The Secured Business Credit Line Is Sometimes More Difficult Than Negotiating With A Pirate : Finance Accessibility Made Simpler

Wasting Time On Acquiring A Business Line Of Credit ?

Here’s Why!



OVERVIEW – Information on the secured business line of credit in Canada . Financing solutions for your business must include day to day working capital solutions



A secured line of credit is almost always a necessity in business finance in Canada. A lot of clients we meet either are chasing a facility they don't qualify for, or in some cases simply don't understand the alternatives. We're pretty sure we can lend some clarity to the matter.

Credit lines in the business environment are a combination of:

Necessity

Opportunity


Uses for commercial lines of credit include expanding your business, funding daily operations, or simply giving the business owner/ financial manager some ' de-stressing’, knowing they have the liquidity they need if it’s required.

It's equally important not to use credit lines for the wrong thing - in finance that’s called ' matching' of debt and assets. For instance, you would not use your credit line to a maximum amount to purchase a fixed asset. You would be in a bad position pretty quickly as liquidity dried up while the asset in question is actually meant to provide your firm with its use for years. In that case the asset should be acquired via a term loan or equipment lease financing, as an example.

The concept of the business credit line is simple. It involves two things - fluctuations, and paying only for what you are using on the facility. Your bank or commercial lender likes fluctuations. That reflects the ebb and flow of your business as items are purchased, receivables are collected, etc.

The advantages of access to such a revolving facility include rates that match your firm’s credit quality, the flexibility of paying down the facility as your cash flow allows, and the ability to leverage up the facility if your sales and financial statements can be validated.

As we have noted, the alternatives to business borrowing typically are term loans, lease financing, etc.

A lot of the needs around 'LOC ' borrowing revolve around the seasonality or bulges in your business. Your ability to do a bit of reasonable forecasting is key when it comes to applying for the facility as you are required to demonstrated that the facility fills the gaps between cash outflow and cash inflow!

Start ups or early stage companies in Canada have a tough, if not impossible time to get a business secured credit line. The security for the facility is typically the owners’ personal guarantee, as well as a charge or lien against assets such as A/R, inventory, and equipment. That’s typically collateralized by a General Security Agreement on all the assets in your business.

If your business is start up/early stage and can't produce a couple years of financials you will find that the whole process is tougher than negotiating with a pirate,

which Tom Hanks told us is quite a challenge.

So, alternatives? They include:

Receivable Financing
Inventory Finance
Non Bank asset based lending
PO Financing
Tax Credit Monetization

Don't waste time barking up the wrong tree (financial institutions?) when it comes to business finance needs. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your working capital and cash flow needs.



Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.

Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/secured-line-of-credit-business-finance.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

Fax = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

Stan Prokop

The Emperor Has No Clothes - Please distribute to all direct reports !

Getting a sick feeling happens to often in Canadian business under all sorts of circumstances .We go that sick feeling the other day when reading Barry Critchley's column in the FINANCIAL POST .

We've included a link to that article below

We're strong fans of Critchley's regular columns which often seems to cover some of the underbelly of whats happening in Canadian business.. good and bad .

Anyway, the gist of the article. It takes us back to circa 2008.. think back to that time in business, as the world basically ended when it came to worldwide economic implosion , bank failures, commercial financing failures , and oh yes.. have we forgotten anything .. yes .. our RRSP took 40-50% hits forcing us to spend the last 7 years crawling back to breakeven.

Enter the government in the form of JIM FLAHERTY setting up the ' emergency ' ( key word = emergency ) 12 Billion ( that's billion with a B ) CANADIAN SECURITIZATION AND LOAN FACILITY .

Our reaction at the time . We were overjoyed .. It was a classic ' I'm from the government and here to help '.

What could possibly go wrong with such a great government funding program?

As our business was, and still is financing origination for Canadian business we recall vividly banks stopping lending, commercial mortgages drying up, lease companies having their credit facilities stopped, and commercial finance companies exiting industries or simply closing down. Bottom line , it was ugly .

