Bank Business Credit Line Alternatives In Canada. Inside The Hidden Sector Of ABL Loans And Financing

What To Pack When Going On A Trip For A New Business Credit Line Lender

OVERVIEW – Information on ABL loans in Canada . This busines credit line is the alternative to bank financing and just might work if you have … Assets!




Searching for a business credit line in Canada . One question to ask is what is the difference between bank financing of such facilities and the newer ' ABL LOANS' which offer a strong alternative to Canadian chartered bank facilities. So what should the business owner/financial manager pack when embarking on this trip? Let's dig in.

A tremendous amount of business owners/ financial managers still equate revolving lines of business credit with our Chartered banks. While it is true they offer the lowest interest/ financing rates, and unlimited capital to borrow from the reality is that every firm does not qualify for bank credit.

ABL (asset based) Loans serve the same purpose as bank lines. They provide your firm with cash flow/working capital that bridges the timing of turning your revenues into cash. Carrying inventory and receivables are the drivers behind that need for business credit.

ABL business credit facilities differ from the banks in that they often have no upward limit. While limits might be initially set, as your business grows and investments in A/R and inventory increase so does your borrowing power. Bank facilities tend to be traditionally capped at a certain borrowing limit, and are reviewed annually based on financial statements, profitability, cash flow coverage, and any other collateral the bank might hold.

Business owners can be forgiven for asking ' How can the non bank asset based lender offer this type of facility that is so different from our Canadian chartered banks?'

The reality is three fold:

1. They are non regulated and can do what they want

2. They focus solely on assets - not ratios and covenants

3. They perform a higher level of due diligence and reporting in both setting up the facility and then monitoring it - you can expect to supply monthly reporting in the form of aged receivable, payables, inventory and equipment lists - Bottom line - It's all about the assets.


What are the issues that allow a firm to consider asset based versus bank credit lines? One might be fast growth. When your financials don’t support the equity, debt and ratios required by the banks, or if there is seasonality in or ' bulge ' requirements for growth you're a strong candidate.

We are assuming you have investigated lower cost options such as the bank and simply don’t qualify regarding their requirements. If you can produce clean financials, can report on assets regularly you're a candidate for ABL loans.

Typical ABL business credit line facilities start at 250k as a minimum - As for the upward limit there is really no upward amount that can't be financed if you're with the right lender.

It's a bit of a secret

that Canadian chartered banks, for the most part have small internal niche divisions of ABL credit that compete, to a certain degree, for this type of business. It's unclear to us whether their requirements differ that much from typical bank offerings - we'll let our clients decide that one.

By the way, borrowing power is greater with ABL facilities. A/R is margined at 90%, and healthy borrowing is in place for your inventory and equipment, all of which are bundled in the same facility.

While some may consider ABL as a ' hidden market’ it’s becoming more and more popular everyday. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in determine if your firm has what it takes to embark on that ABL loan trip!


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





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

Rethinking Account Receivable Financing Via A Business Factor In Canada : Here’s Why.. And How

Reducing The Cost Of Receivable Finance In Canada

OVERVIEW – Information on account receivable financing in Canada. How the business owner/financial manager lower and manage business factor costs while increasing cash flow and working capital




Account receivable financing in Canada , via a business factor more often than not has the business owner/financial manager weighing the cost versus benefits of this method of growth financing. How can the owner/manager both reduce costs and enhance benefits. There are numerous ways... so let's dig in.

The ability to manage your receivables effectively, while maximizing the benefits of receivable finance is the ultimate ' business whammy'! Part of the reason is that the investment you have in A/R is often the largest liquidity component in your business. So managing that investment you make in sales will reflect directly on relations with your suppliers, lenders and clients.

We advise clients that they should also consider CONFIDENTIAL RECEIVABLE FINANCING which allows them to eliminate their clients from the whole notification process that is typically associated with traditional receivable financing that came to us from business practices in the U.K. and the United States. In Canada we're a little different, eh?!

