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.



Thursday, August 21, 2014

Federal Government Loans In Canada : Different Rules : Different Objectives : Great Results From SBL Government Lenders






You Might Not Believe These 4 Uses For Government Small Business Loans In Canada


OVERVIEW – Information on federal government loans in Canada . SBL government lenders can help you achieve various business financing and acquisition goals – here’s how




Federal government loans
in Canada are truly an ' all purpose ‘financing solution for various types of finance needs. The ' SBL ' (small business loan ') from government lenders have a number of great uses - we're going to cover off 4 of them. Let's dig in.

Different objectives in Canadian business financing more often than not requires different solutions - so that typically means different rules around what works, what doesnt and what's required. But uniquely to the SBL loan it has the ability to ' fix ' at least 4 different financing needs.

Let's recap those 4 uses of the program - They are:

Purchase an existing business

Start a business

Buy an existing or new franchise

Finance leasehold improvements to your premises



We've spoken of ' government lenders ' in the program. In reality there is just one government lender and that’s our Canadian banks. They are essentially the ‘delivery vehicle ' for your SBL financing needs. There's a little irony here in that the same loan you COULD NOT get from a Canadian chartered bank is suddenly ... AVAILABLE!

The simple reason for that is that the government, via INDUSTRY CANADA essentially guarantees the majority of the loan to our Canadian banks. In recent years that has meant that every type of business in Canada, in almost all industries has received billions of dollars of loans annually - recent stats are that about 8000 companies apply and are approved under the program.

At the end of the day it's simply an ' incentive ' for our banks to lend to the SME sector. One technical point is that if your firm has either over 5 Million dollars of actual or projected (in case of a start up) sales revenue you are disqualified for the program. Luckily that 5 Million $ threshold still covers tens of thousands of firms that can still access the loan. In fact govt stats tell us it’s these firms that are powering a huge part of the economy.

If you're serious about getting approved for the right amount and in a timely manner it's necessary to give the banker and the program what they want. The good news is that list is not that large.

Essential elements of a solid loan package include:

Business plan / cash flow
Owner bio
List of assets /items to be financed/acquired
Personal financial info on the owner (reasonable personal credit is a must)
A Premises lease identifying your business location



If you feel you're unable to access the right banker or put together a proper package consider seeking out and speaking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business FinancingAdvisor with a track record of success who can fast track you to federal government loans success.



Stan Prokop
- 7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN SBL GOVERNMENT LOAN EXPERTISE





Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email
= sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

































Wednesday, August 20, 2014

A Franchise Loan Need : No Miracle Required For Loans For Franchises







Let Franchise Financing Be Your Success Story In Entrepreneurship



OVERVIEW – Information on loans for franchises in Canada . What are the key elements of franchise loan success for the new or existing franchisee









Loans for franchises
in Canada have the ability to make entrepreneurship a true success story in Canadian business - being unsuccessful brings the opposite. Let's dig in.

A franchise loan in Canada, achieved properly and under the right circumstances gives the franchisee the ability to acquire and grow a small business into a larger successful business. Unfortunately there is no ' instruction manual ' on getting franchise financing done right , so we'll share some sound strategies and info on ensuring you're a part of the Canadian franchise success story .

While there are always different factors why a franchise might fail - i.e. lack of management, experience, a poor choice for franchisor or location , etc its a pretty sure thing that financing done properly is also at the heart of franchise success.

Not having the right amount funding will always be a setback for the new franchisee - most will agree it sets up a recipe for guaranteed failure. That undercapitalization comes from a couple of key mistakes made by the new franchisee:

Inability to truly understand their operating costs

Poor start up estimates

No back up plan if additional equity is required

Lack of working capital after the franchise is acquired

Poor planning for future investments required in assets, working capital, renovations, etc


There is no easy money when it comes to franchise loans in Canada. While the U.S. market has a substantial number of other financing options the Canadian franchisee must choose from a small handful of finance options - therefore re-enforcing the need to do things right.

Those franchise options? They include specialty franchise funding from the one or two players in Canada offering this financing, the Govt Small Business Loan , and a combination of commercial finance solutions via equipment financing, leasehold finance, merchant cash flow advances,

Whether it’s a franchise loan or any other type of business financing leverage, i.e. the right amount of debt is key to business success. Typical satisfactory debt to equity ratios for franchise financing are in the 2:1 OR 3:1 range, meaning simply that the owner should have at least a half or a third of the total capital committed personally .

