no... And yes ... so let's spend a bit of time defining those differences!

It's very safe to say that franchising is a sought after business model in Canada... all the reasons are obvious - proven business strategies, demonstrable examples of your success from existing franchisees, etc.

So the immediate problem then becomes: Where do I get the cash and financing to complete a successful transaction. Here's where your financial search begins, and as we noted, there are some strong similarities in what you need for any business loan - some of them being a business plan and reasonable financial projections.

Although the majority of business financing in Canada requires personal guarantees from the owners as a back up plan for your lender there are in fact ways to limit your personal guarantee when it comes to financing a franchise . One of the best options in that area is to consider a BIL/CSBF loan, which is a federally sponsored program that significantly limits your personal guarantee to 25%. Now that's good news for the prospective franchisee.

You can of course explore financing options with your franchisor - we very quickly point out to clients they should expect some solid advice from the franchisor as to how things might work, but certainly don't expect direct financing in the form of a loan, etc. That’s your job!

Are there some potential franchisees who actually expect they can get 100% franchising for their proposed new business? Unfortunately there are, and even more unfortunately they are wrong. You do need a personal equity component to your overall finance strategy. What amount is that? We can safely say is a minimum of 10% permanent equity, but you should be able to demonstrate access to other working capital sources that will at a minimum be able to help you get out of the gate until your revenue expectations are starting to be met .

So where in fact do franchise loans and financing for your new business come from in Canada. In reality it's a small handful of sources. Oh and by the way, we never recommend to clients that they entirely pay cash for their new business, as you do no want to put all your financials resources at risk in the even of a business failure or downturn. And by the way, That’s just another great reason ensure you are incorporated.

Lending for franchises in Canada comes from a small handful of specialized finance firms, although the majority of franchises under 350,000.00$ are in fact financed by the government small business loan. Financing can also be accomplished by cobbling together those two solutions with equipment financing and other forms of alternative working capital from non bank lenders.

Collateral. Is it required from a franchisee for franchise loans? In general, we can say it is not. Although your overall credit history and personal net worth are factors in franchise lending, or any lending for that matter, a properly structured franchise loan will in fact not require collateralization of personal assets ... and that's a good thing!

Your overall business experience and personal demeanor in your franchise loan presentation is key to a good financing package. Lenders look for people that have business and marketing savvy and who come across as positive and successful.

We identified in our title today 4 components of a successful finance lending strategy. In case you have missed them we've purposely kept them subtle, but in fact they are character, capacity, and collateral and credit history. Those by the way are components of any successful business financing, so as we said at the outset, while there are some nuances in franchise lending common sense business applies also!

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you to ensure lending for your franchisee dream is met with success.

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
CANADIAN FRANCHISE FINANCE EXPERTISE



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_loans_financing_lending.html

Canadian Film Tax Credit Financing. You Need To Know This About BC & Ontario Credits Finance

THE INSIDE STORY ON TAX CREDIT FINANCE – CANADIAN STYLE

Information on Canadian film tax credit financing, How BC, ONTARIO and Animation Credits Are Financeable !


Canadian film tax credit financing. Clearly there is no secret path to financing a film, TV or animation project anywhere... Canada included... Ontario... BC... where ever. But one sure fire method of successfully completing a project is in fact your ability to monetize the tax credit.

From some of the sagas' and stories we hear the financing of a project in any of the above mentioned genres could well qualify for a script of their own!

Producers and owners of successful projects already know that there are some key elements to the financing of any project. In a way they are not dissimilar to the financing of any business...your owner equity. Debt of some form, and in our case also, the monetization of a tax credit.

Financing of entertainment projects in our 3 genres could not be any ' hotter ‘than in the current Canadian time frame of 2012. Also, for the first time one of Canada's provinces seems to be opting out of the tax credits - that's the province of Saskatchewan.

If properly structured and qualified your Canadian film tax credit financing in provinces such as Ontario, BC (British Columbia) and Quebec and cover anywhere from 30-50 per cent of your entire project budget. When revenue, distribution, pre-sales and other targets are a challenge the tax credit, when properly submitted and eligible becomes the more straightforward method of financing projects.

