Business Financing Health : Recognizing Finance Options

Secrets To Business Health And How They Relate To Financing Options

OVERVIEW – Information on finance options for Canadian companies. How does the overall ‘ health’ of your company affect type and amount of financing you need or are eligible for?


Business Financing Options in Canada often depend on the overall health of your company. A lot of questions can be answered by simply looking at some very basic and fundamental numbers and relationship in your financials. The doctor is in. Let's dig in!

Key to any business financing or survival for that matter is the whole issue of solvency . Here owners and managers want to assess the level of assets and debt. Lenders will always want to focus on owner equity, with a more refined focus of this number being ' tangible net worth.

Finance options will also depend on your ability and need to meet current financing commitments. Here we will point out that even a company that has had its loan called can still get very strong levels of alternative financing based solely on the asses of the business. This type of financing typically is called ' ASSET BASED LENDING ' and can come in many forms, both term debt and operating debt. They provide a path back to what many term ' traditional financing '.

The asset lending we've mentioned, when it comes to operating financing, will almost always revolve around receivables and inventory. The size, quality, and management of these two assets will dictate what type of financing you need... and... as importantly are eligible for.

You can properly measure, and help manage these two assets in some basic simple ways. In the case of A/R it simply calculating your ' day’s sales' in receivables turnover. Since the sale of inventory translates into a sale and then a receivable the management and tracking of A/R and inventory is a great way to track business health. P.S. The big companies do it all the time, all day, every day, and more often than not senior management is compensated on the management and performance of these two assets.

In the past, and we suppose we're doing it, we've suggested to clients that they track a simple chart that shows sales growth and then measures that same growth against the growth of A/R and inventories,

When looking at finance options it's important to assess whether you are looking for business financing to operate, start, or expand. In addition to traditional finance solutions offered by the Canadian chartered banks numerous other solutions work. They include:

A/R Financing

Working capital term loans

Inventory financing

Asset based lines of Credit

SR&ED Tax Credit Bridge Loans

Govt Small business loans (to maximum 350k)



Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can help you assess business health and finance options that suit your operating or growth requirements.





Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :

7 Park Avenue Financial = Business Finance Options 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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

Stan Prokop

Financing Your Business Cash Flow Problems Shouldn’t Be A Survival Course

Surviving The Cash Flow Gap

OVERVIEW – Information on methods and solutions available to the Canadian business owner and financial manager around business cash flow problems






Business cash flow problems often feel like placing business owners and financial managers in a sort of ' survival course ‘.

When business knows how to measure, improve, and source cash flow solutions suffice to say things can only get better! Let's dig in.

Even the largest corporations in the world recognize the need for cash flow management and access to financing solutions. For businesses in the SME Commercial sector it requires an even more concentrated effort.

We meet with many business owners/managers that sometimes seem, or get ' blind sided' by the external environment. That's why it's important to spend some time planning - in effect it's all about the ' what if ‘. In effect you're attempting to link your sales to collections, other loan payments,

Where business owners/managers miss the boat, either in a small way, or entirely, is forgetting the changes that happen in working capital accounts; simply speaking the changes in A/R and inventory that over time constantly change your cash flow needs.

It's important also to understand you need to forget about the ' cash flow' that goes into investing in items such as equipment, technology. Here it's important to mention that financing solutions such as EQUIPMENT LEASING make perfect sense almost always as business can match future benefits of assets to cash outflows.

A good way to look at solving cash flow problems is by assessing the ' gap ' that arises in business as funds go in and out of your business.

One method of 'fast tracking' business cash flow is to look closely at how you manage and finance your A/R. Many firms offer, or consider offering a ' discount' to their clients for prompt payment. Many customers can't or don't buy into this method. And certainly all of your customers in total would never all at once buy into paying you promptly.


