Navigating The Bank Business Credit Line Vs. ABL Credit Facility Dilemma

Shopping For A Business Credit Line? Here’s The No Haggle Facts You Need To Know

OVERVIEW – .Information on the bank business credit line . How does the business owner/manager compare this financing with an ABL ( asset based lending ) credit facility



The business credit line in Canada. Should your firm go with a bank or ABL credit facility? What we find most interesting is that a solid majority of business owners / managers didn’t even know there was a debate going on! So let's lay out some hard facts on solutions and options you have when you're on the search for a business credit facility to facilitate options and growth.

The day to day reality is that the ABL facility is gaining a lot of traction in the race for your company's daily borrowing requirements. Although the term ABL is used by many in a variety of circumstances here we're talking about the revolving business line of credit secured by the assets of the business. The way in which this differs from a bank facility is really what leads many businesses to investigate ABL. No one can deny though that Canadian chartered bank financing is perceived by almost all as lowest cost, and flexible.

When your company has assets, or is ' asset rich' but cash flow poor the ABL option is a solid solution. Rather than focusing on conservative margining of receivables and low inventory borrowing capacity , covenants, personal guarantees, outside collateral, cash flow debt service ratios , etc . ! .. The ABL business credit line focuses solely on assets and maximizing your borrowing power to the maximum possible

We should also recognize that our chartered banks are regulated and provide the cornerstone for Canada's finance needs at consumer and commercial levels ; however some of the constraints that come with that limit the Canadian business borrower .

Two technical points come out of our information above. First of all owner guarantees are in fact required on ABL deals also, it’s just that in our opinion much less emphasis is placed on them. Secondly, our Canadian banks are no slouches! They recognize a good thing when they see it and many have adopted niche divisions within the bowels of the bank to address ABL needs. We will leave it to our clients and others to determine whether policy and philosophy differ internally between commercial bankers and their ABL counterparts. If you get the drift!

Bank and ABL facilities are similar in that they collateralize receivables and inventories to permit the drawing of working capital. The more A/R and inventory you have the more working capital assets you're committing to our balance sheet. Monetizing them is the role of the bank and ABL facility. There is also no difference in how borrowing bases are calculated in each type of facility, bank and ABL. Standard ‘borrowing base' certificates are used that monitor the inflows and outflows of collections, inventory turnover, sales generated, etc.

One significant difference in bank and ABL facilities is that the asset based line of credit typically uses a lock box that allows for control of inflows of cash from your ABL lender. The reason? Simple. Typical ABL lenders aren’t banks and they use the lock box as the efficient mechanism to monitor the ups and downs of your revolving facility.

Borrowing power is typically significantly increased in ABL lending. A/R comes in at 90% (versus bank 75%) and inventory, on balance, is always leveraged higher than the bank. The downside, if you call it one, to the ABL credit line is that you're doing more monthly reporting on A/R, inventory, payables, etc. Its true ' asset monitoring '. Many bank credit lines are redone and reviewed in a significant manner annually, often with no visit to your premises. What a difference in the two !

If you want the facts to be able to weigh in on the debate of Chartered bank credit line versus ABL borrowing seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your borrowing needs for day to day working capital.

P.S. The ABL credit facility is , 95% of the time more expensive – but what could you do with all the business borrowing you need to generate sales and create more profits ?



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 :


CONTACT:
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





7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = BUSINESS CREDIT LINES!



















Stan Prokop

Working Capital Crunch ? Inside The World Of Business Cash Flow Solutions In Canada

Looking For The Most Used Business Cash Crunch Solutions?

OVERVIEW – .Information on the working capital crunch faced by companies of all size . What cash flow solutions work when ‘ the crunch’ happens?




Working Capital Crunch ? There no faster moving target than cash flow solutions as the need arises for Canadian business owners and financial managers. What are in fact some of the most popular cash flow fixes - let's take you inside the world of those. Let's dig in.

