The Business Credit Line . Visualizing The Perfect ABL Or Bank Facility

Business Credit Lines Shouldn’t Be An Ancient Art

OVERVIEW – Information on the business credit line in Canada. The right facility should be a combination of access to working capital and flexibility




The business credit line in Canada. Clients we meet can visualize it...

they sometimes just can't access it - it' almost as if it’s an ancient art they haven’t quite perfected. As a result... cash flow and working capital challenges. Does it have to be that way... we think you know the answer already... it doesn't and here's why. Let's dig in.

Part of the challenge of those biz credit lines is simply the fact that the majority of business owners and financial managers are fairly focused only on one solution - which is of course the commercial bank line of credit.

That is definitely one solution. The other (What? There's Another?!) Is a non bank asset based credit line facility. Both facilities monetize your receivables and inventory... the difference then? ... The Asset based credit line often monetizes and equipment and real estate also; as part of your overall borrowing power. The big difference is the real key point here - lending is more generous in a non bank asset credit line. Receivables and inventory are margined more aggressively, and in bank scenarios rarely are your unencumbered fixed assets monetized into credit lines.

The use of your business credit line in Canada, whether it's a bank line of non bank in nature can be viewed as a ' replenishment ' of cash from funds your firm has invested in working capital and fixed asset accounts. That need becomes even more acute when your business is growing. The simple reason - you've got more sales tied up in still uncollected receivables, inventory, and the need for some fixed asset or technology replacement here and there!


Whether you disagree or not, all banks have very specific rules in Canada around business credit lines. Bank credit lines for start up or very new businesses in Canada essentially... Don't exist! That’s because our strong banking system in Canada places a large emphasis on historical strong financial history, solid profits, and squeaky clean balance sheets.

If your firm is offside on banking requirements it's still exceptionally very safe to say that you qualify for an asset based credit line from a non bank commercial finance firm. And that higher leverage and borrowing power is still there of course - it’s the appeal of the ABL (Asset based Line)

By the way, if you are in fact ' off side' with your bank on their key metrics, ratios, covenants, and collateral issues the ABL line rides to the rescue more time than you think . So while your busines may have temporarily stumbled the non bank asset based line of credit steps in to keep cash flowing and working capital working!

It's not pure roses and sunshine all the time with your busines credit line. You should always be prepared to supply proper reporting and updates on your busines assets, even more so with ABL type facilities which in some cases might even require due diligence visits, appraisals, etc.

If there is a bottom line here its that the business owner/financial manager needs to understand both the alternative to credit lines, as well as the nuts and bolts of how and why they work best.

P.S. If you want to consider new, replacement , or alternative credit facilities seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor .




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 CREDIT LINE 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

Working Capital Line Of Credit Should Not Be A Blue Moon Event

Beat Rejection And Tragedy With Cash Flow Solutions That Work



OVERVIEW – Information on achieving a working capital solution and the right type of business line of credit in Canada




Working Capital , in our humble opinion, shouldn’t be a ' Blue Moon ' event.

That's of course a term used to mean a ‘rare event ‘, and unfortunately a lot of Canadian businesses view their search for a line of business line of credit as somewhat of a search for that ' rare event '. We don't think it has to be that way, so let's dig in.


Not a lot of people disagree with Warren Buffett; one of his many favourite sayings is simply that ' it's all about the cash '. So when we sit down with a lot of clients for an initial conversation we find it interesting that a lot of the talk seems to revolve around sales, profits, debt, equity, etc, but not always about cash flow and working capital. Therein lies the problem.

So while others, including the business owner and financial manager themselves measure their competitiveness and success by sales, profits, etc let's not forget Mr. Buffett’s

focus - cash flow.

Companies such as yours generate cash by asset turnover, and the way you measure, finance and manage and analyze that cash turnover will ultimately be your success.

What are the ways that companies in Canada finance receivables?

