Methods Of Financing Working Capital In Canada – Current Assets Leverage For Cash Flow Loans

Isn't it ironic that business can be actually quite good... or even great..? which then becomes a problem only because in business survival and growth it’s all about financing working capital... turning those current assets of your firm into loans or monetization facilities for cash flow.

In a perfect world Canadian business owners want to be able to meet their day to day operations, make any loan or lease payments and be able to plan for upcoming expenses or growth. How could one statement like that induce so much stress!

A lot of that planning comes from the ' current assets ' category of your financials, simply speaking your liquid assets such as cash on hand, receivables, and inventories if in fact your business has inventory. (Some services businesses just have A/R).

Small and medium sized businesses in Canada rely on either capital from their owners personal resources, or their decision to take on loans and debt of some sort.

But what type of loans makes sense when it comes to liquidity? Perhaps a better re phrasing of that question would be ' what is ' good' working capital debt? In our personal credit lives we think of good debt, i.e. a mortgage, and bad debt ' credit cards'!

Naturally considering new ownership or additional equity in your company or business (taking in a partner, etc) is simply a dilution in the long run and somewhat downsizes the overall incentive for all owners to grow the firm.

And when it comes to debt the amount of ' debt' or loans your firm can take on is certainly often limited relative to your own current financials and the state of borrowing in Canada , which vacillates from great to not great as you may have noticed!

So, whats the solution? Is financing working capital the way to go? (As opposed to term loans and more debt) It’s not as complicated as you think. And it all comes back to our friends, those two guys known as ' current assets '!

A large part of working capital financing in your business can come from yourself. Real basics such as ensuring you aren’t paying your payables before you're collecting your receivables... if you're doing that you're simply creating a working capital shortage that you have self imposed.

And let’s discuss your solutions for working capital constraints. We get a huge kick out of receiving newsletters from banks which focus on how to manage your cash surpluses when they are writing about working capital and cash flow. We haven’t had one client come in today with a cash surplus problem, but it's only noon....

Canadian business owners and financial managers challenged with financing working capital have a solid handful of solutions. Naturally in a perfect world (you mean it's not?) you would prefer to not take on a term loan for permanent working capital. But back to that perfect world... that might mean you have an overdraft or bank line of credit. For many small and medium sized businesses that simply is not attainable - or if it is it’s not quite enough.

Real world solutions for financing working capital and current assets, without loans involve what we call the monetization or cash flowing of those current assets, That typically is a working capital facility, non bank in nature (yes they are available and exist!) that allows you to draw daily, as needed on your a/r and inventory in the form of a business line of credit. Larger facilities of this nature are termed ' asset based lines of credit ' - we call them ‘ABL’s ... and them often are superior to bank facilities for a lot of different reasons.

More esoteric working capital solutions, but nonetheless real, are financing your tax credits, purchase order finance, or securitization of your contracts or receivables.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on the right method of leveraging cash flow from your assets and business. Today would be a good timeframe!





Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial -

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 7 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/financing_working_capital_current_assets_loans.html

DIY Equipment Finance & Leasing Canada ? Best Companies for Asset & Lease Equipment Needs

When the Canadian business owner or financial manager looks to the leasing of an asset, as opposed to a purchase it’s a great time to invest in some knowledge around which companies to approach for equipment finance needs.

But can you be expected to be a ' DIY ' expert in this broad area of Canadian business financing. What we are saying is that it will pay you handsomely to either invest some time in understanding some key fundamentals of equipment finance, or, alternatively work with an expert who can assist you.

Why invest some time in this type of business acquisition? Simply because the Canadian lease landscape has evolved significantly over the last couple years. A combination of the economy in Canada, the lease industry players, new accounting rules and a myriad of product offerings can make it seem daunting.

By the way we're quite sure any business owner can work with lease companies and enter somewhat quickly into a lease for an asset, but is it the right lease and what are the financial implications and benefits or lack of benefits around that transaction. That’s the $ 50,000 dollar question!