The one thing we can all agree on is that today’s business seems to move a lot faster. We're pretty sure Heracleitus, a philosopher of sorts centuries back wasn’t talking about cash flow, but we keep thinking of his great line ' Everything flows and nothing stays ' ! So it’s more important than ever for the owner/manager to understand to handle growth and daily operations when it comes to business finance.

Owners and managers of business should always recognize that working capital and their management of same is one of the most important survival tools they have at their disposal.

The other hard reality is that every industries basic economic, business and cash flow dynamics can vary greatly. While we meet many clients seeking financing solutions they believe are unique needs, the reality is that in the big picture most firms in your industry face the same challenges.

Those challenges include the lack of proper bank financing and the constant juggling of payables with cash receipts, and oh yes, those employees seem to want to get paid regularly! Most business owners either don't want to or choose not to deplete personal assets to finance their business - that’s why they incorporated in the first place, right? Or certainly it's one of the reasons!

Top experts in finance tell us that almost 1/2 of all business owners at some point or another face the working capital crunch. In some cases that is of course their own doing as they have extended credit to clients in a liberal manner, or not enforced prompt payment from clients.

What then are some cash flow solutions for Canadian businesses experienced the cash flow crunch? Well the most important thing to realize is that the solutions to problems lie inside and outside your firm! What do we mean by that? Simply that the financing ' crunch ' can be many times partially or totally avoided by:

Improving your credit policy
Asking clients for down payments when applicable
Accelerating invoicing to clients (Does anyone still invoice once a month?!)
Improving inventory turnover
Delaying payment to suppliers when it is possible (hint: key word ' possible')

And what about those external methods for the cash flow fix? They include:

Accounts receivable finance/factoring
Sale leaseback of owned assets
Monetizing credit lines
Non bank working capital or asset based lines of credit
Monetizing tax credits
Bridge loans

Going inside the world of the cash flow fix can be daunting for anyone. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your business cash needs.

T
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 = WORKING CAPITAL FINANCING EXPERTISE

CONTACT:
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

Equipment Financing Companies . Must Know Info On Business Lease Finance

Watch Where You Step When It Comes To Assessing Asset Finance Solutions In Your Business

OVERVIEW – Information on equipment financing companies in Canada . What does the owner/manager need to know when it comes to business lease finance for asset acquisition purposes


Equipment financing companies in Canada. We maintain that when it comes to a business lease for asset financing there is certain information on this subject is ' nice to know ‘, while in other situations its absolutely critical to your asset finance success - i.e. you need to know this ! Let's dig in.

Business owners and financial managers should always understand that just about any asset, even intangibles such as computer software as an example, can be lease financed.

When it comes to the asset financing decision its all about short and long term decision and that timeframe can be all important to your financing success. More often than not the majority of equipment leases in Canada tend to be in the 3-5 year range. These are typical terms when it comes to plant and equipment.

It might, but should not, come as a surprise that some of the largest asset lessors in Canada are manufacturers themselves. They compete with independent commercial finance companies to finance their own equipment - bring incremental profit and additional sales opportunities into their picture.

While we are big proponents of equipment finance we're the first to admit that on occasion terms such as ' 100% financing ‘, etc are somewhat over used by the industry . More often than not down payments of security deposits of some sort are required, especially if your firm is not ' investment grade ' when it comes to credit quality.

Canadian business owners and finance managers like leasing because it’s a simplified process when it comes to asset acquisition. Your firm simply negotiates the type and price of a business asset and the leasing company buys the asset, on your behalf, from the manufacture or distributor. It’s, as we have said, a solid alternative to equity financing or long term debt on your balance sheet in the form of term loans.

Not all acquirers of business assets are familiar with operating leases. A simplified way of looking at these transactions is simply that you should consider them as ' service ' type leases.

What then are the advantages of operating leases? There are several , they include the fact that the leases are not fully amortized so even with interest built into the transaction you quite often are not paying even the full amount of the value of the asset .

How can that be, ask our clients? Simply speaking it’s that the lessor is making a bet on the useful economic life of the asset when you return operating lease assets at the end of the term. The lessor hopes to sell or re-lease the assets under your operating business lease. So there, the secret is out!

