Buying An Existing Franchise? It’s Not Disallowed . Key Info On The Franchise Resale Process

The Majority Of People Believe You Can Buy An Existing Franchise Business From An Owner – They Are Right.


OVERVIEW – .Information on the franchise resale process in Canada . Buying an existing franchise is one way to help ensure franchisee success – if you do it right.



How does refranchising work?

‘Refranchising’ as a concept involves the resale of an existing franchise within the franchisors chain of locations. For Refranchising to work successfully there has to be a clear legal agreement between three parties – the franchisor, the existing franchisee, and the proposed new franchisee/entrepreneur. From the existing franchisees point of view there has to be a clear legal ability to sell the franchise to another party.

In practice a good franchisor will want to ensure the prospective purchaser meets any financial and experience criteria that they demand of their franchise base. Significant time and expense can be avoided by ensuring the franchisor is ‘on side ‘with the sale of the business. Other issues that may need to be addressed are initial franchisee fee (same or different?), agreed upon valuation, and, often forgotten – approval of the landlord under any existing lease.


Logically franchise royalty fees will probably remain the same, but should be verified at time of negotiation. Other issues that might need to be addressed are non - compete agreements for the existing franchisee, as well as training within the franchise network or head office.

In certain cases the refranchise arrangement might be of a corporate store which has been taken back by the franchisor. Franchisees are strongly guided to investigate the general circumstances around the loss of the initial franchise. In certain other cases enter blocks of corporate stores might be franchised as part of a new business direction, or done to reduce franchisor debt.


What are the differences from buying a new franchise?


One key difference in a refranchising arrangement is that financing arrangements are significantly different. If the franchisor has a program arrangement with finance firm or bank the proposed franchisee can be suitably guided to that organization. In the case of purchase price the sale of the business must be guided by a proper valuation of assets, profits (or losses) and cash flow.

The current franchisee as well as the prospective buyer both have the ability to maximize a successful transaction – that is because the business is no longer a start up and proper values around financial performance and growth potential can be both touted by the current franchisee, or discounted and negotiated against by the proposed buyer.

When it comes to the actual refinancing of the business it is prudent for both current owner and franchisee to seek a third party appraisal of any business assets. Certain assets might have diminished in value – others may have stayed the same or in fact appreciated.

In many circumstances the concept of goodwill must be addressed by the purchaser - Goodwill resulting out of the excess of purchase price to book value of the assets. This will have to be treated as an intangible on the new balance sheet and potentially written off over time.
The ability to successfully ‘ turnaround ‘ a poor performing location is a great business challenge , and can provide a great return on investment for an experienced business owner/franchisee.

What factors are needed to make refranchising beneficial for the new franchisee?


As in any business arrangement a win / win attitude by all three parties typically makes for a solid refranchise arrangement. However from the new franchisees point of view the entrepreneur has the ability to more properly value business potential based on current store performance. A good franchisor will help in benchmarking the results of that location against others in the chain.

The good news is that many refranchise arrangements are easier to finance – as assets, cash flow and growth potential are more definable from the lenders perspective. At the end of the day proper disclosure of financial performance by the existing franchisee, with the assistance of the franchisor is critical.

We commonly recommend a very logical method of ascertaining business success through a refranchise – simply to obtain 3 months of business bank account statements to validate inflows, outflows, reported income, etc. Knowing that the current franchisee had a reputable accounting firm also helps.
The ability to have the right amount of time to execute a proper level of due diligence is key to refranchising success.

Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with franchise resale financing success.





Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial –

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 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 :


BUYING AN EXISTING FRANCHISE - REFRANCHISING




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

A Working Capital Facility . Feeling Awkward About Business Cash Flow

Getting Closer To Solving Working Capital Challenges


OVERVIEW – .Information on business cash flow solutions in Canada . How can the business owner/manager address the need for a working capital facility that meets operating and growth needs


Business cash flow in Canada in Canada. We see business owners and managers struggle to sometimes just grasp the term, let alone the solutions that are required to achieve a proper working capital facility that meets their needs. Should there be a need to feel ' awkward ' about cash finances - we don't think so and here is why. Let's dig in!

