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.



Monday, October 31, 2011

A Smart Way To Grow Sales & Raise Capital - Canadian Factor Receivable Loans Financing Via Confidential Factoring






Confidential Receivable Financing the Canadian Way!



Information on receivable loans financing in Canada . How a confidential factoring facility is an alternative to traditional factor finance with even more benefits!




Is there actually a way to grow sales and raise capital at the same time? Seems like a bit of a contradiction, don't you think? But thousands of Canadian firms have turned to receivables loans financing, a specialized sub set of asset based lending.

By factoring or selling their receivables as they generate revenue this factor strategy achieves out two stated goals, generating working capital every time you make a sale. And smarter business owners utilize confidential cash flow financing as a better method than their competitors to make that business financing strategy work even better.

If your firm just quite doesn’t have the track record to achieve all the bank or traditional financing you need then consider such a strategy with the added twist we've suggested, implementing a confidential invoice finance strategy .

Receivable loans financing, as we have said, is a sub set of asset based lending in Canada. It finances what is more often than not the largest asset on the left side of your balance sheet, your A/R!

What makes this financing so different then? A lot of our clients say ' the cost!’, and we'll get to that shortly, because it is a more expensive type financing. But the true difference is the fact it doesn’t discriminate. What do we mean by that? Simply that if you firm is growing too fast, having challenges, etc your receivables are essentially the only qualifier to getting approved.

Utilizing confidential invoice factoring allows you to not have to focus on debt to worth rations, or cash flow coverage, or putting up substantial personal assets under a guarantee - it simply takes for face value the underlying assets , that the a/r!.. and finances them, all day, every day.

And could this financing work any more simply? We don’t think so. Every month, or more often if you wish you create a simple borrowing base certificate on your assets, such as you similarly would have done for your bank. Funds are advances against those receivables, and as you collect them the balance of course reduces, similar to a bank revolving facility.

And now for the difference, i.e. what actually differentiates our confidential invoice financing facility from day to day factoring that your competitors might be using. It’s actually the ' confidential ' aspect we have spoken of. If your competitors are using this Canadian business financing strategy we can most assuredly guarantee you that their customers and clients are being contacted by the factoring firm, and when payments do come in they are being segregated by your finance firm or even remitted to the finance firm directly.

That’s where confidential invoice factor facilities differ. The simple bottom line - you bill and collect your own receivables. You maintain control, and in Canada we tend to view that as a good thing. Most business owners and financial managers are not aware that that type of flexibility as an example is not available in the U.S. at all. And back to that cost issue. Confidential invoice factor facilities don’t cost anymore than regular invoice financing!

So, confused? We hope not. Interested? We hope so! Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on the benefits of a confidential receivables loan financing strategy. Satisfy those critical needs your company has, growth and cash flow.


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 . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


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

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Canadian Business Banking Needs? The Edge On Bank Lines Of Credit ! Who’s Best In Canada ?





Commercial bank lines or credit and term loans in Canada


Information on Canadian bank lines of credit . How do you pick the best business banking facility in Canada . What Canadian business owners and financial mangers should consider in Bank financing .




Does it all have to be that mysterious and frustrating? We're talking about achieving success in completing bank lines of credit for your business banking needs in Canada. And with the proper info and mindset, and some tips to follow we think you will have an excellent chance of securing the business financing you need.

We'll also reveal who is the best banker in Canada, so stay tuned.

Canadian chartered banks are all about debt type financing... we're talking about term loans, equipment leasing, and revolving loans that are secured by current assets such as receivables and inventory .

We think where some business owners and financial managers in Canada miss the boat is the issue of knowing where the bank is coming from when it comes to ' secured lending '. For a starter, banks don’t really do ' unsecured' lending so that might be considered as our first tip. And by the way. approaching your bank for equity type arrangements wont work either, so eliminate that strategy from your ' to do ' list!

So, where is the bank coming from? It’s coming from cash flow, with your collateral being the assets that back up that ability to repay. Banks have sophisticated formulas in place that you and I might never really see when it comes to commercial business credit financing, but we can safely assure you that positive cash flow 1.25 times the debt you have to service is pretty well the rule of thumb with Canadian chartered banks.