The best and most common solutions are as follows:

Canadian commercial bank lines of credit

Receivable financing non bank facilities - aka ' factoring' 'invoice discounting ' ' Confidential receivable non bank financing ' (the latter being our favourite for clients unable to access bank finance)

Asset based lines of credit

Tax credit financing (SR&ED, etc)

Securitization

So what in fact are those ' cash flow drivers’? One of them is of course accounts receivable. Not necessarily the amount of investment you have in A/R, (although that’s important also) but the timing of those inflows of customer receipts.

When business owners, and dare say it, even financial managers review their accountant or internally prepared financials they always tend to focus on the balance sheet or income statement . The 3rd part of the financial statement is the cash flow statement, and because of its technical nature many owners /mangers fail to grasp how it measures your business success. ( It shows what funds came in, went out, as well as the changes in the working capital accounts of receivables and inventory )

Here's a tip on that cash flow statement. Believe it or not some of the smartest financial analysts around tend to read any financial statement by first reading the footnotes to the financials, and then looking at the cash flow statement. By that time they have figured out a lot more about your company than you'd be surprised!

The other key thing about cash flow that's worth discussing when it comes to a business line of credit is simply the fluctuations in cash flow and working capital needs. In some months collections are great, in some they are not, and in those same months you might have larger outflows to suppliers, etc. Sales revenue rarely go up in straight line. So it is often impossible unless you track your sales and A/R trends to anticipate perfect cash flow needs. But you should still try.

Don't underestimate the need for cash flow focus and the use of the right type of line of credit for your firm. That effort allows you to avoid the tragedy and rejection feeling that comes from working capital shortages. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in your working capital 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 PAR AVENUE FINANCIAL = WORKING CAPITAL AND BUSINESS LINE OF CREDIT 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

Leasing Companies Save The Business World One Deal At A Time Via Creative Business Funding Solutions

Feeling Left Behind When It Comes To Asset Financing Solutions





OVERVIEW – Information on leasing companies in Canada . How does this method of business funding provide ultra creative solutions for asset finance needs


Leasing companies in Canada. When it comes to lining up all your firms’ asset financing choices do you sometimes feel a little left behind? That of course shouldn’t be the case - unfortunately it sometimes is.

Furthermore we maintain that there isn’t a more creative option when it comes to financing the asset or assets you need to run your business or take you to the head of the line in competitiveness. Let's dig in.


How then does the lease finance solution get truly creative when it comes to that ' one deal at a time ' finance solution? First of all let's make it clear that every asset category, even intangible assets such as computer software can be financed. Broadly speaking the asset categories that are financed everyday in Canada include manufacturing ' shop floor ' type assets, technology that includes computer, software and telecom assets, and rolling stock including trucks and fleets, etc. And we can put aircraft into that general category also.


When it comes to the right transaction for your firm it's all about credit/financing approval, rate, and structure. In Canada you can finance assets in 4 size categories - they include micro size, small, mid and large ticket lease. So whether it’s a laptop or fax machine ( is anyone still using faxes?!) or your newest corporate jet acquisition there is a finance solution for all.

Business owners like choices. There's no question about that, so when it comes to dealing with a lease finance partner you are comfortable with your choices are abundant. They include subsidiaries and divisions of Canadian banks, independent commercial finance firms, as well as captive finance companies associated with large manufacturers. Small transactions can be approved within hours, larger transactions due to size and credit approval issues take longer of course.

Although numerous benefits exist around the use of leasing companies for asset acquisition more often than not clients focus on working capital and cash flow issues they are challenged with - they want and need to acquire the assets in question - they are constrained by cost, budgets, access to business credit, etc.

The reality is that all credit quality issues can be addressed in lease business funding. Transactions that are related to your firm’s potential lack of credit quality are known as being ' structured' in nature. That simply means that you're still approved, however the rate or potential down payment might be higher.

Tremendous flexibility

exists around the actual payment structure of your transaction. Term sizes vary from 2 to 7 years, even longer for certain assets. Payments can be deferred for a reasonable period of time, or then can be either accelerated or ' step down' in nature... ie paying less during the initial asset acquisition period, and then ramping up as your firm generates the true benefits of the asset in question.