So here was the Canadian government coming in to also help out clients .

So, back to Mr Critchleys article . What did the government do with that 12 Billion . Did they lend it to the thousands of firms that saw their credit line facilities disappear, or find that their access to capital simply: GONE .

They didnt. Instead they appointed the BDC who did a handful of loans in the several hundred million dollar range to companies such as GMAC/GM Nissan, and CNH INDUSTRIAL . Apparently about 5 loans in total, all to companies that had revenues in the hundreds of millions or billions. CNH we believe is a Dutch company, so surely we all see the wisdom of helping a DUTCH subsidiary company as the world around us implodes? Who wouldn't buy into that?

Naturally that left our clients in the dust , with many companies failing, restructuring, having to merge, etc, etc


And the BDC /GOVERNMENT take? ' We consider the program a great success ' said Paula Cruickshank.

Who doesn't love a braggart in Business. We all do, don't we?????






The essence of Critchely's article was that the program made back all its money, and then some in profit based on those five loans.

It's easy to get sick on many aspects of Canadian business . This was an all time low and we say ' shame' on the government and BDC for bragging about making those 5 loans to the likes of GM, NISSAN, and some other misc. asset backed securities deals . So while the EMPEROR marched up BAY STREET touting loans for Canadian business in 2008 we offer that THE EMPEROR IN FACT HAD NO NEW CLOTHES,

We work on Main street everyday, not Bay Street and we hope someday , one day that the little guy will get the consideration he or she deserves without having to watch the action at the trough .

Here is the original link to the article we've discussed:



NATIONAL POST ARTICLE : CLICK HERE -> Credit Crisis










WHO IS STAN PROKOP ?

Stan has been acknowledged as a Business Financing expert by the FINANCIAL POST as well as the GLOBE & MAIL . He founded 7 Park Avenue Financial which has provided over 90 Million dollars of financing facilities to the SME sector in Canada . The firm specializes in receivable financing, equipment financing, banking facilities, Asset based business credit, and tax credit financing in the areas of SR&ED and Film . The company regularly receives referrals from Canadian banks, insurance companies, commercial financing companies based on its proven expertise with over 400 financings completed to date.

CANADIAN BUSINESS FINANCING

Franchise Finance Funding In Canada : No Hiding Here When It Comes To Franchisee Financing Basics

Welcome to Franchise Loan Boot Camp!

OVERVIEW – Information on franchise financing basics in Canada. How does the entrepreneur achieve successful franchisee finance solutions when entertaining the purchase of a new or existing franchise



Franchise financing basics in Canada. Is there a ' boot camp ' we might be able to attend to learn more about ‘successful’ franchisee finance solutions in Canada. We're giving you free admission, so let's dig in!

Boot camp. It's really a place where people go to learn some basic skills we're told, and so it’s a good analogy for the Canadian entrepreneur and would be franchisee searching for financing options for their business.

While our great Canadian banks have some great commercials and websites around franchisee financing support in Canada in fact it's very rare they would finance a tier 2 or tier 3 franchise directly - so, so much for that commercial! They are very quick; we would point out, to finance the tier one franchises that are huge ' brands' with very limited chance of business failure. (HINT - Think hockey player/donuts or Clown/hamburgers... ' Billions served').

So what then must the franchisee do to locate the appropriate financing for a new turnkey or existing franchise? Franchises can be purchased and financed when they exist already because the franchisor is converting a corporate store to a franchise, or an existing franchisee has permission to sell the business to you. Another Hint - Don't forget to check out why he or she is selling!

So it's back to our entrepreneur searching for the franchise loan that makes sense for their business. Some key fundamentals need to be in place to source the small handful of financing solutions available in Canada in this industry. By the way, they are great solutions; they are just limited so you as a franchisee have to know what they are and who offers them.

Prior to entering the door

to franchise lending a few fundamentals must be in place. The entrepreneur/business person must ensure they have a reasonable personal credit rating as well as the resources to muster a down payment or equity contribution in the business. That ranges from anywhere from 10-50% based on the type of franchise you are buying, the amount of financing you need, the perceived risk in the transaction , or simply the requirement that certain franchisors place on franchisee equity contributions.

