Business Loans And Bank Line Of Credit Options In Canada

Canadian Bank Financing Solutions And Alternatives ( The Elephant In The Room )

OVERVIEW – Information on the role of bank and commercial financing companies in Canada for business loans and the search for a bank or non bank line of credit in Canadian business financing needs

Business loans or a bank line of credit have Canadian business owners and financial managers facing a double edged sword - We're calling it ' choice ' and ' challenge ', and the current popularity of the phrase ' the elephant in the room ' begs the discussion around how business feels about bank and bank alternatives . Let's dig in.

There is a lot of talk among (mostly older!) business people around the ' loyalty ' they have to Canadian banks and other commercial finance sources. Major studies and top experts clearly show that loyalty is declining and the overall experience business has with accessing financing is at a minimum ' troublesome '.

Automization, credit scoring, and digital forms of borrowing have continue to create a maze of both confusion and options for the business borrower. The SME COMMERCIAL FINANCE sector, as well as start ups faces challenges in sourcing a bank relationship manager that can provide capital and revolving credit facilities that meet the need.

While larger ' credit worthy ' customers have access to almost unlimited capital at incredibly low current rates , including the luxury of having banks compete for their business , the start up and SME Commercial Finance sector is often unable to access this capital for credit quality reasons .

This latter group has to gravitate to a number of non bank solutions that provide capital but often have a higher cost - that’s the ' trade off ' - Those solutions include A/R Financing, Inventory Finance, Asset based ABL business credit lines, Tax Credit Monetization Sale Leasebacks, and Purchase Order and Royalty Financing . Companies that have successfully sought these options have provided portions of their assets to acquire the capital they need, notwithstanding that banking is often the ‘preferred ' option. The simple bottom line - Canadian business borrowers are willing to consider options.

We've also dealt with many clients who simply want to change their bank because of either an account mgr relationship issue or loan covenants that don't make sense. (To the bank they seem to make perfect sense!)

Price and costs of finance is often the key motivator in changing a bank relationship. The challenge of the bank relationship manager is to sell a total value added relationship , which can often be limited because of issues such as geographic coverage, etc.,

Timing of approval and access to capital is a big issue, many business borrowers simply can't wait for the time it takes for a bank to make a decision - that allows many commercial finance companies that offer other solutions to be viewed as a viable alternative. In many cases such as ABL financing, tax credit finance, PO /Trade finance these firms are highly specialized and viewed as the expert in certain niches.

Many of these non bank alternative solutions also can co exist nicely with a bank relationship - however some can't when it comes to collateral, etc.
If you’ve been reluctant to discuss the ‘ elephant in the room ‘ i.e. the bank or non bank financing solution 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 a total financing package, bank or non bank, that makes sense within your firm and industry.




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 LOAN 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

Creative Business Financing Options In Canada : A Thumbs Up Overview

Looking For Some Traction In Canadian Business Financing

OVERVIEW – Information on creative business financing options in Canada . A combination of traditional and alternative loan strategies to finance growth

Creative business financing options are constantly sought by business owners/financial managers and entrepreneurs. Whether they are a start up or established business it's a constant struggle to get a handle on ways to strengthen the business... financially. So how does business get some real ' traction' in financing? Let's dig in.

Access to the right financing sources, either alternative or traditional helps you strengthen your business. It's unfortunately often too easy for the business owner/mgr to feel like the company has ' hit the wall '

which we've found unfortunately prompts some ' undesirable behavior' which might inlcude delaying payments to key vendors relationships, using CRA obligations for your working capital source (not a recommended alternative finance strategy!), and perhaps worst of all for true entrepreneurs - being unable to take on large contracts, new business, experienced employees, etc.

The big guys view the whole process of growth as ' scaling' a business. How then does the owner/entrepreneur ' scale ' their business in the SME COMMERCIAL FINANCE space? The answer revolves around:

Understanding core finance strategies (working capital / term loans / asset monetization, etc)

Being able to address financing for immediate and long term growth

Knowing they key issues that will both inhibit your ability to access cash flow financing is key.

Key to execution of a finance strategy is knowing your options - they are in fact just a few short categories here - monetizing your assets, taking on term debt, or accessing unsecured cash flow financing.

The actual solutions? They are a combo of traditional and alternative financing strategies - In some cases only one is needed, in most cases its a cobbling together of a couple of options to address multiple needs of your business.