In any industry there are of course some specialized terms - the tech ones seem a bit overwhelming to us as times! In finance the concept of ' cash flow ' mesmerizes' many owners / managers. And the additional reality is that lenders, bankers, and others will often judge you and your business on your grasp of that concept.

So a lot of people talk ' cash flow ' (us included!). Not everyone has a handle on it. While the ' true' cash flow statement is in fact PAGE 3 of your financial statement ( right behind the balance sheet and income statement ), the term if very well confused by many because they somehow think its the same thing as ' profit' , ' income' , ' revenue', etc. It is not those!

The fundamental way to explain it is one that most businesses in the SME sector can relate to - payroll. Your company has delivered a product or service, you are waiting to get paid, and there is not enough cash in the bank to pay salaries! That's the crux of the business cash flow.

When the Canadian business owner and manager are in fact in control of cash flow they have a strong handle on some of the most important aspects of their business- and when you can ' scorecard' your working capital situation and put solutions in place to accelerate cash inflows ( and decelerate cash outflow!) you are truly mastering your business.

You can feel a lot less awkward about the challenge we’re talking about today by simply understanding your ' cash cycle ' and putting in finance solutions that match it. The cycle is managed and scorecarded simply by spending time in understanding how your purchase products, when you pay for them, what credit terms you offer, and how diligently you enforce those terms.

As you can see, its all about ' timing ‘ Businesses go under in Canada in many situations because business is in fact great - in fact its so great they run out of cash . That pipeline of funds is simply blocked as the investment you have made in inventory, receivables and equipment intensifies.

What are then the solutions to our conundrum? They include:

Bank commercial credit lines
Inventory financing
Receivable Finance
Asset based lending
Monetizing any tax credits
Purchase order/supply chain financing

Make sure you spot the road blocks we have talked about. Address those red flags by one or several of the solutions about. Seek out and speak to a trusted , credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in feeling less ' awkward' about business cash flow!






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/working-capital-facility-business-cash-flow.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

Leasing Company Challenges ? 5 Simple Facts That Affect Your Equipment Finance Lease Success

These Habits Save You Money On Asset Acquisitions

Information on equipment lease finance in Canada. Ensuring you understand these points to effectively deal with a leasing company provides you with the comfort that you are achieving proper benefits and utilizing your rights in the asset finance transaction



Leasing Company challenges. There are some real basics you can cover off to ensure you're saving money, time, and most importantly, helping to guarantee you have a great deal on asset acquisitions in Canada . Let's dig in.

What we're talking about is simply understanding your rights and obligations in the type of lease structure you seek, and ensuring the paperwork and terms around the transaction meet your needs.

Naturally there are all types of lease sizes, you might be leasing a laptop or photocopier for the office, you might be investing in computer and telecom infrastructure, or at the high end of the scale it might be that corporate jet. Well we can dream can't we..?

First of all it’s important to understand the term and actual start date of your payments. Term, i.e. the actual amortization of your lease is important because it requires thought relative to the actual useful life of the asset. In certain cases you might be acquiring assets or part of the asset with the actual lease payment not starting yet. Make no mistake though, there is no free lunch in lease financing, so interest is accruing on your transaction.

Our second point is that you have a of choices in lease payment timing - you can request monthly, quarterly or in some cases annual lease payments depending on the size and quality of your overall transaction .

Our third point - simply to ensure you have the proper insurance on the asset being financed. In almost all cases anyway you will be asked by the lessor to provide a certificate of insurance. We should point out also that certain assets require they be proper maintained. While as a prudent and responsible business owner you want to do that anyway, suffice to say your lessor feels the same way.