When does account receivable financing via a business factor go awry? It's when the owner /manager considers it as a total cash flow machine, (which it is) but then lets other aspects of the company receivables investment get off track. So while they get immediate cash flow from A/R financing they become lax in collecting accounts, and granting credit. Remember that in the majority of ' Recourse' A/R financing in Canada you're still responsible for bad debts, so don't act like a drunken cowboy when granting credit, special terms, taking on ultra large orders, etc.

The opposite of all that is running your focus properly , combining the benefits of AR financing ( instant cash flow, unlimited working capital, ability to take on larger orders, easier approval than bank financing ) with proper Receivables management.

So what is that 'proper' management focus? It's:


A good credit granting policy
Proper collections and follow up on accounts
Good financing reporting on at least a monthly basis (i.e. aged accounts, etc)

Taking your month end a/r and determine how well you turn over current assets such as A/R and inventory should be ' JOB 1' when it comes to monitoring ongoing financial performance.

EXAMPLE: Your annual sales are 2,500,000.00 and your year end AR is 88.750$ -

That means you are turning your accounts over 28 times a year. The goal is to always make that number larger, relative to general benchmarks in your industry.

The classic benefit of account receivable financing in Canada is the ability to take on larger orders from credit worthy accounts, things that your competition might not be able to consider. They can't consider that because investing in new sales requires the cash investment in your current asset accounts that you could otherwise not make. So unless you're Apple Computer selling billions on a cash sale basis

it's a challenge that business owners in the SME COMMERCIAL area face everyday.

If you’re interested in turning your firm into a cash flow machine consider account receivable financing via a business factor firm in Canada. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in matching A/R financing with solid ways to reduce the costs of that type of business finance.




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 = Account Receivable Finance Expertise

Stan Prokop

Commercial Banking And Peak Financing Via Your Search For Best Business Bank In Canada

Spotting The Rare ‘ Best Business Bank’ In Canada

OVERVIEW – Information on commercial business banking in Canada. Can the business owner/manager select the best business bank for his or her needs?



The best business bank in Canada . When it comes to commercial banking in Canada how often do we spot the elusive ' best one'. Unfortunately when we talk to many of our clients in the SME sector they seem to let us know that the Canadian banking industry does a great job of ‘living DOWN to their expectations’! Does that have to be the case? We don’t think so , let's dig in.

The other day we read an article that was not Canadian based, but had the theme that all banks are, or are not the same. That got us to thinking, eh?
Consider this, if you were ' the same' as all your competitors in your industry isn’t that somewhat of a losing business strategy?

When it comes to larger corporations and public companies a certain case can be made that it's mostly about ' pricing' and ' rates' when it comes to the large amounts of capital that Canadian banks can bring to the table. Naturally the banks won't agree with that and will say that they bring differentiated value to the table as they do battle

in that hyper competitive market of the big guys.











However, clients tell us that when they have found a great banker or banking facility in Canada it's all about the relationship as much as the services. So what are we saying then... simply that ' It's the banker, not the bank'!

A common concern among business owners is not that they don’t get all the services that come with our large concentrated bricks and mortar banking system in Canada - it's that they don’t have access to business credit.
Think about the fact that most bank advertisements in Canada focus on ' services’... not business lending. Is it just us that notices that?

If the commercial bank you are with has a solid banker that has a good grasp of ' risk' and ' business growth' you clearly are with a winner.

What services are important to the business owner and financial manager in the SME sector? They include business credit lines, business credit cards, foreign exchange services, and term loans. When it comes to those term loans not all businesses understand that every chartered bank in Canada can facilitate government guaranteed business loans under the SBL/CSBF program. So they can facilitate those loans (maximum 350k) for you, but do they?

Our experience tells us that every bank runs the program differently, which is a cause of great confusion for our clients. Knowing which bank and banker can complete such a loan successfully is worth a million in our mind. Do you agree? We can summarize the traits of a great banker and bank as the following:


Speed
Access to business credit
Knowledge

By the way, one of the problems with Canadian business financing is that a large number of business owners and financial managers don't understand that they have financial alternatives via commercial financing non bank firms.