Revolving bank lines of Credit - TRADITIONAL

Unsecured Cash Flow Loans - TRADITIONAL

Working capital term loans - TRADITIONAL

Govt Guaranteed SBL Loans - TRADITIONAL

Equipment Financing - TRADITIONAL

Sale Leaseback/ Bridge Loans - ALTERNATIVE

Asset Based ABL Business Lines Of Credit - ALTERNATIVE

A/R Financing / Factoring / Confidential Receivable Financing - ALTERNATIVE

INVENTORY FINANCE - ALTERNATIVE

SR&ED Tax Credit Monetization - ALTERNATIVE

PO / CONTRACT Financing - ALTERNATIVE

Sales Royalty Financing - ALTERNATIVE


Which of those 12 traditional or alternative finance options works for you. Will one or a combination allow you to give the ' thumbs up '

to finance success? Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with balancing proper loan needs and solutions.


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 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

Receivable Finance In Canada : Get Back On Top With Financial Factoring

Looking To Overcome Your Fear Of Receivable Financing & Factoring?

OVERVIEW – Information on receivable finance in Canada . Financial factoring allows business owners/managers to get back on top of cash flow and working capital challenges

A lot of receivable finance in Canada happens via financial factoring. For those business owners and financial managers that aren't fully familiar with this method of Canadian business financing there is that potential element of fear of the unknown. We think some basics, as well as some recommendations are in order, allowing you to get back on top of business financing challenges. Let's dig in.

A world wide revolution is in fact in place on alternative financing methods such as A/R finance - a subset of asset based lending. The real surprise is that companies of all size, from start up to major corporation in fact utilize this method of cash flow/working capital financing.

Factoring is a very ' formulaic ' and is a financial solution linked to the total value of your accounts receivable. Factors such as income statement, debt to equity, and personal collateral have very little to do with approval for this method of finance, which is of course one of the reasons for its popularity. In effect your A/R always covers your ' loan ' amount, although loan is a misnomer as it’s actually a ' cash flow monetization' of your 2nd most liquid asset - Receivables. (Cash is still king at # 1!).

The broad appeal of financial factoring solutions revolves around the fact that cash is immediate on making a sale, if you choose that to be the case. Typical advances are 90%range, and that adds another layer of attractiveness given banks (if you qualify) tend to margin receivables at 75%. Bottom line - more liquidity.

Firms that might be deemed ' higher risk ' by Canadian chartered banks can still almost always secure separate non bank receivable finance solutions.

From the Canadian banks point of view the overall credit worthiness of a customer is what drives lending solutions. These are lower cost almost always, as financial factoring is a more expensive form of financing, but accessible! The bank in fact views receivables and others as ' secondary ' sources of collateral - A/R finance views it as the only source of collateral, therein the difference.

Many Canadian firms are uncomfortable with the traditional form of factoring, which almost always involves notifying your clients of the process and payment. Therefore our recommended solution is CONFIDENTIAL RECEIVABLE FINANCING - here the business bills and collects its own receivables - it’s only your firm that knows how you are financing yourself. A classic MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS.

Businesses that want to source more capital can consider a non bank asset based lending solution, allowing them to combine inventory and equipment, plus A/R into one total business line of credit.

If you want to overcome the fear of assessing new cash flow financing solutions for your company 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 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 RECEIVABLE FINANCE 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

Finance Solutions Via Leasing : Leased Assets Without Tanking Your Business

The Have More vs. Have Not In Equipment Financing In Canada

OVERVIEW – Information on finance solutions in Canada. Leased assets offer numerous advantages when considering the lease vs. buy decision and that’s why these key leasing equipt .points matter

Leasing is used by over 80% of all North American businesses. But do those firms that currently choose finance solutions via leased assets really have more going for them vs. those ' have nots' who are constantly searching for an asset finance solution? Let's dig in.

Picking the right equipment financing partner and solution is as much knowing what’s going on as it is asking the right questions. One of our mentors once said ' I never learned anything listening to myself talk ‘!

Equipment leasing is a year round solution, depending on what’s happening in your company and your industry. There are numerous challenges in growing a business, and if your business and industry is dependent on new assets and technology ' refreshes' you're arrived at the right spot.

Let's take a look at questions you should be asking when it comes to the end of your ‘lease vs. buy ' decision. One of the tenets of leasing is that if an asset improves your business and has a longer life cycle, or need for change, you should be leasing. Your ability to determine the right monthly payment allows you to consider cash outflows on the lease vs. benefits you will receive from increased revenues, profits, or improved processes.


Next it's important to determine what leasing company you want to work with. This might be on a long term relationship basis, or simply for a specific one time need. The right partner firm will allow you to clearly understand cash outflows on the lease, the actual structure of the transaction, and any flexibility that might be required regarding seasonality of payment. Also, a solid partner will give you some choices around type of lease you need (capital, or operating), as well as balance sheet or tax ramifications that come with equipment finance.

