Looking To Fund Your Business ? 5 Tips On Start Up & Small Business Finance Companies And Banking In Canada

Strategies for Working Capital and Financing Success

Information on how to fund your new or established business in Canada . Advice for Working with finance companies for loans and banking success for cash flow and working capital needs .



It sometimes seems that when you're bigger things always seem a bit easier - not always but most of the time.

That’s why when you are looking to fund your business and you're a small to medium sized business owner or financial manager knowing which firms and finance companies are appropriate to deal with seems like a challenge. And business banking from a borrowing perspective seems like a huge challenge.


And another thing, if it’s not all the time, it’s sometimes, because at certain points in your company's growth and history you are looking for business funding of some sort. What are the options - who can you turn to? Never fear... real world advice is here!

Business financing to either start or grow your business is available in a variety of ways and solutions. Let's examine 5 key topic areas.

The number 1 solution, as perceived by many business people is banks and commercial credit unions. However, perception is certainly not always reality as many have discovered. However if you are in a position to demonstrate to the bank that your own pockets (i.e. your own money!) is committed to the business then they are certainly a good place to start.

Want to know who we think is the absolute best bank in town? We’re sure you do, and here’s the answer, its one that houses a banker who is committed to grow and understand your business.

One of the best programs offered by the bank is co sponsored by the government, it’s the SBL loan program, providing you with great rates, terms and structures, and even limited personal liability for the financing.

Point # 2 -There isn’t a day when we don’t get a call asking us for some assistance on government grants. There are probably hundreds , if not more , of government grant programs - our own opinion is that they are often difficult to qualify for and at the same time chances of approval on non repayable funds is , suffice to say, slim . We will add though that the SR&ED program is probably the best program in this area, although its not a grant per se. Check it out though if you feel you qualify.

Grant programs are often targeted to very specific cultural or environmental issues , and many come with strings attached, such as matching funds only, etc.

So focus on getting sources of capital to borrow, not give you!

Point # 3- Talk to a Boy Scout. That’s because that organizations motto of ' BE PREPARED ' runs very true in business. Your ability to present yourself, your background, your historical, present and future financials is critical to obtaining business financing from finance companies and banks in Canada. Many clients seem either overwhelmed with how to do this properly, or quite honestly just aren’t qualified. We are all experts inn our own area of expertise, right?

Solid professional assistance from your accountant or Canadian business financing advisor is steps away, and at a nominal cost, all things considered.

Tip # 4- We all know whats in it for us when we borrow funds in a banking or non banking facility. But whats in it for the lender? Never forget that point. Finance companies in Canada are based around risk and reward. Most business owners don’t realize that business financing in Canada is available from a rate of 3% per annum to 3% per month. All types of assets can be financed or monetized. Companies in bankruptcy proceedings can even borrow at low rates. It’s all about the assets, the rate of return, and how you put together your business funding request.

Tip # 5- Always is prepared to deliver on some level of owner equity, i.e. your own contribution into the business. That can be via a cash injection, retained earnings in the business, or assets that aren’t already collateralized.

So, Canadian business financing. It comes in many forms. Receivable financing, equipment finance, working capital cash flow loans, asset based lending, franchise financing, tax credit finance, etc. Speak to a trusted Canadian business financing advisor on how to fund your business, and which finance companies and banking partners are appropriate for you.



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/fund_your_business_finance_companies_banking.html

Lot’s To Gain & Nothing To Lose . 4 Tips On Best Leasing Companies For Asset Business Financing

Canadian Equipment Lease Financing Advice


Information on leasing equipment companies in Canada . What to thoroughly investigate prior to financing business assets .



Since when is some good information that helps you save money and get a good deal in business not a good thing? That's our feeling, so when you are looking for leasing equipment companies in Canada for the financing of business assets here's 4 tips on just that!

Many Canadian business owners and financial managers often consider equipment financing a relatively simple process. It is, if you know who to deal with, what to ask, and what some of the pitfalls might be.

That simplicity is often masked by some key tips and strategies you can employ to save you thousands of dollars, both now, and later. It's frankly all about business decisions that you need to make both now, and later at the end of your equipment lease. In general terms these considerations can be lumped into several categories - financial, risk, tax, accounting and legal.

