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.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Working Capital Financing In Canada . Decoding Factoring And Other Types Of Financial Alternatives
Are You On Top Of Important Trends In Where To Find Working Capital ?
OVERVIEW – .Information on working capital financing alternatives in Canada . How does factoring and other non traditional financial solutions assist the cash flow of your company?
Working Capital Financing In Canada . When business owners and financial managers think of 'cash flow ' two terms are almost synonymous, factoring, and working capital. Is there a difference? Yes, a major difference.
We believe that when Canadian businesses think in terms of working capital that is often in the context of permanent working capital. This can be in a couple forms, a term loan, a mezzanine loan, or subordinate debt. These are the key terms of 'high finance' for working capital loans! With loans such as these businesses typically use the working capital derived from the loan to invest in sales and marketing, implement new products and strategies, and purchase inventory and materials for further corporate growth.
There are numerous advantages to a working capital term loan. Repayment of the loan is typically in the 5 -7 year range. As such that clearly frees up cash flow. Let's do a quick example - If a Canadian business borrowed $ 150,000.00 and was successful in getting a term loan in place the monthly payments over a 5 year period would be approximately $ 3000.00 per month. (We used an interest rate of 8% just as an example).
Depending on the flexibility of the lender payments can be structured, or even potentially deferred, based on the nature of the customer's needs and overall financial situation.
Naturally any financing scenario as positioned above is long term permanent working capital, which is generally viewed positively by business owners and their lenders. It is in effect a form of 'patient working capital '.
Long term working capital loans in effect 'compliment 'your existing secured creditor relationships. For the purposes of this article we won't dwell too much on the aforementioned subordinated debt and mezzanine debt - we will simply say they are unsecured ' cash flow ' loans, long term in nature, with rates substantially higher than chartered bank rates due to the general unsecured nature of the loans. The lender is simply taking a position that your firm will be able, based on historical and present financials, to repay the loan out of cash flows.
We've discussed the 'permanent ' working capital loan and have seen its characteristics, i.e. term loans, longer repayment schedules, fixed rates, terms and structures. Now let’s look at totally immediate working capital/ cash flow, which many customers in Canada are achieving by a factoring or working capital cash flow facility.
The factoring solution is immediate. Transactions and facilities can usually be approved in a much shorter timeframe. Every customer is different of course, and in many different industries, but based on a review of your financials and your overall business model customers receive immediate significant advances (typically 90%) of their invoices.
Since the heart of any business cash inflow comes from collected receivables business who 'struggle' with the collection process often face cash flow shortages due to slow paying customers. Conversely, as receivables and inventory build up for good reasons (good reasons = more sales) the companies investment in receivables and inventory grows.
Factoring, or receivable discounting as it is also known, is based on the overall size, quality, and collection experience related to your billings. It is very safe to say that current invoices are more easily factored (sold) than 65 day unpaid invoices from slower paying customers. However, in general any billed sales under 90 days old are financeable under this method.
Many factor firms assume the role of your collection department, some business owners actually welcome this as they have in fact utilized the very popular concept of 'outsourcing' re their collections as outsourcing , previously unheard of years ago, is now a way of doing business .
So is factoring all goodness. Certainly not, what type of financing is. In factoring there is a higher cost to finance you're A/R portfolio. In Canada there are tens of nuances and administrative procedures around the factoring process that many business owners struggle with. Factoring should be used for growth, not survival, and other strategies can be explored at a lesser cost and less intrusiveness to your business. Oh , and if you’re looking for the ultimate A/R finance solution you should be consider our recommendation of Confidential A/R finance, allowing you to bill and collect your own receivables without any other paperwork intrusion.
In summary, business owners considering the ' working capital/cash flow ' conundrum can consider long term loans or short term receivable financing strategies for growth. There are a number of options around both of those financing, and in fact other options (example: a sale/leaseback of your assets or a real operating margined facility with a Canadian chartered bank) should also be potentially explored.
Review all options, and work with a trusted, credible, and experienced business financing advisor with a solid track record to find your optimal financial solution and help you ' DECODE ' cash flow challenges .
