Business Financing Interest Rates & Loans In Canada The Not So Secret Way To Understand Cost Of Business Finance

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What Is The Interest Rate On A Business Loan? Is There An Average Small Business Loan Interest Rate

 

   

Clients at 7 Park Avenue Financial who come to discuss their CANADIAN BUSINESS FINANCING needs are looking to compare business loans / rates and understand the rationale and qualifications around achieving best business loan rates. Small business loan rates in Canada and financing costs are certainly one key factor in understanding your financing costs to run your business, whether you are a small business or a larger corporation, and yes, even a start-up for new business financing.

Qualifications vary for different types of financing and there are numerous other key factors in the business loan decision. There also can be miscellaneous costs associated with any one type of business finance solution, and those must be considered also. Some entrepreneurs and commercial borrowers look to alternative sources of private financing such as friends and family, angel investor networks that offer rates vastly different from banks and commercial financing companies -although many of these types of borrowings tend to be ' equity ' related.

ADDITIONAL POINTS TO CONSIDER IN THE BUSINESS LOAN / INTEREST RATE DECISION

In certain types of financing the issues of down payment come into focus. Those down payment scenarios are common in several types of business finance including equipment financing, acquiring rolling stock, and of course, commercial mortgages that require owner equity. One other factor to consider, and it's always a big one in discussion with our clients is the necessity of personal guarantees on business loan transactions.

Those ' PG's ' not only affect the approval of the small business loan but can alter the interest rate as well depending on the personal credit history and net worth of the guarantor. Canadian chartered banks place a large reliance on personal guarantors. In certain cases both approval and rate might also be determined via the personal guarantee of another related or non-related party. One other key factor in the rate determination of the bank or non-bank commercial lender is the term of the loan, which might be a multi-year amortization, or, at the other end of the spectrum a short term bridge loan.

Fundamentally it's all about your risk profile but don't forget also there are a variety of both traditional and alternative lenders in Canada- all of whom have different lending guidelines and structures. Companies who qualify for bank financing in Canada (Spoiler alert - not everyone does!); Bank loans for small business  tend to focus on amortized life of loans and the fixed/variable conundrum. The current low rate environment is a boon for those who qualify for bank financing.

Covenants, ratios and documentation required should always be a part of any commercial borrower’s consideration. Whether it's a bank or a commercial finance company we've certainly observed that the majority of borrowers tend to prefer to deal with a lender with a local presence. Is size everything? Quite frankly when it comes to the interest rate for a small business loan in Canada or cash flow finance solutions ' size ' does play an important role in both rate and approval.

Interest rate pricing will vary based on credit facility/loan size as well as the amount and type of debt you have on your balance sheet. It's important to understand that different types of financing in Canada support different goals - that might be one of the combinations of growth, working capital, expansion, and even acquisition.

In many cases firms opt for a complete refinancing of existing facilities. What then are different types of small  business loan  financing that support your firm’s goals? Note also they all have different rates and structures that will determine rates for small business loans.

SME COMMERCIAL FINANCE

The small to medium-size enterprise makes up the largest part of the overall economy in Canada, with well over a million businesses participating in the business landscape. At 7 Park Avenue Financial we deal with many firms who are in start-up or early phases of their growth - it's this segment that is the most challenged when it comes to finding the right finance solution as well as costs around the financing. Whether its day to day operation funding or exploration of growth opportunities cash remains .. king!

Canadian banks of course offer unlimited financing solutions coupled with the lowest costs. Unfortunately, when it comes to bank loans for small businesses thousands of firms find themselves unable to meet the requirements of a traditional lender - those requirements being clean balance sheets, profits, cash flow generation, and quality personal guarantees and external collateral. For that reason the rise of alternative finance Canada has been somewhat meteoric!

 

BUSINESS FINANCING SOLUTIONS

A/R Financing

Inventory loans 

Sale Leasebacks

Equipment financing

SR&ED Tax credit financing

Commercial mortgages

Non-bank asset based lines of credit

Bank credit lines/term loans

Royalty financing

  

 Unsecured Cash flow loans 

 

 

      

  

   KEY POINT :    

Institutions such as banks and other commercial finance companies will calculate financing around variable rates based on the prime rate - these rates are of course set around the general market and economic conditions - companies with good commercial credit history and financials will have a smaller markup to those benchmark rates. 

It is very safe to say that overall business financial history, quality of the personal guarantee, and the type of collateral held are the key determinants in business financing.

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SMALL BUSINESS LOAN - The FEDERAL BUSINESS LOAN

 

Borrowers in the SME COMMERCIAL FINANCE sector might well find that the most accessible traditional bank type financing that comes with a low cost of funds are government-guaranteed loans with the facility offered by INDUSTRY CANADA, an arm of the federal government. This is a loan support program that is used by close to ten thousand businesses every year for firms that are primarily starting up or in earlier stages of growth.

Statistics from the government available for recent years show almost 1 Billion dollars of loan financing generated annually under the program. The program is a solid way to reduce long term capital investments with financing that matches the useful economic life of assets required by the business.

KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN THE CANADA SMALL BUSINESS LOAN GOVERNMENT GUARANTEED FINANCING PROGRAM

 

Numerous attributes of the loan include the fact that the majority of the loan is guaranteed to the banks by the federal government. Typically any assets you have purchased within the last 6 months, as well as of course new assets can be refinanced or financed if new. Rates are based on a floating rate over prime and monthly payments are made on a blended basis of principal and interest. Term of the loan can be anywhere from 2-7 years - at 7 Park Avenue Financial the majority of our clients opt for a 5-year term.