All of a sudden that lease for the new computer system might not seem so simple, right? At the end of the day you want to ensure you have made the right decision, so as to warrant that financing your assets was better than purchasing or borrowing for them . Until you understand our 4 key tips you can’t make that decision! So let’s dig in!


First of all, exactly what are you looking for? We can see the puzzled look on our clients face already. ‘Haven’t we already told you, a lease!)? But what we mean is that there are different types of leases in Canada, in some cases you want to spend a decent bit of time investigating operating leases, which have different consequences before, during and at the end of the term of the lease. In many cases these payments will be lower, but you will be faced with 3 different options at the end of the term of the lease, for returning, purchasing, or extending the transaction.

If you want a simple finance ' lease to own' that becomes a much more straightforward transaction.

Tips # 2- Who do you actually deal with? In Canada leasing equipment companies are thriving - there is solid, healthy competition and business is quite frankly booming. Your choices on who to deal with are several - independent financial firms who are non bank in nature. Banks in Canada have again embraced leasing so you are in a position to talk to a bank leasing entity also. Their rates and terms are excellent of course, except for one caveat which we will discuss shortly. Suffice to say the ' credit approval’ bar is a bit higher in bank leasing in Canada.

You can also deal with captive or vendor finance firms, who typically are aligned with the manufacturer of the equipment. They are clearly
incented to finance you, because they also make the product!

One very solid solution is to also deal with a lease finance intermediary. Good ones (yes, there are not so good ones) can ensure you have access to great rates, terms, and structures, also saving you a lot of time. Respected intermediaries will bring a tremendous amount of value to your transaction, so check their ethics and reputation and experience. Ask for examples of transactions completed.

TIP# 3 - Lets talk about who to deal with for business financing of your lease transactions if in fact you choose the independent lease company route. Naturally you want to be aligned with firms that have a good reputation, can provide competitive rates and funding, and if they in fact have the capital to complete your transactions. (They borrow money too don’t forget!) Documentation is key in good leasing equipment companies, look for straightforward doc's.!

Tip # 4- If you do in fact choose a bank leasing firm find out how the lease transaction fits into your general borrowing agreement . By financing with a bank have you restricted your ability to borrow more in the future for operating needs?

Got a lot to worry about these days in business, and business financing. Who doesn’t?! Consider talking to a trusted, experienced and credible Canadian business financing advisor on your asset financing needs. As we said, lots to gain, nothing to lose.




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/equipment_leasing_companies_business_financing.html

Why Canadian A/R Finance Is Your Optimal Business To Business Lending and Cash Accounts Receivable Finance Strategy

Use A Confidential Receivable Finance Strategy to Beat The Cash Flow Problem !




Information on Canadian accounts receivable cash financing . Why this business to business lending strategy can work for your firm.



It's a simple fact, if your business is growing a business to business company such as yours needs a ' business to business ' lending solution. That’s even more of a pronounced need when your growth is outpacing your financial means. That's when Canadian business owners and financial managers look for an efficient , yet flexible means of financing their growth the solution of cash accounts receivable financing often comes up .

Let's explore why this solution might in fact be the ' optimal' one when it comes to business finance.

Of course it’s safe to say we can’t save the patient if we don’t know that the cure is. So let’s examine exactly what this solution does. In cash flow financing, aka ' factoring', aka' receivables financing' its all about generating working capital and cash flow. It’s on paper a very simple procedure... we dont make it complicated... many do! You simple agree to sell your receivables, as you generate them for an immediate cash advance.

If you utilize the U.S. method of this type of financing you also have the ability to remove all or at least a part of your bookkeeping, collection and risk from your company’s daily procedures. While that is a good thing in fact our recommended and favorite solution for this method of business financing is a confidential receivable finance facility that in fact allows you to bill and collect your own receivables without any notification to your suppliers, clients, etc. More about that later though!

We also mentioned that this business to business lending solution allows you to sell, and generate cash flow for your sales as you make them. One technical point we should clarify is simply that it’s your choice, you certainly don’t have to finance all your A/R, and you can finance it 15 or 30 days from your billing if you choose, if you need cash flow.


