Our blog highlights Canadian Business Financing solutions via receivable finance , equipment finance, working capital financing, asset based lending, business acquisition financing,franchise finance, and tax credit monetization via SRED and Film Tax Credits. Our goal is to educate and assist Canadian businesses with their financing needs. You Are Looking For Canadian Business Financing! Welcome to 7 Park Avenue Financial Call Now ! - Direct Line - 416 319 5769
WELCOME !
In 2004 I founded 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL. At that time I had spent all my working life, at that time - Over 30 years in Commercial credit and lending and Canadian business financing. I believe the commercial lending landscape has drastically changed in Canada. I believe a void exists for business owners and finance managers for companies, large and small who want service, creativity, and alternatives.
Every day we strive to consistently deliver business financing that you feel meets the needs of your business. If you believe as we do that financing solutions and alternatives exist for your firm we want to talk to you. Our purpose is simple: we want to deliver the best business finance solutions for your company.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Financing Two Of Canada’s Tax Credit Programs: We’ve Got It Right In Film and SRED
Hard To Believe ? Tax Credits Can Be Financed!
OVERVIEW – Information on financing tax credit programs in Canada. Here’s Why You Need To Consider SRED and Film Financing for cash flow and working capital !
Financing tax credit programs in Canada. Whether its SR&ED R&D credits or the much more sexy ' film, TV, transmedia' credits it’s always a surprise to us that the actual users of these two Canadian programs don't always know, or consider that claims under these two programs can be financed. Let's dig in.
Any country, Canada included typically has some sort of generous and often well used non repayable credit (which can be monetized/financed) All sorts of Canadian government programs, grants etc are available - two of the most popular ( and financed by the way ) are ' SR&ED" and ' FILM'.
Numerous aspects need to be considered to successfully complete a claim, and finance it under each program. Let's discuss a couple of aspects and also identify some key similarities in the way in which these programs can be financed for cash flow and working capital.
SRED:
Canada’s Scientific Research and Experimental Development Program (S R E D) provides Billions of dollars of funding for research in Canadian industry. Despite a handful of what we can call key changes to the program claiming ' SRED’, (including a recent nationwide focus to validate the value of the program) thousands of Canadian businesses, including your competitors, file claims. When it comes to R&D claims its all about the technical aspects of your claim.
That's where the role of the preparer, known as the ' SR&ED Consultant' plays a key role. They prepare claims for you in one of two manners - they will prepare the claim for free at their cost, and charge what’s known as a contingency fee if the claim is successful. That has tremendous appeal to business owners, as the fees of 15-30% of the claim (that’ a typical range) are only paid if the claim is successful and your funds are received.
Note – You can of course pay a straight fee to prepare the claim, which will almost always be less then the contingency fee . Considerations are : CASH OUTFLOW / RISK .
Financiers of your claim will in almost all cases take a look at who is preparing your claim. If it is done by a legitimate recognized consultant with a track record naturally financing that claim becomes much more easier , because in SR&ED tax credit finance the main collateral for the loan is of course ' the claim '!
There's a lot of discussion in the industry these days, including the government around SR&ED consultants disclosing their fees - one concern being that high fees destroy the true spirit and effectiveness of the program.
We'll avoid those arguments and simply say that financing a legitimate and successful S R E D claim provides your company with cash flow and replenishment of research activities.
FILM/TV/ANIMATION:
The history of tax credit financing in the Entertainment industry has revolved around different cycles where the players and the programs change. Canada is now widely known for having a robust and generous tax credit program - with credits that are financeable in the same general manner as our aforementioned SRED claims.
So while the producer owner of Canadian content runs around town chasing private equity, hedge funds, and other ' alternative ' methods of financing projects one thing is always for sure - The film tax credit component will always be there to complete the funding cycle . It's more often than not the ' sure thing' component of the total capital plan for any project in film, animation, and television.
Firms that finance the tax credits, some Canadian banks included, like the tax credit programs because they reduce the risk of projects having to become commercially successful. After the 2008 economic collapse all media financing, as in other industries, became more difficult. However financing tax credit claims continues to remain a stable component of the capital structure of any project.
