When Cash Flow Problems Become A Crisis . The Power Of Proper Financing Solutions

Want To Avoid A Cash Flow Crisis? Here’s How!


OVERVIEW – Information on cash flow problems faced by Canadian business. Financing solutions and working capital management avoids a business crisis



Can a problem become a crisis?

You bet it can and when your business cash flow is a problem potentially verging on a crisis financing solutions and some analysis into what happened and how you fix it sure helps! Let's explain.

A ' constant juggling act ' is how many clients and business people we talk to describe the day to day challenge (let alone planning!) of business operations and growth when it comes to operating and funding your business.

Looking for one more good analogy? One author described cash flow management along the lines of juggling bowling pins, spinning knives, and flaming torches. Enough said!

We've often spoken about the very simple problem around cash flow that doesnt even involve the solution yet. It's understanding what it is. The hard core cash is of course what you have in your bank account, but when it comes to ' flow ' everything changes. It becomes the dynamic of sorting out where you are using and getting cash, and where you are able to get cash by perhaps managing your business in a different manner.

So how is cash flow managed then? We can also say that you can improve cash flow by taking on debt, increasing profits and, our favorite and most important... ‘Managing assets '. We're not huge fans as you can guess of taking on long term debt, or giving up ownership equity. Who wouldn’t be!

We all know the results of a cash flow crisis gone bad. They include supplier/vendor relations, employee morale, and lender concern. The path to these problems becomes very steep when operating losses continue, wrong financing is put in place, and creditors sue for payment or attempt to realize on security you have provided.

Some solid cash flow planning helps in a number of ways - You are in a position to plan cash needs, lenders feel more confident about your plans, etc.

Cash flow financing solutions in Canada include:

Asset based credit lines
Receivable Finance
Tax Credit Financing
Inventory finance
Supply chain /PO finance

Ultimately the business owner by experience and planning can put the right plan and solution in place. Your goal: Creating cash and then using it!


In summary then, what’s the best way to avoid cash flow problems, or even a crisis? Yes, you can borrow more; sell equity, but the easiest and as important? ... Convert working capital into accounts (A/R and inventory) into cash faster. Oh and by the way, if along the way you can increase sales and reduce some costs you're a true cash flow superstar!

Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can get you out of working capital crisis mode!


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 10 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-problems-crisis-financing-solutions.html







7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8
Phone = 905 829 2653
Fax = 905 829 2653
Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com












Stan Prokop

Know How To Finance A Business ? Financing Choices Are About Timing And Strategy In Funding Choices

Properly Forecasting Your Business Finance Needs ?


OVERVIEW – Information on business finance solutions in Canada . Financing and funding a business is about time horizon, current and future needs , and risk.


Is there a right way and a mistaken way to finance a business in Canada? We definitely think we can show you there is ... as well as pointing out those risks and benefits. And by the way, it is in fact possible to change horses in midstream
to adapt to today’s changing times when it comes to financing your company.

As we have been prone to say lately the concept of ' term' is critical in both assessing and choosing the right business finance. By terms we simply mean short, intermediate and long term, as all of those have a number of different implications. And to compound the challenge for the business owner and manager both the type and ' term ' of the financing can impact the amount of funds that flow in and out of your business.

So what in fact are some of the things you need to consider when choosing a financing solution? There are a number of factors, probably all as equally important. They include cost/rates, the amount of risk you are taking with any particular form of finance, how your overall structure changes with any one particular sort of financing, and the amount of cash flow, working capital and profits that that financing will deliver... or take from your company!

It's easy sometimes to get confused on the time frame when you're in the middle of searching for a finance decision. We meet and talk to many clients that are looking to solve an immediate problem and somehow miss considering the growth and future of their firm. A simple example might be a banking arrangement - i.e. not considering whether you can live through the tough times based on covenants, guarantees and collateral that you have either offered up or have been demanded of you.