In certain cases operating leases can both enhance your balance sheet and reduce your payment and overall operating costs. ( Operating leases are ' leases to use ' as opposed to ' lease to own'.)

If your firm is looking for a quick way to both access and benefit from leasing companies and their solutions in Canada consider seeking and speaking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can ensure you're not ' left behind' when it comes to timely state of the art asset financing 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 BUSINESS LEASE FUNDING 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

Account Receivable Financing . Paying Proper Attention To This Business Cash Flow Solution?

Business Financing Method That’s Not The Harsh Reality You Thought It Was?

OVERVIEW – Information on accounts receivable financing in Canada . Understanding why .. and how! It works is critical to cash flow success




Accounts receivable financing in Canada. Rarely does paying proper attention to business details not pay off, and that's what we maintain this method of Cash Flow financing is all about. And, despite what you perhaps have heard, there’s no real harsh reality here. Let's dig in.

A/R financing in Canada is really a ' sub set ' of what we call asset based financing in the Canadian business financing marketplace. So why should the Canadian business owner or financial manager pay attention to this financing solution. Only one reason , that it advances cash flow to your company as you create sales - so if you believe cash flow and working capital are critical to your business ( that's a mantra we NEVER give up on ) then you're pretty well on board already.

This method of financing is, 99.9% of the time, offered by non bank lenders. They are commercial finance companies that specialize in providing your firm with a business based receivable line of credit.

While this type of facility works in the same manner as the traditional bank line of credit (you supply regular A/R and sales aging - funds are advanced). One immediate positive difference is that these funds are generally advanced at 90% of your outstanding a/r under 90 days - banks , surprising taking a more conservative approach ,

(!) advance at only 75%.

If we had to clearly identify to our clients one major concern most companies have it's the level of involvement of the A/R financier in your business when you borrow under this method. While banks simply register a security against your receivable and allow you to borrow funds against a specified limit at your will the A/R financing solution can be described as ' more involved '.

Why is that? One basic reason is that many firms that borrow from banks have a financially stronger financial profile. Firms utilizing AR finance often cannot meet bank criteria for any or all of the borrowing they need.

So is there actually a way to retain all the benefits of a business line of credit in A/R financing and control full ownership and control of your billing and sales function?

There is... and it's called CONFIDENTIAL RECEIVABLE FINANCING. Under this method your firm retains total command of your cash flow cycle. Bottom line, you're receiving all the benefits of A/R financing while being the master of your own domain - i.e. billing and collecting within our current customer relationships.

Another key factor, often also becoming a harsh reality, is the fact that Receivable financing from a commercial finance firm is more expensive than bank financing, which of course these days is in the low single digits when it comes to interest rates on business credit facilities.

The size of your AR facility is often a key determinant in pricing. While a small majority of firms in Canada can in fact achieve bank type pricing on this type of credit facilities the reality is that the overall cost of cash flow financing of receivables from a non bank finance firm is typically in the 2% per month range. But when you benchmark that against having all the cash you want, and having the ability to take on as much business as you want it’s not the worst tradeoff in the world.

Oh, and by the way, most companies can offset a huge amount of their financing costs by achieving faster asset turnover as well as being in a position to take discounts with suppliers now, often equaling the total cost of their borrowing!

So, if you haven’t paid attention to this method of financing your firm now just might be the time. And employing the services of a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor just might eliminate those harsh realities that were top of mind when it comes to financing your business.



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 A/R FINANCING AND CASH FLOW 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 Lease Financing In Canada . Why Its Better Than Just Average

Equipment Lease Financing In Canada . A Real HOUSE OF WONDERS Financing Solution for Canadian Business

OVERVIEW – Information on equipment lease financing in Canada . Here’s one key advantage of utilizing this method of asset financing that you probably didn’t know about










Equipment Lease Financing in Canada .When companies borrow from banks and other asset based lending firms there is, almost always, certain covenants that are put in place to ensure the lenders comfort with the financing. These covenants tend to be financial ratios (we can call them 'number relationships') that would allow a lender to get some sense of early warning that their loan may not be repaid.
The most typical covenants the lenders place on borrowings tend to be:

- Working capital guidelines
- Total debt versus total equity in the company
- Cash flow coverage - i.e. the company's ability to generate cash to pay the loans.


