Important Decision Making On Working Capital Loan And Receivable Financing Invoice Solutions

Tweet


Tweet

Cross The Threshold On Invoice Finance Solutions

Receivable finance solutions that are offered in Canada ( there are several types ) are a valuable strategy for companies looking for alternative finance solutions when traditional financing is not available . Typically when we are talking about traditional financing we are talking about Canadian chartered banks of course !

So what does the business owner and financial manager need to know when it comes to invoice financing and complementary cash flow strategies ? For a starter A/R financing is not a loan per se, your firm is of course simply monetizing one of the main current assets on your balance sheet.

Years ago we venture to say that many business owners were not aware of alternative finance strategies . That of course also means that many of the benefits derived from factoring or Confidential Receivable Finance finance solutions. At 7 Park Avenue Financial we always strive to ensure our clients understand the various options available to meet their unique individual needs.

Our Cdn banks of course do not tout the benefits of a/r financing / factoring if only for the reason they do not offer this type of financing . That has sometimes tended to create an image that firms utilizing factoring finance are financially challenged . That's very wrong - in fact business folks might be surprised to know that some of the largest companies in Canada utilize this for of cash flow financing - in some cases they call it by a fancier name - Securitization .

Alternative finance solutions almost always cost more . Important to understand though that actual factoring of invoices tends to not be priced at an interest rate , as opposed to a selling cost of margin reduction - typically 1-2% for companies who have good paying clients.

Example - On a $ 10,000 invoice you would have a cost of $200.00 to finance the invoice . The benefit? Cash is available immediately after you invoice and ship /provide your service.

So our take away here of course is that a/r finance pricing is in fact a huge stumbling block to many clients, but only when they don't understand it.

A/R Financing only works when you have sales, so firms that are in severe distress or have seriously declining sales rarely are encouraged to utilize this method of cash flow finance.

Receivable financing solutions typically only work for business to business firms , aka ' B2B'. Firms that sell on credit or cash to consumers are best suited to working capital cash flow loans that monetize future sales based on your historical sales levels . As an example companies in the retail sector can typically achieve a working capital loan of 10-20% of their annual sales.

What else is important in the invoice financing area ? Simply that choosing a partner firm to access your financing needs.

If you are looking for the straight goods on which method of invoice receivable finance works best (We favor confidential A/R finance), how pricing is determined, and how the facility works on a day to day basis.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in crafting the facility that meets your working capital financing needs.




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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !



7 Park Avenue Financial provides value added financing consultation for small and medium sized businesses in the area of cash flow , working capital , and debt financing .



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 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations .

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.

Stan Prokop

Looking For The Best Accounts Receivable Factoring Company - The Answer Is ' Confidential '

Tweet

A Few Quick Tips to Help You Find the Best Factoring Receivables Company

Most people agree that Canadian business model and the Canadian psyche differ from those of our friends in the United States .


Accounts Receivable Factoring goes back to the 1400's and is an accepted way of doing business . Simply speaking it is the ability of a company to immediately obtain cash for their receivables , thereby augmenting cash flow . Factoring is generally viewed as expensive , as the company views the discount rate as the ' interest rate ' on the transaction .


In both the U.S. and Canada very typical rates on factoring range from 1 1/4 % to 2 % per month. Issues that drive the overall rate are the over all transaction size, the credit quality of the debtor , and the historical time that the debtor has taken to retire invoices .


To be clear, when we talk about the participants in a factor transaction, there are three, the company selling the receivable, their customer ( the debtor ) and the finance or factoring firm .


Customers choose factoring , or are forced into considering factoring, when they do not have bank financing, or the financing that is in place is not sufficient to fund working capital .


Companies in Canada have been slow to utilize factoring - there are numerous smaller finance firms that offer the service, and more predominantly, the landscape is covered with branch firms of U.S. and U.K. companies who are established leaders in their respective countries .


A few in Canada offer factored facilities, a fact not generally known to the Canadian business market .


More often than note smaller and medium firms who don't have access to traditional bank lines of credit utilize factoring . They use this financing facility to grow their business, maintain acceptable levels of cash flow, and ensure debt and government payments re taxes, etc . are made on time .