Canadian banks are often criticized for not taking enough risk. Don’t get us started on that one, but recognize first that banks are regulated by various agencies, and loan and risk quality is constantly being evaluated. If you are looking for a banking type facility that comes with a much higher risk appetite, move into the non regulated area of financial services in Canada... that includes asset based lenders, non bank commercial financing firms, independent leasing companies, receivable financing firms, etc . It’s these firms that take up the ' risk slack ' when it comes to transactions the bank wont do - but of course the financing costs are higher. Surprised? You shouldn’t be.

A really simply way of looking at bank lines of credit is simply that the bank will look more favorable on your firm if it throws off cash, as opposed to consuming it! Naturally our clients then ask ' if I was throwing off cash then I wouldn’t need to be borrowing!”

Think of Canadian business banking as relatively low risk lending - if your firm has a higher risk profile then you should consider asset based lenders, and specialty lenders of all types - receivables, Purchase Order financiers, etc, . They will understand your needs a lot better than the bank.

One of most key points we share with clients around business banking in Canada is that they should pay more attention to the terms, covenants, and rations in their actual credit agreements. It seems to us, silly in fact, to be rate focused when all the Canadian chartered banks are within basis points of each other in their offering to business clients. Focus on meaningful covenants that allow you to work and grow on a daily basis.

You never want to be behaving in a manner as to jeopardize your business because of covenant issues. And another key area you should engage in frank discussion in is the whole issue of personal and spousal guarantees. In our experience there is some flexibility in this area when your case is properly presented. Consider a limited guarantee strategy also.

And finally, whets the best commercial bank in Canada? We actually do have a favorite, but it doesn’t seem right to say. But we can share with you that the best banker and bank in Canada is one who is professional, credible, has respect within their institution, and who is prepared to carry your business case forward in both good and challenging times . Your relationship with that type of banker is worth... well... a lot.

Want some tips, strategies and assistance in securing business bank lines of credit tin Canada that achieve your operating and growth goals ? Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in business banking 101.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR : STAN PROKOP
7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL

CANADIAN BUSINESS FINANCING!

We Finance the little guy! P.S. We finance the big guys too!



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

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Understanding The Canadian Government Business Loan - Federal SBL Loans Work For New & Existing Businesses




The Canada Small Business Loan Program – Yours To Discover!

Information on the government business loan program in Canada. How the federal SBL financing program loans for your new and existing business makes you eligible for $ 350,000.00 in financing for your new or existing business.






As some , certainly not all ( that’s why we're here) Canadian business owners know the federal government has a long standing and very successful business financing program , aka the ' government business loan '. It’s a federal program in Canada, sponsored by INDUSTRY CANADA, and it is probably suited for your new or existing small (New or under 5,000,000.00$ in revenue) business capital needs.

There's just one problem we’ve perceived over the years. Simply that understanding how the program works, and how you get approved seems to be a mystery to a lot of the clients we meet looking for this type of financing.

Let’s examine some of the key underpinnings of the program, focusing on what this great financing program does, and, more importantly, how you get approved.

First of all, talk about a great partner for your loan. Have you ever needed a co signer? Here's one for you, the government of Canada! We heard their credit is excellent! What we mean of course, when we speak to clients about the program is that the government guarantees the majority of your loan to the bank that underwrites and administers your financing. Talk about a good deal. And you thought you might have to ask your brother in law!

Naturally it goes without saying that this incents the banks and some other institutions that offer the loan to provide your firm with financing that you might not otherwise be able to achieve in a normal traditional financing request.

So we all agree it’s a challenging business financing environment out there. So how can government business loans help your firm?

First of all they finance only 3 things, and that always seems to be a mystery to clients who think the program is a cash or working capital loan. It is not! The three items that the program finances are equipment, leasehold improvements, and real estate. Under the equipment category many of our clients choose to also finance software, which is allowed under the program. And by the way, that’s application software, not software you are going to develop yourself.


