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, January 20, 2012

7 Guaranteed Ways To Fail In Canadian Franchise Loans. Franchisee Financing Done Right !






Use This Information On How Not To Fail When You’re Purchasing A Franchise In Canada !

Information on Canadian franchise loans. How does franchisee financing work in Canada and how can entrepreneurs avoid failure and guarantee success.



It's a given fact that some franchises fail. We all know that. We love providing guarantees to clients. But are there some guaranteed ways to fail. Nothing like a guarantee, right?

We're hoping that entrepreneurs considering franchise loans for franchisee financing in the Canadian marketplace take some of our advice, and by the way, that's on how NOT to fail!

Guaranteed failure point # 1 - Expect your franchise to either help or provide you with financing in Canada. That is a sure fire method of failure. While many franchisors have some relationships with certain organizations or financial institutions never forget that they are in fact in the business of selling franchises, not financing them. We will concede thought that lately we have heard rumblings of U.SS franchisors who are getting more involved in providing assistance and franchise loans for some of their units but we certainly haven’t seen any serious evidence of that in Canada.

So if you cant rely on your franchisor to provide you with financing assistance ensure that you have access to experience and relationships that can in fact assist your with completing your finance plan around your purchase. And while your franchisor may ' point ' you to some financing that may assist you it's safe to assume there are no guarantees.

Guaranteed failure point # 2- Don't explore your options. Another great way to fail... not recommended though! While the options to finance your franchise in the Canadian marketplace are certainly not abundant they do in fact exist if you are armed with the right knowledge and contacts. Never ever assume that you have to finance your purchase through your own bank, in fact some banks publicly or privately stay away from certain industries, and hospitality is an example. And that’s not good news for the thousands of entrepreneurs that want a part of this industry! So, take the proverbial advice of ' shopping around' for either a franchise financing expert or an institution that understands and is committed to your success.

Guaranteed failure point # 3- Borrow more than you can afford for your franchise. Another great way to ensure non success! Remember of course that the people providing franchise financing actually expect to be paid, in full! Larger loans translate into larger payments and cash flow concerns, so ensure that your financing has a proper mix of debt and your own equity. Remember that the optimal financing allows your business to succeed, grow, and pay you salary while building owner equity.
Guaranteed failure point # 4- Pick any franchisor... after all they are all proven business models, right? Well, not really. There is downside to any business, and certain industries and markets fall in and out of favor over time. So carefully assess your opportunity from both of course the financial perspective, as well as the overall market perspective. Your franchisor can be a Canadian organization, or a licensee of a U.S. company. Use the franchising disclosure laws in Canada to properly do your due diligence.

Guaranteed failure point #5 - Skimp on your financing. Borrow less, so you won't have to repay as much... right. Wrong! Don't cut corners when it comes to franchise loans and franchisee financing for your Canadian business. Understand your costs, and remember that you need to focus on two areas, purchasing your business, and then growing it. A proper combination of long term debt and working capital is needed. Don't let the excitement of owning your own business cloud the financial realities of what it takes to be successful in any business, franchising included.

Guaranteed failure point # 6- Assume sales are profits. Guess what? They are not. Build a proper business plan and ensure you have a solid handle on cash flow. An experienced Canadian business franchising advisor can help you here.

Guaranteed failure point # 7- Assume you know how to finance a franchise, or that it is easy. It's not necessarily the case. Understand your financing options, which in Canada exist, but are somewhat limited. Negotiate a fair price for your chosen business. Terms and rates in franchise financing vary, whether you are using 3rd party independent financing or the BIL franchise loan. As stated previously, borrow the right amount you need, whether you are purchasing a new unit or buying an existing franchisee out.

So there you have it. 7 guaranteed, yes guaranteed ways to fail at franchise financing. And by the way, we want you to succeed! , not fail, so speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can help you with franchise loans and franchisee financing in the Canadian market space.







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_loans_franchisee_financing_canadian.html

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Talking Points For The Canadian ABL Business Credit Line . It’s Commercial Financing That Works!







Why You Should Consider An Asset Based Line Of Credit

Information on the Canadian ABL business credit line facility . A unique commercial financing facility based on your assets.