While sometimes the franchisee might feel that the down payment requested is onerous it's often driven by the franchisors experience in the amount of capital required to make a franchise successful. Certain industries carry a lot more risk than others from the lenders and franchisors perspective - a good example is hospitality.

We see a lot of clients initially spending all their time focusing on getting initial financing for their franchise, often forgetting that down the road they will need working capital, new assets, and potentially leasehold refurbishment to stay competitive.

Don’t forget also you absolutely must have a solid business plan, cash flow forecast, and some level of management or business experienced related to your new venture.

Have we forgotten anything? Oh yes, its actual franchise finance solutions!! They include the one or two specialty franchise finance firms that provide turnkey financing. The other popular, and more attainable solutions is utilizing the Govt small business loan which is perfected suited to franchisee finance as it covers assets and leaseholds required to get your business going.

That’s the boot camp overview. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with franchise financing basics that makes sense to achieve successful entrepreneurship in the Canadian franchise industry which is such a key part of our economy these days.




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 = Franchise Loan 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

Is Working Capital Management Via Business Credit Solutions Imaginary In Your Company ?

Turning Working Capital Challenges Into Opportunities ? One Guarantee You Won’t Like At All !

OVERVIEW – Information on working capital management for Canadian businesses. Addressing the need of business credit in the financing landscape of Canadian businesses





Business credit challenges in Canada often revolve around your firms overall working capital management. How you address improvements in cash flow management via internal management and external financing solutions makes and breaks a business in Canada.

If you're in the SME ( small to medium enterprise) commercial sector in that's often even more of a challenge, as the big guys seems to have solutions and access to capital crawling all over them . We wish! Does that have to always be the case? We don't think so, let's dig in!

A lot of the cash flow needs in a business are in fact ' hiding' in your financials - it's your job to identify and fix them. While a healthy amount of clients we meet seem to initially only be focusing on revenue / sales management often the root of the problem is in your current asset accounts - i.e. inventory and receivables.

So it's the job of the business owner / financial manager to identify those root causes and implement improvement. In the case of A/R it’s all about a sound credit granting policy and collection of accounts - if your company is growing that is even more important as your inventory and A/R ' eat' cash! So addressing solutions for the ' appetite' we've just spoken of are simply critical to business survival.

In cash flow and working capital management its all about current assets and liabilities. Liabilities? Didn’t we just say that it’s all about the A/R and inventory? We did of course, but its easy for the business owner/manager to forget that effective management of payables stops cash outflows, and the more you get your key vendors and suppliers on side is a classic win/win.

How you finance your A/R and inventory ties directly into your overall access to business credit for growth.

So that's why taking some time to understand some key terms such as your cash operating cycle is in our opinion a million dollar investment of your time. Simply speaking it’s the time it takes for a dollar to flow through your business.

When it comes to assessing external business credit solutions its all about flexibility and cost.

The solutions around working capital credit come from a small handful of external financing solutions

They include:

Canadian chartered bank credit lines
Receivable Financing... aka ' Factoring'
Inventory Financing
Asset based non bank lines of credit (they combine A/R, inventory and equipment into one credit facility)
Tax credit monetization - i.e. bridge loans for SR&ED claims
PO/Supply chain financing

Which one/ones are right for your business?

Any one or a combination of these solutions delivers cash flow. They come with different costs, they operate differently on a daily operational basis, and in some cases are limiting and in other cases (Asset based credit lines) offer unlimited growth financing potential

Looking for an iron clad guarantee in business credit. Here's one. We guarantee if you don't manage and finance your current assets properly you'll be out of business fairly quickly.

Probably not the guarantee you were looking for? Instead, consider seeking a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with working capital management 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 = Working Capital Management Financing 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

Canadian Business Loans : On Your To Do List For Accessing Financing Options?

