WELCOME !

Thanks for dropping in for some hopefully great business info and on occasion some hopefully not too sarcastic comments on the state of Business Financing in Canada and what we are doing about it !

In 2004 I founded 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL. At that time I had spent all my working life, at that time - Over 30 years in Commercial credit and lending and Canadian business financing. I believe the commercial lending landscape has drastically changed in Canada. I believe a void exists for business owners and finance managers for companies, large and small who want service, creativity, and alternatives.

Every day we strive to consistently deliver business financing that you feel meets the needs of your business. If you believe as we do that financing solutions and alternatives exist for your firm we want to talk to you. Our purpose is simple: we want to deliver the best business finance solutions for your company.



Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Client Finance Via A Vendor Financing Program . Zero Cost And Growth Benefits For Your Company!







Missing The Boat? Come On Board With Customer Financing Programs


OVERVIEW – Information on the benefits of client finance. Setting up a vendor financing program is essentially zero cost and can contribute to sales growth, cash flow and profitability




It's one of the worst feelings a business person can get - that of having ' missed the boat '

when it comes to a revenue or growth opportunity. That's why we are more mystified than ever, sometimes, when we talk to clients who are in a position to set up a client finance program. Oh and by the way, that type of ' vendor financing program ' comes at... are you ready...? ZERO COST!

As we have noted in the past, growth comes with risk, is challenging, and often can be perceived as ' expensive '. So why not achieve stronger revenues, instant cash flow, and greater profits at... here it comes... ZERO COST, ZERO RISK, and very little challenge; especially if you have the right assistance.

When you implement a client finance program you are immediately removing most, if not all, the challenges that come with your product pricing, and competitive strategies,

Why then is a customer financing program both easy to implement and so attractive to your clients? The answer is that if you help your client with financing you're in a position to close a sale without price as an objection, basically helping them simplify their decision to acquire your product or services, whether they are high tech, or low tech in nature. And those sales come with a much shorter sales cycle; we can assure you of that.

Another fundamental piece of logic that we will offer up is that the majority of businesses in North America (that includes Canada!! last time we checked) lease or finance assets.

As we have pointed out this valuable sales and growth tool comes at essentially zero cost. The prudent business person would say that it probably takes some level of management, operations, and funding to pull off a real vendor financing program. That's correct, but the reality is that by partnering with the right person or firm you can in effect outsource 100% of those challenges. Of course you could in fact set up a full fledged finance firm if you want to , but the reality is that the majority of Canadian firms want to stick to their core ' knitting ' - they want the advantages of a client finance program, but not the risk . And that’s ok!

So what in fact does the Canadian business owner and financial manager look for when it comes to the right finance partner in your program. Those factors include a good reputation, competitive funding and the ability of your firm to provide strong input as to what you are looking for in flexibility for your vendor financing program. It's all about customer service, flexibility, and the ability to be perceived as offering a reliable and competitive finance solution.

So, don’t miss the boat on one of the most effective ways to increase sales, cash flow and profits. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with a client financing program that makes sense.

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
CANADIAN CLIENT FINANCING PROGRAM 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/client-finance-vendor-financing-program.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















Monday, December 10, 2012

Receivable Finance And Factor Funding In Canada . Looking For Some Growth Tips On Financing AR And Growing Your Company?







What’s The Big Deal With ‘ Growth ‘ ? !


OVERVIEW – Information on factor funding in Canada . Implications of growth, profits and financing AR cost when Canadian business utilizes receivable finance




Whether he or she likes it or not Canadian business is somewhat obsessed with growth.

It might come from the perception that to be successful you in fact have to grow. We're not 100% sure we agree, but if your firm is in fact placing a high priority on growing financing is probably a challenge you're consistently facing.

We do admit there might be some risks to not growing a lot - they might include the ability of competitors to run all over you, even going as far as stealing some of your people and clients.

One of the ways to feel a lot better about ' growth ' is the utilization of Receivable finance as a method to enhance your overall return on capital. Your growth in fact can come from only 4 areas... they include acquiring business your competitors previously had, raising your prices, seeing your industry grow as a whole, and finally .. your potential acquisition of a competitor.

So, we suppose you could say we're getting a bit more converted to the concept of ' growth ‘... when it’s done properly. Sales growth, properly achieved, does in fact bring more value to your company, but how do you get the financing to get there. One of those solutions is factor funding.

Receivable financing, considered ' expensive ' by some in fact is a very critical and valuable form of business financing in Canada... and becoming more so everyday. It's simply an agreement between your firm and your chosen finance partner (choose one carefully!) to provide you with cash as soon as you generate sales. All of a sudden your balance sheet and perhaps some temporary operating losses aren't holding you back to... you guessed it... growing!

The Canadian business owner and financial manager can probably immediately see the advantages here of this method of finance. You are now in a position to improve relations with suppliers, take prompt pay discounts with cash now that you never had before, and all along the way you don't have to deal with restrictive bank covenants. Oh and finally, all of a sudden you’re on equal footing with those competitors who have been taking that business away from your firm. Finally... a level playing field.



A common questions from clients who suddenly are seeing the benefits of factor funding and growth is as follows - ' so what is the limit of the financing here?’ The answer? There is no limit - your sales in effect determine the limits you can finance against.

So when does financing your A/R work best? The following conditions create a perfect storm for this method of finance:

Good gross margins
Pricing ability on your products and service


And quite frankly, whether you consider the pricing of factor funding ' high' the ability to quickly and flexibly get all the funding you need in place is probably very much worth considering .

Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your Receivable finance 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 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/factor-funding-receivable-finance-financing-ar.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


Sunday, December 9, 2012

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



















Saturday, December 8, 2012

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.7parkavenuef
inancial.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








Friday, December 7, 2012

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









Thursday, December 6, 2012

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

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

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