One of the most proactive things the business owner/manager can do is to focus on planning to be short of cash and what solutions might be available. Why? Because cash flow shortfalls always happen, for pretty well everyone!

The toughest decision many business owners have to face if giving up equity and ownership of some sort in their business because debt levels are too high or the right financing is not available.

So what are some of the short and intermediate financing solutions available - They include:

Supplier financing
Bank lines of credit
Receivable financing
Equipment leasing

Supplier financing is almost always overlooked when it comes to cash flow financing. Just negotiating better payment terms or taking supplier prompt pay discounts can save firms many thousands of dollars.

Bank financing in Canada takes many forms - when you can achieve approval. Those forms include lines of credit, term loans and fixed asset financing for long term assets.

We caution clients that the crux of the bank relationship should revolve around what you need to provide in the form of collateral, covenants, and reporting. Many Canadian business owners simply don’t know that alternative financing for their businesses can in fact be arranged outside of Canadian chartered banks. While these solutions might be more expensive they solve problems!

What financing solution suits your business? Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business 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 10 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-finance-financing-funding.html

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL IS : CANADIAN BUSINESS FINANCING !


7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8
Phone = 905 829 2653
Fax = 905 829 2653
Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com






Stan Prokop

Working Capital And A Cash Flow Problem ? Fear No More!

Curing the Cash Flow Blues In Canadian Business Finance


OVERVIEW – Information on solving your cash flow and working capital problem in Canada . Techniques, tips and tools to analyze, monitor and solve Canadian business financing challenges



We're not sure there's a cure for the regular blues;

but if working capital challenges and a cash flow problem are top of mind in your Canadian business we do in fact have some solutions, tips, tools, and techniques... yes we guess we could call them cures!

And if there is every some good news in a problem its the fact that if you address working capital, cash management and a/r and inventory properly you're now in a position to enhance your overall return on investment, while at the same time minimizing the risks that come with these types of problems . Talk about our ' double whammy’

Canadian business owners and financial managers often have a poor handle on their current asset accounts - primarily of course receivables and inventory. We can forgive them for that, because those balances changes pretty well every couple hours. Talk about a moving target! ....

Invoices get issued, receivables get paid, inventory gets shipped... and more goods are purchased.

So what's the problem then? To put it simply it revolves around the fact that if you are mismanaging these accounts, or not financing them properly you lose the ability to deploy funds more productively - i.e. growing your business. That’s when the total ' mix ' of your assets becomes important.

Clients sometimes probably tire of us advising them that they need to get a handle on which category of financing is going to fix the cash flow problem. Those categories are short term debt, long term debt, equity, and asset monetization. (If we had a favorite ... we confess ... its asset monetization)

There is a very simple way of matching the financing you need to your assets. The solution - use financing of similar maturity to your assets. A quick example - use something such as leasing /equipment financing for long term more permanent assets. Another example? Utilize a receivable financing program for your A/R.

Another solid rule of thumb is to always not forget that the longer it takes for a dollar to flow through your firm (your cash conversion cycle) the more working capital financing you will need).

Focus also on managing and financing your accounts receivable in a manner that suits your firm. Here's a shocker - there’s a cost to carrying a/r. Receivable financing, aka ' factoring ' is a solid tool when you can get a good handle on net savings using this type of short term financing . Never forget (everyone else seems to!) that stronger sales, asset turnover, and more profits can easily justify the use of a receivable finance facility.

Is there a perfect balance for solutions to working capital and a cash flow problem you might be having. We guess the ' textbook ' type answer is that if you properly manage your working capital accounts and are comfortable with the amount of financing risk you are taking you have achieved a cure for the working capital blues. But we toil in the real world, so remember that you also having finance solutions such as :

Asset based credit lines
Commercial bank facilities
Purchase Order Financing
Tax Credit Monetization
Receivable Financing/Factoring
Inventory Finance

Remember that your cash flow accounts change daily and require a lot of vigilance. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your business finance needs.