Feeling Lost Out On Loan And Finance Options In Canada?


OVERVIEW – Information on access to Canadian business loans in Canada. Commercial financing options are not just available from our banks



Canadian business loans and financing options are often very near the top of the business owner/financial manager’s TO DO list when it comes to running and growing the business. It can be also said that it’s often common for the owner/manager in the SME sector to feel ' lost ' when it comes to achieving those finance goals. Has to be the case? Not really... let's dig in.

By now pretty well everyone seems to recognize that the SME (small to medium enterprise) sector in Canada is one of the constant powerhouses of the economy. Everyone seems to have a different definition of what this sector is; some maintain its, for example, companies with under several hundred employees and sales of 20 Million as an example. That's not that SME to us! , but less focus on the solutions available to finance those firms.

The one thing everyone does seem to agree on though is that ' size counts ' in business financing and the small to medium guy has a lot more of a challenge in accessing. More often than not it feels like an obstacle course, as the owner /manager finds it very difficult to obtain long term financing options that will help secure business growth.

On occasion it might help to put yourself in the shoes of the bank or the many commercial lenders that offer financing solutions to Canadian business. Lenders focus on key items such as tangible equity, assets, and in many instances outside collateral.

Canadian chartered banks in Canada are often the ' point person' when business financing discussions come up. While often criticized for providing the financing business needs they do participate positively in a number of ways.

Banks typically provide:

Govt Guaranteed Business Loans
Very Small Loans
Small overdrafts
Mortgages

They are successful because they are on every corner, have very clear rules and borrowing applications, and can be a source of constant contact with the owner/manager.

While bank solutions are low cost and accessible its in fact commercial finance firms that provide a lot of the other financing options that will get your company to the goal line. Commercial finance firms generally aren't regulated, take more risk, and are profit motivated. Additionally they provide options simply not available from the banks.

Those options:

Receivable Finance
Inventory Financing
Non bank business credit lines
Asset Leasing/ sale leasebacks
Purchase Order Financing
SR&ED Tax Credit Cash Flow Loans
Unsecured Cash Flow Loans
Franchise Financing

Whether its bank financing or non bank commercial finance options the SME borrower doesn't have to feel lost

when it comes to financing options that suit their needs. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your operational and growth goals.











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/canadian-business-loans-financing-options.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

Government Business Loans In Canada . What’s The Big Deal

Your Personal Guide To Government Business Loans In Canada

OVERVIEW – Information on government business loans in Canada. Who runs this program and what does the Canadian business owner /entrepreneur need to know about the ‘SBL ‘ Loan







Government Business Loans in Canada don't really come with a guide and roadmap; and yes we do think the program is a ' big deal'

when it comes to business financing in the Canadian marketplace. Let's dig in.

Industry Canada

is an agency of the Canadian federal government which is charged with administering the Small business loan program in Canada. The program provides financial assistance, via a loan guarantee to your bank. It's a solid program for start up and small businesses - and the program actually defines ' small ' as those firms with real or projected revenues of less than 5 Million $.

One of the true revelations to many client we speak to about the program is that the governments only role is as the guarantor of the loan - institutions such as our Chartered banks run the program on a day to day basis . That's good news and some bad news

as we'll reveal later here.










Guidelines for ' SBL ‘(that’s the common acronym for the loan) loans are pretty clear. The program financing limit is $350,000.00 and finances only two asset categories - equipment and leaseholds.

Rates of the program are very attractive given that the credit profile of the borrower is such that traditional bank financing cannot be achieved. (Actual rates of the program are 3% over the current prime rate)

Borrowers are responsible to guarantee 25% of the loan personally; given that many forms of Canadian business financing require a 100% owner guarantee or outside collateral this is clearly a very attractive component of the SBL loan. Again, to be clear here, the bank grants and administers the loan, the government is the guarantor for the bank.

Previously we noted that there is some ‘bad news’ around Canadian chartered banks administering the program. In our experience many bankers are either unfamiliar with the program, and if they are they view the transaction as a ‘make work’ project. Our recommendation? Find a banker or business financing advisor that can fast track the program with a knowledgeable banker. Problem solved!