Tax credits are often referred to as ' soft dollars'. The one thing we've always found interesting about tax credit finance is that they don't really rely on the overall success of the project from a public acceptance point of view. When applying for and financing the film/TV/animation tax credit it’s very simply about meeting the technical criteria of the credit program itself.

It's therefore all about ' the spend' and the quality of the spend. And once you've qualified you then are in a position to monetize the tax credit - it becomes the collateral for extra cash flow. While in most cases that cash flow and working capital helps you on the current project it could of course be used for your next (hopefully successful!) production.

Tax credits are typically financed at a ' discount ' and a general norm might be in the 70% range - of course this varies per quality of the project and the experience and stability of the ownership team.

For successful eligibility and financing of Canadian film tax credit financing you require the services of a qualified tax credit accountant; that being a bit of a niche area of accounting. And with respect to the financing you need to be able to demonstrate that the credit can properly be assigned and that there are clear chains of title around your project.

Do you have to finance your film, TV and animation / transmedia tax credits? Absolutely, positively not. You can simply use the non repayable funds for any general corporate purpose. But if you, as a producer are challenged by successful project financing then the ONTARIO, BC AND QUEBEC tax credits can be a solid part of your overall financing plan.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor today on how you can successfully obtain.. and if you choose monetize and cash flow that same credit.

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
CANADIAN FILM TAX CREDIT FINANCING



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/canadian_film_tax_credit_financing_bc_ontario_2.html

Harsh Truth, Cost, and Benefits Of AR Accounts Receivable Finance In Canada . Factoring & Reality 101!

Explored Every Cash Flow Financing Mechanism?

Information on AR accounts receivable finance in Canada. Why factoring works, what it costs, and what to look out for in a good facility



The truth. We don't think we've met a business person, man or woman, that doesn't appreciate the real truth when it comes to business. So when it comes to AR Accounts Receivable Finance, aka ‘factoring’ let’s just clear up a few things if you don't mind!

We think if you lined up ten business people and asked them who they believe they could rely on when it comes to business lending most would say ' the bank ' That's been Canada's choice for decades .. that’s for sure.

But does everyone company have access to cash flow and growth financing when it comes to our beloved chartered banks. Here's the harsh reality - they don't.

So is there an option? There is. Its accounts receivable financing, which has become attractive to many firms when they look at some key advantages. Is factoring the only solution? Definitely not, firms can also utilize lease financing, sale leasebacks, and other debt mechanisms.

Debt mechanisms ... optimal? Certainly not all the time, and that’s why AR Accounts receivable Finance is a non - debt solution. It's just a monetization of your key asset, the receivables.

So why doesn't everyone utilize this form of financing. It certainly appeals to Canadian business owners who can't supply the type of security that a bank requires.

What then are some key reasons that businesses avoid factoring? We think we can summarize them quite clearly - they include a general lack of awareness of what the financing is and how it works.

In certain cases there appears to be an ' image ' problem. Why then do some of Canada's largest and most successful firms utilize this finance mechanism? We'll never figure out that one!

The cost of factor finance always comes up. In Canada a typical financing facility would be in the 1.5 -2% range based on a collection period of thirty days.

What Canadian business owners don't realize though is that cost can be offset in a solid handful of manners - they include your ability to purchase smarter, take discounts with suppliers, and take on new business and contracts you never could even consider in the past. We can honestly say that we're met some clients who have totally eliminated the entire cost of financing when they utilized factoring.

Some other harsh reality? If your sales are going down instead of going up factoring won't necessarily work, because your borrowing asset base is declining... not growing. Also, a very small handful of industries, such as construction pose more difficult challenges when it comes to AR finance utilization.

But the majority of Canadian businesses can actually do the following:

- access immediate short term funding

- improve cash flow

- utilize a pay for what you only use method of business financing

So, our bottom line? Take some time to investigate a bit more thoroughly, without some of those biases this method of business finance. Speak to a rusted, credible and experienced business financing advisor today.

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
CANADIAN RECEIVABLE FINANCE EXPERTISE




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/ar_accounts_receivable_finance_factoring.html

Yes You Can ! SRED R&D Tax Credit Financing And Film And Television Production Finance In Canada

TAX CREDIT FINANCING – CANADIAN STYLE


Information on sred financing via the R&D Tax Credit Program as well as film and television production credits .