Those funds typically come from savings, but we always encourage franchisees to never over commit personal capital and not to collapse registered investments or take on collateral mortgages on personal property. Bottom line - don't mix your personal and business finances in the wrong manner.

If you're looking to be a ' SUCCESS STORY ' in Canadian franchise financing when it comes to a franchise loan seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can help that ' miracle needed ' process along .




Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :


7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN EXPERTISE IN LOANS FOR FRANCHISES












Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '




































Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Financing Businesses In Canada : Recognizing Early Warning Signs For A Business Plan Proposal Requirement





What Types Of Canadian Business Financing Require A Business Plan


OVERVIEW – Information on how Canadian business owners can determine the need for a proper business plan proposal for finance requirements . Financing businesses in Canada ( sometimes ) requires a proper busines splan proposal










Financing businesses
in Canada may, or may not, require a business plan proposal. When do business plans make or break your firms financing objectives, and are they required at all? What are the risks of not having a plan when you need one? Let's dig in.

Business owners and financial managers typically associate business plans with funding requests. Done properly the document reflects the type and amount of funding you need (for example - capital expenditures / buying a business, etc) potential future financing needs, and what banks and other lenders (commercial finance companies, etc) call the ' use of proceeds'.

Additionally a proper document such as that will include how the loan or financing needs fit into your businesses overall working capital and cash flow needs. It sometimes is forgotten that the lender is fixated on one thing - getting repaid!

While many plans we see focus on the past and present it's always critical to integrate your financing into the future - re-iterating how debt will be repaid, etc. Time periods for repayment are important also, as you want to be able to demonstrate things like timing of cash flows, cyclicality in your business, temporary ' bulges ' of sales and cash flow.

A sense of urgency is not the best theme to have in your business plans. That's when the ability to properly anticipate future financing needs helps your proposal stand our as more legitimate. Financing under pressure almost never works - dire straits financing is certainly achievable - but not recommended as a strategy!

Start up business financing almost always requires a proper business plan. Here capital and funding is typically more costly as it's associated with more ' risk ' - so your ability to have a clear sound business plan reflecting realistic potential success is desired. Certain industries are occasionally out of favor - if that's the case even more care is needed.

Here's a quick recap of some of the main types of Canadian business finance solutions - highlighting a more clear need for when you might best consider the need for a business plan

A/R Financing - not required

Inventory Financing - not required

Govt SBL Loans - required/recommended

Term loans - Recommended

Acquisition Financing - Required/recommended

SR&ED & Film Tax Credit Financing - not required

Franchise Financing - Required and recommended

Working capital term loans - Recommended


The cost and time in preparing a business plan that reflects your funding needs is more reasonable than most owners imagine. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can ensure your plan is cost effective and works.

The business owner/ financial manager should always be on the lookout for those 'warning signs' that a good business plan proposal is required - one that reflects that your company merits and deserves the financing it needs to start /operate/grow or acquire a business.



Stan Prokop
- 7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com


Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :


7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN BUSINESS PLAN EXPERTISE





Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?
CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line
= 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '


































Monday, August 18, 2014

Accounts Receivable Finance Solutions In Canada : Break Free With This Receivables Purchase Strategy That Works - Confidentially






Use Accounts Receivable Financing To Fund Your Company Just Like The Big Guys







OVERVIEW – Information on accounts receivable finance solutions in Canada . Why a Confidential receivable purchase finance strategy works when it comes to cash flow









Accounts receivable finance
solutions are both used and needed by any size of company, all the way from start up to the largest corporations in the world. But there's a difference in how companies finance their current assets such as A/R, but it's still possible for companies in the SME sector to achieve the same benefits. Let's dig in.

The methods that Canadian business employs, what they are called and how they work is ' the nut ' of the matter. For instance some of the large mega corporations in Canada (and the U.S.) use a process called ' Securitization' that is the essence of what we're talking about - a receivables purchase strategy.

How does that process work, and can it be used in some manner by the smaller firm who is looking to cash flow their current assets, primarily the receivables generated from commercial sales .

It's important to always understand that A/R financing is never really a ' loan’. Typically it's just a ' systematic' method of cash flowing your sales as soon as you generate a sale - if your choose!

By the way, the essence of good accounts receivable management never changes , whether you' re using securitization or a comparable alternative such as what we'll discuss - CONFIDENTIAL A/R FINANCING . At the heart of anyone selling on credit is prudent risk management, good collections, prompt invoicing, allowing for bad debt, etc.