Those solutions typically are more generous, not available at banks, cost more, but at the same time bring tremendous access to capital.

Those solutions?

Receivable financing
Inventory Financing
Non bank asset based lines of credit
Equipment Leasing
Tax credit monetization - ( SR&ED)
PO/Supply chain financing

Firms offering this type of finance are not as regulated as our banks, are more open to risk based on their financing rates, and often move more nimbly.

So have our banks done a great job of all seeming ' the same’. We'll let our clients decide whether they fit inside the ' credit box’ that’s been drawn up by banks in Canada. If they do fit capital is unlimited and low cost. If they don't fit... there are alternatives!

Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your finance and capital and credit 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 :




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

In Equipment Financing Here’s One Term You Need To Understand : Operating Lease Vs Capital Lease

Figured Out What’s Best ? Operating Or Capital Lease Equipment Financing

OVERVIEW – Information on the types of leases available to Canadian business owners, When it comes to equipment financing in Canada the owner/manager must know the difference between operating lease vs. capital lease





In equipment financing in Canada does the term ' operating lease vs. capital lease ’ mean something to you when it comes to financing assets? It should... so let's dig in.

That term specifically revolves around the type lease that you choose when you're acquiring fixed assets - i.e. computers, machinery, shop floor equipment, rolling stock, etc. Even your corporate jet applies here! Well, we can wish, can't we?

Knowing the differences in these two terms makes or breaks the ultimate finance strategy you choose when acquiring assets. And you thought it was all about the interest rate!

The type of lease you choose affects the ultimate profitability of your lease company, and that should be important as that profit is generated from dealing with your company.


Operating leases are all about ' using assets’... not owning them. So a significant part of the 'OPERATING LEASE' is the value of the equipment at the end of the lease - as in how it is recorded and how it is realized.

Clients are sometimes surprised at the low monthly payments in an operating lease - they shouldn’t be, as its all part of a waiting game that kicks into place at the end of the lease term. That’s when your lease document should provide you with 3 critical options on the asset - renew, return, purchase.

There is in fact a 4th option on occasion and that is ' upgrade' as many assets lend themselves to being upgraded to keep technology and use up to date. So that low payment we have just mentioned is simply because the lessors profit is going to come at the end of the lease.

Operating leases are perfect legal and widely in use. They have though lost some of their luster due to international accounting standards which has affect how they are recorded on your balance sheet. In past years they were a great way of hiding debt on the balance sheet unless the reader took the time to peruse footnotes in financials – which most people don’t/didn’t!

The capital lease on the other hand is all about owning assets... So profit generated by the lease company comes solely from the interest /finance rate on your transaction. So your capital ' lease to own' is all about fixed monthly payments.

However, capital leases can be structured in many ways to seem like a lower monthly payment - one of those strategies employed by both you and or your lease firm partner is creating a transaction that has a bargain purchase option - it’s in effect a balloon payment due at the end of the lease. Therefore monthly payments are low and the ' balloon payment' at the end of the lease term can be refinanced.

Many clients we meet are overwhelmed

by some of the confusion in terms around equipment financing. The reality though is that there are only 5 parts of any lease - the term, the rate, the payment , the end of term , and of course the $ value of your transaction. If you know 4 of those you can do a really good job at exactly or closely guessing the other components.








Don't get caught in the ' lease terminology' game. If you're financing assets seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record of success in financing the assets you need to keep your firm profitable, successful, and growing.



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 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

Need To Finance A Business Sale In Canada . What You Don’t Know About Owner Financing And Other Strategies

Here’s Some Logic Around Financing A Business Purchase You Might Not Know

OVERVIEW – Information on how to finance a business sale in Canada. Key elements of owner and alternative /traditional finance techniques will make your transaction more successful




The need to finance a business sale in Canada requires some solid expertise and common sense logic. And in many cases some owner financing can make or break the deal. Let's dig in.