We hear the term a lot these days. A ' talking point ' is simply a ' succinct statement designed to be persuasive '. Let's examine some key talking points on commercial financing in Canada, very specifically the ABL business credit line. (ABL is the acronym for asset based lending).

Part of our job seems to always be simply defining ' ABL ' in our context, because it's often a catch all term or various single asset finance categories, for example receivable financing.

Instead we're talking about what is referred to as a ' comprehensive ‘business credit line, one that lends against a combo of inventory, receivables, equipment. Although low interest rates are what often attracts clients to a more traditional Canadian chartered bank line the reality is that thousands of firms simply can't access traditional bank credit.

Although the Canadian economy has somewhat slowed down financing needs are as large as ever, whether you're a start up, an early stage company, or a mid market or larger corporation.

In the U.S. this form of financing is very developed, in Canada it's been a different story with various players, mostly non bank, not regulated firms have come and gone, and returned back to the Canadian space to deliver this commercial financing product.

‘Are there times when the ABL business credit line is a perfect solution for business finance”? is a typical client question. Probably the most common time for your firm to consider it is when you are in a restructuring phase. This is when the power of this business financing truly emerges because at a time when you company needs it most and can't qualify at the bank ABL business credit typically increases the funding to your firm.

The caveat tot that last statement is simply that you need to have the ' assets' on which that increased lending is based - That's the ' A' in asset based financing!

It's at this point that we always find ourselves explaining the differences in this financing relative to traditional bank commercial facilities. Those facilities are much focused, it’s the triumvirate of profitability, cash flow, and a very decent balance sheet; oh and by the way, you require all three!

It's the flexibility in structure that is most appealing to clients considering this method of finance. All of those ratios, covenants, outside collateral, personal guarantees tend to be either non existent or very minor ' talking points' when it come to an ABL facility. So when you are attempting a ' turnaround ' the asset based line of credit, simply speaking, is turning with you.

Another great talking point for our proposed new facility is that it can almost always facilitate peaks and bulges in your business; those temporary spikes in working capital needs are sometimes difficult to resolve in a more traditional chartered bank facility.

If there is one final ' talking point' to add it’s simply that the ABL business credit line is probably the best finance method to support sales growth when you are capital structure constrained. So as the Canadian economy improves you aren't penalized by previous challenges you have undergone.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on what you need to know about this innovative method of business finance in Canada. Understand the requirements and take advantage of the benefits!






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_business_credit_line_commercial_financing.html

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Here’s Your Fighting Chance For Cash Flow Solutions! How To Pinpoint A Canadian Business Finance Solution





Looking For Working Capital Survival Techniques?

Information on cash flow solutions for Canadian business owners . Understand the problem and find a business finance solution .



Canadian business owners and financial managers are looking for ' fight back' type cash flow solutions for their survival and growth challenges. Let's examine that from two angles understanding and pinpointing the problem, and then implementing a satisfactory business finance solution for your firm, one that makes sense in the here and now!

While clients we talk to are often very focused on fixing the problem we’ve felt it's just as important to understand how and why they got there. Makes sense right?

If you step back and take a closer look at what's going on in your business you will see that the constant pattern of payments and receipts to your firm dictate the need for Canadian business financing at certain times. The cycle typically constantly repeats itself, your company buys goods, generates a payable, incurs costs in creating your products and services and finally invoice generation to your clients. And then you wait!

That's when we arrive exactly at the crux of the matter as typically at this time your cash shortfall is at its greatest point. All the while your firm of course has payable and creditor obligations, and let’s not forget the tax man!

Now we are getting to the core issue, creating cash flow solutions to finance these needs. We now arrive at a point where many companies ' blow it ' for lack of a better word. That's because the obvious solution is ' the bank '. We can't count the number of times clients told us they have approached their bank on what we can politely term a ' short notice'.

Guess what though. Banks don't like to lend on a short notice. Quite frankly they are managing their own cash flow issues! Clients simply often don't realize that at this point in a company's need for a business finance solution that insolvency risk is at its greatest.