An alternative solution to achieving full success with this strategy is to finance your receivables through a discount receivable financing program. That 2% that you considered offering your clients for prompt cash payment is essentially the same cost as when you utilize a program such as CONFIDENTIAL RECEIVABLE FINANCING . The difference is of course that you are in charge, as any or all of your sales can be converted into immediate cash flow

If you can demonstrate you are eligible for bank financing its clear that that same cash flow benefit can be achieved. However, in order to do that you must demonstrate a solid historical cash flow, profits, positive shareholder equity, as well as personal covenants from owners.

Other methods to ‘survive’ and win re: the cash flow gap include:

Inventory financing
Merchant advances
Asset based non bank lines of credit
Tax credit Monetization (SR&ED BRIDGE LOANS)
Purchase Order Financing

Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can assist you in running and finishing the working capital survival challenge!




Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :

7 Park Avenue Financial = Canadian Business Financing Solutions For Cash Flow Challenges






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
Direct Line = 416 319 5769
Office = 905 829 2653

Fax = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

Stan Prokop

Business Line Of Credit Loans : Rethinking Business Finance Alternatives In Canada

What Does A Good Business Credit Line Cost ?

OVERVIEW – Information on the ability of Canadian business to select the right type of financing when it comes to business line of credit loans . Bank and other Commercial financing alternatives are discussed





What does a good business line of credit cost? Actually there are some definite answers to that question regarding business line of credit loans in Canada , but the better question , in effect your ‘ rethink ‘ might well be what does it cost if your business doesnt have access to this type of financing. Let's dig in.

A revolving credit line (it’s not a loan per se) is almost always a requirement for any type of business that sells on commercial credit to business clients. (Retailers and others that sell on cash are often deemed to be self financing without the need of revolving facilities)

A lot of the demand for a business credit line is driven not by the ebb and flow of your business, but by seasonal demands and bulge requirements around things like large purchase orders and contracts awarded your firm.

Experienced and successful business owners and financial managers plan well for repayment of their ' term' debt ; but its just as important, and possible , to take the same approach in a revolving business credit line.

A very common question posed to us by clients is in fact ' how much of a revolving credit facility will we actually need and apply for?' The actual need can actually be nicely mapped out by certain key 'assumptions' you make in some key components of your business.

And those key components? They include things like your starting cash balance, anticipated collections based on your terms and collection experience, and the rate of interest charged on by your bank or commercial finance firm partner. The right size facility will allow you to draw on cash flow needs as your firm requires, while avoiding huge negative outflows that will impair your abilities to run your business - i.e. payroll, loan payments, supplier commitments, etc.

Start up or early stage companies have a huge challenge when it comes to obtaining true bank lines. Because they don’t have profits, historical cash flow and other outside collateral more often than not they need to address non bank sources of business credit. These include:


A/R Financing
Asset based non bank lines of credit
Tax credit bridge loans
Inventory Financing
Contract/PO Finance

These solutions allow business owners to not have to raise outside equity, offer up personal collateral, or put personal credit history at risk.

Business credit lines are used to run and grow your business - they can also be key components of a major growth plan, or even when you are considering merging with or acquiring another business. In many cases firms that have found themselves sin dire straits use these types of facility to help manage a ' turnaround’ ABL 'Asset based ' credit lines are non bank in nature and best suited to this type of strategy.

Oh, and what does a business credit line cost? Current bank rates are at all time lows so typical rates are in the 4-5% range, sometimes lower, sometimes higher. Non bank rates can provide double the liquidity but are 3-4 times more expensive, but deliver on capital and cash flow you require. Our advice – focus as much on access to capital as cost of capital . Both are important .

Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can help you ' rethink' financing requirements.




Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :

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
Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

Stan Prokop

Working Capital And Business Financing Solutions In Canada : The Rise Of Cash Flow Power

Looking For A ‘Go To ‘

In Canadian Business Financing Solutions?










