A Cash Flow Problems Solution Checklist : Business Finance Challenges Finally Resolved

Here’s A Tour Through Cash Flow Financing Solutions

OVERVIEW – Information on cash flow problems experienced by Canadian firms . What business finance solutions are in place to address management of working capital?





Business finance cash flow problems were in the news the other day. No surprise to us, as we talk about that pretty well every day. The article was front and center in one of Canada's two daily business newspapers the other day. The actual title of the article was ' ENTREPRENEURS OVERLOOK CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT’

We don't necessarily agree they ' overlook' cash flow mgmt, but we do think that many times the business owner and financial manager simple doesn't know how to solve those challenges with effective solutions that pertain to their particular business. We know what the solutions and issues are... so let's dig in.

A large part of the article in question revolved around business owners/mgrs focusing on instead on operational issues. We're all for that of course. Using current asset management as an example, any company can increase internal cash flow by better managing A/R and inventories. And if they can't get the financing they need from banks their ability to absorb higher cost financing such as receivable and inventory finance can be significantly offset by better asset turnover.

The article also suggested that a large part (93 %!) of businesses in Canada were focusing mostly on two areas - cost cutting and technology innovation. We'll leave cost cutting to out clients, but we're the first to put forth effect lease and technology financing solutions for clients that are looking to work harder/smarter.

Another interesting fact put forth in our article was the fact that over 60% of all Canadian businesses admitted to cash flow problems in the past. No secret there - we see that every day.

But what then are some of those stop gaps for cash flow challenges. They include solutions such as:

A/R Financing
SR&ED Tax credit finance
Asset based lines of credit - (they combine inventory, A/R and equipment into one borrowing facility and work just like a bank line of credit)

Our reference article, not surprisingly , laid forth the fact that many business owners and managers focus on the income statement, aka 'profits' as opposed to page 3 of the financial statement (its the one you never read - its the CASH FLOW statement ) and shows in detail you cash in a ' where got' ' where gone ' format . Check it out, it's true!

A large part of any cash flow discussion we have with clients focuses around growth .Thats because growth eats working capital, and it's always hungry. The more you grow, the hungrier it gets. And the sad reality around growth and hyper growth is that a lot of traditional lending is not suited to huge growth success. That’s where innovative solutions such as PO financing, or ABL (Asset Based) CREDIT LINES make sense.

Many great growth potential stories revolve around outside of Canada growth. Those challenges can be addressed by PO FINANCING, CREDIT INSURANCE, and CONTRACT FINANCING.

So when it comes to business finance cash flow problems it's all about recognizing the need and implementing the solution. Many traditional solutions can easily be complemented by alternative finance strategies that will work. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist your company. You just might find that ' the fix is in'!

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 Cash Flow Financing Expertise



Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?


CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Phone = 905 829 2653


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com



























Stan Prokop

A Factoring Program Via An Account Receivable Financing Strategy Is A Great Reason To Reverse A Tsunami Cash Outflow

Unlocking The Curse Of Carrying Receivables

OVERVIEW – Information on account receivable financing in Canada. How does a factoring program and A/R finance solution offset the risk and cost of carrying customer accounts



Account receivable financing in Canada is sort of the Canadian business owner/financial manager’s way of reversing the curse. The curse? It's of course carrying your accounts receivable. And a receivables factoring program is one solid method of eliminating that curse. Let's dig in.

For Canadian business the level and importance of carrying A/R is dependent on several key elements. They include the quality of your customers, the size of individual transaction/invoices, and whether your product is a product... or a service.

A/R financing addresses all of those issues. If your firm cannot qualify for traditional bank financing, but can generate clean invoices that demonstrate your clients have received the products and services they have bought or contracted for you in effect have unlimited access to business credit . That's a surprise to many clients who often feel challenged in their ability to obtain business cash flow/capital.

The other key point around a successful invoice factoring program is the ability of your firm to take on an unlimited amount of business. Again, that's a surprise to the Canadian business owner / manager who feels constrained in their ability to grow their business.

There is an interesting analogy we can make about the pricing around A/R finance. Many Canadian businesses offer a discount to their clients for prompt payment, that discount typically is in the 2% range. While the majority of your clients can't take that discount (they have their own cash flow problems!) the pricing around a factoring program is quite similar. By that we mean that financing receivables works in essentially the same manner - you forgive that 2% to get all your A/R, or as much as you want, financed immediately the day you bill for your products and services. Talk about co-incidence!