When these covenants are broken discussions ensue with the bank and the company!


Leasing and equipment financing, as a borrowing strategy, 99% of the time we feel, eliminates the additional risk a company takes when borrowing on equipment. That is to say that lease companies, in general, to not insist on those same restrictive covenants that the bank does. We can therefore make a statement that the company has a greater feeling of independence when it enters into a lease financing arrangement.


Why does the lease company not require those restrictive covenants? That is probably for two reasons - the first is the fact that leasing rates are, in general, higher than bank rates, so the lease company reflects their risk in pricing. Many times the lease firm will also ask for a deposit or advance payment to further augment our above point.


And at the core of why the lease company does not insist on restrictive covenants is the fact that most lease firms have very strong asset experience and are generally comfortable with collateral. As we can all imagine, banker can't be expected to have a strong sense of equipment valuation and remarketing - they are of course more 'numbers' oriented - relying on the balance sheet and income statement to predict payment, not the value of the asset.


In summary, leasing as an alternative form of finance allows a firm to acquire equipment without additional concern over lender covenants and ratios more commonly associated with banks. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your asset finance 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 = EQUIPMENT LEASE FINANCING EXPERTISE 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

Sred Funding Film & Digital Media Tax Credit Financing In Canada . Eliminating Glitch In Finances Of Tax Credits

We Are Not Pigs At The Trough … We’re Just Maximizing Canada Tax Credit Incentives for Cash Flow



OVERVIEW – Information on SRED funding and digital media tax credit and film financing in Canada . Use tax credits to cash flow your government programs – Everyone else is




Tax Credit financing in Canada. Certainly any form of a business tax credit conjures up images of Canadian business as ' pigs at the trough' - taking maximum advantage of government programs in a manner that connotates greed.

So what is our point today? Simply that utilizing valid government programs such as the SR&ED program, or the digital media tax credit designed for film and animation projects is simply smart business sense. And when you finance these very legitimate and established programs you’re simply ' cash flowing' those two government programs to ensure business and economic sense. Let's dig in.

No one doesn't admit there are ' naysayers' around these two programs. In fact the SRED (Scientific Research Experimental Development) program went through what can be only called a major overhaul in the last year or two. When all the dust settled though Canadian business owners were still eligible for approximately 40% or so of their R&D expenses via a tax credit.

Most people probably agree that the biggest change under the program, and it certainly affects the financing amount quite a bit, is the end of being able to get credit for equipment assets under the program covered. So that typically in the past has included computer equipment, lab equipment etc that was obviously needed for the research.

However, even if you back that component out the SRED credits are still very valuable, and, when financed, provide a strong source of cash flow and working capital for firms committed to spending. And to make out point, one of Canada's leading business publications stated awhile back that a solid portion of growing companies in Canada used SRED tax credits and financing thereof for almost 1/4 of all their external financing needs.

SR&ED funding in Canada is a very basic process. Claims are generally financed at 70% of their total federal and provincial level. Transactions are structured to maximize finance benefits for your firm - the structure is really a bridge loan, without payments, that gives you cash today for your tax credit tomorrow. Simple as that. That allows companies to access valuable working captial prior to the government doing their usual thing on validated your claim, and processing your annual return, etc.

Oh, and by the way, the biggest new trend in SRED funding is the ability to cash flow next years credit now. There’s a cash flow advantage!

Changing lanes very quickly, let’s recap the Digital media tax credit used for film and animation projects in Canada's media and Transmedia industry. It's not secret to most that Canada enjoys the nickname HOLLYWOOD NORTH.