The other irony of our situation as described above is that in many cases business has never been greater for your firm. New contracts, new orders abound! Yet history tells us many companies, small and large have gone under when profits and sales were great, but cash has run out.

Solid and savvy Canadian business owners and financial managers will step up to the challenge this time and learn to plan better for short term borrowings. You don’t want to over borrow but at the same time you don't want to commit yourself to having excess cash and liquidity. (Although that’s a problem clients never seem to have!)


One of the best ways you can monitor your cash flow needs is to monitor on an ongoing basis changes in your assets and debt. Business owners often don’t realize that the transfer of funds between those two identify the movement of your cash.

If assets go down cash has been generated from the asset, if assets go up you have in fact invested in this asset, and, guess what, your cash has gone down.

In Canada you have a number of available cash flow solutions for working capital needs. They include properly managed bank debt via a solid relationship and track record. Companies that can't qualify have access to asset based lines of credit, working capital facilities, receivable and inventory financing on their own or together and even monetization of tax credits and purchase orders.

Looking to better understand what business finance solutions makes sense for your firm, and why? Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor to determine your firm’s best course of action.





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/cash_flow_solutions_business_finance_solution.html



Tuesday, January 17, 2012

An Unfair Edge ? Offer Customer Financing At No Cost To Your Company! A Financial Program Via Canadian Vendor Leasing Works





Improve Sales and Marketing Results with Customer Financing Programs – Zero Cost – Large Results!


Information on vendor leasing via a customer finance offering for your clients . Let a financial program produce positive results for your firm .



Looking for a (legitimate!) unfair edge in Canadian business financing? Who wouldn't want that extra ' secret sauce ' that all businesses strive to achieve when competing within their own market.

We're talking about offering a financial program, at no cost, to your clients, giving you a solid marketing edge, and something the competition may not have, or even know about! That’s why a customer finance program via vendor leasing could well put your company at the head of the pack in your own market.

Could there be any more common sense attached to the simple concept of
providing your client with a financial solution to acquire your product or service? And, as we noted, that could well be at no cost. As you may have guessed the major auto manufacturers mastered this same concept, about 50 years ago! so it might be time to get on board.


Offering such a program does two basic things:

1. It makes the final purchase decision much easier for your clients

2. It doesnt take you as long to complete a sale - in effect your sales cycle is significantly reduced

Getting back to the competition, doesnt it also make sense that a financial program not offered by your competition puts you in a much better stead of winning the sale . We think so, and we've since it proven time and time again.

Depending on what study you are reading 8-9 out of ten companies in Canada utilize lease / loan financing for their asset acquisitions. If your customer is one of those firms doesnt it make sense that you’re simply offering them a financing solution that makes sense with something they are already comfortable with... well you get the drill .. you're one step close to making that sale, and winning over your competition.

How? That’s the next point to ponder in our efforts to make sure clients have that inside edge. How do you as a business set up a program that in effect could cost you nothing? Naturally if you want such k a customer finance program to not be free to your company then feel free to invest hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars into your own captive finance firm. Oh and by the way, hire the right talent and set up the proper infrastructure also, put those at the top of you ' to do ' list. The bottom line is your firm quite probably doesnt have the capital, financial management, and operational capabilities to set up and start your own finance firm.

Not interested in that? We fully understand! That is why the easy and logical solution is to work with a trusted third party that will provide the capital, take on the risk, and work to close transactions, in effect becoming a win/ win scenario for your firm and theirs.

Consider spending some time to investigate a customer finance program that makes sense for your products and services. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can ensure you have a partnership program with the right party that gives you a clean program, with simple documentation, and the right amount of expertise and capital to give you the ' unfair edge ' in sales and marketing growth .




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/vendor_leasing_financial_program_customer_finance.html



Monday, January 16, 2012

Receivable Cash Flow Financing .The Only 2 Times To Consider Canadian Factor Funding





Two Times To Consider An Alternative Financing Strategy



Ancient Chinese proverbs and receivable cash flow financing and factor funding. A connection? We thought so, as we were taken by one we heard the other day. It went something like this, ' the best time to consider planting a tree is 20 years ago, the 2nd best time is now '.