If there is one both beneficial and creative aspect to equipment financing companies offering operating type leases it's that they allow you a lot of flexibility during and at the end of term of the transaction. Your firm has the ability to return, upgrade or even buy the asset at mid or end of term. Now that’s flexibility!

Capital leases are the opposite. They are fully amortized, cannot be cancelled, and the interest rate clearly defines the lessor profit to which they are entitled. (Hopefully it’s a ' reasonable ' profit!)

Equipment financing companies will also consider sale leaseback transaction. You take assets you already own and sell them to the lease firm, typically to enhance your working capital or cash flow needs. We have even seen our own chartered banks sell their bank towers in downtown cores, freeing up millions in capital for the banks themselves.

As we have said, there’s ‘nice to have ‘and ‘need to know ‘when it comes to business lease finance via Canadian equipment financing companies. Seek out and speak to a
trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in completing a transaction that benefits your company.

Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial –

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 7 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.

Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = BUSINESS LEASE EQUIPMENT 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

Business Financing Alternative Options In Canada . Surprised At The Different Personalities ?

Is Business Finance In Canada Changing Dramatically ?


OVERVIEW – .Information on business financing alternative options in Canada ..




Business Financing methods . New and existing businesses are always looking for capital. Although a solid majority of business owners, managers and entrepreneurs know where to look, many can’t make that claim. Additionally there are a number of little known ways to finance a business that are not as ‘main street ‘ as the obvious choices – our Canadian chartered banks, etc.

We suppose if the entrepreneur/owner knew exactly what to do all they would need is the Yellow Pages and a phone; however that is not the case.


Looking for financing methods requires that you immediately ‘slot’ your needs into one of two buckets – equity, or debt. Naturally the SME sector in Canada is not funded from an equity perspective via our banks. Simply – they don’t do that!

The other natural tendency is to take the government up on their offer of assistance. Like you, we’ve seen the commercials! When it comes to real world access to government funding we work with our clients in two areas – The federal government SBL loan, and SR&ED tax credit financing. Either of these two are tremendous ways to help finance your business, particularly in the early stages.

Some other methods of equity financing in early stages include angel investors, reverse takeovers of public companies with cash and no business currently inside them, and the newest kid on the block , ‘ Crowdsourcing ‘ . (It’s our understanding you simply ask 1 Million people for 1$!)


In Canada there are a number of Community Futures programs which fund regional development via loans. It’s our experience these loans have never provided the business owner with all that they need, an alternative financing is also required.
Many business people aren’t aware of Royalty financing, it’s an innovative way to promise future payment via future sales. You just need the confidence you can make those sales goals from your lender.


At 7 Park we focus on the more common methods of financing a business – including:


A/R finance
Working Capital Term Loans
Equipment finance / Sale Leasebacks
SBL loans
Asset based lines of Credit
Revolving bank facilities
Etc.



What are the biggest challenges encountered in financing a business?

When examining debt financing options challenges that business people need to address include:

The need for hard assets which can be collateralized or monetized
The need to give up assets as security for debt type financings
Ensuring that your business assets have real value – i.e. Realizable receivables, sales growth, quality inventory turnover, etc


When you are looking for equity financing, which is not our specialty at 7 Park Avenue Financial the mindset of the investor (not a lender) changes. They want technology or businesses with a proven competitive edge, strong growth potential, sensible exit strategies.


What are the things you should avoid when financing a business?


At 7 Park Avenue Financial we’re always cautioning our clients to separate their personal finances from their business finances. Tapping significantly into registered savings plans is by far not the best funding option if you can access other options. And by the way, debt is cheaper than equity – look into that comment!


How will you document the financials of the business?



This is a great question. Documenting your financials via a realistic business plan and cash flow forecast is key. Just being able to answer simple questions such as ‘ how long will it take you to collect ‘, ‘ are your costs in line with others ‘ ‘ how will you market your product or service ‘ are key to winning over a lender or investor . You have to be able to estimate reasonable sales and show a cash flow that shows ‘how your company works!”


