Stalking Business Financing Options In Canada : Commercial Lending Options For Canadian Firms

CSI Business Financing .

Solving The Great Canadian Capital Mystery

OVERVIEW – Information on business financing solutions when it comes to commercial lending needs in Canada . What game plan must be in place to ensure optimal access to business finance





Business financing in Canada must often seem like a ' CSI ' like capital mystery to the Canadian business owner and financial manager. If he or she is on the right track they can almost be looked upon as ' stalkers ' when it comes to searching for the (right) business capital to financing their growing businesses. And it sure feels sometimes that the whole financing process feels like a ‘ crime scene ‘ of sorts . Let's dig in!

Planning business finance strategies allows your firm to stay ahead of the game. And your ability to put the right strategy in place will always allow you to bargain with strength when it comes to financing your company.

One question business owner/mgr's face is the issue of getting financing with their own internal resources and expertise, or to seek the in put of an external financial advisor. That role can be filled by your accountant, lawyer, of a business financing advisor with a track record of success and one with whom you are comfortable with.

A suitable amount of planning has to be in place- simple understanding where your firm’s balance sheet is at today, and where it needs to be when it comes to planned growth.

One part of the whole planning process that can more easily be defined is your need to plan for equipment asset needs. Here the cost of these assets, their useful life, and the cash flow implications can all be addressed by EQUIPMENT FINANCE / LEASE solutions. Whether it’s a 5k copier, or a million dollar production asset for the shop floor it's all about achieving the right lease finance solution.

While a formal business plan and cash flow forecast isn’t needed when it comes to ' stalking' those financing options we can say that it sure helps. A proper plan or cash flow will allow you to clearly understand what funding you will need, and when.

There are probably about 15 quickly identifiable sources of financing for your firm. They are boil down to 3 simple categories - debt, equity, or asset monetization. Looking for a ' shopping list' for these financings?

Here they are:

Receivable Finance
Inventory financing
Sale leasebacks
Equipment leases
PO / Contract financing
Asset based bridge loans
Commercial bank lines of credit
Royalty finance arrangements
Working capital term loans
Government SBL loans
Subordinated debt/cash flow/mezzanine type financing
Private equity


And the $ 64,000.00 question?

Which one... or ones are right for your firm. That comes down fundamentally to two issues - your capital structure and your overall credit worthiness. If there is any good news in Canadian business financing its that your firm can be a start up, high growth, mature and doing well, or in bankruptcy or receivership proceedings - the bottom line ? .. There's still a financing option for your firm.

A good way to prepare for that ' stalking' process we've talked about is to simple understand what stage of business life your own firm is in - as per above, and ensure you focus in on the financing alternatives that are REALISTICALLY available for your business. It’s simple addressing the cash issue in the context of where your company is in its life cycle.

Is there a perfect financing strategy available for your firm? Sorry Virginia, but the truth is that some work better than others, and some cost less... or more than others. If you want to address what commercial lending options are available for your firm consider seeking and speaking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you meeting the capital solutions that make sense for your firm, right here and right now.




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 Financing & Commercial Lending 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

Growth Financing Challenges Shouldn’t Be A Meltdown: The Right Business Finance Solutions Are Key

Is The Ability To Grow Your Company Falling Apart Due Lack Of Or Improper Business Finance?

OVERVIEW – Information on growth financing strategies when it comes to which business finance solutions meet the goal of the Canadian business owner/financial manager



Growth financing in Canada usually revolves around 2 key issues: Business finance solutions that are available and managing those solutions relative to their cost and structure. Those issues should not be the cause of your firms ' meltdown ‘.

Let's dig in.

While every business in Canada isn’t obsessed with growth we can make a reasonable assumption that business owners and their financial managers do in fact want to increase the size and value of their business. We supposed the balance of the owners and entrepreneurs in Canada are obsessed with managing even worse matters, sales decline, operating losses etc. So we're all for a focus on growth.

When it comes to financing and specifically in terms of growth the status quo rarely works. We constantly meet with clients who find themselves challenged as they strive to increase revenues - the old ways of financing their firm aren't working. In some cases, remarkably, they have been self financing and didn’t even need external capital solutions.

What are those capital / cash flow/ and working capital solutions needed for. Typically they are for purchase new assets (equipment lease financing) and current asset growth in receivables and inventory. (Bank credit lines, non bank asset based lines of credit).

Any new capital or working capital resources is going to come from 1 , or a combination of 3 things - new owner equity, some sort of debt financing, or one our recommended favorites - monetizing assets .

Monetizing assets can come in the form of the bank and non bank credit lines we have mentioned. Other current assets that can be monetized are SR&ED tax credits. Two other options to consider are sale leaseback strategies of assets you have purchased and owned, but not subject to any liens or encumbrances; the final strategy is to explore a PO/Contract financing scenario.


All of these 3 different capital sources should come with the usual pros and cons analysis. That’s simply because of the following:

Debt financing is a long term permanent obligations that must be addressed with future cash flows

Equity financing and ownership dilution is expensive

Bank and commercial financing companies offer different rates terms and structures all of which must be assessed relative to cost and the obligations that come with them (ratios, loan covenants, external collateral, etc)

When it comes to both debt financing and bank and commercial finance company solutions the dreaded owner personal guarantee is always going to be an issue. Often it can be negotiated in some manner, but not always.

The general rule of thumb of course is that debt and asset monetization strategies are always going to be more expensive than equity, especially in the early years of your business when you're building value.

When we sit down with a client to assess business financing alternatives the key issues on the table are as follows:

Asset valuation and quality
Profit and Loss status
Sales prospects
Operating issues relative to asset turnover


If you don’t want your firm to face the growth meltdown challenge seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist in ensuring the ability to grow your business, without falling apart, with the right financial solution, is key.


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 = Growth 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 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