Many clients we meet initially have a strong perception that the application process for government business loans in Canada is cumbersome. Everyone has an opinion, but we strongly feel that's not the case. The only key components of the loan application are a personal net worth statement , a business plan or executive summary, a premises lease for your business location, and a list of items you wish to finance that reference the cost, mfr/supplier, etc. Surely that can't be construed as cumbersome!

By the way, it’s important that your business plan/exec. Summary include a good cash flow statement that shows how the loan is going to be repaid. Also, business people should understand that it is highly desirable to have some relevant business experience within the industry that you are in. Start ups take note!

Typical loan terms for the government loan are 5-7 years - Any shorter term than that is also appropriate. The government charges a one time 2% fee for the loan and we would add that this is often simply built into the overall financing/monthly payment. When properly structured there are no prepayment issues, which is another attractive part of the program; Many other types of business loans and leases penalize the borrower for repaying early. The SBL program does not do that.

When you recap the overall benefits of the SBL loan it's clear you might now agree with us that the program is in fact a ' big deal '. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can be your personal guide to Government business loans 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 :


7 Park Avenue Financial = Canadian Government Business Loans 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

Getting Debt Financing Right Doesn’t Have To Involve Crazy Risks: From Short Term Loans To Asset Finance Monetization

The Hunt For Debt Financing In Canada

OVERVIEW – Information on debt financing in Canada . From short term loans to revolving credit facilities Canadian entrepreneurs and business people seek finance solutions that will work for their needs



Debt financing in Canada , whether it's short term loans, asset financing, and other traditional and alternative finance forms requires some solid understanding of who's involved and what's involved. Let's dig in.

Business owners and financial managers feel a lot more comfortable taking on debt ( versus raising equity ) when they understand they have negotiating ability while at the same time recognizing that are terms and other requirements that come with debt.

As we have noted debt is the opposite of your other form of capital - that's equity of course. While no one form of financing is all perfect all the time debt finance via short term loans, etc has significant advantages. The bottom line on that is, of course, that using debt properly allows the owner /manager to grow the company with appropriate leverage.

And that's without giving up the ownership you forsake in considering equity dilution.

When looking at a debt solution one other advantage is that there is always and end in sight via repayment, cash flow assessment, etc - again our bottom line is you can plan on retiring debt a lot more easier than equity takeouts.

One solid way for the business owner/financial manager to look at debt asset finance solutions is to assess them from the point of view of restrictions - i.e. what they can and can't do by utilizing the covenants and ration requirements that come with any single form of debt - for example a senior term loan with a bank.

We're big supporters of hybrid type solutions; one good example is asset based lines of credit that may or may not contain a term loan component. While you do take on ' debt ' at the same time you have corresponding assets such as inventory, equipt. and receivables that offset the entire obligation. Some owners might even agree to a small equity component to a debt deal that makes sense for their business. In corporate terms this is known as a warrant / option, etc.

While debt financing can be secured or unsecured. Whatever the case it's always going to come down to your cash flow - historical, present, and thank god... projected! That cash flow will often be the key component in the bank or commercial finance company's decision to grant business credit. If debt is unsecured we can only say that the ownership/management better be able to prove good credit quality. Unfortunately unsecured debt typically is only being achieved by firms with great combinations of cash flow, clean balance sheets and healthy profits.

Canadian firms who can accurately demonstrate and project sales, asset quality, and turnover of current assets are always in a better position to take on any form of business debt. The lender will of course make their own assumptions on the quality of your overall business credit situation.

If we had to identify one mistake our clients often made it's that they chased the wrong financing sources for the type of debt or asset monetization they really need. Talk about a false start

in business that's both expensive and time consuming.










If you want to isolate the identify the types of debt financing via short term loans or other methods of business finance seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your finance needs.



Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.

Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details ? :


7 Park Avenue Financial = Canadian Debt Financing Solutions






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