OVERVIEW – Information on working capital and cash flow solutions for Canadian firms searching for cash flow and business funding






When business owners and financial managers are looking for financing in today’s challenging commercial financing environment they are in many cases contemplating alternative types of financing outside traditional Canadian chartered bank solutions.


So why are these companies looking for alternative solutions. There is a fairly strong consistent profile that emerges in Canadian firms looking for alternate working capital solutions.


Many companies, despite the difficult 2008 and 2009 financial economic challenges are encountering many opportunities to grow. Yet as those growth opportunities emerge they find themselves challenged by traditional debt to equity ratios and lower tangible net worth’s than are required by traditional financial institutions such as the Canadian banks.

We quickly add that if Canadian businesses are enjoying profit, a clean balance sheet, and adequate capital ratios they are absolutely candidates for Canadian banks. However, not all firms find themselves in this situation! Instead firms are challenged by bank lines that have been capped or constrained, debt covenants that restrict, and higher cash flow needs due to higher investments in accounts receivable and inventory required to fulfill those great new contracts and purchase orders.


So what’s the alternative?

There is a’ triple threat solution’ available to many firms who may not even know this type of financing is available. We will call it the ‘holy grail ‘

of working capital financing, because it covers purchase orders, inventory, and accounts receivable. Business owners clearly recognize those as key elements of their ‘operating cycle. That is to say they get an order, they purchase or manufacture product, and convert the sale into an account receivable. That’s the good news; the bad news is that that entire process probably takes 90 days, even more sometimes. Cash flow is needed in the interim!

Why is working capital and cash flow so important to your business. One reason is simple and should be obvious – if you manage and understand the whole process you will have a strong ability to predict how much cash you need in the future – and all you need to do is invest some time in understanding your balance sheet .


Customers are turning to factoring or accounts receivable financing as the most immediate and obvious solution to their problem. By partnering with the right firm they convert their receivable to cash the day they are able to invoice and recognize revenue. The lower Days Sales Outstanding achieved by factoring turns credit sales into cash.

This same working capital allows the Canadian business owner to strengthen supplier relationships, which is critical in a negative economy. In some cases your firm might be able to, (for the first time ever perhaps?!) To take prompt payment discounts. It might not be obvious to some owners that the ability to take prompt pay discounts can offset a very substantial part of the higher cost of factoring.


We have talked of a combo of alternative financing solutions that are inter - dependant on each other. Canadian business owners may not necessarily be aware that purchase orders can be financed also. With good purchase orders from solid customers financing can be obtained on the strength of the purchase order itself. This continues to be a relatively unknown financing concept in Canada that is gaining some popularity.

We spoke of receivable financing, a.k.a. factoring, purchase order financing, and let’s not forget the final piece of our puzzle, inventory.


Solid financially stable businesses with bank credit line can in fact obtain inventory financing or margining of their inventory. Many smaller and more ‘frail’ firms cannot, and aren’t aware there is a growing number of inventory financing options. On balance we can say that a reasonable commodity type inventory, (i.e. saleable) can in fact be financing for anywhere from 40 cents to 80 cents on the dollar.

In summary, Canadian businesses that do not qualify for full fledged bank operating lines can choose one, or all three of three different alternative working capital solutions – those being factoring, purchase order financing, and inventory financing. Consider seeking and working with a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success in these alternative facilities and your firm will have an arrangement that takes your financial success to the next level.




Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :


7 Park Avenue Financial = Canadian Working Capital And Cash Flow Solutions 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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

Stan Prokop

Business Banking Cash Flow Alternatives : Almost As Exciting As The Top Hat Riot

Here’s One For The Love Of Money ( Cash Flow ) Solution In Canada

OVERVIEW – Information on business banking cash flow alternatives offered by asset based non bank lending solutions . These solutions, albeit at a higher cost, offer unlimited cash flow based on sales revenue




Business banking cash flow alternatives might not be considered ' exciting
by some - to others though they are critical. We're the first to admit financing your company might not have the excitement John Hetherington had on Jan 15th, 1797 (He invented the top hat, wore it on the street - women fainted, dogs yelped, he was charged with ‘breaching the peace'!