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 Working Capital And Factoring 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
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Financing Receivables Works Whether You’re A Start Up Or One Of Canada’s Largest Corporate Borrowers
Technically Speaking Let’s Take The Mystery Out Of A/R Financing In Canadian Business
OVERVIEW – Information on financing receivables in Canada . What are the key technical aspects and benefits of factoring / selling receivables for companies of all size in Canada
Financing Receivables in Canada . A large majority of business owners, financial managers, CFO's, Controllers, etc have heard of this stand alone (it doesnt have to be the case) method of Canadian business financing. But do they understand it? Let's dig in.
We maintain, when talking to our clients, that you simply need to know a few key basics to effectively master this finance solution. And by the way, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to master those. We suppose it's our version of ' Technically Speaking '!
however if you don't we can clearly say you' re under advantaged when it comes to understanding benefits and risks re: who you're dealing with and how you're dealing with them . Bottom line, we're talking about what can go write and what can go wrong.
At the end of the day, financing receivables is simply one method to generate cash out of your sales and receivables. All you are doing is shortening what is known as the operating cycle - you’re no longer in the ' waiting room ' when it comes to waiting for customers to pay.
In Canada you have two methods of addressing factoring. You can let a third party take over the whole process, or alternatively you can become the manager of the whole process yourself. We call that second method Confidential A/R Financing. We'll call the other method ' Traditional Factoring ‘, and it’s been used for hundreds of years by thousands of companies all over the world. This ain't new!
If you go the traditional route your billing and collecting process is somewhat taken over - in effect your credit and collection process is outsourced and managed. Under a confidential scenario you maintain total control over all your billing and collections, with both methods essentially costing the same. They should cost the same - if they don't you’re not dealing with the right party.
The basic finance charge around this whole process is what is known as the discount rate. That discount rate, which many people understandably, but mistakenly call an ' interest rate ‘is a key element in the overall pricing of this finance solution.
A lot of clients we speak to seem to wrestle with the issue of understanding how this method of growth financing differs from bank finance. It really comes down to how the bank, vs. the receivable finance firm ‘papers ' your transaction. That technical aspect involves two key terms, 'Assigning' your A/R to the bank, or ' Selling ' your A/R to your A/R Finance firm. So that's just the paperwork on the deal, and it's not as complicated as you think.
What You Need To Know: Financing receivables is a method of financing trade commercial receivables. Benefits are fast access to business cash and easier qualification. Who you deal with and how you manage this method of growth/sales financing becomes the risk.
Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business advisor with a track record in financing companies for growth and 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 :
7 Park Avenue Financial = Financing Receivables Experts
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
Monday, July 1, 2013
Lease Financing Canada Is Probably Longer Lasting Than Bitcoin
You’d Be Surprised How Much Power Does Lease Financing Has In Canada.
OVERVIEW – Information on lease financing in Canada . How this one financial solution has remained one of Canadian businesses best asset finance mechanisms
Lease Financing in Canada .Financial Managers and business owners in Canada continuously find they are competing in a difficult and challenging economic environment. Equipment Financing and Capital expenditure issues are top of mind when Canadian firms are looking to grow and prosper. Revenue generating assets are important to any business.
When large corporations report their financial the analysts out there focus on Free Cash Flow. This is the cash flow that is left after a company totals their net income and depreciations and subtracts what they have spent on ‘capex’, or capital expenditures.
That free cash flow is of course what’s left to pay shareholders and run the business. But small and medium size firms have a huge challenge in generating free cash flow per our formula above. They more often than not don’t have the luxury of paying cash for much need new and revenue producing assets.
That is why Canadian firms should be looking at Lease financing as an essential asset acquisition and cash flow tool. Let’s do a quick recap on the major benefits of lease financing:
• CASH FLOW - Canadian businesses can conserve working capital and invest those funds instead in receivables and inventory for additional growth – Also firms want to achieve the benefits of these newly acquired assets over time without having to pay for them all at once on day one
• TAX BENEFITS – Lease payments of course can be expensed and are generally more advantageous from an accounting viewpoint than a loan
• BETTER ASSET MANAGEMENT - Every firm wants to stay ‘leading edge ‘on asset acquisition, with respect to items such as computers or plant assets. At the end of the term of the lease the Canadian business owner or financial manager has a number of options available with respect to asset disposition
• OFF BALANCE SHEET FINANCING - Depending on the final structure of the lease a transaction can be recorded off your balance sheet – you are in effect using the equipment, gaining the benefits, but not owning the equipment.