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
CANADIAN CASH FLOW 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 10 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-problem-working-capital.html





7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8
Phone = 905 829 2653
Fax = 905 829 2653
Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com






Stan Prokop

Sources Of Business Capital In Canada . Financing Your Company From Startup Capital To Advanced Growth Stages

The Reality Of Business Financing In Canada. Opening the Coffers !

OVERVIEW – Information on sources of business capital in Canada . Financing a startup to advanced growth stages requires these types of expertise and information



There are, of course, limits to the sources of business capital financing that your firm can achieve in the Canadian business environment. And by the way, that pertains to whether you are a startup or a more mature company looking for advance growth.

Those limits are about the amount of equity you might be able to put in, or raise, and of course the debt levels and type of external financing that you can be approved for. Issues such as personal guarantees and the amount of debt your firm can manage become paramount.

In some cases the amount of capital you in fact are eligible for may be directly tied to personal assets and guarantees. There is a goal here of course, and that’s to ensure that personal guarantee and personal asset liquidation never happens. A very simple rule of thumb? .... Just ensure that your assets are rising commensurate with your personal guarantees. And don't forget to ensure some sort of liquidation calculation and cost is included in your analysis.

Lenders in Canada, bank and non bank by the way tend to want a lien on as many assets as can be negotiated. More often than not that comes in terms of a ' GSA ' - The general security agreement that covers all your assets. While your main lender typically will always have this other lenders might jockey for this also.


Rates often become big issues when it comes to all capital. What you expect to pay and what might be charged often becomes a harsh reality.
So what can the Canadian business owner and financial manager expect when it comes to ' rates ' in various sources of business capital. Rather that talk about specific rates we can offer this - you can expect to pay very high rates for investors, merchant banks, venture capital, etc.

Lowest rates are achieved through traditional bank facilities, leasing, asset based lenders, etc. And additionally those rates will be commensurate with the amount of capital you need. Whether business owners know it or not they are generally put into a category - those categories include start up, early stage growth, mid market, and mature larger corporation.

That is one of the reasons we have chose not to get into specific rates for approximately 15 types or sources of business capital. To clarify, while your firm might be eligible for an asset based line of credit your rates will vary depending on what stage of financial progress your company is in. Good example - business lines of credit are available for rates anywhere between 5% per annum to 1.5-2% per month. The qualifier? Simply the amount of capital you need and the overall financial position of your company and its owners.

So if there is a theme or a ' bottom line ' today it’s simply that you need to take a hard look at what stage your company is in. That ' stage ' will control the amount and rate of financing you can achieve.

Oh, yes, we almost forgot! Those sources of business capital. They include:

Friends and Family
Banks
Government SBL Loans
Asset based lenders
Bridge loans
Lessors
Mezzanine/cash flow lenders
Merchant banks

Etc!

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on which coffers are available to your firm, at what rate, and under what terms. That's the reality of business finance in Canada.

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
CANADIAN BUSINESS FINANCING ACCESS!


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 10 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/sources-business-capital-financing-startup.html


7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8
Phone = 905 829 2653
Fax = 905 829 2653
Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

Stuck In Business Financing Purgatory ? Options For Asset Finance and Loan Funding In Canada

Canadian Business Finance Options

OVERVIEW – Information on business financing and asset finance in Canada . Solutions to overcome funding via a commercial loan and asset monetization


They probably don't admit it but we meet a lot of clients who are stuck in what we could call Business financing Purgatory...

its that state of ' limbo' where they aren't sure of their funding, loan, and asset finance options .

We're told that ' Purgatory ' is somewhat of a condition whereby one suffers and experiences temporary punishment - that then seems to be the stance many Canadian business owners take - just treading water remaining in that ' dark place '. Do they have to do that? Absolutely not!

Although not everyone agrees it’s a lack of capital, cash flow, working capital... whatever one likes to call it that seems to be top of mind for challenges in running and growing a business.