So how does a business owner navigate, successfully, the program? We assure clients that you can almost assuredly guarantee yourself approval by following a very specific course of action. There are numerous conditions that can negatively affect your chances of approval, and if you know them you can avoid them.

It’s quite frankly all about your proposal, how it’s presented, to whom its presented, and ensuring you have the basics covered. Those basics are as follows - a minimum 10% equity investment in the financing, reasonable personal credit, a business finance plan that clearly identifies you, your business, and some financial projections that make sense relative to the loan amount you are requesting.

So, the bottom line, you can make understanding the Canadian government small business loan complicated, or easy. We're for easy, so if you want some practical direction in getting a small business loan up to 350,000.00 in place speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on the positive expectation of an SBL loan approval.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR : STAN PROKOP

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL

Canadian Business Financing !

We finance the little guy ! P.S. We finance the big guys too!


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

Friday, October 28, 2011

Feel The Freedom ! Success With Canadian Franchise Financing Business Lenders




Our Only Competitive Edge In Business Financing Is Experience !

Thinking Of Entrepreneurship ? Pain Free Franchising Finance



Information on franchise financing solutions and lenders in Canada . Business financing made sense for entrepreneurs .



The ' freedom ' of owning your own business, one that has already proven to be successful is surely exhilarating. That’s why it’s so all important to ensure that you're aware of the options and mechanics that franchise financing lenders utilize for a business financing when it comes to franchising in Canada.

It’s a broad spectrum ! From newer immigrants to Canada to seasoned corporate executives there is no doubt that a franchise purchase represents the new ' Canadian business dream '.

Let's examine some key issues when it comes to financing your purchase, including which the franchise financing lenders are in Canada, and how you can avoid the disappointment of doing it wrong the first time.

Several elements of your personal and past business life come into play when a franchise lender looks at your business proposal. One of them quite frankly is your personal credit history which must be reasonable. ‘What’s reasonable?' ask clients who sit down with us to discuss their franchise purchase and business financing options.

Actually the playing field is very level here, not a lot of mystery as some clients assumes. In Canada two credit bureau agencies dominate the credit history market. All Canadians who borrow or who have borrowed in the past have a 'score '. The passing score in Canada tends to be 650. So you can easily check your score by yourself and determine whether you are in the striking range.

Another typical question we always get revolves around the type of franchise you purchase. Do franchise lenders actually favor certain franchises over others? (Think doughnuts, hockey, and a Canadian franchise name that comes to mind as an example!) We have even seen some studies recently that indicate that there are some internal publications at some financial institutions in the U.S. and Canada that favor certain franchises over others.

We think it goes without saying that some brand names are more attractive , seeming have the ability to be more successful vis a vis cash flow generation and profits, and are viewed as a ' better bet '. That having been said we've worked with numerous clients who have successfully financed franchises that are either new concepts to Canada or less well known. So don’t take a less known name as a ' no' when it comes to franchise financing success probability.

The reality of financing franchises in Canada is that it’s hardly a huge ' collateral ' play. Involved in your purchase are franchise fees, leasehold improvements, and numerous soft costs that quite frankly aren’t at the top of the collateral desired meter!

So your ability to package and present a deal properly, inject some equity into the deal (the proverbial ' down payment ‘) and demonstrate a decent opening balance sheet and cash flows is critical. A solid business plan that meets and exceed the lenders qualifications can be prepared efficiently by any Canadian business financing advisor who is worth their salt!

So, franchise lenders. Who are they in Canada? The banks do the majority of franchise financing in Canada, but the secret here is that the vehicle used to approve your financing is done under a government program called the BIL /CSBF loan. It works perfectly for your needs on franchise financings under 350k. One major international firm also finances franchises under special arrangements with selected franchisors.

You should rarely count on your franchisor to assist in the financing process, other than some guidance and suggestions. So if that’s the case, who can you turn to? Consider talking to a trusted, credible an experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can tailor a financing to your specific needs, and entrepreneurial success!


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 . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :



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

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Canadian ABL Loans Are Solutions To A Cash Crisis and Business Growth Financing ! Look Into Business Lending via a Revolver Loan Facility.