One of the key ' power issues' around a receivables factoring program revolves around the issue of ' turnover'. While many view the financing more expensive than bank financing (we’re assuming they think they qualify for unlimited bank financing!) the reality is that if your sell, finance your A/R, generates profits, and keep selling more and repeating that process your firm is an instant winner in the profit/growth game. So yes you should always weigh the cost of account receivable financing against all your alternatives more often than not you will find it's always there, and always available.

By the way, owners, investors in your firm, and any lenders you have, term or otherwise will always look at the way you manage you cash flow, predominant via current asset mgmt.

Why are you always going to need some level of AR financing? If you're growing the amount of receivables you have will grow commensurately with your level of sales. (That situation will worsen when if you manage your accounts poorly).

By the way your gross profit margin is always a factor in considering how you finance your A/R effectively. In a perfect world you will have high margins and high turnover and good clients. (It’s not a perfect world by the way!) A great way to track your effectiveness in A/R mgmt and financing needs is simply to chart sales levels and A/R levels together.


So yes, carrying A/R is a curse of some manner. But don’t forget it allows you to grow sales, generate profits, and take your company to the next level. An effect factoring program via account receivable financing is a great way to address the issue. Our recommended solution is by the way is CONFIDENTIAL A/R FINANCING, allowing you to circumvent the traditional factoring program and bill and collect your own accounts. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record of business 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 = Accounts Receivable Financing Expertise


Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?


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

A SRED Bridge Financing Loan Via Is Just The After Life Of Your Tax Credit Consultants Claim

Embracing SR&ED Claims Via SRED Bridge Loans In Canada

OVERVIEW – Information on financing the SRED Tax credit claim in Canada. This bridge loan , prepared via your consultants SR&ED work provides valuable cash flow and working capital for Canadian businesses wishing to maximize the benefits of the program




SRED Financing , we can make the case, is really the after life of your SR&ED consultants claim that's been prepared for your firm. We maintain that that financing of a SR&ED claim is really the last spike in the whole tax credit process... and its's a positive one if you're looking to recoup cash flow and working capital from your r&d developments.

The last few years have been somewhat tumultuous in the whole world of this type of tax credit. After a couple years of study some of the' rules of the road were changed' and the whole program, which delivered billions annually to Canadian business simply seemed at risk. But when the dust settled basic funding of your claim was intact.

The SRED process is a combined federal and provincial claim, and using Ontario as an example alone that province funds close to 1/4 Billion dollars in research tax credits annually .(By the way, another 400 Million dollars is funded for the film, TV and animation tax credits. These credits can also be financed. Given that sort of dollar commitment we're wondering if every business owner/CEO of mfg companies wish they were in the movie business!)

How do basic SRED issues affect the financing of your tax credit? It's safe to say, sticking to our basics, that you have to ensure you qualify, your application has to be correct, and you want expertise to maximize the amount of your claim given the somewhat changed new rules around the program.

While the program is administered by Canada Revenue it's your firm or your tax credit consultant/preparer that must prepare and submit the claim SR&ED claims are for all size of privately owned businesses in Canada (public companies don't participate in the non refundable process).

When it comes to financing your claim the role of the sred financing consultant is critical. Given the streamlined new process instituted by the government your goal is simple - clarify and maximize.

In Canada claims are financed in two manners -


1. A SR&ED bridge loan is created out of your already filed claim

2. A credit financing facility is created to fund your expenses that you intend to file and then fund via a SRED bridge loan

While some basic due diligence is always performed on your firm many firms that could otherwise not borrow elsewhere can easily get funding via their SRED Bridge loan. The fundamental reason is that the collateral for the loan is of course the SR&ED credit itself

Some other benefits of financing your tax credit claim? For a starter no payments are made during the whole time the bridge loan is in effect. Your financing costs are deducted at time of funding and realization of your approved claim. Additionally many firms that apply are early revenue, pre revenue, or no revenue as they are just starting to build their business. But the SRED credit can still easily be cash flowed.

So, should the after life of your SRED claim, i.e. the financing of it, appeal to your firm if it files and uses this popular program. It will if your firm wants to monetize your credit and continue to grow your business. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record of financing claims who can assist you with your SR&ED credit finance solution.



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 SR&ED TAX CREDIT Financing Expertise




Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?


CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8


Phone = 905 829 2653




Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com



































Stan Prokop

Commercial Finance Options Are One Step Further When You Understand Business Finance Reality

Solving The Great Canadian Business Capital Mystery


OVERVIEW – Information on commercial financing options in Canada . Business finance solutions make sense when you understand the Canadian finance landscape




Commercial financing options in Canada surely must seem like the Great Canadian capital mystery to many business owners and financial managers. Solving business finance solutions is all about understanding the ' access ' to capital and having an understanding of the commercial lending landscape in Canada when it comes to SME (Small to Medium Enterprises) working capital and asset financing. Let's dig in.

Business owners and financial managers know there are a lot of reasons why businesses fail, or why they can’t attract money. We acknowledge poor mgmt, poor execution, failed strategies, etc... but our focus is on ' FUNDING'!

While Canadian banks almost always are the ' go to ' in commercial finance it is clear to all (at least us anyway) that their concentrated power in Canadian financing occasionally works against the SME borrower!

Canadian banks do address certain needs for solid commercial financing options. If your business is established, has cash flow, profits, reasonable financials... you're in! Alternately the banks are the operating partner in the Govt SBL program - with the government guaranteeing loans up to 350k for equipment, leaseholds, computers, software, and real estate. It's a recommendation we make for many clients.

Because venture capital and private equity funds have hundreds of millions of dollars in them these days this forces transactions to be done that are on a large scale. That eliminates most of the SME sector unless you’re in an exciting technology area - but many firms are not. Therefore they waste days, weeks, months, years chasing capital that it never meant for them. Bottom line - a failed strategy.

Another key issue in Canadian business finance is ' GROWTH ‘. Many clients we meet wrestle constantly with achieving growth financing.

Our preferred solutions and recommendations include:

A/R & PO/Contract Financing
Asset Based Credit Lines
Cash flow loans
Tax Credit Finance
Sale Leaseback strategies
Equipment Finance

Here's a surprise. Many businesses that would qualify for growth / operating commercial financing options don't get approved. Why? Because they can’t provide simple basics such as clean financials, or an executive summary or business plan that outlines where the business is going. By the way, that includes a cash flow forecast.










Another key issue is focusing on the difference between debt and asset monetization. Both strategies work, but you need to understand your current balance sheet and cash flow to determine which one of those two solutions will get you to the goal line.

If you or your company is looking to acquire a company there are some solid ways to finance a merger or acquisition scenario. In general a company with assets and cash flow prospects can fairly easily be financed either thru a bank term loan and revolver, or alternatively a non bank asset based lender.

Understanding what’s really viable, and what the qualifiers are, when it comes to a commercial finance solution only makes sense. That allows you to now say ' We've solved the Great Canadian Capital Mystery '! Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record of helping Canadian business find the capital they 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 Business Finance And Commercial Financing Options






Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Phone = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

Stan Prokop

Account Receivable Factor Funding Companies Provide The Secret To Cash Flow Financing . Here is Why And How

Understanding The Partial Victory Of A/R Financing . There’s No Shutdown Here !


OVERVIEW – Information on A/R Financing in Canada. What role do account receivable factor funding companies play in Business financing




Account receivable factor funding companies provide cash flow financing to Canadian businesses. What is the secret to their success, how do they work, and why is this sought after method of financing your business. We've got some thoughts, and answers on that. Let's dig in.

These days all we hear about on the business news is the U.S. govt shutdown. Well there's no shutdown in Canadian A/R financing solutions - they are alive and well, and open for business.

The use of A/R factor funding in Canada can be considered a triumph of innovative financing. The reality though is that it’s only been around as a business finance tool for hundreds of years. At the heart of the matter is the concept of using your sales, and the business receivables they create as collateral for cash flow.

All of a sudden the time that it takes a dollar to flow through your business (your ' operating cycle ‘) is dramatically shortened... and that’s a good thing.

The cost of financing your receivables depends on who you finance them with. In typical cases it’s done by our Canadian chartered banks under commercial lines of credit; when that isn’t possible that role is taken over by and A/R factor funding firm, typically a non bank. When you finance your sales and receivables through the bank the cost is an annual interest rate based on bank rates available to business.

In the case of A/R finance the cost is not an annual interest rate, it’s a discount. Under that mechanism your arrangement is funded via a sale of your A/R, at a ' discount' as we have noted. Your balance sheet is affected in a very positive manner - receivables disappear and cash appears.

In our two examples the key concept is 'secured borrowing '(the bank) via assigning your receivables as collateral, and the ' SALE ' of your accounts via A/R finance.

Why is factor funding so popular then? It couldn’t be simpler - your firm receives immediate cash for sales made instead of waiting anywhere from 30-90 days these days. Result? Instant cash and working capital. We also note that factor funding is typically provided at 90% of your A/R base; typically banks only advance on 75%. In both cases the balance is a holdback of sorts.