Those are some of the more ‘technical ‘reasons for lease financing in Canada. Do the overall benefits of this financing alternative end there? They don’t! On balance the lease financing process is one of the simpler and easy ways to acquire assets – it also requires not large cash outlay, and your bank lines stay intact. Canadian business owners have huge challenges in maintaining bank lines that are adequate for their business – leasing alleviates part of that challenge.
What can be financed ? the better questions are of course a shorter answer – what can’t be financed. Almost any asset can be financing in Canada if its core to your business needs – That includes of course technology, vehicles, machinery, production equipment, tooling, telecom assets, agricultural assets, and construction assets. Again, to be clear, if it’s a hard asset it can be considered for lease financing!
As business owners in Canada we want the right equipment at the right time in order to stay competitive and profitable.
So, longer lasting a business concept than BITCOIN – The worlds newest internet currency . Time will be the judge, but we sure think so . And is leasing the only financing alternative available to the Canadian business owner or financial manager – definitely not. Should it be understood and considered? Definitely so! Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing manager with a successful track record of asset finance solutions.
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 Lease 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
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Acquisition Finance. The Heart Of The Matter When It Comes To Mergers Acquisitions Financing In Canada
Avoiding The Canadian Tragedy Of Poorly Executed Acquisition Financing
OVERVIEW – Information on acquisition finance in Canada . Mergers and Acquisitions financing .. done right !
Acquisition finance in Canada. Whether the business environment is turbulent or going smoothly savvy business owners and managers are always looking for successful mergers and acquisitions opportunities that... you guess it... require financing. Let's dig in.
In Canada both traditional and alternative financing solutions lend themselves to a business or merger opportunity, therefore posing the question - ' How is this opportunity to be financed to ensure success '?
In small to medium sized acquisitions a tremendous amount of creativity on a transaction can come from innovative methods of seller financing. Any form of seller financing obviously lowers the amount of external debt - traditional or alternative, that you are forced to take on.
Here on common challenge we see all the time is that the seller has serious tax ramifications depending on the type of sale that is in motion. Only two real types of sale exist by the way - ' ASSET ' or ' SHARE '. Share sales in Canada are typically very impossible to finance, in that private companies offer no real liquidity event for the financier. Naturally with public companies that’s a bit of a different story. The seller, unfortunately, is usually very ' tax conscious ' on the outcome of the deal, which many times makes the going difficult to close successfully and properly.
We point out also that when a motivated seller is open to some sort of Vendor Take Back scenario that also can become a potentially good source of income for the seller based on the interest charged on the VTB.
Smaller transactions in Canada require a commitment from the purchaser in the form of some sort of buyer equity, down payment, etc. Anywhere in the range of 10- 50% is required... and that's quite a range! Business owners who have to invest their own capital in a deal source those funds from personal funds, savings, investments, etc.
Less money down on any deal is the ultimate double edged sword on any acquisition finance deal. Leverage works for and against you, either propelling greater return on investment or significantly higher risk of failure based on too much debt - or the wrong debt. Talk about a real double edged sword! We point out also that lenders and other investors you may have lined up are generally ' impressed ' with an owner’s equity commitment to any deal. To paraphrase in the language of the people - you've got SKIN IN THE GAME!
While many clients we talk to in the Small business and SME sector think they can approach ' VC's' and Private Equity groups for assistance they rarely can meet the rigorous demands of those two types of external finance. Suffice to say you'll be giving up significant equity also, which in general is highly undesirable at a point when you haven’t realized the true financial benefits and returns of a good merger or acquisition.
In the small and SME sectors of business in Canada a great way to finance a business purchase is the government Small Business Loan - aka the ' SBL '. It offers tremendously attractive terms relative to what you are trying to accomplished, and allows you to retain tremendous upside re your projected financial performance.
Two final very typical ways to accomplish mergers acquisitions financing are to consider traditional bank financing and ABL (Asset based lending). If you can meet some basic cash flow coverage and debt to equity ratios you're a solid potential candidate for well priced acquisition finance. Asset based lenders will throw those ratios , generally speaking, out the window and simply focus on the assets you're acquiring and how they can be margined via term or operating solutions .