Two. Count 'em. Two, that’s essentially the two types of tax credit that can be financed in Canada, We're talking about SRED , of course, and hopefully we can be forgiven for lumping together film, television , and animation /transmedia credits into one category .

Let's do a quick recap of these two tax credits, with the focus on the ' benefits ‘and ' how to ' relative to the finance of these two non repayable credit government programs.

Sred first. We guess if Shakespeare were around today he might well analogize his play ' MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING ' as his succinct summary of all the brouhaha around the federal SR&ED program. For quite awhile there had been rumors, discussion, and innuendo (it almost sounds like a plot or storyline!) around changes to the program.

The SR&ED, aka ' SRED' program is of course the governments program to support research and development in Canada. For public companies that translates into some major tax deduction benefits; but for the private companies in Canada we're talking about Billions ... That's billions with a B ... in non repayable funds that are used by thousands of firms to grow and operate their businesses.

The heart of the matter seemed to be the actual consultants themselves, and when the dust settled it's these actual consultants and firms that prepare the claims that one could say were somewhat uncomfortably under the microscope.

That's an even more relative comment when it comes to financing you SRED claim, because typical SR&ED loans, when financed properly, focus a fair bit on the quality of the preparation of the claim, and the credentials of the consultant or firm that did the claim in conjunction with your year end tax filing.

SRED Bridge loans are a solid way for firms to immediately recapture valuable cash flow and working capital. A financing is typically structured as a bridge loan, with no payments being made until the claim is verified and or audited by the government folks. SRED finance is typically structured on a 70% loan to value basis, and you receive the other 30% of your claim when the claim is approved and monetized; less of course financing costs.

Whether your firm is an established SME firm, or even a start up the cash flow and working capital you can generate from your claim is, shall we say valuable!

On to something more exciting? We guess that puts us into movies, TV and transmedia / animation tax credit financing. Books are written, and stories are legendary, around how challenging it is to finance media projects.

A the end of the day the combination of owner equity, debt, and the film tax credit is a very recognizable way to finance projects, worldwide for that matter.

Similar to our comments on SRED, the discussion point in the government and press seems to be ' who benefits ' when the government in Canada provides these generous film, television and animation tax credit incentives? The answer - You won't catch us weighing in on that one! We'll leave it to the pundits to address that issue, whether is co - productions, or 100% Canadian projects.

Many projects, as we have alluded to have Hollywood or other ownership, but the federal government, through the ' FILM / VIDEO PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT ' provides generous non repayable funds for salaries, wages, and other costs associated with making a project complete.

And, back to heart of today’s matter, your film tax credit in Canada is financeable. If you have a legitimate project, as well as your debt and equity lined up you are in a position to cash flow your film tax credit. Similar to SRED it’s not uncommon for a completed tax credit to be financed in the 70% loan to value range - with the same financing mechanisms applying. The tax credit is the key collateral, and no payments are made during the duration of the tax credit until the matter is finalized; i.e. the cheque received from the government. Billions are spent on these productions in Canada, primarily in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, but elsewhere also.

So as esoteric as it may seem the reality is that your project is at the end of the day a commodity, and that commodity can be financed to assist in the completion of your current project or perhaps to start the next one. Over the years HOLLYWOOD AND VINE seems to look a lot like YONGE AND DUNDAS, and the film tax credit program, along with its financing, is key to that.

Bottom line, whether you have a SRED TAX CREDIT, of a FILM, TV, OR ANIMATION credit financing is available. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on financing your claim today.

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
SRED AND FILM TAX CREDIT FINANCING



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/tax_credit_sred_financing_film_television.html

Capital Or Operating Lease . Your Choice ! The Why And When Of Leasing Finance When Your Company Leases Assets

Canadian Lease Finance Solutions – Why Not Now?

Information on capital and operating lease solutions . Canadian leasing finance choices when it comes to your asset leases .


Leasing finance in Canada. Canadian business owners who are seeking rates, terms and structures for asses that generate (hopefully) revenues have a number of choices, one of which is the type of leases they enter into. The Operating and Capital lease is in fact the main choice or decision point.

The ability to free working capital and not deploy it into the purchase of fixed assets is in fact a key benefit of leasing in Canada. And as most business owners hopefully know, you also have the ability to finance used equipment when it makes sense.

