Business Cash Flow Finance . Ready For The Unexpected Arrival Of Some Real World Financing Solutions

You Have The Right To Remain Silent On Business Financing .. But You Shouldn’t


OVERVIEW – Information on business cash flow finance in Canada . Integrate the cash is king philosophy into real world financing solutions




Business cash flow finance in Canada . When it comes to financing we are the first to admit (with some level of guilt) that the term ' cash flow is king ' is a tad... shall we say ' over used '.

But it's not a perfect world as we know, so simple spreadsheets and heavy duty analysis will not always deliver the financing you need. Real world solutions will, and we've got them. So let's dig in!

Not everyone is always going to agree with you, the business owner/ manager as to what cash flow financing solution is optimal for your firm. We think we simplify that a lot by talking with clients in terms of either asset monetization or debt financing.

Also, if your company has any level of financial distress, serious or otherwise some solutions are going to always be more readily available and meaningful and accessible than others. Typically here's where non bank solutions are going to work best. They include:

Sale leaseback strategies
Tax credit monetization
Non bank operation lines of credit (ABL’S)
Receivable and Inventory financing strategies
PO / Supply Chain finance

When you're capital constrained the challenges of growing a business seem even more severe. Even investing in R&D can seem like a really tough call at that point. One innovate solution to R&D investment and cash flow saving is by utilizing an ' A S P '. It's our acronym for a R&D Sred accrual line of credit - reimbursing you immediately for research expenses as you spend. Now that's innovative!

We're often asked if there is a difference between public company and private company cash flow solutions. Other than the disclosures required by firms that are public the solutions quite often are the same.

Asset acquisition and replacement is a big part of any finance challenge for businesses of all size. Whether you're constrained by cash flow, budgets, technology issues, etc the business owner/manager should always consider effect forms of lease financing for new or to be replaced assets. Don't forget also that used equipment can easily be financed these days, as the proliferation of things such as the internet allow lessors to easily determine market values of many types of assets, technology included .

So , in summary , yes you do have the ‘ right to remain silent ‘ about business financing possibilities revolving around growth, alternative forms of debt financing, and monetizing existing assets into business finance cash flow . A better choice? Seek out and speak to a
trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your financing needs .



Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial –



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 CASH FLOW FINANCING SOLUTIONS







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 Commercial Equipment Finance Company In Canada. Asset Finance Should Not Be A Chore

Bringing You In On A ‘ Need To Know ‘ Basis For Equipment Leasing in Canada

What does the Canadian firm looking for asset financing need to know about the commercial equipment finance company solutions that are available




The Commercial equipment finance company in Canada. When it comes to asset financing we sometimes get the sense that some of our clients feel like it’s almost a big ' chore ' so to speak. Does it have to be? Absolutely not of course, and we're going to bring you in strictly on a ' need to know ' basis to hopefully make those asset acquisitions more successful.

While some businesses might think they need to be somewhat ' cash strapped ' before considering lease financing that is also not the case. The largest and most successful corporations in Canada, even our chartered banks utilize this method of asset acquisition.

No one would every accuse our banks of having difficulty to finance themselves; the reality ??? .... They simply see the benefits also ! These include tax advantages, ease of acquisition, ongoing replacement of technology, etc. All the same issues that your firm faces. (Just on a bigger scale!)

Relationships with vendors is often a key part of dealing with the commercial lease company in Canada. In many cases your suppliers or vendors might have preferred programs in place which pass finance savings on to you. And here's somewhat of a secret... (Don’t forget you're in on our ' need to know' basis!) quite often vendors and suppliers ' buy down ' your financing costs by ponying up a portion of the finance charges. They, including the captive finance companies in Canada want your business!

Many clients also view the credit approval and documentation issues surrounding leasing as another part of their ' chores '. While they are entitled to think that way the reality is that properly positioned financing applications can in most cases these days be approved in a matter of a day or two. (Large complex deals take a bit more time). Additionally, investing a bit of time in understanding and negotiation lease terms can save you thousands of dollars in areas such as end of term obligations, down payments, structuring, etc.