The problem is compounded by the fact that the business owner/manager in Canada constantly hears about Private Equity and Venture Capital groups who have, we're told, almost unlimited capital in the millions/billions. The reality is though that the majority of businesses in Canada will never access this capital - and at the other end of the spectrum the bank and commercial financing industry has either consolidated or become an industry of ' niche ' financiers. (Don’t get us wrong though, some of those niche players are the ones that are going to take you out of business Purgatory!).

So at the end of the day your ability to ' attract ' debt and asset monetization strategies are probably , more often than not , going to be the ones that make you more successful in business and asset finance.

At the top of the pile in achieving the right amount of financing is your ability to show that you’ve got some measureable results .However not every company today can demonstrate great balance sheets and solid income.

But the good news here is that if you are able to demonstrate a credible financial position and financial reporting that hints toward the ' big picture ' you're in a much better position to get the financing you need.

Business in Canada, rightfully or wrong tends to associate financing with our Canadian chartered banks. That's not a bad thing, but as we talk to clients its clear they don't see the other end of the spectrum too clearly, which is simply that a whole range of other financing strategies exist outside commercial banking.

These solutions provide you with:

Bridge loans
Asset based credit lines
Working capital term loans - secured and unsecured
Equipment Financing
Supply Chain /PO Finance
Govt SBL Loans
Tax Credit Monetization
Mezzanine Financing...

and on it goes!

Canadian business is often caught in a dual trap - they arent aware of those other solutions and, more unfortunately they don’t have the info ready to be assessed for any of those solutions. Even simple things like a business plan or cash flow projection are often missing.

So, our bottom line today? Explore your options for capital, understand what you need to qualify, consider asset monetization strategies as an option to taking on debt, and reach out and seek a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with financing decisions that remove you from business Purgatory . And there was light ..!

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 10 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-loan-asset-finance.html




7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8
Phone = 905 829 2653
Fax = 905 829 2653
Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

Leasing Assets - Would You Be A Business Zombie Without Lease Companies And Asset Financing ?

Do Equipment Lease Options Work For You?


OVERVIEW – Information on asset financing in Canada . Lease companies are a solid choice for leasing equipment assets in Canada



There's probably no chance you're a walking ' business zombie '

when it comes to leasing assets in Canada from lease companies that provide asset financing. But truth be told we do meet many clients that seem a bit lost and need a sense of direction when it comes to a positive way of acquiring their assets.

So when your cash flow restrictions are putting some pressure on your decision to acquire business assets that’s exactly a time when you should consider leasing. Oh, and by the way, in case you haven’t heard, times have changed! You're dealing with an industry that has evolved substantially over the years, and with all the technology in place these days, both in your hands and the lessors it's a lot easier to make a solid financing decision if you're well armed with needs/benefits and the ability to choose a solid lease company partner.

Naturally if your firm had all the cash it needs it probably wouldn't have to consider leasing as a business finance option. But when cash flow, budgets, and other pressures come to bear its right about now that you should be considering this financial solution. It's all about building, growing and even starting your business. (Yes start ups are eligible also!)

Rather than being in our ' ZOMBIE MODE ' it's important to be proactive in getting your asset finance in order. Yes, it’s true that you can't get funded for any loan, let alone a lease, prior to acquiring the asset but you sure can do a lot of work to ensure a financing approval is in motion.

If you choose to do everything ' wrong ' in leasing assets then categorically don’t spend a lot of time understanding your options. However, for the record, that is not our recommendation!! You should be able to get a strong sense, with some early pre-work , around what you should be able to finance, what rate is involved, and even as importantly, which term and structures are available . This type of effort by the Canadian business owner and manager simply takes a lot of future paralysis or last minute decision out of the game.

As we said, equipment financing works for both start up and established businesses of all size in Canada. And experts tell us that 80% of all North American businesses utilize lease financing. And you almost can’t name an asset that can't be finance - healthcare equipment. Trucks, printing equipment, technology and telecom assets, shop floor equipment, etc. Even software!