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




Asset Based Line of Credit Facilities In Canada


Information on ABL loans in Canada and why this type of business lending and financing revolver is the ultimate working capital loan facility.





Talk about two different problems... a cash crisis (or ongoing cash crisis!) and badly needed growth financing. Let's take a look at how abl loans via asset based lending and financing can be the perfect solution for your revolver facility loan needs.

In business there’s nothing more urgent than a ' call to action ' around a working capital or cash flow crisis. At this point it's all about ' righting the ship ' and allowing Canadian business owners and financial managers to get their business finances under control. It's more often than not a case of simple survival.

Naturally putting in a proper ongoing financial solution, such as an abl financing revolved allows you to get your eyes back on running the company normally on a daily basis - we meet with clients who regularly tell us that a huge amount of time is spent on managing cash crises and juggling things such as vendor payments . Bottom line, its time to stop putting out the fires and focus on a solution... that works.

A true asset based line of credit has the ability to allow you get back the confidence that your suppliers, lessors, and other lenders had in your business, and that’s important. It goes without saying that lenders, investors and suppliers truly have the ability to control the destiny of your company if the perception of a permanent cash flow shortage remains.

So, enough about the fear! Let's focus on a solution that works. Simply speaking, that’s asset based financing via a revolver facility that is generally non bank in nature. (Some Canadian banks now offer this facility but the credit requirements and deal size criteria are, in our opinion, exceptionally high).

The concept of asset based lending, aka ' ABL ' is simply securing your assets, leverage them to the maximum that is possible, with the result being greater liquidity for your company. And by the way, don’t think we have just leveraged up a ton of debt on your balance sheet - 100% wrong, we have simply monetized or ' cash flowed ' existing assets... allowing you to borrow against them .

Those assets are typically very clear categories of receivables, inventory, equipment, and occasionally real estate and tax credits due your firm. (Yes tax credits such as the SR&ED credit can be included in your financing package).

So the question then becomes, don’t banks do this already...? And you have tried that possible scenario. The quick take away here is two things. First of all abl loans and financing revolver facilities provide greater leverage on current assets. Receivables are typically margined at 90%, and inventory, often difficult to finance for cash flow, can be margined anywhere from 30-70% as an example. If you were getting 75% from your bank on A/R and nothing on inventory haven’t we just increased your working capital by anywhere from 50-100%?! Wow.

A very simple way to look at this, and we use this example with clients all the time is to simply think of the asset based lender solely looking at the collateral, while the banks will focus on collateral, but mainly historical cash flow, ratios and covenants, and outside collateral via personal guarantees, etc . (As a general rule very little emphasis is placed on personal guarantees when an ABL loan facility is put in place.

Oh and by the way, you absolutely don’t have to be profitable to qualify for asset based lending facilities, which in Canada start at a low of 250k and go to the tens of millions of dollars.

So, cash flow crisis. Growth challenges. Looking for a solution? Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on ensuring an ABL working capital facility is 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 . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Buying A Company ? B I M BO Strategies for A Canadian Leveraged Buy in and ( MBO ) Management Buyout






Buying a Company Using Its Asset Base and Cash Flows


Information on the leveraged buy in and management buyout strategy (MBO) for Canadian Small and Medium Size businesses in Canada




B I M BO? Don't panic... it’s not what you think. That’s the acronym that the finance folks use for whats known as ' Buy in Management Buy Out ' for business owners and management who are contemplating purchasing their own or an existing company. Let's look at MBO 101 with a focus on helping small and medium sized businesses in Canada who don’t necessarily have access to the resources and talent to properly complete such a transaction on their own.

We're quite sure that hundreds, perhaps thousands of business people in Canada are at any one time contemplating purchasing their own firm, or one in which they have targeted or are associated with . Larger corporations of course have access to tons of talent with respect to lawyers, advisory firms, etc when they contemplate this type of deal. Typically we open the business news page and see headlines announcing such purchases that have either been done behind close doors or sometimes catching one of the parties totally off guard.

Let's focus on some core basics that small firms in Canada can focus on when it comes to a management buyout or leveraged buy in.