Nevertheless if you buy into ' cash flow' being king in business it’s prudent to discuss some business banking alternatives. Let's dig in.

Accounts receivable is a key component of any business that sells on credit. When a true bank business line of credit is not achievable for a business (there are MANY reasons!) A/R finance, a subset of asset based lending, is a solid alternative. The simple way to explain it is getting an immediate advance on your sales and paying a ' commission' for that financing benefit.

On a $10,000.00 invoice as an example a business owner/manager could expect to pay $ 200.00 payment terms to your client are 30 days and they are met.

Canadian banks view your A/R as an ongoing asset on the balance sheet. Based on your end of previous month A/R you typically can create an ongoing borrowing facility of 75% of the value of your (less than 90 day old) receivables.

A/R Financing on the other hand typically advances 90% of your receivables, and advances are made the same day you generate sales invoices. While the bank collateralizes itself by holding on an ongoing ' GENERAL SECURITY AGREEMENT ' on your business the paperwork structuring A/R finance ( also called ' factoring' and ' invoice discounting' ) reflects you selling on an ongoing basis your receivables and paying the aforementioned ' commission' we have mentioned.

So where do things go wrong when clients wade into non bank A/R financing without experience or assistance? It's when they don’t understand both the components of the transaction, as well as daily routing involved.

Those components? They include understanding how much is advanced, how that 10% reserve works (you received immediate cash for 90% of A/R- The balance is called a ' reserve) and the financing fee or ' commission' we've referenced.

Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can assist you with your cash flow finance choices that make most sense for your firm.

The key benefits of this business banking cash flow alternative are constant access to unlimited cash based on your sales, no debt on the balance sheet, and the ability to significantly reduce financing costs by generating more sales at more profits and utilizing cash to take vendor discounts and achieve better vendor pricing utilizing new found cash flow.

P.S. Don't forget to explore CONFIDENTIAL RECEIVABLE FINANCING which allows you to bill and collect all your A/R in your own firms name- no third party involved.



Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :


7 Park Avenue Financial = Canadian Expertise For Business Banking Cash Flow Alternatives In Canada



' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '



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


Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com





























































Stan Prokop

Franchising Loans In Canada : Eliminating the Alligators Around Franchise Financing Requirements

It’s True , It’s Really Hard To Get A Franchise Loan .. Unless



OVERVIEW – Information on achieving successful franchise financing in Canada . Franchising loans present a unique challenge to the entrepreneur entering this aspect of Canadian business






Franchise financing needs in Canada typically, and unfortunately, comes with a significant amount of ' worry ' around the franchisees ability to successfully complete his or her transaction and begin the entrepreneurial journey. More often than not the borrower finds themselves up to their neck in ' alligators '

as they encounter issues they previously have not considered. Let's dig in.

How then do franchising loans work in Canada, what’s involved, who are the players, and what is a solid ' fast track' to approval success? All good questions we think, as well as answers we're hopefully going to offer up.

Fundamental to understanding franchise loan success is the need for the franchisee to understand that despite the fact they are buying into a proven business model their business is after all a ' start up ' and ' small business' in many respects. That translates into a financing challenge as the lender places a significant amount of emphasis on your business background, your overall financial health, which is often score carded by your credit history.

Naturally your ability to attach yourself to a larger well known franchisor is a positive, but fundamentally all franchises can be financed.

A big mistake many clients we meet have made is to assume they will be receiving some, or a lot of assistance from their franchisor in respect to financing.

Nothing could be more wrong. A number of reasons exist for that - first of all your franchisor is in the business of selling franchises, they are not a finance firm. Also, numerous legal issues exist around their ability to promise your financial success relative to the risk involved in starting any business, large or small.