So, cash flow. How much exactly do you receive when you sell an invoice or your ongoing A/R in a regular manner? We can typically say that in Canada you will receive 97 -98% of your receivable. That’s based on a 30 day terms of sale. You receive approximately 90% when you make the sale, and the balance is paid to you when your client remits, lets that 2-3% discount fee which effectively becomes the finance charge.

So, why in the heck would you do this? For the following reasons: Many firms simply don’t have the balance sheet or personal resources to finance growth. When you grow so does your inventory and receivables. They become an investment, and cash accounts receivable financing turns that investment into cash flow on your balance sheet. M\

Additionally many firms in Canada use ' trade credit’ as offered to their customers to maintain strategic relationships, i.e. keep their clients. You are now in a position to offer, should you choose, extended terms to your client - because, as we said, you get paid as soon as you generate sales under our business to business lending solution.

In many cases we talk to clients that have one of large opportunities. It could be a large contract, new major sale to a new client, etc. This solution gets you to the goal line.

So, the bottom line? It's simply that a true business to business lending solution such as receivable finance gives you very predictable working capital - bottom line your company is now liquid, and that’s a good thing.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor as to how you can implement a confidential cash A/R financing solution that makes sense, and works!



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/business_to_lending_cash_accounts_receivable.html

4 Tips For Best Lease Of Equipment And Commercial Leasing Rates For Canadian businesses

Canadian Equipment Lease Financing


Information on how Canadian companies can get the best commercial leasing rates and terms . What you need to know about lease of equipment strategies when using winning lease finance strategies.



Let's discuss some ' inside edge' tips, secrets and strategies on how Canadian business owners and financial managers can get solid commercial leasing rates when they consider lease of equipment and asset financing in Canada .

We'll focus on 4 specific areas, but at the same time we'll delve into other aspects with one main focus - saving you money.

So, first of all, what are 4 critical areas for you to assess when financing an asset. For a starter be familiar with the type of firm you are dealing with. It's not necessarily about their reputation of stability, (although that’s a good thing!)... It’s as much about the type of firm relative to the asset you are financing. Ensure you are working with a firm that has an appetite for your asset type and dollar size... and credit quality. Your firms overall credit quality drives commercial leasing rates on equipment to a great degree. Many players in the industry can actually approve your firm for asset finance without a tremendous amount of financial disclosure - typically that means financial statements.

On the other hand, you can often attain better pricing if you provide a solid financial package that includes historical financials, year to date interims, or even forecast of sales, profits, cash flow, etc.

In Canada there are hundreds of financing entities that consider lease equipment as a service they provide. Knowing who they are, what they do, and how they approve transactions is valuable information that will ultimately affect your pricing.

Tip # 2 today... it’s all about ' end of term'. Do not, we repeat do not consider the lease of equipment without understanding your end of term options. For many lease companies the entire strategy around their pricing is not reliant on the ‘ interest rate ' on your transaction, instead its all about what happens 36, 48, or 60 months out when your lease is up .

There are numerous ways that lease finance companies in Canada maximize lease profits ( from you !) by structuring end of term purchase options, renewals and notifications around those renewals, as well as the most basic, disposing of the asset at an additional profit . Bottom line, understand end of term!

Tip # 3- Fees. They are all over the place these days. Many are reasonable and warranted, such as commitment fees if appropriate (sometimes they are not!), registrations fees, appraisal fees, pre auth banking admin fees, etc. As we said, many are reasonable, some are not, but all are negotiable to a certain extent. Understand the total cost of your financing is the bottom line.

Tip # 4- the down stroke. Down stroke? That’s the industry terminology for down payment or security deposit. Ensure you have the financial effects of this type of payment factored into your overall lease pricing. If a down payment is require prior to final approval ensure your firm understands what will happen if the transaction is not approved.

Canadian equipment lease financing is one of the most powerful strategies used by 80% of all businesses in Canada. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on how you can maximize the benefits while getting the best commercial leasing rates of equipment lease finance in Canada.


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_of_equipment_commercial_leasing_rates.html

How To Increase Chance Of Loan Approval For Canadian Government Business Loans – SBL Loan Advice

Something Worth Considering ! Government Business Loans

Information on Canadian government business loans . How entrepreneurs, business owners and financial managers can increase chances of loan approval for the Small Business SBL Loan .



