Our blog highlights Canadian Business Financing solutions via receivable finance , equipment finance, working capital financing, asset based lending, business acquisition financing,franchise finance, and tax credit monetization via SRED and Film Tax Credits. Our goal is to educate and assist Canadian businesses with their financing needs. You Are Looking For Canadian Business Financing! Welcome to 7 Park Avenue Financial Call Now ! - Direct Line - 416 319 5769
WELCOME !
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.
Monday, April 22, 2013
An Account Receivable Funding Loan Via AR Finance . Forget That ‘ To Do’ List For Canadian Business Financing Options
Want To Get ‘CHOCIFIED’ ?
OVERVIEW – . Information on the account receivable funding loan strategy for Canadian business . How AR Finance solves the working capital conundrum
AR Finance in Canada . The devil is in the details they say it's a popular saying, and that’s the case with an account receivable funding loan for business financing success.
Fundamentally it's an easy story to explain to our clients. Receivable financing is simply a cash flow tool that allows you to fund your sales as you make them - generating instant cash flow. As you provide your goods and services you typically are advanced 90% of the invoice value, that remainder being temporarily held back and refunding to you ( less finance costs ) as soon as your client remits.
The benefits also could not be more clear. Its access to working capital when you need it, you have maximum flexibility around borrowing only when you need it (and of course only paying for what you use).
Where things get a little ' muddy ' shall we say , is in the type of AR Finance that you choose . Ultimately that depends on the overall size of your business ( all business sizes qualify - some of the largest corporations in Canada use the service - all the way down to start ups ) and the industry and cash cycle your business finds itself in.
We're often asked if we have a ' recommended' strategy or solution around this method of financing a business. We do, and we are recommending that you get ' CHOC IFIED '. What's that? Well C H O C simply stands for ' CLIENT HANDLES OWN CREDIT ' - so our preferred method of invoice finance is in fact confidential receivable financing. You maintain total control over your credit function , continuing to handle, as you did before, all your own invoicing and collection in the middle of that whole ' client relationship ' thing!
More traditional methods of account receivable funding work - they are just simply somewhat, shall we say ' intrusive' when it comes to your preference to running your own business - and who wouldn't want to do that if you in fact had a choice. The ability to finance your business and maintain customer control is key in confidential invoice finance.
So back to those details. Many clients we talk have been confused around the terms of invoke finance, the way that costs are explained (or not explained). The main thing to always remember is that this method of finance provides you with the significant advantage of having cash flow available right away. But unlike handing all your invoicing and collection to a traditional ' old line ‘ A/R finance firm remember that you have the option of control over you financial operations if you choose to get ' CHOC IFIED'.
Is the confidential finance solution available to everyone? It is if, and it’s an important if, you firm can demonstrate it has proper financial statements, accounting controls, etc. Simply speaking, you have to have your business act together!
A/R financing solutions don't have to be as complicated as some (you know who you are!) make them out to be. It's flexible, ties cash flow directly to your sales, and is an alternative options to firms who can't or don’t want to seek Canadian chartered bank financing. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced expert Canadian business financing advisor on solving your cash flow 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 :
ACCOUNT RECEIVABLE FUNDING EXPERTISE VIA 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
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
Sunday, April 21, 2013
New Hope For Business Credit Line Financing Via ABL Asset Based Lending
An Uncomplicated Way To Finance Your Company Via ABL
OVERVIEW – . Information on business credit line financing via asset based lending . Why is the ABL solution the ‘ new’ alternative for Canadian financing needs and operating lines of credit
An asset based line of credit is an excellent strategy for any firm who is considering viable turnaround options. This finance strategy is also an excellent way to assist a firm in understand what some of its underlying problems are.
An Asset based line of credit, commonly referred to as an 'ABL' arrangement can be instituted even if the company is not profitable or in fact is experiencing financial duress.
Prior to considering an ABL many firms will find they are experiencing sever cash flow pressures. Traditional working capital is shrinking, and sometimes external factors to the business simply exacerbate the financial challenge. If the business owner or financial executive do not take charge at this point a business failure in fact is likely.
Many firms gravitate towards an ABL arrangement after their bank operating line of credit. Most business owners quickly realize both the benefits and the risk of having significant bank lines in place. Traditionally these lines of credit are secured by receivables and inventory. Businesses are told they can borrow up to a certain limit based on these facilities. Every month the company submits detailed lists of a/r and inventory and can borrow certain pre agreed upon limits against those assets.