Avoid the tragedy of poorly executed financing when contemplating a merger of acquisition .Strive for a good grasp of acquisition financing basics, which can be sought via your accountant, lawyer, or a trusted, credible and respected Canadian business financing advisor with a track record.
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/acquisition-finance-mergers-acquisitions-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
Friday, June 28, 2013
Inventory Financing In Canada. Exploring How Canadian Companies Finance Inventories
Why Used Submarines Can’t Be Financed
OVERVIEW – Information on inventory financing methods in Canada . How does the Canadian business owner/manager finance inventories in a manner that enhances working capital and cash flow
Inventory financing in Canada. What are the methods that Canadian business uses to ensure that working capital investment is maximized? Let's dig in.
When business owners/financial managers are challenged on how to finance inventories it's important to focus on two areas - we'll call them ' tips' and ' traps'!
Financing inventory typically revolves around either retail or commercial concerns. Smaller retail businesses have a huge challenge as banks and other commercial lenders are reluctant to lend against inventory. Compounding the problem is the fact they view that type of business as an ' all cash ' business - so why would it need financing?
Typically when inventory is financed by a bank or commercial concern it's important to realize that it's always financed at cost. Another good thing to know is that in certain types of financing actual physical counts, inspections, or appraisals will be required by your lender - again typically a bank or non bank commercial lender . That won't always be required, but on occasion it’s an absolute must. The lender needs to determine the ' margin formula ' that they will lend against on an ongoing basis.
Margin formulas vary significantly based on several key factors. They include an analysis of which one of the three stages your inventory is in (raw materials, work in process, and finished goods). Businesses that are able to demonstrate they have perpetual inventory systems in place stand a much better chance of ' borrowing power ' when it comes to financing inventories as part of your overall ' current assets'.
Your overall gross profit also plays a key point in financing. Ultimately important is the lenders / banks opinion on how marketable your goods are under a worst case ' forced sale ' scenario.
Many business owners consider the Canadian Small Business Loan program for the financing of their business. They wrongly assume that the program covers some sort of working capital, cash and inventory components. That is not the case! In that program only 3 classes of assets can be financed - equipment, leaseholds, and real estate.
Is there a winning way that we constantly recommend and implement for clients looking for inventory finance? The answer is that most successful financing in this area is in the context of a combined credit facility that also financed receivables. Two sources of financing exist here - The Canadian Chartered bank, and, in some cases even better: Non bank asset based lines of credit.
While the bank or commercial non bank lender places a higher emphasis on receivables due to their more immediate liquidity they also fully realize those sales are generated from inventory turnover. While banks differ in Canada on inventory margins it is non unusual in ' ABL ' (asset based credit revolvers) to achieve anywhere from 30 - 75% borrowing power.
Oh, we almost forgot. Why can't used submarines be financed? We would offer up that they can't be readily liquidated, and valuation is extremely hard to determine. Although we suppose the lender could utilize a ' FLOATING DEBENTURE '!
If you want to beat the challenge of inventory finance in Canada seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record , allowing you to achieve the business finance you require.
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 Inventory 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
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Business Financing . Avoiding What Can Go Wrong When Funding Canadian Businesses
Here’s Why Your Business Financing Just Isn't Bullet Proof Sometimes!
OVERVIEW – Information on the perils of business financing in Canada. What does the business owner and financial mgr. need to know when sourcing , evaluating and discovering funding Canadian businesses
Business financing . When it comes to funding Canadian businesses there are a tremendous amount of ... mistakes you can make! Almost anything can go wrong, so lets looks at how you can ' bullet proof ' some of that financing. Let's dig in.
Why do many clients we meet, talk to and help advise us that they have in essence failed at getting the financing they need? That failure can come from a variety of different reasons - however at the end of the day it all really comes down to problems caused by management of the company, the peculiarities of the lending landscape in Canada , and third part events that range from cataclysmic to simply annoying and time wasting from a management view point .
How then can the business owner and manager focus on successfully completing any form of Canadian business financing? That might include, for a starter the willingness to see the view point of the lender in negotiations re terms, rate, and structure.
Many owners / managers see failure in financing more often than success because they are unable to appreciate the time and work that goes into a proper financing process. On the other hand we also see clients that have taken on improper or too costly financing at almost any price and terms. That of course, if you’re properly prepared, doesn't have to also be the case.