Canada's film tax credit industry pulls in hundreds of Canadian and foreign producers because we have what can only be described as ' healthy ' tax credits that help fund productions. And these, as we have noted, are financeable! So when you see a movie that looks like ANYTOWN USA it just in fact might be the corner of YONGE AND DUNDAS in Toronto, or STANLEY PARK in Vancouver, or Montreal's Laurentians.


Canada recognizes the contribution in revenue, taxes, and image enhancement by this industry; As such productions get tax credits for the amount they spend in Canada for production spending, and to certain degrees cast and crew, etc

The film tax credit is financeable also, and often is the final straw in a total financing package that allows the production to move forward. Other elements include producer equity, pre-sales, advertising budgets, etc.

While SRED and film tax credits are hardly related relative to their respective industries they are financed in pretty well the same manner - IE bridge loans funded based on specific amounts as validated by a good film tax accountant that maximizes your spend credit .

Film and Media projects in Canada tend to be out of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. In fact the provincial domains of those three great cities compete fiercely for your tax credit business, as most politicians seem to believe their provinces recoup tenfold in economic activity.

So, bottom line, we can sit around all day and talk about PIGS AT THE TROUGH, or MANNA FROM HEAVAN. Our point is simple. SRED and Film tax financing maximizes these two legitimate and available programs. Utilize them while you can to enhance your business success.

Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian busines financing advisor who can assist you in your tax credit 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/sred-funding-digital-media-tax-credit-film.html


7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8
Phone = 905 829 2653
Fax = 905 829 2653
Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com






































Stan Prokop

Business Finance . Diagnosing Your Need And Solutions For Financing Loans And Credit

Finding Business Finance Needs As Hard To Get Approved As A Senators Expense Account?

OVERVIEW – .Information on accessing business finance needs in Canada . Financing Loans and asset monetization are not as difficult as you think




Business finance solutions in Canada. Is it just us or are clients mostly saying these days its harder to access financing loans and business credit as ever - dare we say it to remain topical .. even harder than getting a Senators expense account approved! We understand the issues, and don't necessarily agree, so let’s dig in.

While there is a lot of misunderstanding out there in the business financing landscape we do still maintain that a lot of common sense, some basic business financing knowledge, as well as access to trusted proven advices is the heart of today’s discussion topic. Things are even more positive when we're talking about growth, but surviving is important also!

If there is one thing we always are seeing after initial client discussions it's simply that they have been pursuing the wrong type of financing. Companies in the small to SME sector are rarely candidates for VC and private equity type solutions - yet they share stories of having been led down the path to glory

by companies or advisors of that ilk












If you're a betting person you'll make a lot of money when you win the bet, which is that your company is the 1 in 500 that gets some sort of equity financing going. Ourselves, we don't like those odds, so we focus on proven solutions to growth capital, including, but not limited to:

Securitization
Receivable facilities
Inventory finance
Supply Chain/ PO financing
Asset based lending
Equipment finance and sale leasebacks
Asset based non bank lines of credit
Canadian commercial business bank financing
Secured and Unsecured cash flow loans

There are some solid rules around accessing the above types of capital. They include:

Being proactive in addressing financing needs before the cash flow crisis occurs

Understanding how the competition might be financing them ( Certain types of financing solutions lend themselves to certain industries more commonly )

Being able to articulate EXACTLY what you are going to use the funding for

Know who has access to the above names types of capital that we outlined above - those solutions driving growth and ability to monetize assets

Understand how different rates, terms and structures will affect your financial statements

More often than not some of the business finance solutions we have in fact outlined can help you fix some real problems in your business. And by the way, those same solutions don't need to be EVERGREEN in nature; they often are simply a bridge to a different type of financing. A typical client we talk to often needs alternative non traditional financing to help fix some issues or growth, all the while staying focused on getting back to some lower cost traditional bank type financing.

Diagnosing your needs for business credit is half the battle. Accessing the right solution that matches your company and industry needs - together with proven advice and expertise is the other half. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can make business financing a bit easier than getting that Senate expense account approved!



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 Finance Solutions 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