Whether your firm is securitizing receivables or financing them via a confidential receivable finance solution it’s always about the ' aging ' of the receivable. Typically the benchmark for uncollectibility and financeability is 90 days - after that timeframe the A/R lender, bank, or commercial finance company etc assumes that those accounts are uncollectible, and unfinanceable.

What then is the essence of Confidential A/R finance that can be used by any company that wishes to finance sales growth? It could not be simpler. Your firm bills and collects its own receivables - cash for those sales is sent directly to your bank - allowing you to finance operations and most importantly growth. The solution is optimal for those firms that cannot achieve any or all of the bank financing they needed vis a vis a proper business credit line.

If you're looking for ' big guy ' solutions for your business and want to ' break free' from the lack of commercial financing seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can assist you with a receivables purchase strategy that works.



Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :


7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN CONFIDENTIAL A/R FINANCING EXPERTISE




Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '
































Friday, August 15, 2014

Financing SR ED Canada Program Claims : SR ED CRA Loans Accelerate R & D Cash Flow









Just Say ‘ No ‘ To Waiting For Your SR&ED Refundable Tax Credit – Finance Your Claim!







OVERVIEW – Information on financing SR ED ( SR&ED) Canada program claims for the refundable SRED CRA tax credit . The ability to finance a claim accelerates recovery of R&D Expenses




Financing SR & ED Canada program claims
in Canada comes with issues that can either slow down your claim or speed it up. Knowing what works and what doesn't in SRED CRA finance goes a long way towards a successful acceleration of R&D cash flow. Let's dig in.

As we've said numerous obstacles exist in the SR&ED program that can hamper your ability to recover funds quickly. Having said that doing certain things right can have the opposite effect - reversing the R and D cash flow drain.

Recent changes in the last couple years really leveled the playing field when it comes to the SR ED refundable tax credit.

Business owners certainly have the option of preparing their claim themselves - in fact who better understands what they are trying to achieve in research and development than the business owner/manager themselves.

Yet as in any ' government' program that has some complexity attached to it sometimes some experience is helpful. Enter the SRED consultant - someone who prepares and helps file your claim. They are compensated on a strict ' fee ' basis, and in the majority of cases they work on a ' contingency basis ‘, taking a per cent age of the total amount recovered under the refundable tax credit program.

The quality of your consultant vis a vis credibility and expertise play a key role in the financing of your claim. While the industry seems to have eliminated the ' bad actors ' the key point here is that a reputable consultant maximizes your claim and adds credibility to the CRA validation process around your claim - which in fact may include an audit and meeting with the CRA rep.

Preparing your claim yourself of course saves you a ton of money - at the same time it also raises a flag to CRA that your claim has potential to be ' non compliant ' to the rules of the program .

We would add that even the large BIG 4 accounting firms in Canada all have active SR & ED practices.

The financing of your SRED CRA claim takes into account who prepared your claim, as well as any previous claim history you have. By the way, financing on first time claimants is 100% ok. Here it might help if you take advantage of the governments ' formal pre approval ' process.

What government program isn’t associated with paperwork?!
While that might be a ' myth vs. reality ' statement the fact is that the govt has tried to streamline the program re online application, initial screening to ensure validity, etc

While we can go round and round on the merits of a good claim and who prepares it and how at the end of the day its simply ensuring your claim is ' eligible ' and that you have the ' documentation' to back it up.

As far as we're concerned financing a claim is easier than writing one up. Claims are financed in a unique manner - they are financed as ' bridge loans ' - providing you with funds for up to 70% of the combined value of your claim. No payments are made during the loan duration and you receive the balance of funds when your claim is approved, less financing costs that are mezzanine rates in nature.

Credible firms with good claims can also take advantage or financing such as a SR&ED line of credit being put in place - as well your next claim can start being financed now for qualified firms.

While playing the waiting game might pay off in some forms of business it doesn't when it comes to waiting for govt cash , so seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success
who can help you cash flow your claim .. today!



Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :


7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN SR&ED FINANCING EXPERTISE




Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line
= 416 319 5769

Office
= 905 829 2653



Email
= sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '















































Thursday, August 14, 2014

Rolling Stock Financing And Leasing Heavy Trucks In Canada : Taking Advantage Of The Right Truck Lease








Transportation And Rolling Stock Financing Explained

OVERVIEW – Information on rolling stock financing in Canada. Leasing new or used heavy trucks is specialized finance. Here’s truck lease principles 101






Rolling stock financing
in Canada, in particular heavy trucks, transport, trailers, etc requires a specialized focus and knowledge. How can the business owner/ manager, or truck operator take advantage of the right methods to finance their asset? Let's dig in.