Realism. In Canada, whether you're a start up, SME sector, mid market or large corporation you eventually have to face the fact that you're more of a candidate for either traditional or alternative financing. While many forms of alternative finance are becoming more ' traditional' and time worn every day the business owner/mgr we meet often is barking up the wrong tree relative to what can be realistically achieved.
Your ability to present positively and properly your current financial status and need is key to successful finance. At a simple level it means being able to provide year end financials, interim statements, and the ability to address any issues that arise out of the analysis of those documents.
While many larger financings absolutely require your lawyer or your accountant business owners can often complete a large if not all of the process themselves, saving significant time and expense, delay, etc.
Businesses that are self financing have a larger challenge in obtaining traditional bank and term type financing. Many alternative finance methods such as:
A/R FINANCING
SALE LEASEBACKS
TAX CREDIT FINANCING
ASSET BASED LINES OF CREDIT
Can readily supply working capital and cash flow needs.
Unrealistic expectations are a large part of business financing. If you have assets they can be monetized, if you have orders and contracts they can be funded via PO / SUPPLY chain financing. If there is a bottom line it's simply that you require assistance in educating yourself on financial solutions that are available and applicable to your particular situation.
Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced advisor with a track record of assisting funding Canadian businesses. You'll be more bullet proof when it comes to making capital decisions that work for 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 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 Funding
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 Credit Line? Here’s 2 Solutions for Operating Capital Success
Getting Business Credit Lines Doesn’t Have To Be Like Taking A Bet
OVERVIEW - Information on the business credit line in Canada . Does the business owner/financial manager have a choice when it comes to operating capital requirements for short term day to day needs ?
The Business credit line in Canada . Most clients we initially meet tend to say 'what are our chances ' when in fact we maintain they should be asking ' what are our choices ‘! Let's dig in.
The essence of what we're talking about is the type of borrowing that's associated with the monetization of assets via line of credit. That's current assets by the way, which typically are essentially your A/R and inventory.
Business credit lines should be focused on short term borrowing. Longer terms are associated with term loans for equipment, mortgages on the business property, etc. Naturally while a term loan expires when you make that final payment business credit facilities are there and available to your firm based on your ongoing level of receivables and inventory.
You will of course want to match the amortization of term loan with the useful life of the asset. Let's use computers as an example - A typical lease term might be 3 years, and you would want to retire the lease or loan by that time as it is typically time to upgrade technology. But we digress..!
And what about those ' CHOICES ' we talked about. It comes down to essentially two solutions for the business revolving line of credit:
1. The Canadian chartered bank solution
2. The non-bank asset based business credit line - it’s typically called an ' ABL ' by the industry
Years ago any non bank financing was viewed as ' alternative ‘, in some cases there was a perception it was financing of last resort. Absolutely not the case today as the world of business credit changed dramatically, moreso after the 2008 world wide recession, where many firms, including banks , went under . That new form of financing, the ABL business credit line all of a sudden seems available and cost effective in most cases.
Bank business credit agreements tend to be what is known as ' covenant based '. Even if the business owner and financial managers considers the company to be in growth mode it might in many cases not be able to meet some basic debt to equity and cash flow rations that are required by Canadian chartered banks.
Bank credit lines typically margin just A/R and receivables. In the case of an Asset based business credit facility the borrowing allows you to borrow the market value of the lump sum of all your assets - so that might be a/r, inventory, tax credits , and equipment . Any unpledged asset becomes financeable.
Recently we were at a clients and the CEO asked a very basic question - ' What then is the downside of ABL ‘. The answer? Other than a typically higher cost the benefits are no outside collateral, higher borrowing power, and unlimited growth - it’s not a capped credit line per se. In truth if we had to state one ' downside ' it might be the fact that you are required to report more regularly on your asset lists. In many cases that made most of our clients better managers of their business.
Bank business credit is always going to be low cost and flexible if your firm meets traditional criteria. When it doesn’t know that you have another choices, the ABL line. And by the way, many clients often try ABL for a year or so and then are faced with the decision that they are eligible to be ' bankable ' in the traditional sense.
Bottom line. They had a choice, so seek out and speak to a trusted, credible, experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a credible track record who can help you facilitate the business credit line you need.
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 Credit Line 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