Some of the largest companies in the world sell their A/R in this manner - the Bay street boys

call it a fancier name - SECURITIZATION



Old style A/R Finance in Canada typically has the factor funding company playing a major role in your billing and collecting procedures. Our recommendation for our clients is CONFIDENTIAL RECEIVABLE FINANCE , allowing you to get all the benefits of factor funding while still maintaining full control over all your billing and collecting.

If you want to be part of the triumph of A/R financing in Canada seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in utilizing this solid method of cash flow financing.




Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial
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 Receivable Factor Funding Expertise




Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

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


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/account-receivable-factor-funding-companies.html





Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Phone = 905 829 2653


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


























Stan Prokop

Asset Based Lending Is The Simple Solution To The Complex Challenge Of A Business Credit Line

Have You Kept Up With The Newest Alternative In Business Credit Lines?



OVERVIEW – Information on the ABL asset based lending business credit line . Simplifying

business borrowing in Canada





The business credit line in Canada. Have you kept up with the newest alternative for this key Canadian business financing tool? Its ' ABL’... which is the acronym for ' asset based’ lending in Canada. Specifically we're talking about a non bank revolving credit facility. Let's dig in.

In business it's all about benefits. So what then is so beneficial about asset based lending business credit? Easier to obtain is frankly one key benefit, given that lenders everywhere, including of course here in Canada have tightened credit standards over the last 4-5 years .

The concept of the credit line is simple - it’s an overdraft allowing a company to enjoy flexibility in the financing of current assets such as inventory and receivables. When banks put such a facility in place they focus on certain restrictions and are structured in such a way that when things go wrong the revolving loan is 'called'.

While we have identified ABL asset based lending as fundamentally a business overdraft it’s important to realize that it’s a solid tool for a number of different business circumstances.

Those circumstances? They include:

The refinancing of an existing bank line of credit

A Corporate restructuring - this often allows business owners to maintain ownership without seeking additional equity dilution

Acquiring a business or competitor in a merger/acquisition type scenario

High growth situations - ( It's an irony of business that traditional lenders such as banks steer away from explosive high growth situations - it throws the ratios out of whack!)

Management buyouts utilizing the assets of the company as a key financing mechanism

Another key focus of the ABL business credit line is the ability of the business owner/financial manager to borrow higher amounts than in a traditional bank scenario. Managers of ABL firms have a laser like precision focus on the value of your current and fixed assets. Fixed assets ? Yes, because a true asset based non bank line of credit will allow you to borrow, under one umbrella, against A/R, inventory, and fixed assets that are not otherwise collateralized.

While Canadian banks continue to be the most respected (and liquid) lending institutions in the world Canadian business has simply realized there are other alternatives available when it comes to business credit. (ABL is a lot more popular in the U.S. where it originated, given bank liquidity there is a whole different kettle of fish.)

While we have spoken of a ' true' asset based lending credit line there are some solid ' subsets’. They include:

A/R Financing
Inventory Financing
Tax Credit Financing
Purchase Order/Supply Chain financing

These can be singularly considered for any firm seeking business credit, or combined in a number of ways that make sense for your operational and growth needs.

While any type of business is theoretically eligible to be considered for non bank credit lines certain industries such as manufacturing, wholesalers, etc are perfect for this type of business solution.

While we focus a lot on the benefits of the asset business credit line it’s important to note that these facilities are more often than not more costly from a financing point of view. The simple explanation? Non bank lenders borrow from banks... so it’s a higher cost of capital for them. Typically the risk premium is often higher also as companies financed cannot meet the same level of liquidity and meet traditional lender criteria such as acceptable profits, debt to equity covenants, etc.

That cost though is offset nicely by the ability to get approved. Fundamental requirements are your ability to provide monthly financial reporting and acceptable turnover of A/R and inventories. Appraisals will often be required if you're throwing fixed assets into the mix.

While there is no upper limit on asset based lending typical deals will start on the low end in the 250k range. However, as we have noted, there's no ceiling in business credit in ABL and it may come as a surprise to many that some of Canada's largest and well known corporations abandoned traditional commercial banking for this type of credit.

Don't get caught being up to date on financing solutions that are available to your firm. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record of delivering solid financial solutions for your firms growth 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 = Business Credit Line and Asset Based Lending Expertise




Have A Question Or Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Phone = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com























Stan Prokop