WELCOME !

Thanks for dropping in for some hopefully great business info and on occasion some hopefully not too sarcastic comments on the state of Business Financing in Canada and what we are doing about it !

In 2004 I founded 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL. At that time I had spent all my working life, at that time - Over 30 years in Commercial credit and lending and Canadian business financing. I believe the commercial lending landscape has drastically changed in Canada. I believe a void exists for business owners and finance managers for companies, large and small who want service, creativity, and alternatives.

Every day we strive to consistently deliver business financing that you feel meets the needs of your business. If you believe as we do that financing solutions and alternatives exist for your firm we want to talk to you. Our purpose is simple: we want to deliver the best business finance solutions for your company.



Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Commercial Leasing Companies : Succeeding In The Potential Of Equipment Finance In Canada






Which Of These Would You Pick When It Comes To Lease Financing In Canada ?





OVERVIEW – Information on solutions offered by commercial leasing companies in Canada . Equipment finance is all about knowing your options and wading through the marketing and business jargon



Equipment finance in Canada is all about ' simple ' and ' easy ‘. Why then do some of the issues around solutions via commercial leasing companies mystify clients? We think we know some of the answers. Let's dig in.

Although it’s been around almost forever some of the issues are lease financing constantly evolve. Whether its the recent major change in operating lease finance ( good bye forever dear off balance sheet financing friend !)
or taxation issues our clients can be forgiven for trying to understand which benefits mean the most to them .









Part of the problem also revolves around the marketing and information provided in the highly competitive equipment lease market. Today in Canada solutions abound from captive finance firms attached to mfrs and dealers, independent commercial lease firms that are both Cdn and U.S. owned, as well as Canadian chartered bank solutions offered by their leasing divisions or subsidiaries.

Case in point? Which of these 3 payments would you prefer as a monthly installment on your lease? Let's use a $100,000.00 transaction as an example.

SOLUTION 1 - $ 3133 / MO

SOLUTION 2 - $2640.00 /MO

SOLUTION 3 - $2516 /M0


While most of our clients will say - ‘We will choose the lowest one!" the reality is they are essentially all the same transaction - just structured differently to suit your company's specific needs around cash flow and ultimate use of the equipment.

Let's explain.



Solution 1 is a three year lease to own scenario. Payments are fixed and you're obligated to make 36 equal monthly installments at a specified interest rate. We have used 8% as our example in all calcs.

Solution # 2 is what is known as a bargain purchase options, whereby, mainly to reduce payments during the initial term, the client has the ability at the end of 36 months to refinance the remaining balance, in this case 20%, or to simply pay it out at its option.

Both transaction 1 and 2 have the owner owning the equipment at the end of the lease.

Solution # 3 is our operating lease - coming in at the lowest payment the obligation at the end of the 36 months is to return, purchase, or upgrade or extend the lease according to specific needs of the asset and your firm.

By the way, seasonal or skip payments can also be added into any of the above scenarios, often used to address cash outflow challenges in many companies and industries.


The predictable cash flow in equipment finance is a solid benefit when it comes to cash flow challenges - and more often than not newer or more expensive equipment can be more easily facilitated via the ' low monthly payment ' lease option that matches benefits to useful equipment life . Very important for assets that help generate revenue!

What we have shown is that you have different options according to needs and the inherent flexibility offered by commercial leasing companies. They help the business owner determine the best decision in that ' lease vs. buy’ decision that is required.

Bottom line - While an interest rate and financing cost has to be competitive it's as important to look at the payment and lease structure flexibility. If you're interested in ensuring you have all the options on the table from commercial leasing companies in Canada seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success
who can ensure your equipment finance needs are met .





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 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 '



























Monday, December 1, 2014

Business Finance In Canada : Avoid These Mistakes With Commercial Lenders And Funding Needs






Are You Making This Mistake In Canadian Business Financing ?








OVERVIEW – Information on funding from commercial lenders in Canada . Using the right business finance loan or asset monetization strategy makes or breaks your company – Here’s why and how










Business finance is partly about sourcing the right financing solutions from banks and commercial lenders. Funding via debt, cash flow or asset monetization comes fraught with risk if wrong choices are made. Can you avoid those mistakes? We sure think so. Let's dig in.