Timing is everything in business... Canadian business owners and financial managers know that .That is why we think a strong case can be made to turn our same proverb towards consideration of receivable financing , something you maybe should have done already, or perhaps start considering now . Let' explain.

When business owners look at financing alternatives they are usually looking at their current situation. As the Canadian economy seems to seesaw back and forth these days between good news and bad news its Canadian business that is caught in the middle, experience continual frustration for obtaining their financing needs.

We're talking mostly about small and medium sized businesses , as larger firms always seem to be in a better position don’t you think.

So that of course brings us to receivable cash flow financing, one immediate solution that you can access today for cash flow and working capital. It's generally viewed as an ' alternative ' financing but quite frankly in our opinion it's more mainstream everyday as thousands, yes thousands of firms embrace this finance strategy.

That of course just might mean that the time is... well... now for consideration by your firm. The reason you might be considering A/R finance now is simply your inability to collect receivables in a timely fashion, from clients that seem to feel they are forever on extended terms. (Clients tell us they don’t remember granting those extensions!) We add also that the ultimate irony sees often to be that the larger firms become a major collection challenge for companies, such as yours, who might be significantly smaller.

Often times your receivable portfolio is a function of your growth strategy. That growth strategy becomes capital intensive, as you are forced to continually maintain an investment in inventory and of course receivables. So while clients tell us they would like to see A/R reduced, to cash of course reality is that it rarely does for the typical SME type firm.

A lot of clients we meet are self financing. That is a double edged sword in that it constrains many businesses from growing. They are also reluctant to take on more debt and increase financial leverage. If sales drop or operating performance decline you can well assume problems are going to occur with respect to your relation with lenders to your firm.

Factor funding reduces leverage. It is not debt; it’s simply a monetization of your A/R into immediate cash at a cost of 2-3% on a monthly basis.

So when is the time for Canadian business owners to embrace A/R financing? According to our Chinese proverb it was either a long time ago, or today! Receivable cash flow financing allows you to monetize your A/R in real cash flow; you've just given yourself an alternative to bank financing, minimized the emphasis on personal guarantees, and put yourself in control of your daily or monthly borrowing.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in determining when this strategy is right for your term, yesterday, or 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 . 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_cash_flow_financing_factor_funding.html



Sunday, January 15, 2012

Innovative Financing From Canadian Leasing Companies . Mastering The Lease Versus Buy Decision





Information for Canadian companies seeking financing from leasing companies . Master the lease versus buy decision and reap the financial benefits .



At one point or another Canadian companies of all size realize that financing new or existing assets via leasing companies in Canada works far better than buying those assets; in effect they have mastered and understood the lease versus buy decision.

It's never hurts for us to cover the basics with clients, so we constantly re-enforce the fact that equipment leases and loans allow you to stay ahead of the technology curve in your industry - in effect you have the ' latest and greatest ' with which to compete .

Conservation of capital is also a key point at the top of our list; in effect you don’t have to service a bank term loan for the asset. Bank loans for assets also have related issues that can significantly impact your firm, such as reduction in your overall borrowing arrangement, etc. It's no secret then that 80% of all North American businesses lease some assets they need for their firm.

Your monthly payment of course is dependent on the asset size and the structure of your lease or service agreement with leasing companies in Canada.

Innovation in financing via a lease often comes from the type of lease you enter into. In Canada two primary offerings are on the table - the capital lease, aka ' lease to own ', and the operating lease, which we can effectively call the ' lease to use'.

Innovation abounds in operating lease financing. It’s the ultimate solution for investments you make in areas such as technology, telecom, etc. Most borrowers, (and we definitely don’t agree with their focus) tend to hone in on the monthly payment. In an operating lease the monthly payment is significantly lower, anywhere from 5-20% depending on the asset size and type.

At the end of the term of your operating lease the equipment is not fully paid for. Don’t worry, that’s a good thing, because a properly structured operating lease via Canadian leasing companies allows you to at that point consider purchasing, returning, or continuing the arrangement. Those options are standard in a properly structured operating lease.