Odds. We can't speak for you but we like them when they are stacked in our favor! So is there a way to increase your chances of loan approval for the SBL Loan... Canadian government business loans? We know there is! and we’re going to show you how.

Some folks might consider us biased, but we think it's very obvious that the Canadian BIL/CSBF program is, bar none, one of the best programs in Canada for small business, and that’s including start ups by the way. First of all, its about those great rates, terms and structures, as well as limited personal liability, but primarily because with a basic understanding of key program requirements you can find yourself ' APPROVED ‘ ( that’s one of our favorite words by the way) in a matter of days .

So what’s all this about stacking the odds in your favor? Most Canadian business owners and financial managers we meet, including those entrepreneurs starting a business have in some cases not heard of the program. However, more importantly those that have view the words such as ' government' ' bank’ with a bit of trepidation, sometimes based on real world experience.

The reality is that if you understand the key requirements of the program you are in a position to better address those issues, in effect ' finesse' them and tilt the odds of approval in your favor. Doesnt it make sense that if you understand the requirements, and present them in a professional manner you would be in a position to garner a full approval for your financing?

We feel sorry for the business owners and entrepreneur, including franchisees that show up at our door with tales of being declined or having spent too much time facilitating their SBL Loan financing. And suffice to say we even know their story before they tell it to us... simply that they failed to provide the right documentation in a coherenet understandable manner.It's a simple case of positoning yourself, your business, and your business financial future . That is often done by a strong business plan or executive summary.

Having to continually go back and address the providers of government business loans with additional information can of course create a negative spin on your financing request. That's not good.

In Canada the SBL Loan program is run by INDUSTRY CANADA. That’s the federal government by the way! We are sure they are nice people, but guess what? The bottom line is that you will never meet them as the Canadian government business loans are administered by your local bank.

The odds of increasing your chances of loan approval for an SBL loan improve directly in relation to the knowledge and quality of your banker. We're sorry to say that many bankers often exhibit signs of not being knowledgeable about the program or even supportive of the general spirit of the program. And by the way, that spirit is just one thing - providing your new or existing business with up to 350k in financing for equipment, leaseholds, software, real estate, etc on terms you would never normally achieve under normal business financing. Enough said.

If you want the complete attention of your banker have a solid package. There are only 4 or 5 things required in that package, so it’s hardly rocket science.

Want even better odds? Speak to a trusted, credible an experienced Canadian busines financing advisor who can fast track you to SBL loan success.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR - STAN PROKOP

FOUNDER - 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL

CANADIAN BUSINESS FINANCING !

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


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

What’s The Cost And Return on Franchise Financing In Canada.? Franchising Loans & ROI Explained

What’s The Cost And Return on Franchise Financing In Canada.? Franchising Loans & ROI Explained


Information on franchise financing in Canada. How to factor the cost and return on investment of franchising finance loans into your business acquisition .



When we talk to clients about their concerns of getting franchise financing in Canada they also want to focus on whether the cost to finance that franchise is in effect a good ' return on investment ', in relation to both their own personal investment in the business as well as ongoing returns on that equity based on the ongoing profits of the business and the risk involved in this type of business, i.e. franchising!

The amount of capital you need to raise relative to your franchise loan varies in Canada. Factors that are critical here are the amount of capital that in some cases your franchisor might insist you put into the business. Another key factor is of course the amount of funding you are able to raise based upon your own personal financial situation, one factor of which is your personal credit rating. Clearly the majority of franchises in Canada are regarded as ' small business' so it makes sense that the banks and other firms that participate in franchise financing are focusing on you personally as well as your overall business prospects.

Canadian chartered banks, contrary to popular opinion, do participate in franchise financing in Canada. In fact in our opinion you could call them the major lender to the industry. But what many clients don’t understand when looking for franchise financing in Canada is that the bank lending in the franchising industry is done under the auspices of the Government Small Busines Loan, which is perfect suited to the type of financing you probably need.

So how much do franchises cost. We can safely say that they range in price for very nominal amounts such as 10k or so for a small service based franchise to millions of dollars for such large brand names... think ' golden arches' as an example .

Cost factors of your franchise vary with respect to how well your franchisor is doing in Canada, or perhaps it’s often the case of a franchisor in the U.S. who wishes to expand or introduce their presence in Canada.