Two! Can you remember that number - its only 2 choices you can make in the type of lease you are entering? Focus simply on ' owning ' the asset, or ' using ' the asset. It's one or the other and we're referring to Capital leases (own) or Operating Leases (use).



Dealing with the right lease company is half the battle when it comes to asset financing for your firm. Your key ' need to knows' in this regards are issue such as:

Geographies they serve
Type of Assets they finance
Transaction limits - small, large, in between (The industry itself calls these small, mid and large ticket)
Do they finance technology? (Yes, software can be financed!)

If you want to eliminate the chores associated with financing your assets consider seeking and speaking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can help you navigate the asset financing challenge many firms face today.


Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.
Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = COMMERCIAL EQUIPMENT FINANCE








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 A Franchise? Looking For Peak Performance Financing When It Comes To A Franchising Loan In Canada .

Feeling Lost When It Comes To Franchise Financing In Canada ? You Shouldn’t



OVERVIEW – .Information on financing a franchise in Canada . Why are prospective franchisees feeling bewildered about successfully completing the franchising loan process for their new business



Financing a franchise in Canada. Does the Canadian entrepreneur have to necessarily feel ' lost ' when it comes to a franchising loan in Canada? We can understand why, but that doesn't have to be the case. Let's dig in.

Right out of the gate it’s important to know what type of financing you need to look for, and what's available. At the end of the day typically it’s a combination a finance that will include both a term loan and some sort of working capital facility unless you're in an ' all cash ' business, which is often the case in many service and hospitality type franchises.


Question 1 from clients we talk to is the issue of addressing how much they are required to invest in the new business. It goes without saying that your investment is both a must and critical. It shows your commitment to both the franchisor as well as the commercial lender.

Building your equity investment into your initial cash flow forecast is important. It's the combination of owner equity plus financing obtained that allow you to create the all important opening balance sheet and cash flow. This is a document that your bank or commercial finance firm will look at to see how repayment is going to be made.

The franchisee (that’s you!) need not feel lost or bewildered when it comes to preparing the financial part of your application. If you don’t have expertise in this area the basics can easily be prepared for you by an accountant, business financing advisor, and on some occasion’s assistance and input from your franchisor.

Typical franchise term loans are 5-7 years in length. At that time you should typically be in a position to have retired all the debt you've borrowed to buy the business. But don't forget also that along the way you may well be required, or need to, replace assets in your business or generate some level of working capital to cover your cost for inventory, carrying receivables, and normal sale growth scenarios .

Always be prepared to address issues in your financial forecasts. These are sometimes referred to as ' assumptions ‘. We all of course remember the dangers of ' assuming ' things in business. So be prepared to talk about issues around timing of revenues, profits, costs of assets, growth trajectories, etc.

We hate to drag clients ( kicking and screaming ?) into the world of accounting and finance - but clearly understanding how your repayment , breakeven, profits and cash flow and fixed costs work are somewhat key to your overall success . It's never just ' all about sales’.

Remember also that the majority of franchises you will look at purchasing don't require outside collateral from yourself as the owner that even offering that up to the lender won't make sense if your financial forecasts arent reasonable.

We maintain you don’t have to feel lost when it comes to a franchising loan in Canada. That peak performance we have talked about can come about even easier when you seek the services of a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your franchise financing 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 = FRANCHISING LOANS IN CANADA






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

Asset Based Lending . It’s the Superman of Business Financing In Canada When It Comes To Business Credit Lines

Debunking the 1 Business Credit Line Myth


OVERVIEW – .Information on asset based lending as a component of business financing in Canada . What type of business revolving credit line would your firm like?



Asset Based Lending – ( ‘ ABL ‘ ) There is one overriding reason why it might be your best choice for business financing in Canada. It’s kind our version of the ‘ Superman’ of business financing solution ! What is that reason? Simply that it works when other types of financing are not available or don’t fit your current financial status. Let’s dig in!