So while senior debt, ' gap' financing, advertising dollars, and pre sales all are challenge producers always know that a key component of their financing, the tax credit collateral is going to be there. Our Bottom line ' It's great to have a ' hit ‘, it's even better to have a tax credit'!
Tax credits in these programs are a combination of federal and provincial credits which can be monetizing after (or in some cases during) your projects. It's all about Canadian content and Canadian spending. The two types of credits are the CPTC and the PSTC. A significant amount of labor and production spending can be claimed.
Similar to the role of the ‘ consultant ' in the SR&ED program the most effective claims in media tax credits are prepared by Film tax credit accountants who specialize in maximizing the value of your claim.
Financing tax credit programs in film and SRED is not complicated. A simple application process exists for each type of claim. Financing, typically by a non bank finance firm is structured in the form of bridge loans. No payments are made until the government funds are received. Advances of 70% of the value of your claim are a typical range you can expect for either genre of tax credit.
Yes, believe it, SR&ED and film tax credits can be financed - they provide Billions of dollars of funding each year. If you want to 'get it right' in financing your claim seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with the financing of your claim .
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 = SR&ED And Film Tax Credit Financing Expertise
Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?
CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue FinancialSouth Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8
Phone = 905 829 2653
Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com
Stan Prokop
Friday, November 8, 2013
Sale Leaseback In Canada: Truth And Consequences Around The Equipment Leasing Company Reverse Solution
5 Reasons To Consider A Sale LeaseBack In Canada
OVERVIEW – Information on the sale leaseback in Canada. How does the equipment leasing company or commercial lender provide such a solution and what are the benefits?
A Sale Leaseback financing strategy is one of the more unique methods of replenishing your capital and cash flow. Let's examine the truth and consequences of this business finance strategy, as well as some important considerations. Let's dig in.
Not all Canadian business owners and financial managers are aware of this somewhat unique strategy. At it's essence it's very simple. You are taking an asset you own and in effect ' selling' it back to the Lease Company or commercial finance firm. That entity then ' leases' it back to you via one of three finance vehicles:
Capital Lease
Loan/Bridge Loan
Operating Lease
What then are the 5 reasons that the business owner/manager rationalizes to consider such a transaction. They are as follows:
1. A need for working capital
2. A quicker way to raise cash as opposed to taking on new debt or considering additional equity
3.The unique need to both still use the asset in question as well as to maximize its value to your firm
4. To manage certain debt/equity relationships on your balance sheet
5. Maximizing your ' R O A ‘- (return on assets)
As we noted our described financing has both some consequences and considerations. Naturally the equipment leasing company or commercial finance firm must properly document the transaction from a legal and contract perspective. That's actually a fairly simple matter.
But one other consideration is the accounting treatment of your transaction, often overlooked in the early stages of the owner/managers consideration of a leaseback. You need to discuss, and consider the balance sheet and income statement effects of treating the lease back as either a capital lease or an operating lease.
For example, it might be recommended that you do an ' operating lease ' - in that case your income statement needs to reflect either the gain or loss on the value of the asset or assets in question. (Yes Virginia, some assets actually increase in value on occasion). Company owned real estate is a good example. More often than not we recommend Capital (lease to own) Leasing strategies when implementing a sale leaseback, if only because the accounting, tax and cash flow reporting consequences seem to be a bit straight forward.
We haven’t mentioned your firms ' CASH FLOW STATEMENT ' when it comes to a sale leaseback, but typically your accountant will recommend (or insist!) that your cash flow statement show the leaseback as a Financing inflow on your financials.
People are always going to have ' questions ' and ' issues' with a sale leaseback. This is everything from a lender viewing it negatively as a cash grab, your accountant raising tax , balance sheet and reporting issues, etc. Nonetheless it’s a proven and often used financing strategy to enhance cash flow while keeping an asset you want to keep, or need for that matter.
Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in the ' truth or consequences' aspect of Sale leaseback financing.
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 = Sale Leaseback Financing Expertise
Stan Prokop
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Secured Business Loans In Canada. Here’s The Simple Math And Reality Behind This Business Financing Staple
Why It Pays To Understand Secured Loan Financing In Canada
OVERVIEW – Information on secured business loans in Canada. Business financing solutions revolve around secured or unsecured lending and here are the differences
When it come to SECURED LOANS in Canadian business financing it is all about matching the right type of financing to two important aspects of your business - your assets, or your cash flows. Naturally the ' cash flow' or repayment of loan also ties back into the amount of financing your firm might be eligible for.