Yes, you typically might need a down payment or a first payment/last payment security deposit, but at the end of the day approval in lease financing in Canada comes faster than any other business financing solution. Certainly quicker than a bank loan... we can assure you of that! That's probably because the experience of the industry allows your collateral to be leveraged as a significant part of the final credit decision.

In Canada assets from 5k to 50 Million dollars can be leased. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your asset financing needs. It’s simply a case of letting your assets pay for themselves, and that’s a good thing!

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
CANADIAN LEASE 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/leasing-assets-lease-companies-financing-asset.html

7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8
Phone = 905 829 2653
Fax = 905 829 2653

AR Financing And Factoring . Don’t Be Hatin’ A New Way To Finance Receivables

Out of the fog and into the clarity with A/R Finance



OVERVIEW – Information on factoring and AR financing in Canada . What’s the proper way to look at a receivables finance strategy for Canadian business owners who want to augment or increase working capital and cash flow


A/R Financing / factoring in Canada are significantly misunderstood when it comes to pricing, how it works, etc. For that reason we've met clients that actually ' hated ' it! So our message... stops hatin’ it and try and be somewhat more flexible in getting educated about how this method of business financing works.

And most importantly, understand this business financing model, how it works, and how to assess the true cost. Most people would agree that successful entrepreneurs and business people are the ones that took the time to listen to new ideas about anything that will make their business more productive from a cash flow and profits perspective.

So some might be thinking now... '' .. Sounds complicated?’

The reality, not really. AR financing is simply a 3 way mechanism between your firm, your finance partner, and your client with a focus on obtaining cash from your receivables investment.

And the reason it works when other forms of finance might not be accessible? Simply because the essence of collateral on the transactions are the value and quality of your A/R. It is not, we repeat... NOT... a loan based on your firms particular financial standing.

Pricing, while often pitched as ' complicated ' by others is the crux of today’s message to clients and others. While the common belief is that factoring is expensive this is not necessarily true. Oh by the way though, dealing with the wrong partner might be your biggest mistake when it comes to selecting a factor partner, but there enough solid financing firms out there who can make your ' partnering ' decision easy when it comes to financing your business for cash flow.

One of the misunderstood essences of factoring in Canada is the concepts of ' asset turnover ' and ' return on investment '. That’s because 99% of the clients we initially meet seem to have reviewed and investigated everything EXCEPT these two concepts, which in fact are the essence of factoring. So they can be forgiving for having focused on all the wrong issues.

So, asset turnover and return on investment. How do they play a key role in the factoring decision? They do that by the Canadian business owner and financial manager recognizing that there is a trade off in that they can now use the cash flow generated by the factoring transaction to grow and sell more. That is then benchmarked against the cost of A/R financing, so if your firm has solid gross margins, is growing, and needs to invest in working capital accounts such as inventory, etc you have probably just found the perfect method of financing your company!

We always strive to paint a balanced view , so we would be remiss in saying that AR finance sometimes is also very suited to firms that have significant financial challenges and cant obtain financing elsewhere , but the optimal scenario is when your firm is growing, generating some profits, but just unable to access the capital you need.

The actual arithmetic around how factoring is pricing is again very simply - sometimes the industry itself does a poor job of laying out that pricing. The only elements of the pricing are the amount of your invoice, the discount rate you are being quoted, the amount of the advance against your a/r, expressed as a percentage, and finally .. The time it takes you to collect your invoice. The faster you focus on collection the lower your financing costs.

Bottom line today... be open and flexible in understanding how receivables finance works. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in setting up a facility that works for your company.

P.S. Don’t forget to also check out confidential invoice financing, allowing you to bill and collect your own receivables under your total control.

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
CANADIAN A/R 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/factoring-ar-financing-finance-receivables.html

7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8
Phone = 905 829 2653
Fax = 905 829 2653