Fourth point - understand where your assets are located, whether they be at a head office, a branch office, or in the field, so to speak. You will want to advise your lessor of any change in location of the asset. It's simply the right thing to do. Larger assets may in fact need to be inspected by your lender at certain points during the lease term.

Fifth point - Choices ! Don't forget that in Canada you have the option of picking a lease to own or a lease to use transaction. That is called capital and operating leases respectively. Tech type assets are perfect for operating leases because they give you the right to return, upgrade, extend or purchase assets depending on their obsolescence - which is one of the key points in asset finance - your ability to manage the economics and cash outflows.

What's our key point today ?Simply that for a multi million dollar transaction you might well want to have your lawyer look over documents and terms , but the reality is that the knowledgeable business owner has the ability to manage certain issues within an asset finance transaction that can save you thousands in time, dollars, and oh yes grief!

Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in proper ' habits' in addressing a finance transaction.




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 :

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL - CANADIAN EQUIPMENT LEASE FINANCE EXPERTISE


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

Finance Factoring. Looks Like You Finally Got Answers On Receivable Financing In Canada

Financial Engineering Via A Canadian Business Financing A/R Strategy


Information on finance factoring in Canada. How does a receivable financing strategy from a commercial finance firm differ from standard bank financing ?



Receivable financing in Canada . Canadian business owners seem to have a major point of confusion around finance factoring and why this for of ' financial engineering ' differs relative to bank financing. Let's find out why. Let's dig in!

An A/R finance strategy is not tied to a long term financing via debt. That in general is a good thing, and, as well it delivers constant recurring cash flow and working capital needs for Canadian business.

At the core of understanding the A/R financing process via factoring is the need to understand the difference between ' assigning ' and ' selling'. When you finance your A/R through the bank you provide them with an assignment of your book debts, i.e. your receivable base. In finance factoring the paperwork around your transaction revolves around the actual sale of the receivable as you finance them.

What then are some of the key advantages of invoice financing utilizing a commercial third party finance firm, vs. a bank? They might include:

Constant availability of cash

The ability to address seasonal bulges in financing needs

A strong balance sheet relative to the amount of cash you have on hand

When we talk to clients about those advantages the one negative issue in their mind is the higher cost of this method of financing. Remember though that this higher cost is what we could term a ' rising and falling ' issue. The actual costs of factor finance depends on several key factors - they include how fast you collect your accounts, the discount rate at which your sales are purchased at, and the advance rate on your cash , which is typically 90% of your a/r balance. (Banks in Canada only advance or allow you to draw 75%).

Remember also that we spoke of finance factoring as being a short term day to day cash flow solution. Yes, the business owner/manager could in fact implement a ' permanent working capital solution ‘. But when you weigh the costs of borrowing a large sum for a term of typically 5 years at a fixed rate you will see that the actual financing costs of a permanent bank term loan are in fact significant. Using that example the business owner or financial manager may well find that receivable financing is in fact a better strategy!

So it is very important therefore to analyze the actual costs, and benefits around either pledging (bank) or factoring (commercial finance firm) your accounts receivable base.

If you use a confidential accounts receivable finance solution you also can avoid any notification to your clients that is traditionally required by old school finance factors. That’s a key benefit!

Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your financing engineering around cash flow and working capital.




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 :


7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = RECEIVABLE 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

Government Tax Credits In Canada . Are You Underly Financed Around Your Sred And Film Non Refundable Credits?

Plain English Tax Credit Financing – Film to SRED


OVERVIEW – .Information on financing government tax credits in Canada . SRED, film and digital media projects are 100% financeable when it comes to federal and provincial non refundable programs claims



Government tax credits. While many view SRED (SR&ED), Film, Animation and other non refundable tax credits as the proverbial cash grab we try hard not to weigh in too much on the merits or non merits around this area of the ' public purse'.