Banks typically advance 75% of those receivables that are under 90 days. In asset based lines of credit facilities that amount is often 90- 100% of receivables, creating immediate additional liquidity.
Banks have become much more cautious on inventory, that is simply because they don't, and cant be expected, to understand each firms inventory values and products. Asset based lenders tend to have much more experience in these matters and are more often than not inventory experts. Therefore advances against inventory are much higher. Again, what does that do, well it of course creates additional liquidity.
Many, if not most, oh, lets be honest, all banks set maximum borrowing limits that are dependant on other external factors such as other collateral they hold, perceived operating risk, and the value of personal guarantees of the shareholders.
Bank operating lines are best when a firm is experience steady, but not erratic growth, and when the firm can operate comfortably within its borrowing limits as agreed upon with the bank.
When firms run into financial challenges they of course have a business that is contracting in many ways. Therefore borrowing against receivables and inventory becomes limited, and the bills that need to be paid are of course paid with less cash available and on hand.
It is at this point that many businesses realize they are starting to default on bank covenants. In many cases, for a variety of reasons, sales are falling.
It is very difficult for a business owner to both realize what is happening, and, moreso of a challenge, correct the problem. Financial losses only augment the cash flow problem. Many companies in fact aren't trouble by operating losses, but have simply over expanded. Business owners get into the mindset that if they are expanding, there can't be a problem! Most financial executives know that a company can fail not for lack of profit, but from lack of liquidity.
The time to consider an asset based line of credit is probably right now. The customers bank either has, or is reviewing its options relative to collateral and security arrangements. The bank will start to take measure to ensure it gets paid in full - this typically includes reducing operating lines of credit, formally calling a loan and setting new deadlines for the customer to 'right' the business, or exit the bank relationship.
It is at this time the customer should be focusing on alternative lending sources such as the asset based line of credit with non-bank finance firms. This facility improves liquidity, places less reliance on external guarantees and collateral, and can operate with a firm that is getting back on its track to profitability. We hasten to add that a severe financial 'death spiral' cannot be properly address by either the bank or the asset based line of credit solution.
The business owner and manager must recognize the current financial situation, and address that situation in as prompt and efficient manner as possible. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible, expert and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist your with business credit 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 :
BUSINESS CREDIT LINE FINANCING AND ASSET BASED LENDING VIA 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
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
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Government Small Business Financing . What’s Behind SBL Loan Power?
An Important Finance Solution You Have Never Heard Of?
OVERVIEW – . Information on government small business financing in Canada . The SBL loan is both misunderstood and underutilized by many companies who are looking for finance solutions – start ups and franchises included
Government small business financing . The SBL loan program might well be one of the best business financing solutions that many Canadian business owners, managers and start ups have... are you ready... not even heard of.
So what is in fact SBL loan power, and what might some of the reasons be that you aren't familiar with the program? Let's dig in!
We might be a little biased because we work with the program all the time, but top experts also agree that the SBL government small business financing program is one of the best things the good folks at the government actually do for the SME sector. The ' SME ' definition means different things to different people - so we should clarify that in the context of SBL loans the actual size you your company, from a sales/revenue perspective, must be less than 5 Million dollars.
We're not 100% sure that the program helps a smaller business become a huge business, but it sure helps when financing is a challenge. A lot of businesses in a variety of industries, including franchises by the way are finance via the SBL loan.
Party of the mystery of the govt small business financing program is that there is no government for you to deal with! That is because all you have to do is visit, on your own, or with an experienced advisor a banker that is familiar and knows how to ' execute' on the program. Want to know a secret? In our experience only a smaller portion of business bankers like and have knowledge of the program.
In the last year Canadian chartered banks in Canada would have approved almost 8000 loans under the program, for billions of dollars - and there is no reason you should not be ' on the program'!
Business people are always thinking about personal guarantees, and in the course of Canadian business financing, unless you're a huge corporation that is doing incredibly well, personal guarantees are in fact required. But here's the good news, under the SBL program only a 25% guarantee is required. And by the way, you aren't putting up personal collateral, or having liens placed against your home - it’s simply a ' promise to pay ' without additional collateral being demanded.
The two parties to SBL's are simply you and the bank. The government, via INDUSTRY CANADA, guarantees a large amount of the loan to the bank
So what in fact is needed to properly get approved for the funding you need? It's not a long list - we're focusing on a business plan or executive summary, a proper cash flow forecast, a current personal net worth statement of the borrower, and an itemized list of what you wish to finance.