Typical advance rates on factored invoices are in the 80-90% range . Firms utilizing factoring are often not aware of the mechanics of how these facilities are priced on a daily or monthly basis. Two different business models exist within the industry, recourse, and non- recourse . If the debtor does not pay the invoice a recourse transaction forces the company to pay back the factored amount, or replace it with another invoice .


As stated, many firms do not properly focus on the many nuances of the factoring transaction . These include the amount held back by the factor firm, when the hold back is released, and most importantly the paper flow involved in the transaction.


Canadian firms have tended to view factoring as very intrusive . They , unlike their U.S. and U.K. counterparts , have not appreciated that their customers are contacted regularly by the factor firm to verify invoices, demand payment, etc.

Here's What Really Matters in Factoring Receivables

Ultimately the Canadian market seems to desire a non-notification factor model which is not widely available . 7 Park Avenue Financial calls this Confidential Receivable Financing


Prudent business owners and financial executives , both in the U.S. and Canada , can enhance their use of factoring by negotiating arrangements specific to their business , re receivable size, quality, customer time to pay, etc .

Many firms also quickly realize the cost of the factoring can be significantly offset by the use of additional cash to negotiate supplier discounts, take trade discounts offered by suppliers, and in general , improve supplier relations . Key benefits of factoring, also known as invoice discounting, are improved cash flow and maximized cash flow .





About 7 Park Avenue Financial :
We are located in the Toronto area, but we have financed customers all over Canada, from B.C. to Quebec in the east
Financing solutions from 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL can improve cash flow, enhance key operating efficiencies, strengthen working capital and enhance revenue, improve production capabilities - Ask us how!
You are a business owner who wants options and alternatives and the right financing for your business . Commercial financing can be complex - we will make it simple for you .





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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

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 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations .

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.



Stan Prokop

How To Eliminate Your Company's Computer Hardware Financing Challenges Once And For All

Tweet

Take A Giant Step In Understanding How To Finance Your Computer , Software and Other Technology Needs

Many companies are not aware of the significant benefits related to computer hardware financing , as well as available software finance solutions . The proper term for this type of financing is ' Technology life cycle management '. Most business owners simply consider the following question : ' Should I buy or lease my firms new computers and software and related products and services ? '



Two old adages related to leasing still ring true when it comes to the technological aspect . That is that one should finance something and depreciates, and one should buy something that appreciates in value . Most business owners, and consumers as well know very well that computers depreciate in value . Systems we paid thousands of dollars for years ago are now hundreds of dollars . Walk into any ' big box ' retailer and see the dramatic moves in technology .



Business owners who finance technology demonstrate a higher level of cost effectiveness . The company wants to reap the benefits of the technology over the useful life of the asset , and , importantly, more evenly match the cash outflows with the benefits . Leasing and financing your technology allows you to stay ahead of the technology curve ; that is to say you are always using the latest technology as it relates to your firms needs .



Businesses that lease and finance their technology needs are often working better within their capital budgets . Simply speaking they can buy more and buy smarter .



Many companies that are larger in size have balance sheet issues and ROA ( ' return on assets ' ) issues that are compelling . They must stay within bank credit covenants and are measure often on their ability to generate income on the total level of assets being deployed in the company . Lease financing allows those firms to address both of those issues . Companies can choose to employ an ' operating lease ' structure for their technology financing .

This is more prevalent in larger firms, but works almost equally as well in small organizations . Operating leases are ' off balance sheet ' . The firm adopts the stance of using technology, not owning technology . The lessor/lender owns the equipment, and has a stake in the residual value of the technology .

The main benefit for the company is that the debt associated with the technology acquisition is not directly held on the balance sheet . This optimizes debt levels and profitability ratios .

Little-Known Factors That Could Affect Your Computer Hardware Financing

At the end of those operating leases, which are usually 36 months long, the customer has the option of:



1. Returning the equipment



2. Buying the equipment ( not likely though )



3. Negotiating an extension of the financing for continued use of the computers, technology, etc .

Make Computer Hardware Financing Work for Your Company

Companies that have recently acquired computers and technology can in fact negotiate a' sale leaseback ' on those same assets. This financing strategy brings cash back into the company , as the firm has employed a leasing and financing strategy building on our above noted them - using technology, not owning technology .