The right partner will also help you understand the ramifications of the residual value of the asset at the end of the term - under certain circumstances you want to know how you can extend a lease, upgrade it, buy it out, or return the asset.

By the way, the right long term lease partner is also capable of getting a one time ' MASTER LEASE' in place, allowing you to simply add schedules to the lease as you need new assets - bottom line = quick/easy.

Also investigate your obligation around things such as insurance, marinating /servicing the asset (if required) and knowing your legal rights around what the industry calls ' end of term '.

So its clear , you can choose to be a ' have not ' in lease financing, but some key basics and working with the right partner will put you in the coveted ' have more ' camp - giving you 100% asset financing, , cash flow conservation, inflation hedge, and the ability to stay up to date with changing technology and fixed asset needs.

Leverage the knowledge and expertise of the right asset financing partner - 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 leasing finance solutions.




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 EQUIPMENT FINANCING EXPERTISE







Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?
CONTACT:

7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

Stan Prokop

Funding Films & Movie Finance In Canada : Film Tax Credits Are Your Ace in the Hole

Film Tax Credits Are The Big Surprise In Financing Movies / TV/ Animated Projects In Canada







OVERVIEW – Information on funding film, tv and digital projects in Canada. Movie and transmedia film tax credits are key to successful full financing of your project – Here is why and how




Funding films (as well as television and digital projects) in Canada via film tax credits is one of the most solid ways to help achieve full funding for your projects.

It probably comes as a surprise to many that the Canadian federal and provincial governments are in fact the ones that provide the funding for movie finance ( again, TV and Transmedia also ) via refundable tax credits . Financing those credits is your ' ace in the hole '

so to speak. Let's dig in.

Competition is good for any business, and there's certainly a fair share in the film tax credit business. Incentives provided by the province you film or produce in compete with U.S. states, as well as burgeoning film industries in many other countries. The film industry is somewhat unique in that many countries have chose to work together in a formal manner on productions - these are known as ' co -productions ' , and if a co-production treaty exists on your project tax credits derived from that are still valid.. and financeable!

As far as Canada goes projects tend to be function of geography or talent or in some cases the simple fact that the tax credit has the ability to finance anywhere from 30-50% of your budget. While many U.S. states that offer film credits are constantly in a debate over the real economic benefit the Canadian government and film industry forges on with generous credits to the tune of billions of dollars. Well over a 100,000 people are in fact employed in the media industry in Canada and billions of dollars in total revenues are associated with the industry.

Refundable tax credits in the film, TV and digital animation industry are known as ' soft money ' - their main purpose is simply to lower the overall cost of any movie, TV show, of special effects project. That ' FX ' part of the industry, digital animation is in fact probably the fastest growing part of the business, and in fact these credits (again also fully financeable) even have their own legal category of tax credit.

Because some projects in media might never pay for themselves refundable govt credits offset a large part of the risk that goes into any project. Top experts tell us that from the provincial and federal govt perspective the focus is as much on jobs, employment and taxation revenues derived from the multi billion entertainment industry.

So how are these credits financed? Job #1 is to determine which of several credits will allow you maximize funding. This is often, if not almost always done via a qualified film tax credit accountant.

They review the various ' tables ' provided by the provincial and federal body to determine how you can best navigate maximum funding.

After you've applied for and received your tax credit certificate/approval you're in a position to start your project, knowing full well that you've covered off a large part of the total funding package of any project which typically is owner equity, debt, tax credits, and specialized forms of funding particular to the film/TV/transmedia . Those include pre-sales, gap, print and advertising, etc.

Film tax credits are financed either on completion or during your project - the goal of both timeframes is dependent on your cash flow needs. Typical loans tend to be in the 70% range based on the total value of the credit. The financing is typically structured as a temporary bridge loan pending funding by the province and Ottawa (Note to non - Canadians - that’s our capital!) and the loan is collapsed one the govt remits on the project.

If you're focused on achieving ' ace in the hole ' status from your media financing needs 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 movie finance 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 FILM TAX CREDIT FINANCING EXPERTISE



Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?
CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8



Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '





















Stan Prokop

Government Small Business Loans In Canada : Last Call For Information You Need

From Zero To Sixty : Govt Small Business Guaranteed Loans In Canada

OVERVIEW – Information on government small business loans in Canada . The ability to achieve the financing you need in a govt backed SBL loan depends on this information

Government small business loans often come with the perception that anything to do with this business loan program moves at a very slow speed. That isn’t the case, not the least reason being that your loan requires no correspondence or meeting with the govt! (More about that later) While ' zero to sixty might seem a little too fast we'll show you that proper info and planning make this attractive business financing solution very accessible achievable in less time than you think . Let's dig in.