It's important to note that the SBL loan only finances equipment and leasehold improvements and real estate. This is not a cash flow, inventory or receivable loan. Business owners / borrowers should be able to demonstrate that they have reasonable personal credit.
Don't believe all the myths or negative things you hear about government financing via an 'SBL'. And if you don't want to ' slow down ' the process seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor
who can assist you with SBL loan power! It just might be a financial solution you never heard of!
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 = SBL LOAN 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
Friday, April 19, 2013
Can Your Business Plan Predict The Future? Cost, Advice From The Experts
Picturing Finance Success Via A Solid Business Plan
OVERVIEW – .Information on business plan cost and advice in Canada . What do experts say on financing success relative to your business plan
Do you need a business plan for business financing?
At 7 Park Avenue Financial we get that question a lot. While we can categorically say that certain types of business financing in fact require a solid business plan the Canadian business owner / manager can successfully achieve many types of financing without that document.
Larger more sophisticated financing which might require an equity component certainly almost always require such a plan. Venture capitalists and private equity lenders focus on the plan with significant analysis and emphasis required on growth and exit strategies which is why they are of course considering the investment in the first place. These documents tend to be very detailed oriented and in effect become the company’s road plan to financing.
A number of business financings can in fact be completed without a plan. They might include equipment financing, receivable financing, tax credit monetization, asset based lines of credit, etc. These types of debt or monetization finance strategies are often simply completed with detailed application forms and accompanying business information such as financial statements, owner’s financials, a cash flow forecast, etc.
The real answer to the question ‘do we need a business plan ‘in fact is driven by the nature of financing you need and who is providing it.
In certain other financings a plan is definitely required. Start up ventures almost always have a business plan attached to the finance request. We originate a number of Government Small Business Loans for Canadian clients and they almost 100% of the time require a basic business plan.
What is a good business plan outline in summary?
There are certain key elements of a plan that are almost always required and in fact help to guarantee favorable notice by the lender /investor. They typically include”
Executive Summary
Company Overview
Competition/Industry Analysis
Product/Service Description/Pricing
Management Overview
Financial Forecasts
We see many plans that in our opinion are either provide so much info that it leads to confusion and questions by the lender/investor . Talk about a self defeating strategy when the document you in fact intend to generate financing in fact only confuses the issue. So our advice is to stay clean and concise when it comes to both narrative and financials.
Naturally the lender or investor can well invoke their right to request additional info or clarification, but why confuse things at the outset? Questions of issues raised by the lender or investor can well help you identify how your company is in fact being viewed.
Who prepares business plan?
Business plans are typically prepared by the borrower themselves, a third party, a Canadian business financing advisor, or your accountant. Depending on the type of plan and the relative size of your financing request each of these parties can bring a certain level of expertise to the table.
How much does a professional business plan cost?
We see the costs of professionally prepared business plans vary all over the map. The actual cost of the plan will often relate directly back to the type of firm or person that prepared it. Our own firm for example typically charges $1000.00 for a document that relates directly to the type of financing we are originating from the client.
We’ve met many clients that that have spent ten times more for a plan that, although properly prepared, simply was so much more than the client required. One ‘war story ‘we can share is of a medical clinic that approached us for financing. They had spent close to $ 5000.00 on a plan that was not yet delivered in completion, and had found themselves doing most of the work. So we suppose our advice is that in the world of business plans it’s a case of NOT always getting what you paid for!
We can also add that your business plan preparer must in fact be sensitive to your timelines and more importantly you must impress upon them the nature of the financing or investment you are seeking.
What are the common mistakes in business plans?
We have already touched upon some of the key mistakes made in plans – To summarize they are:
- The plan must contain essential finance, company and industry criteria
- You should not over pay for a proper business plan
- The type of financing or investment you need should dictate the size and quality of the plan
- The first page of the plan should be clear and concise and catch the lender/investor interest
- Things that are obvious to the business owner might not be so in the eyes of the investor or lender – put yourself in their shoes
- Sales projections are not realistic
- A business plan is not necessarily for finance or investing – it’s a great tool for the business owner and manager to look back and scorecard themselves
We can also add that many plans seeking debt financing are too improperly focused on sales, marketing and the story. A lender is not going to participate in the upside of your business – they do want to see a proper finance and cash flow plan that shows one thing – how they will be repaid.
Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your business plan needs at a reasonable cost .
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 :
BUSINESS PLAN EXPERTISE = 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
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
Thursday, April 18, 2013
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
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
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
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
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