Benefits of Computer Hardware Financing


In summary , the key benefits of computer and technology lease financing are :



* The company can stay ahead of the technology curve



* Computer leasing and financing has significant balance sheet and income statement benefits



* The firm has flexibility with respect to buying new product, returning existing technology, and generating cash flow for purchases already made



Many of the benefits we have discussed relate to leasing in general . However, technology and lease financing are very perfectly suited to the business financing strategy of leasing .



Many businesses, both small and large do not realize that software can be leased or financed . Although software financing is unique in some manner, in general it has many similarities to equipment leasing.

It is also proper to ensure that right finance firm is utilized , as many lenders are somewhat risk averse to financing this asset . However, many others are looking for business in this area !

Contrary to popular opinion software as an asset in many cases has more value that a depreciating hard asset . It has also been confusing for lenders when it comes to the registration of collateral under Canadian PPSA ( PERSONAL PROPERTY SECURITY ACT ) legislation .

In its broadest term the financing or leasing of software that can't be transferred to another user . The business owner does also of course not own any development rights in the software . Software financing is treated as a financing mechanism, it is not a true lease per se .

Some additional key points around the technicality of software leasing/finance are as follows :

The right of a customer to use the software gives the company no right in the intellectual property surrounding the developers rights in the software code. The best example of this is when we look at our EXCEL spreadsheets that we use in finance and home matters . We use the software, but Microsoft of course owns it .

The problem in the past around the financing of software revolved around the fact that lenders did not know how to collateralize and register their security . Under current PPSA legislation intangibles and software can be collateralized. Therefore the software financing lender/lessor can be very confident that the software can be secured.

At the heart of the software financing issue is the true value of the software to the business owner . He runs his business on it , i.e CRM programs, office software, manufacturing software, etc. Software lease payments tend to be made since the asset is indispensable to the value and on going concern of the business . Unless companies are liquidated in total bankruptcy most lessors and finance firms recover fully on their software leasing - Source - Journal of Equipment Leasing
In many business bankruptcies the software lessor or lender is treated as a secured creditor .

Also key to the software financing issue is that many software firms offer maintenance , support, and updates around their product . This enhances the lenders asset as it is used for longer lengths of time, and often constantly upgraded. Quite frankly it becomes less obsolete than computer hardware!

Many software lessors and lenders also finance the service and maintenance contracts associated with their customers software acquisition.

We do acknowledge in this article that it is more difficult to finance customized software although it is possible based on the overall credit strength of the borrower . Many customized software deals are done with only investment grade borrowers where credit risk is minimal . Many smaller ticket lessors and lenders however do now lease software . In general these transactions are full payout capital leases .

In summary , software lease financing is available and should be considered by every business owner in the same context as a capital equipment finance transaction . The computer hardware industry has grown with leasing , and the software industry is doing that also . The same considerations an owner gives to lease vs buy apply to a software finance acquisition .





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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !

Did You Know You Can Make The Cost Of Receivable Financing Work To Your Advantage ? Here's How

Tweet


Making The A/R Factoring Cost Work For Your Company

How much is it? No we aren’t in line at a department store, we're sitting with our clients who are always asking what the true cost of factoring receivables is and if a receivables financing facility is their real solution for working capital problems. They ask other questions also, such as how the facility works and what is the best type of facility for the Canadian business marketplace, so we we'll cover those off also .

We don’t think there is more of a misunderstood business financing in Canada, notwithstanding the fact that receivables financing is growing in popularity traction everyday. The biggest stigma around the topic is really the true cost, and we use the word true cost because many Canadian business owners and financials managers simply don’t understand the components of that true cost, and more so, how these costs can be significantly offset and reduced.

We'll point out that coming up the rear fast and furious behind true cost are the issues of how the facility works and what type of facility is the best one in Canada - as there are several types.

To properly address our issue lets quickly define our subject - factoring, ( also called receivable discounting and invoice financing ) is simply the sale of your receivables to a third party firm, that firm providing you with immediate ( and we mean same day!) cash to finance your business

One of the misconceptions clients have around pricing is related to the fact that you receive (depending on who you are dealing with) 80-90% of your invoice amount in a receivables financing scenario. This must be taken into account when you are looking at total factoring cost.