Buying a business in Canada revolves around a small handful of scenarios. In some cases the entrepreneur sees an attractive opportunity to build and grow a company. In other cases it’s all about acquiring assets or sales in a merger/acquisition type scenario.

The process around those scenarios involves some technical expertise in the areas of financing, tax, as well as some common sense logic from the seller and buyer.

Transactions that are not large or have a story attached to them are typically more difficult to finance. One of the more creative strategies around such deals is to have an ' owner financing' component. That amount of finance, plus the buyer’s equity or down payment can nicely complement a successful transaction.

The amount of capital a buyer puts into a deal revolves around the risk the purchaser is willing to take , relative to the total financing required and is sometimes mandated by a lender as to minimum equity required . Danger is just around the corner

if there is too little equity and leverage issues are just too high to allow the company to operate comfortably without a significant debt load.

As we have alluded, a critical aspect of many deals is the seller’s participation via an owner financing component. In many cases that becomes a challenge if the seller is focused on a share sale versus an asset sale. Share sales are very difficult to finance in the SME (small to medium enterprise) sector.

There's some important and positive logic around owner financing. That revolves around the fact that the owner finance contribution almost more often than not will allow a higher selling price to the seller, complemented by the ability to close a deal successfully because less financing is required.

Key factors in a seller finance strategy include the interest rate on the ' take back', as well as the term or amortization of the Vendor Take Back component. And buyer beware: In some cases your lender or lenders may view the VTB as debt which hinders what the buyer and seller are trying to achieve. On the other hand, many lenders view the VTB as very positive! Go figure.

Very few transactions in the SME sector in Canada are financed via Private equity groups, or the infamous ' VC'. The main reason being is these deals are not attractive as far as size and future liquidity events are concerned.

So best sources for financing include the Govt SBL loan, a willing Canadian chartered bank, and commercial finance companies via asset based lenders who craft creative term loan and revolving credit strategies based on assets.

Banks, if they participate, will focus on owner equity and personal credit /mgmt experience, cash flow, and assets.

So, our bottom line?

Sellers and buyers should consider a VTB strategy which will often make or break the deal, as well as bringing in higher prices to the seller coupled with easier access to financing by the buyer. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with common sense and appropriate financing strategies in buying /selling a business in Canada.


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/finance-a-business-sale-owner-financing.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

A Business Credit Line Smackdown? Here’s A Calculator Strategy

Turfing Your Crystal Ball Or Ouija Board To Determine Your Corporate Line Of Credit Needs?


OVERVIEW – Information on the business line of credit in Canada . Is there a calculator strategy to determine which type of revolving credit facility works for your firm?



Is there a ' BUSINESS LINE OF CREDIT CALCULATOR ' that owners/managers can use to determine their financing needs? There are several key components of that ' calculator’, and they also may help you in determining which credit facility makes sense for your company.

You just might find your firm is in the middle of one of those ' Smackdowns' between the two types of competing lines of credit in Canada for business .Let’s dig in.

Financing needs are determined by several factors - the most basic of which are the seasonal or ' bulge' gaps that typify your business or industry. Credit lines in business fill ' the gap ' between the time in between the mfr. or providing your goods and or services (or both) up until the time your clients pay. It's never a perfect world in revenue and cash flow realization - so enter business credit lines.

Are there consequences when you don't assess your financing needs to address the gap we have just mentioned? Surely there are, the most serious being business failure - but that’s the extreme. Other areas of concern are damaged vendor or client relationships, as well as perceptions by your lenders that your company will be unable to meet obligations.

If you have the right revolving credit facility in place you have a strong chance of 'managing' your sales. Start up or early stage firms have a bigger challenge, because they often cannot qualify for bank financing right out of the gate until they can establish themselves and meet some banking criteria. In those cases banks will often look predominantly at the personal assets or guarantee of the owner, which isn’t the most desirable scenario for entrepreneurs and owners!