The concept of matching is very important when it comes to leasing finance in Canada. Your firm has the ability to use the asset to operate as well as generate profits, but cash outflows, i.e. the monthly payment are made over a pre-determined amount of time.

Getting back to leasing finance choices your ability to return, upgrade, or extend a lease is in fact the reason why most business owners choose an OPERATING LEASE scenario.

Does every business owner / financial manager know the benefits of leases? We're never 100% sure when we talk to clients, but the main benefits are 100% financing of the asset, although some firms we point out may be required on occasion to make a down payment of security deposit. Your overall credit quality will determine advance payment requirements, as well as your rate.

Most clients who are concerned about the ' rate ' in the transaction are in fact surprised when we tell them the actual rate or pricing is in fact much more in control of the lessee - Thats you !.. when you understand your firm’s credit strength and can demonstrate it .That's because leasing in the current 2012 Canadian business environment is in fact highly competitive.

Using the services, as an example, of an advisor you have the ability to access the right type of leases when it comes to price, term, etc.

Cash flow management is critical today to day business in Canada. Knowing your payments are fixed allows you to manage cash flow and be proactive when it comes to sourcing assets that make sense for your firm.

The world of tax, accounting and balance sheet implications can be somewhat ' murky ' when it comes to an operating or capital lease solution. Again, that advisor, or even your external accountant can in fact help you in that regard, and that advice is usually free.

Technology, as no other asset class is, makes a great case for leasing. Specific needs, obsolescence, off balance sheet financing, and reduced leasing costs play a key role in any aspect of tech finance.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor when it comes to choosing an asset finance strategy that makes sense for your firm.

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
CANADIAN LEASE FINANCE EXPERTISE



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/operating_capital_lease_leasing_finance_leases.html

SBL Financing . Stop Worrying And Learn To Love The Canadian Government Small Business Loan

Canadian Business Finance solutions via SBL loans


Information on SBL government small business loan financing in Canada . Benefits and Overview of program requirements



The Government small business loan in Canada - AKA ' SBL FINANCING. What a great way to stop worrying about how you'll finance some of those key business needs when you're a start up or SME sector company in Canada .

Worrying about business financing surely ranks right up there when it comes to business owners and financial managers looking for the right type of finance for their firms.

The solution in fact might be right in front of you, via the Federal government (INDUSTRY CANADA) small business loan program. You're able to access financing up to 500k if you can demonstrate you qualify, have the right documentation, and know how to fast track an approval without some of the frustration experienced by many Canadian business owners and financial managers.

Is the SBL loan a good option for your business? We'll let you decide but we're pretty sure we think you'll find that when credit is tight and other forms of finance are unattainable you may have just found the perfect solution. It's simply a case of knowing the rules, and as we've said in the past, creating a short roadmap to business finance success.

So when does some of that ' worrying ' come in? It usually happens when you don’t have some key knowledge or professional assistance in the area of SBL financing. Having an advisor assist you can play an important role in your overall business financing success. It simply that role that assists you in ensuring you qualify and can access for the Government small business loan in Canada. And if you are working with the right advisor services will only have to be paid for on Success; talk about a win / win situation!

So how can you validate who is or is not an expert in SBL finance. You want to ensure you are working with a seasoned advisor who has raised funding for business and can demonstrate that track record. So validate their credentials, experience and save yourself a lot of time and definitely a bit of money. You actually are fully entitled to ask the advisor for references from the SBL lending community.

So what then is the value of such an advisor? First of all it's time saving, but secondly its more of a guarantee of success based on the advisors knowledge of what makes an application successful.

In our experience there is a lot of myth or misinformation around the program. Here's the truth around some of those myths and misinformed issues:

Everyone business person or company legally allowed to borrow money in Canada is theoretically eligible for the program. You do have to have reasonable net worth, credit status and experience in business.

All business sizes are not eligible for the program; in fact you have to have projected or real revenues under 5 Million dollars.

Real estate is in fact eligible for the program max, it 500k. Other assets such as equipment and leaseholds top out at 350,000.00$ max under the program.

So, a bottom line today? It's simply ' stop worrying' and spend some time to get the real ' skinny ' on SBL financing under the government small business loan in Canada . Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on making the program work for you.

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
CANADIAN SBL LOAN FINANCE EXPERTISE






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/sbl_financing_government_small_business_loan.html