What are the necessary skills you should possess to run this business efficiently?


Operating and financial management skills are key to how you will be perceived and dealt with by lenders and investors. Your management and financial skills must be clearly evident to lenders, either through your financial track record in business, or in person meetings to present your firm. If your company is perceived as ‘incomplete’ when it comes to key personnel you will never get the full financing you need at rates, terms and structures you want.


Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with methods to finance your company – both alternative and traditional .





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 = BUSINESS FINANCING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS !



CONTACT:
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

Mezzanine Funding In Canada . What You’ll Learn About Cash Flow Financing In Canada

The Math Of Mezz – Mezzanine Facility Debt Financing

OVERVIEW – .Information on mezzanine funding in Canada . This unique method of cash flow financing provides alternatives to traditional secured lending solutions


Mezzanine funding in Canada. This somewhat unknown and probably under utilized method of debt financing in Canada provides some unique differences for Canadian business owners and financial managers looking for capital solutions. Let's dig in!

The fundamental basic of ' mezz ' financing is that it best suits firms who have cash flow and growth prospects (and profits by the way) but just seem unable to secure all the financing they need from Canadian chartered banks.

We've often spoken on why our Canadian chartered banks are unable to deliver on the financing your company might need. Issues of quality of hard collateral, debt to equity ratios, or firms who are in turnaround or restructuring mode simply don't always lend themselves to bank financing. Enter Mezzanine finance!

Typical mezzanine structures tend to be in the 5 year range, although that time frame has the ability to vary. It's critical to note that the mezzanine lender is always attempting to figure out how they will be ' taken out ' of the facility they have put in place for your company. That ' take out' might take the shape of a public offering, or a change into a secured lending facility. In some cases the company may be purchased, acquired or re financed.

While it's safe to say that any lender of substance is always going to assess management strength the ' unsecured' position that mezzanine funding takes on simply requires even more of a focus on the management team of the borrowing company.

So when, and why should Canadian business owners and financial managers consider a mezzanine finance solution. The reality is that a number of different scenarios might be being faced by your firm. This includes:

Contemplating an acquisition
MBO's ( management buy outs )
Restructuring
High Growth Scenarios
Asset Purchases

Let's be clear that all companies who are considering ' mezz ‘are not going to qualify. If your firm is a start up, is in r&d stage, and cant provide the solid cash flow story to repay the mezzanine loan... well let's just say ' its not going to happen '!

The key point around ‘mezz’ funding is that it occupies the unique position of being right in between the concepts of debt and equity because its loan per se its structured and more commonly thought of as debt, but in reality it’s somewhat unsecured. Also important to understand that it is not an operating facility , so don’t view it as operating capital along the lines of a business line of credit or asset based lending solution . Best way to think of it? Permanent working capital! It's a 2nd position financing, behind your secured lenders.

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

P.S. Remember always that it’s cheaper than equity




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 MEZZANINE FUNDING AND CASH FLOW FINANCING SOLUTIONS


CONTACT:
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 Business Loans. Here’s the Rules To Follow In SBL Funding Success

The Language Of The SBL Loan In Canada


OVERVIEW – .Information on the successful acquisition of government business loans in Canada . Funding for SBL loans just might be easier than you think if you know the lingo and rules!


Governement business loans in Canada. When you understand the ' rules ' and the ' lingo ' (the language of SBL Loans) you are of course well primed to achieve business funding success. Let's dig in.

There is no doubt that Canadian business owners, including start ups are more interested than ever in exploring govt small business loans under the Federal BIL/CSBF program. Those are the actual acronyms for the program that is offered/sponsored by Industry Canada in Ottawa. Most of us just call it the ' SBL' - the small business loan.

At the end of the day understanding the rules of being successful in government guaranteed loans comes down to just a few basic components

Qualifications

Documentation

Approval Requirements

So why is the SBL such a solid option when financing challenges are tough as ever? Of the 7000-8000 loans that are approved under the program we would venture to say that many of those are start ups or franchise acquisitions. Traditional financing for the start up or franchising acquisition is tough to get, so government business loans offer a perfect solution to that need.