Knowing the techniques involved in truck finance puts you well ahead of the game. Because of the high ' residual value ' of these types of vehicles the actual economic useful life as well as the wear and obsolescence issue is key in any truck / rolling stock financing.

While a typical lease term for many assets is 2-3 years most heavy trucks have significantly longer amortizations - in some cases up to 7 years for the right asset. Larger truck and transportation firms might also want to consider ' operating leases' on their vehicles - this allows the business owner/ manager or owner/operator of the vehicle to address capacity issues in their company or business.

Knowledgeable maintenance is a key part of rolling stock/transport financing. Having the ability to provide key data on original purchase amount, mileage, key repairs etc is critical and will allow you to maximize full financing value - especially when it comes to used assets.

For acquisition and future financing of trucks maintenance is absolutely critical. In most cases a lessor or lender will often finance major repairs to the vehicle/ vehicles in question to maintain value. It goes without saying, (but we will say it!) that proper insurance documentation is always required, naming the lessor as a party to the insurance policy.

Licensing and registration must also of course properly be documented re ownership, bills of sale,

The key parts of a truck lease are not really fundamentally that different from any other asset you might wish to finance. Those factors include value of the asset, credit worthiness of the borrower/operator, and, as we stated, the estimated future value of the asset in question.

Market financing rates vary in this asset category. They will depend on the type of firm you are dealing with, their ' credit appetite ' and your ability to produce a basic loan package application that covers off the fundamentals.

Lessors and other lenders collateralize their financings via a PPSA registration (Personal Property Security Act) and that varies a bit by province. It is simply a central finance filing system used by lenders in Canada, and gives priority to the lender over the asset they are financing, in this case truck / rolling stock, trailers, etc.

Note that in some cases some lessors and lenders actually use GPS devices on their financed trucks to track location, usage, etc

If you're looking for proper leasing of heavy trucks, trailers, etc seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can assist you in your truck lease requirements.




Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com


Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :


7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN TRUCK LEASING EXPERTISE





Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office
= 905 829 2653



Email =
sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '















































Tuesday, August 12, 2014

A Lease Finance Company Success Story : Identify The Right Equipment Financing Companies






Can You Name The 6 Sources Of Lease Financing In Canada







OVERVIEW – Information on sources of lease finance in Canada . Identifying the right equipment financing companies saves time , money and provides you with the best rates and terms for asset finance needs




Equipment financing in Canada; as a Canadian business owner or financial manager can you properly identify the best lease finance company solution for your asset acquisition requirements? Making the right choice and decision will make your firm a ' success story ' when it comes to asset finance needs. Let's dig in.

There are actually 6 different types of lease financing sources in Canada. Which one if right for you depends on a couple of key factors -

Size of the asset / financing in $

Your overall credit quality

The nature of the asset



Although there are different asset finance choices when it comes to who you will deal with it's important to note that your process will relatively always be the same.

That process includes negotiating pricing, terms and lease documentation. In transactions less than 100k quite often a simple one or two page lease document suffices. For larger transactions you might be required to address more complex documentation but the industry prides itself on keeping things simple.

Other issues you have to cover off in a ' normal ' process include determining how and when you vendor/supplier will be paid - in most typical situations the lease finance company pays your supplier directly.

Remember that in any lease transaction your payments will begin when you have accepted the asset as being delivered/operable, etc. Remember also that while most clients we meet focus on starting a lease it's critical to focus on and understand end of term options. They might include upgrading, returning, disposal, etc.

So, those 6 equipment financing sources?!

They are commercial leasing companies, captive financial firms that are aligned with a particular mfr, your vendor itself (some vendors will provide asset financing of their products), insurance companies, banks, and finally a lease advisor who is properly aligned to ensure you select the right lease entity.

Which solution is best for your asset needs? The answer lies in issues we've discussed already, re $ value, your firms ability to demonstrate commercial credit worthiness, and the type of asset you are financing.

Remember that all 6 different solutions have different focuses re geography serviced, deal size appetite, types of assets they prefer to finance, and credit strength preferences. When it comes to credit quality almost any asset can be financed - that flexibility comes from the ability to alter terms, get a down payment, or address additional collateral requirements.

A proven way to choose the right lease company is to ensure you're working with a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success
- ensuring your asset finance needs become a true Success Story.



Stan Prokop
- 7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :


7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN EQUIPMENT LEASE & FINANCING EXPERTISE




Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653



Email
= sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com