What we do weigh in on though is the fact that numerous types of tax credits are 100% financeable in Canada, so whether its a SRED manufacturing or software credit, or a film TV or animation project we want to ensure Canadian business owners, producers , etc understand that tax credits can be ' cash flowed '! Let's dig in.

The SRED program has been around a long time - it has undergone fairly significant changes recently but still is relatively intact, and, as we said financeable, as always, in the same manner. While the focus of the government is to ensure that SRED claims aid in the technological advancement of Canadian business owners and managers simply want to stay competitive, grow their company, and know they can, if needed, finance their tax credits.

Somewhere between 3-4 Billion dollars each year are claimed by companies who, either on their own, or with the aid of a SR&ED consultant file claims.

When you finance a SRED claim it does not have to have final approval Vis a Vis a final audit, etc. We do hasten to add though that while a claim prepared by yourself is financeable, typically more weight is provided when it is prepared by a professional.

The other area of government tax credits in Canada that are quite popular, and oh so non related, is the credits that are available in the FILM, TV, and DIGITAL MEDIA/ANIMATION industry. These credits can help to provide total financing for projects pretty well up to the 40% range. While SRED claims focus on inventing or improving a process or a product the media credits tend to simply be in projects that inform or entertain. It is interesting to note in some cases that a film//TV/animation project might also have a SR&ED claim attached to it. Talk about a double whammy.

Clients are often asking what is in fact eligible spend on the media type projects. Its things like salaries and wages, tangible expenditures, service contracts, etc.

Canadian tax credits compete with American and European jurisdictions who in fact offer similar programs. It’s quite acknowledged that the Canadian tax credits are in fact the best, certainly they seem to have proven to be most reliable. For certain media tax credits you require a pre approval certificate from the government and key personnel, i.e. the producer for example should be a Canadian citizen.

Tax credits don't have to be a complex area when it comes to financing. If you have a good SRED consultant, or a solid Canadian tax credit budget a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor can assist you in cash flowing your non refundable credits into working capital for your company or project. Don’t be ‘ underly financed’!




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 :


7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN TAX CREDIT 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

The Federal Small Business Loan In Canada . There’s No ‘ What If ‘ When It Comes To SBL Loans

There’s No Shenanigans When It Comes to SBL Loans in Canada



OVERVIEW – .Information on the Canada federal small business loan . Why the ‘SBL ‘ Can help your business financing needs





The Federal Small Business Loan. When we think of the term ' shenanigans ' it conjures up images of fooling around. There are no shenanigans when it comes to the Canada ' SBL' loan. It's a straight forward program for Canadian firms, start up included, to get the financing they need to start/grow their business.

Is the program a great idea? We think so and here's why, so let's dig in.

For starters any connotation you have with grants or hand outs need to be dispelled right away. You don't have a ' right ' to receive approval for such financing, so it’s a bad idea if you think you are on the ' auto qualifies ' path. You are not.

What SBL loans are about is the fact that its a government guaranteed financing program that is the cornerstone of at least 7000-8000 businesses every year – for Billions ( yes that’s with a ‘ B’ ) . The government, under ' INDUSTRY CANADA ' guarantees the majority of your loan to Canada's chartered banks. The general theory around the federal small business loan is that the bank is making a loan under conditions they otherwise might not be able to make to Canadian businesses with revenues up to 5 Million $, which is the size cap for companies wishing to apply .

When you are approved for such an SBL loan financing its safe to assume you have a good deal. Why? Simply speaking rates, terms and structures are both attractive and competitive. Loan rates are 3% over prime, financing is repayable at any time without penalty, and the whole issue of personal guarantees is often allayed because of the need to provide only a 25% personal covenant for the loan. Those sorts of terms, especially when it comes to start ups, or franchises, are ultra attractive and simply not available with other more traditional loan financings.

So how does the bank, which administers the loan program for the government, assess credit criteria? As we said, there are no shenanigans here; it’s a very simple short list of criteria. Owners must have reasonable personal credit, they must be able to make a 10% permanent down payment (equity) contribution, and they must have a proper business location backed up by a premises lease.