Because almost 80% of all business utilize leasing Canada - that’s why it sometimes is both easy and mis- understood. Many business owners simply don't either under the lease product/service offering, or, alternatively fail to recognize the benefits. Yes, its only one method of financing an asset (you can consider a term loan)... but when a lessor / lease company’s recognize you know what you're talking about you have simply increased your chances for success.

Lease and equipment finance doesn’t bring cash flow and working capital into your company, but boy does it reduce the amount of funds that go out of your firm! The ownership of the equipment from by the lessor, for the term of the lease allows you to structure payments, write off payments as an operating expense, and more importantly keep you ' nimble' when it comes to assets and technologies that you finance over short or long terms. (Typical lease terms in Canada range from 3-5 years).

Business owners might want to do the math but we're quite sure that if you work the numbers it makes sense to enter into a couple of short term equipment finance transaction rather than purchase/buy outright the same assets over a number of years.

If you do invest time in understanding some lease finance basics, or alternatively work with an expert you'll see that you can actually determine when it makes sense to either upgrade, return, or renew any lease finance transaction.

Can our DIY lease financing business owner affect the final credit and structure approval of his or her transaction? The reality is that tougher credit standards are in place since the 2008-2009 global recessions. Therefore the industry focuses on creditworthy lessees- but the good news is that some basic structuring around any transaction can still make your deal happen. Issues such as term, pricing and down payment can be negotiated to the point where it makes sense for the lessor and your firm.

Working an experienced Canadian business lease financing advisor can ensure you get the best pricing, structure, and achieve the benefits you're looking for.

So, everyone’s talking about ' DIY ' these days. Why not invest some time in developing a solid relationship with a lease advisor? Success in asset leasing allows you to grow your company with the assets you require... today!






Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial -

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 7 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/equipment_finance_companies_lease_leasing_asset.html

Technology Financing – Options and Strategies for IT And Solar Assets In Canada

Financing technology, whether it be IT ( information technology ) assets, or the new kid on the block, solar finance , requires a combination of access to capital and solid expertise . Let's examine some key options and strategies in tech finance that will provide your firm with the growth potential you need. Oh, and by the way, this pertains to whether you are a user or a vendor of these assets.

Key issues that come into play are valuation of assets, useful economic life (ouch! isn’t that an accounting term?!) and types of financing available in the Canadian marketplace.

Clearly tech financing covers a variety of industries, we're focusing today primarily on computing and solar industries, but our comments are broadly applicable to a number of other asset types.

One of the key challenges in financing technology is simply the fact that the majority of goods and services provided and utilized by your firms either depreciate rapidly, or , unfortunately slowly become obsolete. There is a great analogy that tech assets are like a mines assets, they are depleted and are ' replenished by development '. A true analogy!

Financing tech assets must take into consideration the obsolescence factor - a good example of course if pc's, laptops and servers which easily can depreciate 30% per annum. Creative financial arrangements around these types of assets is critical and we'll discuss that a bit also.

Software and services, often financeable, are other solid examples of high technology assets that require specific options and strategies. These products are high gross margin to the seller and when financed properly provide both benefits to the user and profits to the vendor/lessor. Factors that drive software financing are upgrade cycles, continued proliferation of PC'c and mobile products into all facets of business, as well as the obvious productivity gains these products provide.

Tech and Solar assets can be either finance or purchased. When these assets are financed key issues for financial and credit scrutiny include interest coverage and cash flow, valuation of the technology re type of financing desired.

In the U.S. Surprising almost half the country's employed work in IT and other emerging tech areas such as solar, wind, etc. We're quite sure Canada's numbers would be too far off that.

For computer IT assets typical lease and other financing terms rarely go over three years... it’s simply a question of the useful life of these types of assets. Solar projects require alternative strategies, since they typically have a longer payback.

Financing transactions in IT and Solar industries tend to be cash flow, and not asset based when it comes to lending and financing transactions. These type of transactions clearly aren’t ' asset based lending ' in its traditional form. Upgrades are common in computer, they aren’t in Solar.