Taking on debt in your business has all sorts of connotations - one of them that debt is simply not good -
which absolutely isn't the case if you utilize the right amount of leverage. When debt doesnt assist you in growing sales revenues or profits, while at the same time putting your company at risk... well that's when things become a ' mistake ' quickly.

So are there some reasons for assessing available forms of financing that make sense? You knew there was, one of them being business expansion via new premises, or perhaps entering new markets for your product or services.

But even if your business is generating profits they often are not enough to fund either of those decisions .At that points it makes solid sense to spend some times on cash flows or a business plan to ensure revenues will meet expectations.

Businesses in the SME COMMERCIAL sector can often utilize Federal govt business loans to move into new premises and perform leasehold improvements required to generate sales and profits. Those loans need to be repaid out of cash flow. Leasehold improvements for retail and other commercial concerns are challenging if only because it's tough to assess your real return on investment.

In many instances new equipment or technology need to be acquired. Equipment lease financing is as close to the perfect solution, and when these assets help generate sales and profits the planets are clearly aligned! Lease financing can be structured in a variety of ways, ensuring maximum flexibility re monthly payments, term, etc.

Inventory is often a key component in the search for growth. It can be financed on its own via your bank, or part of an asset based lending solution that focuses on the real value and turnover of your inventories.

We've talked about debt financing, but often the critical need in your business revolves around the cash flow cap that exists because of the need you have to carry inventory and extend credit to clients. This critical area of business is addressed through:

Working capital term loans

Canadian chartered bank lines of credit

A/R Financing (Factoring / Confidential Receivable Finance)
ABL Asset based lines of credit (they merge your A/R, inventory and equipment into one business credit line you can borrow against based on those asset levels)


Interest on cash flow loans, A/R facilities and bank credit lines reduce profits but grow sales - They are the perfect matching financing for cash flow needs

Banks as a general rule utilize a calculation known as ' cash flow coverage ' which in their case is usually a requirement that cash flows cover debt payments by a factor of around 1.5.

Our bottom line? Debt financing should be viewed as an investment in your business, but MUST be done properly. In many cases monetizing assets via cash flow financing is a solid alternative. Other alternative financing vehicles for cash flow include SR&ED tax credit monetization, PO Finance, Sales Royalty financing, etc.

If you want to ensure you're making the ' best choice ' in funding for business finance via commercial lenders and banks seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can help you avoid costly mistakes.



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 FUNDING 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 '




























Factoring Receivables : Full Speed Canadian Receivable Finance Strategies






Financing Cash Flow Needs : The Factoring Way












OVERVIEW – Information on the Canadian receivable finance strategies known as factoring . Receivables represent a major source of liquidity and knowing how they can be financed is key to business success





Receivable finance in Canada
is a function of managing the investment your company has in A/R. The cash flow needs that arise are directly related to your policy of granting commercial credit to your clients - and the severity of that need is commensurate with the level of slowness your clients take in paying you.

Factoring receivables is one way to manage that challenge, and done properly, its ' full speed ahead '
with a business financing solution that makes sense .Let's dig in.

‘Quick ' is the word we hear most often when it comes to invoice financing. The real challenge though is the ability of the owner/ financial manager to ensure he or she has the right facility in terms of size, rate, and being able to live with the way this method of credit facility is handled. Our most common and recommended solution is CONFIDENTIAL RECEIVABLE FINANCE, allowing the owner/manager to mirror the same type of borrowing that could be achieved through a bank scenario.

That begs of course the question why the owner simply wouldn’t utilize Canadian chartered banks as a solution to the cash flow/working capital challenge. For further clarity in that manner it’s also important to understand that factoring receivables is not a ' loan ‘, and it certainly does not add any debt to the balance sheet.

Firms that choose to go the bank route for a revolving credit facility must be able to demonstrate consistent profitability, in addition to a balance sheet that reflects required ratios around debt to equity. Any imbalance in your ' current ratio ' of liquid assets to payable and other debt you have also can bring a screeching stop to bank approval. Many firms actually do qualify for bank financing, but not enough to meet their needs. A typical example is when large orders or contracts need to be filled in a timely manner.