The reality is that asset based lending works for all firms in all types of industries, and is not dependent on your overall financial performance that might be the focus of a more traditional based financing. That’s a powerful statement, so let’s examine what the financing is, how it works, and answer some key questions that might help business owners and financial managers determine if this financing is the solution to many, or all of their financing challenges.

So let’s back step a bit. What is asset based financing. Focus on one key word in that phrase - assets! This method of financing simply allows you to monetize and draw on the market value of the assets of your firm. Those assets are in very predictable categories, they are receivables, inventory, equipment and real estate. If you have one or all of those your firm is a prime candidate!

In some cases this method of financing is confused with factoring. Factoring is the sale of one of those asset categories – your receivables. An asset based line of credit lends against receivables, but also includes, inventory, equipment, etc. That is the difference!

The prime difference in qualifying for such a facility is really the difference that exists when you compare this type of financing to a Canadian chartered banking relationship. That banking relationship comes with a number of requirements that are often not needed when an asset based line of credit is in fact your real and best solution. Some of those traditional requirements might be profitability, years in business, the type of industry you are in, guarantees of shareholders and owners, etc. Those qualifications are not the focus of asset based lending. However the assets are.

On a day to day basis how does this type of business financing work. It’s quite simply. You and your asset based lender determine on a regular basis, i.e. weekly, monthly, etc what your asset categories total - a borrowing based is then developed on those categories and funds are depositing into your bank account for use as working capital by your firm. In Canada a 250k facility is more or less the bottom level of this type of financing, and facilities can be arranged into the many millions of dollars.

So if you want an easy way to remember the difference between this type of financing and a bank revolving line of credit simply remember that the bank focuses on overall financial strength and cash flow, our facility focuses on assets!

Because your assets are being financing as the primary focus of this type of facility you will have to report on those assets probably on a much more regular basis , so your firm should be in a position to prepare regular reports on receivables, inventory turnover, etc. When fixed assets are being financing, i.e. unencumbered equipment you own, etc then in many cases an initial appraisal will be required. This small dollar investment though can generate thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars in working capital. Don't Let lack of business financing in Canada be your ' KRYPTONITE'.

Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can help you facilitate the type of asset based lending that meets your needs in the Canadian business financing environment.





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/asset-based-lending-business-financing.html





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


.

Small Business Finance Vs Corporate Financing . Fundamentals And Advantages In Canada

Why Big Isn’t Always Better In Canadian Business Financing


OVERVIEW – . Information on small business finance in Canada . How does it differ from corporate financing based on company size and types of solutions available ?


Small business finance in Canada . Whets the difference, asks our clients between their capital needs and corporate financing in Canada. We work with both types of firms and there is a case to be made that ' SIZE COUNTS ‘, but you might be surprised at how. Let' dig in!

Business owners often hear the business fact that small and medium enterprises are in fact the largest employer and the true 'engine 'of the Canadian economy. It is also reasonable to assume that many business owners and the management of smaller and medium size firms worry about competing against the big global giants.

These larger competitors in many cases have 'brands ', as well as unlimited financial strength.

However, do business owners really know what those competing challenges are and how they can focus in on addressing them in some manner? In many cases (not always) they also have access to finance solutions available to larger corporations. They just didn’t know it!

As mentioned previously financial strength of big firms and financial limitations of smaller firms is certainly a key area. Small and medium sized firms continually focus on cash flow and are challenged by working capital. The banks and larger financial institutions can be forgiven for wanting to lend more to larger corporations, since their loans are safer and more collateralized.

The small firm can’t finance their customers in the manner that larger corporations can. The large corporations even usual financial strength to further compete against product and price by offering financing arrangements via their captive finance companies - think IBM CREDIT CORP as an example, or Caterpillar Finance. Just some examples.

Smaller firms are also challenged by personnel issues; they have trouble retaining key successful employees around issues such as compensation and benefits. Owners are focusing on day to day problems and challenges, and can't always think long term in areas of employee development, etc.