It is important for both borrowers and vendors and lessor to separate financing from licensing and technology issues - the intellectual property in the asset being financed rarely, if ever transfers to the borrower.

Key options and strategies in technology financing typically include operating leases, providing the user with significant flexibility.

When either financing tech and solar sales, or utilizing and acquiring such assets consider working with an experienced, credible and trusted Canadian business financing advisor who should be selected on the basis of experience, knowledge, and references .


Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial -

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 7 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/technology_financing_options_strategies_solar_it.html

Factoring Receivables ? It’s Up To You - Pick The Right Business Finance Company As Your AR Factor Partner

‘Whats best type of business financing company for my firm' often ask our clients when they consider AR (A/R) financing and factoring of receivables. We believe strongly its all about the partner, as much as the facility arrangements and we think we can show you why.

A/R (AR) financing companies in Canada tend to be specialized focused niche lenders in the Canadian business landscape. Unlike our friends in the U.S. these firms tend to be non bank independent finance firms, Canadian, U.S, or U.K. based with respect to ownership.

This type of business finance company has one focus, advancing you cash and working capital on your AR (A/R) similar to a line of credit. The funds you can obtain are unlimited based on all your eligible receivables. ( In general receivable financing works for all receivables under 90 days old, as many clients think they are able to finance a receivable only immediately after it is generated , which is not the case by the way.

So could the right business finance company for the factoring of receivables actually be a bank. There are 1 or 2 players in the Canadian banking landscape that do in fact offer receivable finance, similar to a factoring model, however on a broadly speaking basis we can categorically state that banks don't finance receivables under the invoice discounting model that you are probably looking for .

We guess that anything is possible and one day we might see the banks gravitating to this type of finance... It certainly might be good from a rate and competition basis.

So we have determined that your search for the right firm re factoring receivables should focus on a specialist firm offering the type of facility you are looking for. But do you as a Canadian business owner or financial manager actually know the best facility when you meet it?!

Let's walk you through what we consider the key issues in finding the ' perfect ‘AR financing facility in Canada. First of all you want to ensure your partner firm can satisfy your facility size - some firms are very small and have limited capital themselves! which we think is something clients don’t often consider. Other key issues are as follow: facility limit, your ability to finance all your receivables, as certain companies impose restrictions on either the total amount for any one of your customers, and believe it or not some firms actually don't like government receivables for some legal and technical issues around their security.

Two other factors to consider is how clearly you understand the advance formula under which you will draw on the facility... and oh yes, did we forget to mention pricing ? That's a tongue in cheek comment of course as the majority of clients we speak to seem totally focused only on pricing, and not the ten or so other issues they should be considering.

Pricing varies significantly in Canada... anywhere from 1-3% of each invoice for a 30 day period. Rates are determined by overall facility size, the quality of your A/R and the number of days it takes your clients to pay.

Whats the optimal facility in Canada for factoring receivables? For us its 'C I D’, confidential invoice discounting or financing. This allows you to bill and collect your funds without any notice to your customer. This type of facility is perfect for your day to day operations.

In summary, of course you're the one that will make the final call on the type of facility that makes sense for your firm when it comes to cash flowing your A/R.

Consider also speaking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can navigate the waters of receivable financing for you on issues such as borrowing formulas, rates, terms and conditions, and your ability to improve on these factors.






Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial -

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com


Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 7 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/factoring_receivables_business_finance_company_ar.html

Simple Question – Is the Canadian SBL Government Small Business Loan Financing Right For You?

Could our question on the Canadian government small business loan (commonly called ' The SBL ‘) be any more simple? Is this specialized Canadian lending program right for your company? If you are a Canadian business with fewer than 5 Million dollars in actual or projected revenue we categorically think it is - as always though we'll let clients decide for themselves!

Business loan financing in Canada varies greatly. Structures, documentation on the loan, and guarantees or collateral required vary widely, and we can assure you with certainty that’s an understatement!

The Canadian government, specifically the good folks at Industry Canada (they sure seem nice when they call us at least ...?) sponsor this loan program . The technical name of the program is BIL/CSBF... but we're never one to get too technical.

This type of financing in general serves the lower end of the Canadian business financing scene, and does at a great job of financing business in Canada who otherwise might not be able to qualify. And do you know what the difference is? The rates, terms and structures of this program, compared to almost all other type of financing are... are you ready? better!

What are some of the reasons then that we can say with assurance that this financing is of the best in Canada, whether you are a start up, a franchise, or a established company with sales and profits .

What most Canadian business owners and financial managers don’t immediately realize is that while everyone thinks of this as a government loan the program is actually run on a daily business by Canada’s chartered banks. The challenge in many cases that we've seen with clients is they are unable to find a banker as bullish and excited about the program as we are. (We guess filling out forms is somehow not appealing to all ...?)

Why the program should appeal to banks more, in our opinion, is simply the fact that if a loan is unable to be repaid the government reimburses the bank for 90% of your firm’s loan. So banks are therefore only partially at risk, and that risk is often taken care of nicely by a combination of your 25% personal guarantee, as well as security over the assets financed.

That’s why we are always surprised that the appetite for this type of financing is rarely as large as we think it should be. The program is in place all the time, and is never under any form of suspension, as has happened in the U.S. on occasion.

So why don’t more businesses use the program. We can only offer up a few basic reasons - they don’t know about it, they find filling out forms cumbersome (we’ll fill out a form all day to get the 350,000$ that is in fact the loan maximum!!) or they don’t qualify.

But are those qualifications stringent? Hardly - Business owners need only to have a reasonable personal credit history, they must be willing to guarantee 25% of the loan, and the financing capabilities of the loan are limited to equipment, leasehold and real estate.

We're not telling you to get a government small business loan... we're simply asking you to consider it as one solid mechanism for obtaining the financing you need when other alternatives might not be available .

7441 of your competitors and peers in Canada used the program last year. Maybe you should?

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on why SBL financing just might be right for your firm.




Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial -

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 7 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/sbl_government_small_business_loan_financing.html

Sasquatch ? UFO’s ? Great Asset finance and Equipment leasing Companies in Ontario ? – Myth or Reality ?

We'll go with reality with respect to great asset finance and equipment leasing options in Ontario. With the economy generally improving leasing continues to be a popular and successful method of acquiring the use of assets for your business. And the reality is that this method of asset financing has been in place for hundreds, some say thousands of years, so there is a lot to be said for a proven formula.

There are several key factors that drive the reality success of equipment financing in Canada - they revolve around tax benefits, conservation of capital, and quite simply a solid alternative to ownership. As a Canadian business owner or financial manager you want alternatives to ownership of assets that more often than not depreciate in value. That clearly is the chief advantage of the great asset finance and equipment leasing availability in Ontario.

At the end of the day it’s simply an alternative to ownership, while at the same time you are able to reap all the benefits of the assets without having had the need to put significant capital outlay at the outset. That’s a great option and business financing strategy. There is an age old saying in the lease financing industry which is that you benefit through use, not ownership.

And that additional cash flow allows you to invest in other resources and assets to make your business more profitable and competitive.

Obsolescence is always a concern for business owners who with to acquire new assets, whether they be for production in the plant or technology and computers in the back office. Leasing allows you to battle head on with the obscelescence factor given that you don’t want to outlay significant amounts of capital into assets that might have limited long term use. We continually advise clients to think of their computer needs and purchases in the past, and the constant need to upgrade technology while addressing your current and future needs. Can you even imagine in today’s times owning a computer for 3 to 5 years, it’s very doubtful!

Cash flow and buying power are often quoted in connection with great asset finance and equipment leasing strategies. The reality is that you can buy more if you have a financial strategy in place. Let's look at a simple example - and we will use our old friend computing technology as our poster boy for the example.

Lets say you need a new computer system for 250,000$ and the reality is that an alternate vendor has a better solution for 350,000$. If you were purchasing you have to wrestle down two key issues, laying out 250k , or alternatively coming up with an additional 100k of real cash to complete the second alternative purchase . The monthly lease payment on a 250k 3 year lease would be approx 7700 dollars, and on a 350k deal it would be approx 10 600 dollars . So as a business owner which solution do you want to wrestle with - paying either 250k or 350k out of working capital, or working an additional 3k into your operating budget?

Want to see some real magic? You could actually acquire the 350k system under an operating lease and bring that payment very close to the 250k system, but that’s a technical subject for discussion on another day.

So whats out bottom line, you are welcome to hop on the leasing industry train and take advantage of some great rates, terms, and structures via one of the most comprehensive and flexible asset finance strategies available to business.

So, Sasquatch, Ufo's? We're not sure, but Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced equpment leasing advisor who will help you maximize the benefits of this Canadian business financing proven strategy.



Stan Prokop is www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Canadian Business Financing

Invest In Your Personal Future - Franchisee Loans & Financing Rates From Canadian Lenders

We're the first to admit that your decision to take a personal or business loan for a franchise purchase is a major life decision. So franchisee loans that make sense, from lenders that offer solid rates and financing are key to your future success in the Canadian franchise industry.

And by the way, by all accounts that business is booming, so we immediately recognize the appeal and economic opportunities to your desire to entire into a franchise business.

That’s the dream part of the equation - but what about the reality part?! That reality often revolves around getting approved for franchisee loans at financing and rates that suit your personal and business goals.

When you are properly armed with the tools to complete a successful financing you are in a position to have a much larger chance of success in your new business. Solid information, planning and a mini strategy around your franchise makes the odds of securing franchise finance approval significantly greater.

If you do want to win the battle, and yes, we think that based on hearing what some of our clients have gone through that it is a ' battle' you need to ensure you have a plan . Can you count on your franchisor to assist you with financing or direct interaction with lenders? In most cases absolutely, positively..... not. They sell franchises, they don’t finance them.

We don’t want to undermine the benefits of knowing that you'll be affiliated with a solid franchisor who hopefully has a respected name, but at the end of the day its you that has to take charge of your financing plan.

Lets examine some of the key issues your should be thinking about when you start your search for franchisee loans. It's actually a limited market in this specialized niche of Canadian financing, as you will soon find out, so we'll also share who the participants are from the point of view of lenders you can work with.

Track record. Two points here, first of all you want to ensure that you have some semblance of both experiences and past success in your work, business or career history. Many times general business skills can translate directly into strong points, allowing you to create a solid perception you can run and grow a business.

Growing your business, understanding its financials, and ensuring you have a strong handle on ongoing finance operations are critical keys to success. Those key issues should be covered in your business plan, which is a key requirement in your financing. Elements of that plan should include info on yourself, your franchisor, your profit and cash projections, and info your industry. A business plan can either be prepared by you or very economically by a Canadian business financing advisor who is an expert in franchise finance in Canada.

So, personal loan or business loan? Because most franchises are essentially a small business your franchise lender places significant emphasis on your personal credit history - key elements are a decent credit bureau report and some net worth based on your personal savings, home , etc . Your personal assets aren’t collateralized, but they play a role in ensuring you have some staying power.

The majority of franchises in Canada are financed through the BIL/CSBF program, which is a generic financing program sponsored by the government that fits very nicely into franchisee loans that makes sense. Rates are attractive, terms and structures are great, and your personal guarantees are limited significantly. (That’s a good thing!) The majority of franchises in Canada are financing under this program.

Only one other major finance firm specializes in franchise finance in Canada , independent of the banks, however these financings are of a program nature and generally much larger in size from a single transaction point of view . Various niche players such as equipment leasing companies can round out your financing plan.

Want to ensure you have a better chance of full approval for the financing you need, with good terms, amortizations that make sense, and some working capital ' wiggle room ‘? Want to make things happen quickly, with the emphasis on a business financing, not a personal loan? Speak to an experienced, trusted and credible Canadian business financing advisor with franchise finance experience today. It makes sense to work with an expert to ensure your investment in your personal future makes solid sense.



Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial -

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 7 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/franchisee_loans_lenders_personal_loan_financing.html