The common advantages of factoring receivables are:

Fast approval

Unlimited credit relative to the amount of sales and A/R you are achieving

Unrestricted use of funds for general commercial purposes


It is a common misconception that you have to finance all your a/r all the time - that is certainly NOT the case, and prudent owners/managers will simply draw down what they need , paying only for what they are using in the facility at any given time . That alleviates a lot of the cost of the facility, which typically in Canada, using $ 10,000.00 as an example, costs 200$ for a 30 day period. Naturally the benefits of receiving those funds immediately include being able to satisfy all your operating obligations, as well as being able to better manage price and discounts with key suppliers.

As we consistently meet Canadian business owners who are not even familiar with this method of financing its quite a consolation to them to know that factoring has been around a few hundred years - with even major FINANCIAL POST top 500 firms utilizing this or similar ( securitization) methods of cash flow financing.

Certain industries such as transportation, staffing, are perfect candidates for factoring, but the reality is that any business with commercial receivables qualifies.

The type of facility you set up (traditional vs. non notification), the cost, who you are dealing with, and the actual agreement is what makes or breaks success in non bank A/R 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 with your working capital 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 '
































Friday, November 28, 2014

The Government Of Canada Business Loan : A Better Way Via Unsecured Business Loans




Govt SBL Small Business Loans Fix The Burning Desire To Start Or Grow A Business












OVERVIEW – Information on the government of Canada business loan . These guaranteed unsecured loans are the entrepreneur/business owners solid route to starting or growing a business






Unsecured business loans
, via the Government of Canada business loan program almost always (and done properly) satisfy the need of the entrepreneur/business owner to start or grow a business. It has become a great way to quench the burning desire of entrepreneurs to finance or begin a business. Let's dig in.

When business people become aware of the program all of a sudden the goal of financing a business becomes within reach. That is not to say of course that numerous other challenges exist (location, staff, generating revenues to budget), they do, but the idea of obtaining the cash flow you need in a form that is very competitive is all of a sudden very appealing.

Not having the right or enough financing in place can often backfire relative to owner credibility - in business 2nd chances are hard to come by in many cases.

The appeal of the program essentially revolves around the fact that it provides competitive financing, up to 350k, for businesses that can't access traditional capital from Canadian banks. Rates for the program are in the 3% over prime range, and at today's low rates that’s very appealing for start up or SME COMMERCIAL FINANCE needs. By the way, the size of your firm, projected or actual, must be under the 5 Million dollar range on an annual basis.

Government SBL small business loans
are offered by INDUSTRY CANADA, a part of our federal govt in Canada; but they are administered and approved by Canadian chartered banks. The government provides credibility to your loan via a guarantee to the banks for a substantial part of the loan. What bank doesn't like that?!

When we meet with clients requiring this type of loan it's often necessary to instantly clarify what the loan finances. That is new or used equipment, leasehold improvements, and real estate. What it does not cover, much to the disappointment of many, is working capital, refinancing existing loans, and inventory. Those needs can of course be accomplished by other finance sources including:

Leasing
Receivable and Inventory Cash Flow Financing
Sale Leasebacks
Tax Credit Monetization of SR&ED claims
Asset based ABL lines of credit


To qualify applicants need a reasonable personal credit history, a business plan and cash flow forecast that reflects the potential success of the program, and basic info that would in fact be part of any other business financing loan - i.e. incorporation details, details of use of funds, a premises lease, etc?

If you're looking for the ' better way ' in business start up or growth 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 with capital 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 GOVT BUSINESS LOAN AND UNSECURED 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

Direct Line
= 416 319 5769

Office =
905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '































Thursday, November 27, 2014

Asset Based Line Of Credit : Your Solutions To Your Mountain Of Pain Via ABL Business Credit Lines





Don’t Click Here If You’re Satisfied With Business Credit Line Financing





OVERVIEW – Information on the asset based business line of credit . How this ABL solution differs from traditional bank lending . Assessing the highs and lows of this method of revolving credit facility






An asset based business credit line is one solution to what many business owners / financial managers tell us is their ' mountain of pain '
when it comes to revolving credit facilities that make sense for their company. ‘ABL ' asset based lending is the one alternative to achieving a working capital line that makes sense. Let's dig in.

There are subsets of asset based credit that also work for many businesses in Canada. The primary one is invoice financing, which focuses specifically on accounts receivable, and unlike ABL, does not take into account borrowing against your inventory, equipment, and other assets. While invoice factoring works for thousands of firms it falls down when the business owner/manager finds that way of financing the business as too inflexible.