Naturally smaller firms pay more in direct costs because they don't have buying power; as well they are often focused on a couple core products and competencies. Larger corporations can diversify geographically and product wise as we know. Financing costs and interest rates in general have always favored the larger companies who borrow.


Intuitively the consumer or business customer gravitates towards a larger corporation for products and services, if only for the perceived safety and warranty issues.

Well, we have seen areas where the big guys clobber the small guy. Let's turn the boat around!

Service/Service/Service - have we made out point?! Value add in smaller firms is often service and support. Customers want the personal touch and they clearly get that from a smaller firm.

Also, in a smaller firm, in general the business owner is very focused on working harder and longer with their customers - big corporations tend to favor broad stockholder approval.

The smaller firm is also more adept, and can move more quickly to adapt to market needs. Big companies can take a long time to react to competitive change. Communication and market needs are much focused in a small company - it might take days, weeks, and years for larger corporations to implement major market changes.

Customers and consumers hate bureaucracy, and smaller firms certainly have less of that - decisions are made easier, customer situations are rectified more quickly.

In summary, business owners often have a fear of the 'gorilla ' in their industry - the big corporate giant with brand and financial clout. Instead they should focus on specialized market segments, localization of their services, personal service, etc.

It doesn't hurt to be a small /medium sized firm if we do it right! While larger corporate borrowers have access to low rates and flexibility and unlimited capital offer by Canadian chartered banks, insurance companies, capital markets, etc the reality is that many of these solutions, sometimes downsized and costing more, are still available to the SME sector.

Solutions include:

A/R Financing
Vendor financing
Equipment finance
Non bank asset based lines of credit
Inventory financing
PO/SUPPLY Chain financing
Monetization of SRED or Film tax Credits

Whether you're in the SME sector in Canada or a mid market borrower seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your cash flow and asset financing 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 = ‘ ALL SIZE ‘ Business Financing In Canada







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

Small Business Loan Financing In Canada . Government SBL Loans Or Other Financing Challenges . We Know Why .

Are Your Canadian Business Financing Challenges In Derecho Mode?

OVERVIEW – .Information on small business loan financing in Canada . Whether it’s the government SBL loan or any type of commercial financing mistakes can be made!


Small business loan financing in Canada . Do your financing challenges feel like a constant ' Derecho'? That's the term for a ' massive system of storms' and that's the feeling many clients we talk to seem to be experiencing - a lot of turbulence with potential devastating impacts - to financial liquidity and business survival!

But putting the weather analogy aside we are more convinced than ever that it's simply quality information and guidance that Canadian business owners and managers want when it comes to business finance solutions that they need, and make sense. Let's dig in.

No one disagrees that the searching for finance solutions isn’t stressful, or time consuming. That why professional, experienced advice is worth its weight in gold we think.

Case in point. The other day we caught an article in a Canadian publication entitled ‘5 Tips For Getting a Small Business Loan '. Although targeted at Canadian companies it was clear that the writer was U.S. based. Even more troubling... did we disagree with one of her points? Absolutely not - we disagreed with all 5!

Let's take a look at those .Oh and by the way, we will be putting those in the context of the Canadian business owner, with all due respect to our U.S. friends.

1. The article stated that banks are cautious on' new ventures '. While we agree that start up financing on any scale is a challenge there are numerous solutions, if applied properly that satisfy the need of the owner. These might include Government SBL loans, which is bar none, the best financing in our opinion for any start up. Other forms of very successful ' new venture ' financing include A/R financing, tax credit monetization, equipment finance, and PO/Supply chain solutions.

2. The article then went on to say you need the right type of bank. Clearly that's a U.S. oriented comment, where it’s incumbent on the borrower to also check out his bank for solvency also! That isn’t the case in Canada. So... what is then the ' right' bank for you. Our reality - it’s the banker and not the bank, so aligning yourself with an experienced credible commercial banker does not require any particular allegiance to any one bank. Focus instead on people, not pillars.

3. Are they kidding?! Unfortunately they weren’t. The article stated that business plan and proposes should be revenue oriented. We'll give that writer a bit of credit for referring to cash flows also.