One thing that constantly disturbs us is that the terminology mumbo jumbo that many factor firms use when they are offering you pricing on your facility. That’s why it makes total sense to talk to a trusted, credible, and experienced Canadian business financing advisor that will work with you through the (industry created) maze of factoring, factoring cost, and day to day paper flow.

You can quickly and easily focus in on the true cost of factoring by simply keeping in mind three things that you need to know - they are:

1. The percentage that you are advanced on your invoice (refer to our previous comments)

2. The discount rate charged on the advance

3. The length of time that you typically collect your receivables in

Most business owners are not readily facility with their DSO, their ' day’s sales outstanding '. You have to be, because it’s an ongoing measure of the time it takes to collect your receivables in days. It’s calculated simply by taking your receivable on an annual basis, multiplying them by 365 (days) and then dividing that number by your sales for that time period.

Therefore, if you know your collection period, and get an honest, clear answer on our three points you can easily determine the cost of factoring.

Let’s give you a clear example: Your factor firm advances you 80% of your invoice. Their discount rate is 3%. So if you are in the lenders shoes your annual return on the client (that’s you!) is simply: Discount rate % times 365 days Divided by number of days invoice is outstanding.

In Canada that rate is typically going to work out to be in the 1 - 2 % per month range depending on the lenders perception of the size and quality of your accounts receivable portfolio.

Is that expensive financing? You tell us, because if you take into account the receivables financing facility provides you with unlimited cash flow to generate sales and profits, and that you can use the cash to offset financing costs, well... we don't think so .Costs can be offset by using the funds to take supplier payment discounts, and purchase in larger volumes and better prices re your inventory needs, etc.


Take Advantage Of The Knowledge and Expertise @ 7 Park Avenue Financial :

Speak to that trusted, credible business financing advisor with a track record of success that we spoke of, he or she will guide you through the receivable discounting maze and set you on course with the right facility at a price that makes sense to you.





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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

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 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations .

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.



Stan Prokop

Inventory Financing Companies - The Inventory Finance Loan Solution !

Tweet



Get Ready For Inventory Financing & Accounts Receivable Finance Solutions !

More and more Canadian firms require inventory financing as a component of their business and sales growth . Inventory financing in Canada is relatively under utilized and most business owners don't understand how it works . This new form of financing is growing .

Inventory growth needs put financial pressure on the balance sheet as vendors and suppliers continue to dictate payment terms in order to meet their own business and profit goals . As more financial managers know the ability to turn inventory over as many times as possible is a significant operating measure for any firm .


A company computes its inventory turns by simply dividing the ' Cost of Goods Sold' by the amount of ending inventory and ending up with a turnover rate . The rate of inventory turns is never an absolute number , as different industries have different acceptable inventory turns . Also, we should note that there are sometimes different inventory components - i.e. raw materials, work in process, and of course the final finished goods .


Many Canadian, ( and U.S.!) firms moved significant purchases to China in the last number of years , As China has changed its banking policy, and has also been a victim of the world liquidity crisis , more and more Chinese manufacturers are not willing to carry accounts receivable in the manner they did several years ago .


The crux of the inventory problem issue for any firm is the inability of the company to convert orders into sales simply because they don't have the inventory to satisfy their customers . Without orders the firm has no financeable asset . Day to day cash flow rarely is enough to generate significant additional inventory purchases.


The ability of a inventory financing companies to finance required inventory in turn allows a firm to generate receivables which are converted in true working capital .


An inventory finance firm will evaluate the company's overall prospects , its management, inventory controls, etc and determine what per cent of the companies inventory can be financed . To take the matter further a lender might, on occasion, require the inventory to be inspected at regular intervals, or in extreme cases, held in a separate location under the control of the lender . The inventory lender is looking for an acceptable business model which is replicable . Generally speaking inventory financing is never done on a ' one shot deal ' basis.

The risk in this type of financing is reflecting in the pricing . Normally the only other way a company could attract capital to generate high inventory levels is to issue additional equity . This is categorically more expensive than debt, or in this case the inventory financing cost .