Traditional financing in Canada, mainly by banks, has strong appeal for business owners and entrepreneurs. The challenge is qualifying; as it must be clearly proven that your business has revenues, profits, a clean balance sheet, and proven cash flows.

Part of the appeal of ' traditional ‘financing is low interest rates and financing costs. ‘Cost effective ' and ' efficient ' aren't normally associated with start up or SME COMMERCIAL FINANCE. The Govt small business loan program in Canada, underwritten by Industry Canada, offers that lower cost of financing for firms that cannot fully qualify for term loans or cash flow financing.

Many start ups and franchise acquisitions are often financed by the program, which is accessed by thousands of companies every year, to the tune of billions of dollars. The clear benefit here is strong funding at competitive costs from very reliable sources. Since Canada's chartered banks administer the program it's safe to say it’s that ' reliable source'!

Top experts tell us that many new and emerging businesses are often initially funded by owner equity, friends and family, and, dare we say it ' credit cards'!

There are some very basic requirements that come with the program - they include:

Good personal credit history of owner/owners

The business must operate from a leased or owned business premise

Funds can only be used for equipment needs and leaseholds, or real estate

The eligible revenue cap on the program is 5M dollars - obviously start ups are totally ok with that, and tens of thousands of businesses in Canada have revenues under 5M dollars . Economists tell us this sector is in fact driving a huge portion of the Canadian economy.

The government guarantee on the loan via the bank obviously makes the program attractive to bankers that actively participate in Govt loan program. That decreased risk of loss is very attractive to our generally conservative Cdn. banks!

The bottom line for both the bank and yourself - it's easier to support and start or grow an existing business.

So how does one prepare and get started? Key basics are a credible business plan or exec. Summary, info on your business experience, a list of what funds will be used for, and a realistic cash flow projection that shows repayment of the loan.

' Last call '

often refers to your final opportunity - so if you're ready to explore and investigate or commence a government small business loan financing seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success with a track record of success who can assist .



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 GOVERNMENT SMALL BUSINESS LOAN 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

A Commercial Leasing Company : Your Ride To The Top In Canadian Equipment Finance Needs

What Do The #’s 3 And 10 Have To Do With Lease Financing In Canada – Answer : Everything

OVERVIEW – Information on equipment finance in Canada. The commercial leasing company offers asset acquisition solutions if properly understood and utilized

Equipment finance needs require knowledge of the 3 and 10. Knowing what a commercial leasing company does, and how it works relative to your acquisition needs puts you in a position of equal power when it comes to asset financing. That new found knowledge becomes your ' ride to the top ‘.

Let's dig in.

Let's first cover off the 3. There are essentially 3 types of lease firms you should be working with. Not working with the right one has the strong potential for wasting time and expense.

As we have said there are different ' types ' of organizations that offer the asset financing you need for your fixed asset acquisition needs. Knowing which source to access for a particular need is a valuable knowledge tool for the business owner/financial manager.

While Canadian chartered banks are not always first to think of when it comes to equipment lease more and more of Canada's banks have entered the leasing market. They either own, or operate numerous lease firms. To qualify your firm must be credit worthy with an appropriate mix of profits, assets and cash flow. Bank leasing is available in small, mid and large ticket transactions. Larger transactions are often tied to your total banking solution.

Many mfrs also offer financing services. They do this directly, via what’s known as ' captive ' financing, or they partner with firms that offer lease financing to their clients. Captives use financing to increase sales as much as generate lease profits on finance costs. As a general rule you will always get a better deal on price, terms and structure when offered by the mfr. - in some cases the rates are even subsidized to enhance the financial offering.

The bulk of commercial lease financing in Canada is offered by independent commercial lease company. Whether Canadian or U.S. owned they offer the widest variety of funding sources, with many specializing in deal size, industry niche, geographical location, or credit quality focused. By the way, many firms that might not qualify for bank or captive financing can have leases structured to qualify for financing. While they might mean a down payment, a shorter amortization, etc in the end it’s the approval that counts to the business owner.

Let's move on to the 10’s. Here we are talking about specifics you need to address in constructing a finance lease that makes sense for your asset acquisition. Those ten issues include: conveying the use of the equipment to the lessor, working with the right lease company, understanding the final monthly payment relative to your cash flow, mid term lease flexibility, insurance .maintenance needs if applicable, upgrade options, end of term obligations, returns if equipment is not going to be owned, and finally any miscellaneous costs associated with the lease.

A simple checklist could be constructed to ensure you've covered off all the bases. Not knowing the real story on any of our ' 10 ' ultimately will cost you time and money.

So there you have it. The 3 and 10 covered completely! An alternate level of comfort? 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 commercial leasing company and equipment finance 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 EQUIPMENT LEASING & FINANCE 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