We mentioned the government small business loan as a prime source of financing for the cost of your franchising proposal. This loan actually maxis out at $ 350,000.00 but in our experience that amount finances a huge amount of the franchise opportunities in Canada. They are great loans because they offer sensible maturities of 5-7 years, solid interest rates and nominal fees attached to the overall financing. The initial franchise fee itself is not financeable under the program, so typically our clients fund that portion themselves, which of course counts as their overall equity,


It's important to start sourcing your financing for your new franchise early on in the process. The bottom line, it’s never too late to start looking at your financing options available, including our aforementioned SBL loan.

So where does the capital come from relative to your own investment in the business.

Typically we see these funds coming from a clients own personal savings. That might also come from a severance situation based on the clients exit from ' corporate life ‘. In some cases you may choose to collapse savings, registered, or otherwise.

We encourage customers to understand the concept of financial leverage when it comes to R O I, or return on investment. Measure risk against reward; ensure you can withdraw a reasonable amount as a salary from the business, based on your financial projections.

And that ROI! Compute and analyze it just as you would any investment, such as a stock. Let’s say something costs 100% and you earn a 6% dividend. That’s generally a reasonable amount. So if you sell that investment 12 months latter your ROI is 6%. Think of that stock as being your business and the dividend being your business profits. Measure risk and reward and factor in the time and commitment you need to make into the business.

Franchising financing in Canada can be as difficult or easy as you make it. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who is expert in financing the cost of your franchising. And here's to your great, hopefully, Return on Investment!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR - STAN PROKOP

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL

CANADIAN BUSINESS FINANCING



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

Put An End To Canadian Asset Finance Problems! Use Smart Lease Financing & Capital Leasing Strategies

Bank Finance Challenges For New Assets ? – Here’s A Solution

Information on lease financing in Canada. Use smart asset finance strategies and these tips to win with capital leasing solutions that make your firm a winner in asset financing .




Safe to say that Canadian business owners and financial managers have enough to worry about these days, so asset finance via lease financing for capital acquisition of equipment, hardware, software, etc shouldn’t be one of them!

The benefits of lease finance have been pretty clear to Canadian businesses for many years. And when we say ' Canadian business' that means in the case of capital leasing strategies every size of business in Canada, from start up to major corporation.


The industry in Canada has tended to segment itself into 3 size categories, simply speaking small, medium and large ticket transactions. In Canada billions of dollars of capital has been invested into the industry and those funds are used to finance your equipment needs- everything from hard assets and the soft costs that are associated with them, up to and including software, cloud computing, well, you name it!

There is always an ongoing debate as to the cost of lease financing versus buying an asset outright with your own funds, versus leasing it. It's the proverbial ' lease vs. buy' that many of us are faced with even in our personal finances when we decide to buy a new car, etc. Depending on the variables in the lease vs. buy template we suppose that in certain occasions leasing might be more expensive. But whets the alternative when you think about it, because that involves using a large amount of your business cash or operating line of credit, or applying at the bank for a term loan and not getting approved.

When we speak to clients about capital leasing its loud and clear that they utilize this time worn asset finance strategy simply because it’s easily obtained. It’s as simple as that. In reality a large part of the industry, certainly in the small ticket area - i.e. 1-50k operates only on an application only basis, no financial stats required. Naturally in larger transactions you do need a solid application that includes historical and interim financials, info on the owners, etc.

When you are looking to achieve a solid rate, term and structure around your asset finance transaction it’s important to receive a quote that is clear. We are not impressed by some in the industry that tend to use a smoke and mirrors strategy around getting your business, as the industry in Canada is quite ' hot' and ultra competitive these days. In reality there’s only 5 key elements to your transaction - term of the lease, rate, payment, end of lease obligation and value of your transaction. So understand them and make sure it’s an ‘apples to apples ' comparison. Utilizing the services of an experienced lease financier in Canada can often save you thousands of dollars and speed approval.

So if for any reason bank financing is ' elusive’, and you wish to preserve valuable cash flow speak to a trusted and credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in maximizing asset acquisition needs in Canada. 80% of all businesses lease finance, so welcome aboard!



ABOUT THE AUTHOR - STAN PROKOP

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL

CANADIAN BUSINESS FINANCING

'We Finance The Little Guy'

P.S. We finance the big guys also@


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