 

 

The Top Ways to Succeed in Inventory Financing

They types of companies that require inventory financing are usually in the following categories :


1. Growing importers who sell wholesale in North America

2. Importers who sell to consumers

3. Intermediaries who purchase product and ' flip ' the inventory to someone else

4. Manufacturing firms with fast turnaround business cycles


They also have good gross margins which can withstand the more expensive cost of this type of financing .


In summary , inventory financing and accounts receivable finance is a growing component of business financing . It works well in certain industries . Most firms who require inventory financing are either start ups, or those who cannot get traditional bank financing . ( In our experiences banks can rarely, if ever, meet a company's inventory margin requirements . Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced  Canadian business financing expert who can assist you with your business finance needs.






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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !



7 Park Avenue Financial provides value added financing consultation for small and medium sized businesses in the area of cash flow , working capital , and debt financing .



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 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations .

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.


Stan Prokop

Every Asked Yourself If Your SR&ED Tax Credit Can Be Financed ? Spoiler Alert - It Can !

PREPARE YOURSELF FOR CRITICAL INFO ON FINANCING TAX CREDITS !

SR ED/SRED TAX CREDIT FINANCING is an important method to of raising cash - primarily for younger or higher growth firms who can utilize the capital . Claims can be financed for approx 70% of their filed value .

The financing works more efficiently when the claim is prepared by a firm with a solid track record . The formal name for the program is the Scientific Research and Experimental Development ,( hence 'SR & ED' ) program .

The Canadian government allocations well over a Billion dollars to this program annually, and it can be a valuable source of financing for many firms, particularly those in early stage. Claims are generally in the 35% + range for all r&d performed. and can include portions of a firms overhead costs!

After filing a proper SR ED claim business owners can finance that claim with our assistance. 7 Park Avenue Financial encourages all its clients to file SR ED claims where applicable, and if financing those claims makes sense we will get the job done !


Can My Canadian Sr Ed Tax Credit Be Financed/monetized?

Many Canadian firms are not aware that they can finance their SR ED tax credit claims. Lets backtrack a little bit. The SR ED Tax credit program is a Canadian government program which allows Canadian privately controlled firms to recoup a very large amount of direct and indirect expenses related to their innovative business processes, research and development, and asset acquisition related to those very efforts.

Thousands of Canadian firms file such claims and the program has disbursed close to 2 Billion dollars annually to Canadian firms.

Funds received from the government, while taxable, are NOT repayable, we repeat, NOT repayable! Claims are generally prepared by one of two parties, either the firms accountants, or, more frequently, an independent SR ED preparation firm who are experienced in the writing of these claims, and have amassed expertise and bench strength in that customers particular industry. We note also there is a growing SRED industry around film and TV credits, digital media, and gaming.

We are continually amazed at the number of companies who are eligible for the program but in fact have never heard of the program. You can imagine the expression on the business owners faces when they are told they have been eligible for the program for years, and have in fact relinquished their rights to these funds.

As a technical matter companies can only claim funds for the last 2 years of r&d, business process development, etc. Furthermore the claims have to be file at the same time the firm files annual tax returns.

Let's get back to the financing of the Sr&ed  claim!

The financing of the claims is in effect a temporary loan against the SR ED claim, allowing the company to monetize immediately the incoming cash flow related to the SR ED claim. One of the key factors around the financing of the claim is the size. Generally speaking it makes sense to finance claims that are in excess of $200,000.00.

However, realistically many smaller Canadian firms file claims significantly below that amount. While these claims are somewhat more difficult to finance it certainly can and does makes sense in many instances. Our firm has worked with many customers who view the claim as one of their most significant cash inflows during that year.

 Typically it takes between two - four weeks to arrange for a proper financing of the claim. Proper due diligence around the general financial health and prospects of the firm is done, and typical credit assessment is done around the lenders ability to properly secure the claim vis a vis a collateralized registration against the claim.

Loans against the claim are typically made at approximately 70% of the total of the combined federal and provincial claim. Why 70%? A safety buffer is in fact created in the event that the claim is adjudicated by the government and a portion of the claim is downsized or disallowed. We have noted that this happens when customers or their consultants file claims that are too aggressive. The customers mentality seems to be ' I will file a claim for $300,00.00, if they knock it back a bit I will still get more funds than originally intended '. In general this is probably not a good strategy.