As a business person considering an MBO focus initially on two concepts, debt and equity. In spite of the negative connotations of ' debt ' you can still acquire a firm in a very successful manner by using a combination of either bank loans or other asset based debt that use the assets of the company . Just make sure of course that the right amount of due diligence is done of making sure that you can meet any interest and loan payments out of the cash flows of the on going business! That can't be overemphasized!

By using just a small amount of equity, either your own new equity or existing equity in the new business going forward you are able to leverage a great transaction... as long as your new debt to equity ratio is still reasonable. Debt to equity ratios vary by industry ... a very typical debt to equity ratio for a manufacturing type company is 2:1.

When you get overly aggressive on debt in the excitement of finalizing your transaction you of course run the risk of a business failure. In a perfect world (and trust us, we know its not) you end up with a solid management team, a reasonably financed firm, and lots of potential for profit and growth via new synergies of management, etc.

Business people should also be considering at an early stage how they someday will exit from the transaction. They often see a huge return in the future on the risk and capital they have put on the table, but need to understand how that will ultimately be monetized.

The bottom line - MBO... Our ' management buyout ' or leveraged buy in is often a fabulous opportunity for managers and owners to take advantage of a great business opportunity based on their skills, knowledge, etc. Using assets already in place allows you to capitalize on a great opportunity. Just think of it, you have used the assets of an existing company to pay for it. That’s sometimes called ' bootstrapping’

So, can a great BIMBO strategy work? Absolutely, and it can be financed via a bank, asset based lender, private equity firm or some other more esoteric types of financing. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor for help with your BIMBO!!





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 . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


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

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Choose The Right Canadian Leasing Services and Financing Companies When You Lease Equipment !






Canadian Equipment Leasing Assistance – For Free!



Information on choosing the right equipment financing services and leasing companies in Canada . Maximize benefits when you lease equipment with a partner that meets your asset acquisition needs .





You know you want to. We're talking about dealing. Dealing? Don't panic, our topic is leasing and financing services from lease equipment companies in Canada. Choosing the right partner and type of lease is critical to asset acquisition strategies for Canadian business owners and financial managers.


You've chosen to lease equipment, rather than purchase it, for a variety of reasons. The lease vs. buy decision is a classic business decision that more often than not demonstrates the value of leasing financing. We're all heard the basics, the tax and accounting benefits, flexibility, ease of acquisition with respect to approval, etc, etc!

Of course when it comes to showing those lease obligations it’s getting harder and harder to mask the fact that at the end of the day lease obligations are still debt. Even recent international accounting rule changes have taken away some of the aspects of off balance sheet financing , but the reality is that operating leases still offer a significant technology hedge ( and a lower payment ) than the capital lease .. Or lease to own option.

When you are looking for the right lease equipment companies to deal with its critical to understand their product offering. Are they focused to small, medium or larger size transactions? Canadian business owners and financial managers don’t realize it, but it’s a very, repeat very small handful of firms that handle all sizes of transactions, from 5k to 5 Million, and we tell clients they can waste a lot of time dealing and negotiating with the wrong firm.

Your current advantage as a Canadian business owner or financial manager is that the leasing and financing services available to yourself are quite frankly... booming! The industry has returned to fairly good health after 2008 - 20009 and the industry is full of captive firms, independent commercial firms, bank leasing companies, all of which are a combo of Canadian owned or foreign owned in some cases.

So, is there a way to wade through the industry players and determine which firm is for you, based on your asset financing and services needs? That requires a lot of time, and some solid due diligence. Naturally a better way to address the challenge is to work with an industry expert, at no charge , to determine the best deal when it comes to rates, structures, types of lease you choose, and , today’s topic, who you deal with .

Other ways you can find the right lease equipment companies are of course through internet searches , referrals from a bank or trusted business friend, , etc.

We're quite frankly on the side of letting and expert do the work for you , someone who has the experience and industry and market knowledge to negotiate rates, terms, misc fees, and overalls structure with a focus on one goal - maximizing lease equipment services and benefits for your firm .

So, bottom line? It's not as hard as you think. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on maximizing leasing and financing services 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 . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


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