4. Next point - long term growth. The article stated that you should be focusing on future financing needs also. While there is a small amount of verity in that comment the reality is that business plans and financing for current needs is complicated enough a process without bring in future financing needs which raise more questions than answers.

5. Last point. The article said that plans and financials should be crafted to appeal to a wide variety of banks, investors, capital providers, etc. Our thoughts - stay focused, not wide. Prepare documents on financials that focus on the current need and clear repayment.

We are hereby forgiving Canadian business owners /financial managers for feeling overwhelmed and confused with misinformation around proper requisites and planning for solutions needed. Align yourself with a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in taking your finance challenges out of Derecho mode!

Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.
Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN SMALL BUSINESS LOAN FINANCING




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

Factoring And Receivable Financing In Canada. Lost Sight Of This Obvious Cash Flow Solution?

Feeling ‘ Unwanted ‘.

That’s How A/R Financing Must Feel Sometimes And We Know Why


OVERVIEW – .Information on factoring and receivable financing in Canada . How do these type of solutions work best when your company is looking for working capital ?



Factoring and receivable financing in Canada is growing in popularity - we feel this is for several reasons. One key reason is the current economic and financing environment in Canada - any financing strategy that is an alternative financing strategy to traditional bank financing is being assessed as an alternative by many Canadian firms.

As bank financing and traditional working capital facilities become more difficult to obtain firms look to alternative methods such as receivable financing facilities.

Only two key issues remain unknown to the Canadian business owner - how does factoring (receivable financing) work, and is it the appropriate type of financing for my firm.

Factoring is the immediate sale of your receivables. You get the cash as soon as you invoice - sounds great so far, right? The receivables you sell must be current; current is usually defined in the Canadian marketplace as any receivable less than 90 days. As your receivables approach 90 days you can be forgiven for thinking they might be uncollectible, so you might not want to sell them and be responsible to the lender for re payment of the cash advanced against that receivable.

While pricing, customer perception and some other misc issue might seem a deterrent to your consideration of a factor type facility we would quickly point out some of the benefits. The bottom line is that under a pure factor facility (more about that later) you are out of the collection business. The factor collects the receivable and notifies you accordingly. A Perfect World?

Not Necessarily!

Companies usually define working capital around their receivable and inventory investments. The freeing up of receivables for cash allows the business owner to free up capital tied up in inventories.


Many firms find it both times consuming and tedious to report to banks and other lenders on their receivable levels and margining capability. Factoring, or receivable financing is as close to instantaneous as you can get. If you need cash factoring provides you with almost same day cash.

Previously we spoke of a pure factoring facility. The type of factoring that is prevalent in Canada is based on the traditional model of U.S. and European factoring - that process is quickly summed up as follows:


You bill your customer
The Factor buys your invoice immediately
The factor collects your invoice
Your firm absorbs the financing fee on the transaction




IS THIS THE BEST SOLUTION? NOT REALLY!!


While this method of financing works it’s not optimal sometimes from an ‘ optics’ perspective ! Is there a better way? There is! Not all Canadian firms know that some factor facilities allow you to bill and collect your own receivables. This eliminates the intrusion of third party finance firms - "the factor 'calling your customer, who has never heard of them by the way, for money. That’s why Confidential A/R Financing creates a win/win when it comes to working capital and cash flow finance that puts you in control !
Canadian firms have been much slower to catch on to factoring primarily because of the customer intrusion level which they equate with their own customers perception of their viability.


In summary, we have highlighted some of the benefits, as well as some of the perceived negative aspects of factoring or receivable financing in Canada. As in all aspects of business, Caveat Emptor (buyer beware!).

Choosing a reliable and experienced factor partner will allow the business owner to maximize the benefits, and minimize the negative aspects of this solid alternative financing scenario. Factoring - it works if you make it work. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your firms working capital and receivable financing needs.



Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial


http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com


Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.
Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :



http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/factoring-receivable-financing-canada.html



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