In summary:

* Companies should file claims if they are eligible * If cash flow and working capital is important the SR ED claim can be financed

* Customer should use their accountants and financial advisor to originate proper financing of the claim






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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website ! 



7 Park Avenue Financial provides value added financing consultation  for small and medium sized businesses in the area  of cash flow , working capital , and debt financing .



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 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations .

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.

Stan Prokop

Isn't It Time You Understood Operating Lines Of Credit Alternatives ?

Tweet

Is There A Better Way to Access All The Working Capital You Need ? We've Got One !

Operating lines of credit, or Asset based lines of credit , via ' non-bank' lenders, are fast becoming one of the most flexible and popular methods for small, medium, and large customers to finance their operations


. Asset based lending is getting increasing popular with Canadian firms. Terms are more accommodating, and are usually ' non covenant' based . Unpredictable cash flows and seasonality are often other reasons why an asset based line of credit has substantial appeal to business owners and CFO's. These operating loans are totally focused on the assets of the business , most predominately receivables and inventory .


The total focus of the facility is the ' Current asset ' portion of your balance sheet, ie receivables, inventory. In certain cases equipment, real estate, and intangibles can be financed . Credit line facilities are set up based on your borrowing requirements relative to your receivable and inventory assets . Generally receivables under 90 days are financed, as those > 90 days infer uncollectability . Although some focus is placed on over all viability and secondary sources of repayment overall the focus is on the business assets . Rates vary based on size of facility, overall asset quality, and the lender pricing model.


This type of financing provides the firm with significantly more liquidity as the Canadian chartered banks usually lend only 50-75% on current asset categories such as receivables and inventory .


More and more Canadian businesses in the small and medium sized enterprise space are finding it difficult to achieve the operating lines of credit they need from our traditional lenders such as the Canadian chartered banks. These firms are turning to asset based lenders . In our experience many companies are not even aware that such a financing option exists .


Asset based lending places less emphasis on proven track records and financial strength , instead focusing on key business assets such as accounts receivable, inventory, and in some cases equipment and real estate .


True asset based lending should not be confused with ' factoring '. In a factoring environment the company in effect sells their receivables to another firm at a discount . Asset based lending allows the company to bill and collect its own receivables . The loan is paid down and reduced , in a fluctuating manner , as the company collects its invoices .


This type of financing can in effect become a strong lifeline in the current liquidity and credit crisis . Banks traditionally margin receivables in a more conservative manner , and further significant reliance is placed on the customers over all financial health with respect to the current balance sheet and income statements .


The one negative aspect of this type of lending is that it comes with a higher cost . The lender usually has a higher cost of capital and is looking for a significantly higher return than a traditional chartered bank .


In most cases more reporting by the company is often required . That is to say they are more often submitting updated reports related to current receivable and inventory levels . Overall a more rigorous due diligence is in place .


The current asset based lending market in Canada is still quite small , but the industry is clearly growing .


In summary, small and mediums sized businesses should check out asset based lending as an alternative to traditional bank financing . Due to the complexity and relative lack of knowledge around this industry the firm should work with a trusted business financing advisor . Asset based lending can provide unlimited liquidity to firms who are growing - because it focuses on the assets, not the balance sheet and income statement !


Business owners and managers should seek qualified assistance in locating an asset based lender that suits their industry and overall financing requirements re loan size, etc . A study done by the CIBC several years ago indicated that business owners who sought out trusted financing advisors had revenues 76% above those who did not seek a business financing specialist or trusted advisor . Traditionally these types of loans or operating facilities are for firms with under 50 employees .


Asset based lending in Canada is a classic case of a source of capital at the right time, given the current turmoil in the financial and credit markets . Many special situations can be addressed by a constructive asset based line of credit - these include buyouts, cross border projects, and debt restructuring . Many firms that are even in bankruptcy or receivership can avail themselves of a true asset based lending agreement .


Although it is often a more expensive type of financing the case can be made that the asset based financing is much cheaper than the firm issuing additional equity and diluting ownership . Key benefits are improved cash flow, stronger reporting capabilities and the maximization of receivables and inventory financing .






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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !



7 Park Avenue Financial provides value added financing consultation for small and medium sized businesses in the area of cash flow , working capital , and debt financing .



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 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations .

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.

Stan Prokop