Getting into the wrong facility can become either too expensive or in some cases cumbersome. If there's one primary reason businesses shy away from invoice financing it’s because they don't want the financing to have any involvement with customers, suppliers, etc.

We can commiserate with these clients because the ability to keep how you finance your company private is probably how you want to run your business. If there is one other perception of invoice financing on its own it’s that many firms simply don't understand what it does and, as importantly, how it works and how it is priced.

How are commercial finance firms offering ABL credit able to compete with banks? Top experts tell us that the ' risk spread ' on banks lending to smaller firms is less attractive than lending to large commercial borrowers.

Asset based lenders fill the void that exists when small to medium sized businesses find they are unable to secure ' traditional' loans.

So that brings us around to the ASSET BASED BUSINESS LINE OF CREDIT, which finances your a/r, inventory, and equipment under one revolving credit facility . In many ways is the perfect alternative to ' credit hungry ' Canadian business.

Top experts tell us that thousands of firms are now fully utilizing asset based lending facilities - primarily in the start up and SME Commercial market place, while many would also be surprised at major corporations that utilize this type of business borrowing.

This ' bundling ' of your assets into one borrowing facility provides liquidity and borrowing power that is more often than not 100-200% more than you could achieve at a bank facility. It is also well suited to Canadian businesses that sell into the U.S. as no real distinction is made between U.S. and Canadian receivables if you're working with the right partner.

And paramount to all of this is the fact that the facility is ' CONFIDENTIAL ' with respect to your business running on its own, billing and collecting your own receivables.

If you're looking to understand the key advantages of the ABL business line of credit vs. your ability access bank finance 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 removing that ' mountain of pain ' around working capital needs in Canada.



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 ASSET BASED 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 '

























Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Financing A Franchise Purchase In Canada : Your Franchising Loan Trust Factor Starts Here







Stuck At The ‘What To Do Phase’ Of A Franchise Loan In Canada?



OVERVIEW – Information on financing a franchise purchase in Canada. What are the most effective means of obtaining a franchise loan in the Canadian marketplace


Financing a franchise purchase in Canada often involves a ' trust factor ' that is being sought by the franchisee when it comes to choices and alternatives in accessing the right capital for the business purchase. That purchase can be from the franchisor directly, or from an existing franchisee that has the authorization to sell his or her business. Let's dig in.

Often the franchisee is simply stuck at what we call the ' what to do ' phase of the business purchase decision. While many regard Canadian chartered banks as the solution for the buying of the franchise the hard truth is that this type of business financing is rarely done directly by the bank.

When it is it requires the purchase of one of the larger and well known names in the franchise industry. This eliminates hundreds of other franchises where the franchisor has not established a relationship directly with a bank program.

What then are three solutions available for the entrepreneur who wishes to enter this industry? One is what we just mentioned, purchasing one of the larger ' names ' in the business where established programs are in place. (By the way, that doesn't guarantee approval, it gives you only the right to apply!).

The second solution is to work with a specialty franchise finance lender which again has some constraints around what and who they are willing to finance. The third solution? It's to cobble together some financing via commercial finance firms that might consider financing specific assets such as equipment, leaseholds (difficult to finance), as well as working capital needs.

But wait... there's more!
One tried and tested solution is to utilize the Govt Small Business Loan, aka the ' SBL '. While not originally intended to finance the purchase of a franchise it has become the ' go to ' method of franchising finance for thousands of entrepreneurs.

What makes the govt loan so attractive is that it is easier to get approval for by virtue of the fact that the govt guarantees the majority of the loan to the bank. Rates are also attractive, and that includes the ability to prepay without penalty. Additionally not personal collateral is attached to the transaction, and those leaseholds, often difficult to finance, are fully financeable under the program.

Franchise purchases
up to 350,000$ are financeable under the SBL. Basic requirements are a good personal credit history, a positive personal net worth, as well as being able to demonstrate and provide a strong loan package that includes a business plan, cash flow projection, etc. Remember the bank (and the govt) is not an equity partner with you, they simply want to be repaid from projected cash flow/profits.)

If you're looking for franchise capital and are reluctant to pledge personal assets, home, etc 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. It's virtually the end of your ' what to do ' phase in financing a franchise purchase in Canada.




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 :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/financing-franchise-purchase-canada-loan.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

Direct Line
= 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email
= sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '