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.



Friday, May 13, 2011

Romancing The Loan – Franchise Funding Options in Canada - Franchisee Financing



Romancing the Loan. Sounds a bit exotic, does it not? But after the euphoria and celebration of making a decision to purchase a franchise is over, what next? We can tell you. You start worrying about franchise funding options and how a franchising financing loan will happen.

Don't despair though... we're going to cover off some real world and common sense solutions to franchise finance in Canada.
So where do you turn to after you realize you need assistance in financing your new business? While the logical decision is to think of ' the bank ' there are some key things you need to know.

In our experience getting a direct loan from a Canadian chartered bank to finance your franchise is generally unlikely. But, if the truth were to be told, (and we're telling it to you here) there is a way to get a Canadian chartered bank ' on side ' with what you want to achieve. But you need a guys help, and that guy is Bill. Bill who? We're actually referring to BIL, (that’s one L folks), which is a specialized government loan program that the banks use to fund most franchises in Canada.

So the simple explanation for our purposes is simply that while the folks at Industry Canada in Ottawa guarantee and organize the program parameters, they in fact charter the banks to administer the program on a daily basis. And the beneficiary that program is you, the new franchisee!

Are there some key factors that will allow you to immediately determine if you can successfully access this program? There sure are. One is of course you r ability to demonstrate you have a clean personal credit history. This is done by simply checking your credit bureau report and being able to produce your tax returns if and when required. (The government for whatever reason likes to know you are paying and filing taxes!) If they are going to give you a loan. Makes sense though.

Clients are always asking if the type of business they purchase when looking for franchise funding options makes a difference. In our opinion, generally no, it does not. With a couple comments though, in that of course a recognized brand is better than an unrecognized brand (think McDonalds as opposed to Joes Burger Joint). And in our experience a service non asset type of business is a bit more challenging to finance that a bricks and mortars franchise requiring financing for equipment, leasehold improvements, etc.

When you consider a franchising loan for the purposes of financing your business remember that any business in Canada is financed in two parts, one part debt, and other part owner equity. So be prepared to put a ' reasonable ' amount of funds down as your personal commitment to the business.

What's that? You have a question. We know your questions and also we've got your answer. An immediate client question almost all the time is ' so how much do we have to put into the business '. The answer is a bit general but anywhere from 10- 40% might be expected, it really varies, and there are some creative ways in which your owner equity or deposit can be validated.
Two considerations you should always make when looking at a personal life commitment such as purchasing as business is how much you should risk, and how you will access personal funds.

The great news about risk is that our aforementioned government BIL loan only requires a nominal 25% guarantee from you the owner. That low of a guarantee is generally unheard of in other forms of Canadian business financing. Also, as a second point, we don’t necessarily recommend you collapse secured savings such as RRSP's given the tax hit you will take with that strategy.

Other options in franchise funding in Canada involve specialized equipment financing and working capital loans, and even the ability access highly specialized franchise finance firms that only do this type of financing, but not on our govt program that we have highlighted.

Bottom line? You do have franchise funding options in sourcing capital for your entrepreneurial dream. Loan financing is available in a number of creative ways. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor - get on the right track today re: romancing the loan!





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/franchise_funding_options_loan_financing.html

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Trusted And Versatile – Canadian ABL Financing – Why Asset Based Finance Lending Is A Class By Itself


'Confidence in good sense ' - that’s one definition of the word trusted. And we think that’s a great way of thinking about ABL financing and asset finance in Canada. So ABL... What is it? It stands for asset based lending, and the simple definition of this new Canadian business financing facility is simply as follows.

ABL is a revolving line of credit facility whereby your assets are secured by the facility you borrow against all those assets on a daily basis.

But, and its a big but, as opposed to bank financing via a Canadian chartered bank facility you are allowed to borrow against the real world maximum liquidity of those assets . Typical assets secured under an ABL financing facility are receivables, inventory, fixed assets, and on occasion real estate if that also fits into your asset equation.

The uniqueness of Asset based lending is simply that the majority of these facilities are offered by what we call ' non - banks - given that that majority of Canadian business owners and financial managers associated ' borrowing' and lines of credit with Canadian chartered banks. Instead , the ABL community tend to be independent finance firms, some of whom are U.S. based but doing business here , who focus and have tremendous expertise in the one thing you cherish most - your business assets !

So where does the versatility com from then? That’s the great part of a line of credit via asset finance strategy. It's all about what we call ' maximization ' (is that really a word?). In ABL financing usually 90% of receivables become an immediate borrowing base, and inventory tends to be financed in the 30 -70% range. In case you haven’t figured it out yet (we’re sure you have) that’s about 30-70% more than you probably were getting before. And, under the concept of true asset finance, the appraised value of your unencumbered fixed assets also now become part of your daily borrowing ability for cash flow and working capital as you need it . Tell us that isn’t versatility!

Because ABL financing increases your ability to borrow for liquidity purposes it allows you to put aside the challenges of meeting qualifications for chartered bank lines of credit - all those things your banker loved to talk about - leverage, cash flow coverage, minimum debt to equity ratios and on it goes... you know the drill.

So, is your firm eligible? It is if you meet the sole criteria - you have assets! The beauty of asset finance is that it works for small firms, major corporations, firms that have financial challenges, and those enjoying the best of all worlds, high growth and profits and a need for constant new working capital.

So, got what it takes? If you have the need, for increased, flexible and higher lines of borrowing power then speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who will ensure you have a facility that meets your firms unique survival, growth, and financing needs.



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/abl_financing_asset_finance_based_lending.html

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

The New Truth About Business Equipment Loans and Lease Financing In Canada


Talk about the winds of change. Wow. And we mean ' really Wow! '. Was it only a year or two when lease financing in Canada seemed like it was almost on its back. Many lessors themselves were financially challenged, borrowing rates had risen dramatically (by the way - those are passed on to you!) and, most important, it was simply difficult to get approved - even with lessors with whom you had a relationship for years .

New Weather report! Sunny for business equipment loan! The new bottom line is that lease financing is back in a big way, the industry seems to have corrected itself, and with respect to you the borrower rates, structures, and oh yes , approvals ! are all over the place .

So let's ensure you don't miss the bus and let’s focus and recap on some major new trends (and old benefits) for this valuable part of business financing in Canada.

Appropriateness. Well here’s another shot of even more good news, in that lease financing continues to be right for every type of firm in Canada -. And that’s of course whether your firm is a start up, small to medium sized company, or a major Canadian corporation in the Financial Post 100. We think that pretty well covers everyone!

Abundance. We're talking about capital, and its availability. In case you didn’t notice abundance of capital, let alone getting approved for financing kind of disappeared in the 2008-2009 global financial implosion and recession. However banks, insurance companies, hedge funds etc are back to capitalizing the lease industry in a big way.
You probably know that abundance of capital means more often than not competitive rates and lease finance rates have slowly improved - with competitive pricing getting better everyday in the Canadian marketplace.

Creativity was always a second name for business equipment loans and leasing finance. So ensure you use this form of capital to finance anything that makes sense. And in the new economy that means anything from software, computing power, telecom equipment, and even a corporate jet... should you be that lucky.

Over time industries changes - and in the lease finance industry the overall Canadian market segmented itself into 3 sectors, small, mid and large ticket. It's very important from a time waiting perspective that you understand what niche you need to exploit via a Vis your capital acquisition needs. A 2k photocopier can be approved within minutes in the current environment, and if you are financing large asset acquisitions consider choices you have such as off balance sheet financing via operating leases, IFRS ( some new accounting rules) not withstanding .

So that’s the new truth in Canadian equpment financing. Lease financing for business equipment loans is viable, available, and creativity knows no bounds when it comes to asset financing for your firm.

Want to get plugged back in? Really quickly? Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who will bring the world of leasing finance to your door very quickly.



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/lease_financing_business_equipment_loans.html

Monday, May 9, 2011

At Last ! New Method To Finance A Business - Canadian Confidential Financing Factoring Receivables


A new thing in business is usually a good thing, it’s usually a welcome thing, and a new spin on that same good thing is of coruse even better.

C I D . What the heck is that you say? It's a little known term in Canadian business financing called confidential invoice discounting. Simply speaking it’s a new way of factoring financing your receivables when you want to finance a business.
Let’s ensure we have a clear understanding of financing factoring in general though, and then we'll show you why C I D is clearly head and shoulders above.

Believe it or not, because we run into them almost every day, there are still many small and medium sized businesses in Canada that aren’t aware of receivable financing . Simply speaking its getting an advance on your billed receivables today, with a fee being charged for the use of the funds until that receivable is collected.

Why would something so simple then be so popular and dramatic when it comes to cash flow and working capital for you business. Simply because as your revenues grow you ability to borrow, lock step in turn with those sales, grows also.

In the U.S. alone billions of dollars (yes that’s billions with a ' B') are financed every year. Slowly, almost too slowly we think, this method of financing is becoming more popular every day - even to the extent that some of the largest firms in Canada employ financing of this type. (If the big boys do it, well it must be right ...?).

We seem to spend a lot of time with clients talking about the ' stigma ' of financing factoring your receivables. That is kind of because receivable finance used to be associated with firms that had financial challenges, so to speak! But let’s get serious, after the 2008-2009 global recession and financial implosion even banks and worlds largest corporations were on their knees to some extent, so don't talk to us about financial challenges..!

There is kind of a second part to the whole ' stigma ' issue, which is simply the core of our subject today. When factoring moved into Canada awhile back it’s not surprise it came from the U.S. and European models. That business model for this type of financing has your financing factoring firm confirming your receivables with your clients.

What's that you say...??You find that a bit ' intrusive '?

Voila! Enter C I D - confidential invoice discounting. Simply speaking you are in charge of your own billing and collecting procedures - but, and it's a big ' but ‘... you still get all the benefits of receivable financing when you choose to finance a business in this manner .

Costs for C I D are essentially the same as ' regular ' factoring... so why wouldnt you opt for this type of Canadian business financing solution.

So what's our bottom line, that’s really what clients are looking for? Simply speaking its that if you are considering a bit of a non traditional approach to financing your Canadian business then investigate factoring financing - and when you do don’t forget to ask about C I D - Confidential invoice discounting finance. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who will demonstrate the costs and benefits of Canada's newest kid on the block in business finance.



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.parkavenuefinancial.com/financing_factoring_receivables_finance_a_business.html

At Last ! New Method To Finance A Business - Canadian Confidential Financing Factoring Receivables


A new thing in business is usually a good thing, it’s usually a welcome thing, and a new spin on that same good thing is of coruse even better.

C I D . What the heck is that you say? It's a little known term in Canadian business financing called confidential invoice discounting. Simply speaking it’s a new way of factoring financing your receivables when you want to finance a business.
Let’s ensure we have a clear understanding of financing factoring in general though, and then we'll show you why C I D is clearly head and shoulders above.

Believe it or not, because we run into them almost every day, there are still many small and medium sized businesses in Canada that aren’t aware of receivable financing . Simply speaking its getting an advance on your billed receivables today, with a fee being charged for the use of the funds until that receivable is collected.

Why would something so simple then be so popular and dramatic when it comes to cash flow and working capital for you business. Simply because as your revenues grow you ability to borrow, lock step in turn with those sales, grows also.

In the U.S. alone billions of dollars (yes that’s billions with a ' B') are financed every year. Slowly, almost too slowly we think, this method of financing is becoming more popular every day - even to the extent that some of the largest firms in Canada employ financing of this type. (If the big boys do it, well it must be right ...?).

We seem to spend a lot of time with clients talking about the ' stigma ' of financing factoring your receivables. That is kind of because receivable finance used to be associated with firms that had financial challenges, so to speak! But let’s get serious, after the 2008-2009 global recession and financial implosion even banks and worlds largest corporations were on their knees to some extent, so don't talk to us about financial challenges..!

There is kind of a second part to the whole ' stigma ' issue, which is simply the core of our subject today. When factoring moved into Canada awhile back it’s not surprise it came from the U.S. and European models. That business model for this type of financing has your financing factoring firm confirming your receivables with your clients.

What's that you say...??You find that a bit ' intrusive '?

Voila! Enter C I D - confidential invoice discounting. Simply speaking you are in charge of your own billing and collecting procedures - but, and it's a big ' but ‘... you still get all the benefits of receivable financing when you choose to finance a business in this manner .

Costs for C I D are essentially the same as ' regular ' factoring... so why wouldnt you opt for this type of Canadian business financing solution.

So what's our bottom line, that’s really what clients are looking for? Simply speaking its that if you are considering a bit of a non traditional approach to financing your Canadian business then investigate factoring financing - and when you do don’t forget to ask about C I D - Confidential invoice discounting finance. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who will demonstrate the costs and benefits of Canada's newest kid on the block in business finance.




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.parkavenuefinancial.com/financing_factoring_receivables_finance_a_business.html

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Looking For Finance For Lease Equipment ? Which Canadian Business Lease Companies You Should Use


It's probably a common decision that you have to make all the time in business . First of all you have to choose between purchasing an asset and alternatively looking for business finance for lease solution... one that works for your firm.

Let's examine why you should consider and equipment lease as a Canadian business financing solution, and then, as importantly , how do you find the right lease companies to work with . (We’re assuming you don’t have all the time in the world to do this).

If capital was scarce in the past, boy did it become a lot scarcer in the last couple years with all our recessions and global financial implosions. So therefore for that reason alone it probably makes sense to lease business equipment and other assets.

But lets be clear first on ensuring you understand how the benefits of leasing clearly at the same time restrict you in a certain manner - simply speaking it will probably cost you a bit more ,and while an owned asset can be sold you clearly cant sell a leased asset . But we always seem to come back to ' cash is king, and your ability to acquire an expensive, yet revenue and profit producing asset via a monthly payment you can afford makes sense most of the time.

What factors should you consider when you assess your lease vs. buy transaction, even way before you determine which business lease companies you will utilize? You should focus on the following: what will the asset be worth and will it be still useful at the end of a lease term, what the best pricing is and overalls structure you can achieve, and finally, what tax and balance sheet benefits might come out of your finance for lease decision.

Let's use a real world example - Computers. They certainly have very short productive lives based on changing technology. So your decision is really as follows : If you think a 100k computer system will last 5 years should you pay cash or would it be better to pay 2000/mo or 24k per annum to lease this type of asset .

First of all we haven't met a computer that’s lasted 5 years !!,, but putting that aside you can see how cash outflows and monthly payment analysis play a key role in your overall decision .In our case the computer doesn’t really generate profits or cash flow . Remember the old saying ‘the bottom line is on the bottom of the income statement, not at the top of the balance sheet!

So let’s agree you have made the decision to finance business equipment or assets. Now what?

In Canada your choices are significant - that’s a double edged sword though. You can investigate captive finance firms, independent lease companies, bank leasing firms, and specialized niche lessors. If you started tomorrow you'd probably have a thorough decision made in a year from now. What's that...? Not a good use of your time? We agree, so consider speaking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor. You'll be guided very quickly to an equipment business lease financing solution that maximizes benefits of lease finance specifically for your situation - at rates terms and structures that match your credit quality and the nature of the asset you're financing.

P.S. Remember what famed investor Harold Geneen once said ‘the only irreparable mistake in business is to run out of cash '. Use a finance for lease solution that won’t take you out of the cash flow and working capital game.



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
/finance_for_lease_companies_equipment_business.html

Canadian 21st Century Financing – Utilizing Government Small Business Loans - Why an SBL Loan Is Right For You



Let's quiz you first. Answer yes or no to the following question. Do you believe you can get a 350,000.00$ business loan in Canada with a 10% down payment... 7 year terms...oh and how's this for size .. only a 25% personal guarantee . Oh and one more thing, at a rate just a few points over prime. Even if you are a start up or a relatively new or smaller firm?
So, yes or no. Then Read on!

Is your company a ' start up ‘? Or, are you a small to medium sized Canadian business looking for financing choices?


Have we got a deal for you! Well at the risk of sounding like a hack used car salesperson we are actually genuinely excited about some Canadian business financing that a lot of biz folks seem to be overlooking these days. And wait until you hear why.
And the reasons why. Simply that the answer is ' YES ' to our first question. Those are the key elements of Canadian government small business loans. And with all due respect to our friends in government, you don't even deal with them on the loan.

We're talking today about what many folks call the Canada SBL loan. It seems to be one of the better guarded secrets in Canada - even though 7,441 of your peers and competitors in small business used it in Canada last year. Oh, and by the way, they got a total of 957 Million dollars in financing at those great rates, terms, and structures that we mentioned in our opening question to you.

Let's dig in then, and get you very quickly up to speed on the program. You'll be surprised at how clear (hopefully!?) our info is on getting you what you want to know about your participation in the program.

Here we go... strap youself in. The program is administered by the good folks at Industry Canada, but on a day to day basis the loans under this special program are administered by your local banking institution. The program maxes out at 350,000.00$ ... which from our perspective is quite generous, don’t you think. And here’s a special kicker - if you just want to use the program for real estate you can actually borrow up to $ 500,000.
Financings can be used for equipment, leasehold improvements

Qualifications, simply your 10% equity contribution against the asset you are financing, and a reasonable personal credit history. In Canada those folks with Credit Bureau Scores of 650 are deemed ‘good ' from a credit perspective.

Want some winning suggestions on getting government small business loans approved quickly, efficiently, and for the amount you need? Your best bet might not be to go it alone. Seek a credible, experienced and trusted Canadian business financing advisor who will help you draft a proposal, present it for you and with you, and help you ensure 100% financing success for your Canadian SBL loan . Welcome to the 21 st Century! ... Finally .. great financing when you need it, at rates, terms and structures that work!






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/government_small_business_loans_sbl_loan.html