Secured loans represent a critical aspect of your overall ' capital structure ‘, namely how you address the issues of how much debt and how much equity in your overall finance strategy. Hopefully you have a strategy! Let's dig in.
In certain cases the business might also want to address multiple sources of debt, theoretically all of which can be properly secured.
Corporate asset type secured loans typically come with a fixed interest rate, so it's no surprise that in our current low interest rate environment there is that advantage to consider when assessing taking on debt.
Although lenders in Canada don’t traditionally think of secured loans as being made to ' INVESTMENT GRADE ' companies the reality is that these loans are secured by the underlying assets of the company. So if your firm is in the unfortunate position of defaulting on the loan the collateral is of course the underlying asset.
While Canadian business owners and managers might think of secured loans as ' FIXED TERM LOANS' they can also be bank business lines of credit, or non bank asset based revolving credit facilities. And not to make things more complicated, many firms take advantage of both a term loan as well as a revolving credit line, both of which are ' SECURED'
While asset based secured loans revolve around ' cash flows’, the actual secured credit line facilities are based on simple margin borrowing of current assets such as inventory and receivables .Using A/R as an example a Canadian chartered bank will provide a secured credit facility on 75% of your outstanding receivables that are less than 90 days old. The non bank credit line will typically allow this margin borrowing go up to 90%, providing 15% more overall liquidity to your business.
In certain instances companies might be eligible for secured' cash flow loans'. Typically priced in the low to mid teens, these loans are often a secured 2nd position collateral registration against your assets, and the total focus of these loans is your cash flow generation abilities. Depending on your firms overall credit quality and debt to equity pricing will also vary based on current rates and underwriters risk assessment.
When it comes to SECURED BUSINESS LOANS in Canada its all about, unfortunately, ratios and covenants. Certain calculations, traditional in nature, will be made to assess the overall financial health of your business.
Typically these ratios are cash flow coverage and debt to equity, as well as overall ' quality' of assets of the business.
It's important to understand the differences around SECURED and UNSECURED loans when it comes to Canadian business financing. Seek out and speak to a
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/secured-business-loans-business-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
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Erasing The Challenge Of Start Up Capital Financing In Canada : Some Deep Learning On Business Loans
Pleading Innocent On Knowledge Of Start Up Financing Strategies?
OVERVIEW – Information on start up capital in Canada. Financing a new venture via business loans and other sources is a constant challenge for the Canadian entrepreneur
Start up capital in Canada often presents a combination of challenge and mystery when it comes to financing business loans in the early stages of a business. Are you pleading innocent on that subject? That doesnt need to be the case. Let's dig in.
Very few businesses in Canada can be started without financing of some sort. The wrong amount of capital is one of the major causes of business failure, especially when those sales don't materialize that were part of your revenue forecast.
So what is the exact amount of money needed to ensure the business will have a legitimate chance to flourish. In financial terms you want to be able to both identify (and then reach) your ' BREAKEVEN POINT’, which, simply speaking is the point where you're covering your expenses and profits are in sight.
By the way, we'll forgo talking too much about cash flow today, but we'll just point out that revenues and profits don't equal cash flow, but that's a subject for another day.
So, back to our quest for capital. Some key considerations for the owner/entrepreneur include:
What does the business plan identify as the need for opening capital on the balance sheet as well as ongoing working capital line of credit needs?
What amount of financing will come from you, the owner?
What assets are required- How will they be acquired (i.e. cash, financing, leasing?)
Are their possible partners in the venture, silent or otherwise?
Will the owner’s personal credit history impair the ability to get all the financing they need
One issue that will quickly come up if the entrepreneur is considering a partner, silent or otherwise , is the fact that giving up a lot of ownership in the business in such an early stage is a costly idea - and that assumes you've got a partner you like and can work with!
Proper debt financing, structured with finance that makes sense is a solid solution to maintaining your ownership equity and realizing future returns on your initial investment based on the growth and success of the business
Also, raising money from outside investors has a lot of potential legal obligations to it, many of which aren't often properly considered by the budding entrepreneur
Personal savings are a touchy subject when it comes to financing your business. Most business owners are reluctant to put up savings and their homes. . We also caution clients to not mix their personal and business credit lives to the extent they can.
So what exactly are the sources of capital for start ups in Canada?
They include:
Lease financing, which is available for start ups by the way
Government business loans - The SBL/CSBF loan can provide 350k of business capital to acquire assets, leaseholds, technology, etc - Key benefits = low personal guarantee, not outside collateral required, solid rates and terms , early pre-payment privileges, etc
Receivable financing
Monetizing your SR&ED tax credits if you’re using this program
Cash term loans from the government crown corporation bank
In exploring all those options you should know the lender/lenders will focus on your experience, the cash flow forecast, and your personal credit history
Don’t plead innocent on start up capital financing alternatives in Canada. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible an experienced Canadian busines financing advisor who can assist you with business loans and asset monetization that makes sense for your startup success.
Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.
Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :
7 Park Avenue Financial = Start Up Capital Financing Expertise in Canada
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
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Your Business Leasing Options Just Might Require An Extreme Makeover : Equipment Lease Options In Canadian Asset Finance
6.5 Things You Need To Know About Equipment Leasing Options In Canada
OVERVIEW – Information on equipment lease options in Canada. Business leasing success via asset finance solutions requires that you know the following!
Equipment lease options in Canada are abundant these days; but do the business owner/financial manager know how to assess those options and, as importantly focus in on areas that deliver maximum benefit to your particular situation. Let's dig in.
While not always the case many companies consider their situation unique when it comes to the type of assets they finance, and the terms and structure they demand to maximize business leasing asset finance effectiveness.
A simple yet effective way of managing your lease transactions is to focus on the 6 (more about that .5 later!) Parts of any lease transaction to ensure your individual lease or long term finance strategy melds with what you are trying to achieve.
What are those 6 elements?
Amount you are financing
The amortization or term of the lease
Monthly payment structure
The interest or financing rate implicit in the lease
End of term obligations
Misc fees
In Canada the lease financing industry finances hundreds of billions, probably billions of assets every year. The spectrum couldn’t be broader - it ranges all the way from ' micro leasing' in the amounts as low as 5k to transactions for equipment, machinery, aircraft, in the tens of millions. No dollar amount is unfinanceable if the asset and general credit quality qualify.
Who you finance those assets with often play into the amount you are financing. Your choices are commercial independent lease firms, captive finance companies associated with large mfr's, and even our Canadian chartered banks currently service asset business leasing via niche subsidiaries or divisions they set up.
Business owners can waster a lot of time 'barking up the wrong tree' when it comes to choosing your lease financier. That's because the business owner /manager doesnt understand that lease company’s arent all things to all people - as isn’t your firm also by the way! So they focus on specific assets, deal sizes, credit quality, and in some cases geography they serve. In certain cases they can even be subsidiaries of U.S. firms doing a lot of business in Canada.
Amortizations in Canada typically run 2-5 years - that term is often driven by the monthly payment your firm requires, as well as tying in to overall asset quality .
Monthly payments have maximum flexibility when it comes to business leasing of assets in Canada. Depending on the type of lease you choose (‘capital lease to own', or operating 'lease to use’) almost any payment structure can be utilized to maximize your firms particular cash flow situation.
Interest rates in Canada, when it comes to lease financing revolve around asset quality and credit quality. Typically both come into play when your lease request is being adjudicated. All credit situations can be financed in Canada - it’s a function of structuring the transaction to ensure the lessor has a reasonable expectation of getting paid.
While the majority of Canadian business owners and financial manager’s focus on getting a lease approved and started they often forget what happens at the end of term. Those considerations include returning the asset, upgrading, extending the lease, or finalizing ownership. Don't forget the end of the lease obligation!
In some cases misc fees should be considered as part of your overall strategy. They might include appraisal fees on used equipment, down payments, security deposits, and misc admin costs related to lessors registration of the asset.
That’s our 6 point recap. But didn’t we say there were 6.5 considerations? That .5 could be your ace in the hole , as we're referring to your potential to seek out an speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in maximizing business leasing effectiveness for your firms asset acquisition strategy.
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 Equipment Leasing 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
Sunday, November 3, 2013
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 FinancialSouth 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