Your sales forecast is a key component of our ' business credit line calculator'. Many firms, especially if they are a bit larger have both an internal sales forecast for their own measurements as well as external revenue projections for lenders / outside owners, etc. The sales forecast is a key component of our ' credit line calculator '. Sales will generate receivables, which are the key component of corporate credit lines. Your forecast should show when those projected sales will be collected, which will drive the final need for a credit facility.

There are two types of business credit revolvers in Canada: They are your Smack Down contenders -

1. The Canadian chartered bank/credit union facility

2. The non bank Asset Based Credit Line

Knowing how each of these types of lenders assess borrowing is in fact the final elements of our business financing needs calculator.

Banks/credit unions will typically lend 75% of your outstanding A/R that is less than 90 days old. Your sales forecasts can now be amended to show your borrowing based, i.e. your credit line cap.

Remember also that banks require profits, total collateral on your business, and debt and cash flow ratio requirements that match their criteria for credit line approval.

The non bank asset based lender will advance 90% of A/R, and will also typically margin inventory and equipment in that formula. It’s a winning combination for firms that can’t meet bank or business credit union requirements.

The new normal in business finance (post 2008 world wide economic tumble) requires that the business owner / financial manager pay a lot more attention to lending sources and alternatives they might previously not have considered.

Abandon that crystal ball or Ouija board

and your gut feelings around financing needs. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor to help asses your needs, and available choices in business credit.










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/business-line-of-credit-calculator.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

Which Working Capital Finance Solutions Will Make Your Business Financing Challenges Go Away

Is Your Cash Flow Shrinking Faster Than Plane Seat Sizes?

OVERVIEW – Information on working capital finance in Canada. Business financing solutions must be tailored to your firms specific needs and ability to monetize assets




Working capital finance must, for many business owners/managers, must often feel like airplane seat sizes today - shrinking fast and almost always uncomfortable. Let’s put your business in a more 'comfortable' position by addressing some business financing solutions that will give your firm that cash flow ' comfort' feeling. Let's dig in.

There are not a lot of things more important than business cash flow - it's never good when you're in ‘ #HASHTAG FAIL’ mode in ongoing working capital needs. Many business people don't realize they can somewhat easily predict their cash flow crisis by simply putting together some realistic cash flow projections. They should realistically include any plans you have for growth, large revenue increases, new contracts, and predictive customer payments according to your pay terms with your clients.

That type of simple cash flow spreadsheet has saved many a business owner from the surprise of a financing crisis- the irony of which is often brought about by that great positive in business - sales revenue increases! It's the great irony of business that high growth leaves your firm with paper profits and no cash.

Depending on how your business is currently financed other issues that need to be addressed in your business projections include:


New personnel needs
Asset requirements/replacement
Ability to repay any current long term debt obligations

So bottom line it's all about cash inflows and outflows.

Naturally your ability to manage your current assets is also what working capital finance is all about. In this case we're talking about inventory turnover and A/R mgmt. Combined with your ability to get a handle on sales these current assets ultimately determine your financing needs.

Knowing when you have the proper financing in place is pretty easy to spot. You should strive for the following:

- Knowing you have the cash you need when you need it
- You have the ability to consider growth and investment
- Your A/R and inventories have acceptable turnover ratios
- You're comfortable with the costs of your financing - namely that those costs are achieving the return on investment


What then are the finance solutions that address working capital? While a cash term loan might be the answer (provides cash but takes on debt on your balance sheet) more optimal solutions include:

A/R financing
Inventory finance
Commercial bank lines of credit
PO Financing
Tax credit finance - (SR&ED)
Asset based lines of credit
Unsecured cash flow loans
Securitization
Sale leaseback of owned assets

Technically speaking if you can’t meet short or long term obligations - that infers insolvency or business failure.

While that is the extreme many clients we meet simply have ' bulge ' needs for one time issues or opportunities, and one of several of the above noted solutions fixes that .








Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing with a track record of success and get back that ' comfortable ' feeling knowing you have accessible financing solutions for survival and growth.


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 = Working Capital Finance Solutions



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