By the way, the SBL program in Canada is really one of the only vehicles that allow you to finance leasehold improvements which typically are difficult to finance under normal circumstances.

You also must ensure you supply a business plan and cash flow projection that demonstrates your ability to repay the loan, which has a maximum borrowing of $ 350,000.00. Remember that the SBL lender, aka our Chartered banks are not equity players. They have no upside! They’re just happy that you can make the loan payments out of cash flow from profits.

Most Canadian business owners and managers never seem to feel that business borrowing is straightforward. In reality we agree its a bit of an art and science ... so seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a business financing track record who can assist you with your SBL small business loan 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 :


FEDERAL SMALL BUSINESS LOAN – THE SBL




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

Financing Franchises . The Rules For Franchise Funding In Canada

Can You Imagine Franchise Funding Going Smoothly ?



OVERVIEW – .Information on franchise funding in Canada . Financing franchises is not easy, but gets easier when you know the rules and have he right access to help and expert information




Financing franchises in Canada. Boy would it help to know some of ' the rules ' when it comes to franchise funding going smoothly. We know some of those rules, so let's dig n.

To say that the actual successful acquisition and financing approval for a franchise is a big step for the entrepreneur is a bit of an understatement. Coupled with all the selection, administrative and legal issues that surround acquiring a franchise comes the finance challenge. In some ways entrepreneurs view it as the biggest challenge.


The amount of funds you yourself have to invest often plays a key role in your final franchise decision. While a good portion of your total purchase will in fact be debt of some sort - (leases, loans, working capital, etc) there is the equity component you have to consider. You may not be aware, but many franchisors in fact make a franchisee decision related directly to the amount you have to invest, and they are pretty clear about that on their website and introductions with you.

So where do clients we talk to raise equity for their ' down payment ' portion of the transaction. Some collapse savings, some approach friends and family. While using savings as a key component of your equity in the deal it is certainly not preferred to collapse registered type investments, RRSP's etc in order to avoid the tax bite.

When approaching a bank or a specialized finance firm they will absolutely be focusing on that down payment. And it’s not a question of just showing up with the down payment ability - the bank or lender will typically want to know how it was achieved.

We have referenced banks as a source of financing for financing franchises - that needs to be clarified. Unless you are a very high net worth and valued client of the bank it is somewhat, in fact quite doubtful that the bank will finance the purchase directly. While Canadian chartered banks do realize the benefits a proven business models and market share and systems in place to succeed they rarely finance a franchise outright.

What they do though is to in many cases; utilize the Canadian BIL/CSBF loan program that is provided under the auspices of the government. It's a perfect match for franchise funding by the way, even though we suspect it was designed for that!

The true beauty of that loan also is the fact that no outside collateral is required, so you won’t be asked to collateralize your home, other personal assets etc. Clients are always asking us for a clear explanation of the loan criteria for a BIL Franchise loan. That basic criteria is as follows -

- Good personal credit history
- Ability to contribute 10% minimum permanent equity in the business
- You must have business experience and be able to demonstrate that in a business plan and cash flow forecast
- Your business must have a permanent address and lease that is at least as long as the loan term
- You should be able to demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm - just ' buying a job ' doesn't cut it!


In many ways you can expect that the bank and franchisor are looking at the same things - your business experience, your financial stability, etc. Remember though that the bank or specialized franchise lender isn't an equity partner, they also won’t be sharing in monthly royalties.

So ensure your business plan and cash flow reflects profits and repayment ability! Don't forget also to address the fact that you have working capital and potential long term financing needs, which need to be well thought out.

Can franchise funding go smoothly? It can with the right knowledge, info and resources. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who is an expert and has a track record and can assist you with your franchise financing needs via the right ' RULES'!





CANADIAN FRANCHISE FUNDING




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 :


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