So as you come out of the gate in your decision to buy into the franchise industry (currently representing a huge portion of all the Canadian economy) it’s important to identify the lenders and expertise available to yourself to complete a successful financing.

In Canada that translates into a very small contingent of specialty franchise lenders, the Canadian banks via the ' SBL ' (BIL/CSBF) program, and miscellaneous offerings by various lessors and cash flow lenders.

If you’re not comfortable in dealing with, or spending the amount of time to cultivate expertise, and you want to eliminate those ' alligators ‘! , it’s very advisable to seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can assist you with your franchise financing needs.



Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :


http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com


Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :

7 Park Avenue Financial = Canadian Franchise 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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

Stan Prokop

SRED And Film Production Tax Credit Loans : Let Financing Be The Way Out

Don’t Let The Cash In Your SR&ED And Film/Animation Tax Credits Keep You Up At Night

OVERVIEW – Information on tax credit loans in Canada, Financing Sred and FILM production tax credits alleviate the waiting game when it comes to cash flow, working capital and investment recovery






Tax credit loans around the gov’t SR&ED program in Canada, as well as the similar credits available in the film/TV and animation industry in Canada have a lot of business owners and executives being kept up at night. Your ability to access the cash in federal tax credit programs should not be a worry, concern, or mystery that some might think it is. Let's dig in.

Some might question why we are grouping two different tax credit programs together for our discussion. Our answer is simple - both credits are financeable, they are financed in somewhat of a similar manner, the financing in both cases alleviates the waiting for the government cheques, and again in both cases SRED credits as well as Media credits provide valuable cash flow and working capital to current and future projects in either R&D and Media.


We think we can be further forgiven on that issue simply because it’s very possible to actually file SR&ED claims in film, animation being a good example of that.

Whether Canadian taxpayers like it or not these two programs provide Billions of dollars every year to claimants of SRED or Media Credits. In the film industry that has garnered Canada the reputation of Hollywood North,

and in SR&ED Canadian firms strive for innovation and market leadership in their industry and niches.

Let's take a look at the SR&ED program as it relates to preparation and financing of claims. It's important to ensure your claim is eligible, and both the government and the financier of your claim wants to minimize questions and fast track approval. Here the role of the SR&ED consultant is key. More often than not the consultant that prepares your claim has specific industry expertise and understands your field of endeavor.

When it comes to the financing of your claim we point out to clients that it's sometimes more challenging to finance your claim if it is prepared by yourself. Financiers like to get a strong sense of eligibility and chances of full approval. Many clients we meet have utilized the same consultant for years and actually have good dialogue with CRA auditors on an annual basis. That's a good thing!


In the Media/Transmedia industry (film, television and digital animation) federal and provincial programs focus heavily on providing tax credit incentives based on amount spent on productions which in turn generates taxes, employment, etc.

Again, similar to our R&D credits a combination of federal and provincial credits in Production, Service and Digital Media are available to Canadian productions and co-productions with qualified U.S. and international partners. These credits can often fund 40-50 % of a budget based on the point system that your Tax Credit Accountant calculates and presents.

Again, drawing to our similarity of these two major refundable tax credits both are financed in a very similar manner. Financings are structured as bridge loans, almost always with no payments being made during the term of the loan. A typical financing is 70% of the total value of your SRED or Media tax credit, the combo of federal and provincial claim. You receive the other 30%, less financing costs when your claim is funded by the government - the proverbial ' the chq is in the mail'.

If you're looking to maximize or replenish working capital, start on new projects, or recoup owner investment consider monetizing your tax credit in these two exciting areas of Canadian business.

Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can assist you with your needs around tax credit loans for SR&ED or Media. Finally, no more being kept up at night - financing your investments is a logical way out.



Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :

7 Park Avenue Financial = Tax Credit Loan 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
Direct Line = 416 319 5769
Office = 905 829 2653

Fax = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

Stan Prokop