While many business owners mistakenly think that they have to deal with ' the government ' for this financing the truth is all it takes is to seek out and find a Canadian banker that is knowledgeable and supportive of the program. (In our experience let's just say that some bankers either aren't interested or not qualified to successfully back you request - Enough said!)

All business owners and managers are in favor of increasing their odds of approval - making the program uncomplicated and straightforward is what we are trying to convey.

While we do basically agree that there are more choices than ever for non bank financing in Canada today we also recognize that the requirements from many commercial finance companies don't allow everyone to achieve financing success. So business owners/ managers seeking loans for their business are often asked for 100 per cent personal guarantees, outside collateral, co signers, etc. Other requirements might include strict covenants and ratio maintenance, and penalties when you get successful and want to prepay the loans!


So where do government business loans weigh in on in those areas. Well get ready, because it’s all good news:

100% Personal guarantees for SBL financing is not required

No outside collateral is required

Co -signers are not accepted by the program

No ongoing covenants need to be maintained

Pre payment of the loan comes with no penalties

Bottom line - It just doesnt get any better!

Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can help you out with the rules of government business loans and funding approval for your business.

P.S. The loan maximum under the program is $350,000.00 and your start up or business must have projected or actual revenues less than 5 Million dollars.





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 = GOVERNMENT BUSINESS LOANS EXPERTISE



CONTACT:
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

Business Franchise Loan Challenges ? Here’s How Franchising Loans Really Work In Canada

Professional Tips on Franchise Finance In Canada

OVERVIEW – .Information on the business franchise loan in Canada. What You need to know about franchising loans for entrepreneurial success in this industry



Business franchise loan challenges in Canada? We're the first to admit that the concept of getting a ' tip ' in business is not always a good thing but we’re drawing from successful experience in franchising loans that assist clients who are serious about entering this type of business.. and being successful!


There is of course a long journey between the time you decide to purchase a franchise to the time that ribbon opening! Along the way you have been vetted by the franchisor, investigated and researched your purchase decision , probably spent some time in training and orientation, and... Oh yes, we forgot... faced the finance challenge of buying the business!

Many franchisees either struggle or are uninformed about how much equity, aka ' down payment ' they have to put in the business. We forgive them for this confusion because it’s a three pronged issue -

1. How much capital the owner can comfortable raise or put in

2. How much equity capital is required by the type of financing you ultimately enter into?

3. How much capital in some cases that the franchisor insists on as a prerequisite to entering into their program - typically that amt. is one to listen to carefully as its often based on the franchisors experience as to what it takes to be financially successful, not just ' sales and revenue successful '!

While Canadian chartered banks have in essence recognized and embraced the franchise industry as a key borrowing segment it is very important to note that almost never to they finance franchises directly - even less so when it's not an ' asset heavy ' deal . So what our banks do is to carefully tailor some large national programs around the franchisors willingness to work with them in a worst case scenario - i.e. The financial failure of your business!

If you are fortunate enough to acquire a business that’s a part of a very large and successful respected chain you should be congratulated and might find some financing solace. If that is not the case one of the best possible solutions for your financing decision comes from an acronym. And that acronym? It's the BIL loan program which hundreds/thousands of franchisees use to facilitate the financing of their franchise if the purchase price is under 350k - which is the program finance cap.

Whether you are borrowing from a specialty franchise lender (yes they do exist) or from a bank or commercial finance firm it’s important that the franchisee demonstrate reasonable personal financial history. That of course means that you can demonstrate that you have run your personal finances in a manner that reflects how you would run your franchise.

Lenders and even the franchisors themselves can easily verify your personal financials via credit bureau reports, statements of personal asset, etc.

Understanding the up front challenges of franchising loans will save you time, money and ultimately guarantee financing success. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your business franchise 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 :


7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN BUSINESS FRANCHISE LOANS


CONTACT:
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