While payments on a capital lease are higher don’t forget that you own the equipment at the end of the term. This of course can be a double edged financial sword! , given that the equipment might have either significant value, some value, or no value. On balance we would say that the majority of companies that enter into a capital lease scenario do so mainly because they want to conserve cash flow.

We referenced the ' lease versus buy' decision. That’s the term referred to as the Canadian business owner or financial manager tries to decide whether he should lease or buy an asset.


Is any financial decision always 100% right? Of course not, so when it makes sense buying an asset gives you ownership of the asset, plus your ability to control the ultimate use and residual value. In some cases your accountant might be able to show you buying is less expensive than lease finance.


We tell client that in the financing decision process they should consider things such as the final monthly payment, related services to the asset that are financeable, their purchase options, as well as the cash flow effects of the transaction . Oh and by the way, most busines owners quickly realize that lease financing is easier to obtain and receive approval for. Leasing companies in Canada are thriving and want your business.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on how innovative financing from Canadian leasing companies might make sense for your firm. You'll have mastered the lease versus buy decision!





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_versus_buy_financing_leasing_companies.html




Saturday, January 14, 2012

Is The Guarantee Of The SBL Canada Small Business Loan Really Guaranteed? Increase Your Chances For Government Loans





Don’t Just Survive ! Grow Your Business With An SBL Loan.


Information on the ‘ SBL ‘ ; Canada small business loan. How can business owners, franchisees, and entrepreneurs increase their chances of approval for government loans.


A pretty basic question. Is the Canada small business loan, i.e. government SBL loans, really ' guaranteed '? Two points here, first of all the loan is guaranteed by the government to your lender, but you are certainly not ' guaranteed of approval! But with the right knowledge, and the right preparation you can dramatically increases chances of approved funding.

Let's examine how you can ensure your business is approved for financing under this program. Some of the techniques and info we share we could almost characterize as subtle, and some are simply a key requirement to get the job done. It’s not hard to take ‘guesswork ‘out of the program and increase the odds of financing approval.
You must be able to at least understand the lenders language, even if you don’t speak it everyday.

At the end of the day it’s about some basic organization around your information, dealing with the right party, and being able to clearly demonstrate that your business is the right firm with which to have a borrowing/lending relationship.

Doesnt it make sense that if certain information is required for the Canada Small Business Loan that you are able to provide it? That info that's required is hardly ' rocket science' by the way; it’s actually a short laundry list. The essence of that info is a business plan, quotes or invoices on what you want financed, a cash flow forecast, and information about your self with respect to assets and liabilities and your personal credit history.

You want to be able to demonstrate how the financing will assist your business, whether it’s a new business, a franchise, or assets required to operate and grow your company. When we listen to clients who say they have spent far too long in getting approved for government loans we can usually demonstrate they have responded properly to the financing info request.

We're fond of an expression called ' deal fatigue '... that's simply when enthusiasm by you and your lender hit an all time low on your transaction. So by putting a package together with all the info, including a positive attitude and approach, you are able to present a strong picture of your capabilities and experience.

The SBL small business loan is actually administered by Canadian banks on behalf of the government department, Industry Canada. There isn’t a day that goes by when we don’t hear the comment ' banks arent lending ', or ' banks are only lending to their existing client relationships'.

We tell clients they will never be in a position to change the way banks do business in Canada (God knows we've tried that ourselves!) but you can take advantage of programs that clearly are meant to finance and grow your business.

Many clients are too focused on rates on all types of business financing - That’s our opinion. The reality is that using a 100k loan as an example an interest rate difference of, say 5% will only mean a monthly payment difference of a few hundred dollars. And the reality is that rates on government loans are fixed anyway. Bottom line; don’t focus all your efforts on rates when any new business financing can help your business grow.

The Canadian SBL program provides millions of dollars of financing to businesses like yours. It helps your business achieve financing it otherwise could not obtain. As a borrower you need to deal directly with both the positive and negative aspects of your loan, and you must be able to project positive future performance. That's not hard to do by the way.

You can successfully achieve financing by working with an advisor or banker that both understands the program and can ensure your financing is fast tracked to success via the right information presented in a positive manner.




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/sbl_government_loans_canada_small_business_loan.html