Confusion around the program can sometimes revolve around the fact that only assets, leaseholds, and real estate qualify for financing under the program. Here it is important to know that Canada's non-bricks and mortar entrepreneur bank can offer cash flow and working capital loans. When you are considering either of the two government-based loan programs experts advise that you should work with a qualified Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your government loan needs and who has experience in the area.

The ability to submit a quality loan package utilizing the experience of an advisor helps in guaranteeing loan approval and rates commensurate with the two government offerings.

SHORT TERM WORKING CAPITAL LOANS

Cash flow/working capital financing loans are currently extremely popular in Canada. They are easily accessible, often require little or no collateral guarantee, and are usually repaid over a 1 or 2 year period. While the annual percentage rates are high on these loans thousands of small business owners have found these types of loans as cash flow lifesavers. Firms that have any sort of reasonable credit and sales history can easily qualify for these loans, on which loan amount is typically based around a maximum of 15-20% of your annual sales.

In some circles, these loans are commonly known as business merchant advance loans, and came up to Canada via a business model originating in the U.S. Your company’s track record and financials will play a key role in obtaining any commercial financing Note also that you firm might have a ' Senior lender ' - typically a bank or commercial finance company, as well as utilizing the financing services of other ' niche ' based lenders, some of whom are profiled above in our list.

While some may view alternative finance solutions as ' expensive' remember also that they will always be cheaper than surrendering equity ownership? Alternative financing solutions can help firms who are challenged or on the verge of distress, which obviously is a key factor in higher rates It's always about the ' risk ' undertaken by our traditional or alternative lender.

Our bottom line is that there is no one single interest rate on any type of business loan, but diligent borrowers, combined with advice from qualified advisors can help you achieve the most reasonable rate from any traditional or alternative lender.

WHAT'S MY RATE?! 

SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES AROUND THE BUSINESS LOAN INTEREST RATE

1.Rates on business loans will vary from very low bank rates to higher rates offered by non-bank commercial lenders.

2. In general, each financing rate will be competitive within the loan type and lender in Canada.

3. A number of key factors will ultimately determine overall loan cost around a debt finance solution

4. There is no one 'average loan rate ' due to competing traditional and alternative lending solutions

5. The way in which a lender expresses/calculates the rate can be confusing to the commercial borrower

6. Understanding loan type and lender type will help the business owner and financial management to assess rate

7. Traditional rates by banks and insurance companies, etc will almost always be lower than alternative financing

8.When it comes to ' alternative financing access to capital and speed of funding increases as well as does the rate

If you want to better understand the not so secret truth about a Canadian small business loan and business finance interest rates, seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with the best loans and finance solutions that match your firm’s needs.

Click here for the business finance track record of 7 Park Avenue Financial

Stan Prokop 7 Park Avenue Financial/Copyright/2020

Business Financing Interest Rates & Loans In Canada

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BUSINESS FUNDING IN CANADA & BUSINESS FINANCING SOURCES

Business financing solutions in Canada clearly demonstrate that the types of loan and cash flow financing you need are clearly not equal in value and accessibility to business owners and financial managers. There are numerous types of business financing. Here's why, so let's dig in!

Any company borrowing for funds for business money will usually encounter some difficulty in taking on debt, and when there is an economic downturn, pandemics included! Whether it's financing startups or mature companies, those challenges to source business capital can be even more overwhelming.

In challenging times the ability to source debt capital is very challenging and time-consuming and the ability to work with an external business financing advisor is often recommended unless of course you and your own team are exceptionally qualified and have the management time to source capital.



Capital Funding will usually mean a combination of financing for day to day operations as well as long term finance needs. That final capital structure will be a combination of debt and equity, with lenders expecting a return on their capital and owners hoping to achieve a proper return on investment - ' ROI '.


Funding a business and acquiring assets for your business, whether that be equipment, buildings, rolling stock, and investments in technology - ie computers, software, etc typically should be acquired through proper debt instruments such as loans, leases, mortgages, etc. Matching the useful economic life of these assets to the proper finance solution is the goal! The amount of debt you take on to acquire these assets will force a dilution effect on the owners equity in the business - again pointing out the need for the right amount ... and type... of debt.


Banks and commercial funding companies in Canada are the two foremost sources of business capital and typically provide the basic financing needs you require to run... and grow the business. Financing costs are of course an expense and lower the overall pre-tax profit of your business - no secret there.

Business owners and financial managers should always be testing the cost of their debt in order to allow the company to move forward with the right goals around its costs of borrowing and return to shareholders/owners.

Many industries are very 'capital intensive ' and require a much larger amount of capital as compared to service industries, so depending on your industry, as well as what ' stage of growth ' your company is in will be the key drivers around types of short term and long term finance.

The ability to diversify your finance solutions is often recommended by experts; that might be at the start-up stage or in times of high growth. When business challenges occur that diversification allows you to consider ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF FINANCING. In recent years many new finance solutions in alternative financing compete aggressively with traditional financing via Canadian chartered banks. It is safe to say that any type of financing, either traditional or alternative has different benefits and disadvantages that must be weighted by owners.

What Are The Best Financing Options For A Business

Many different types of business finance solutions exist - the challenge revolves around your ability to ensure you're pursuing the right type of loan or cash flow financing solution.

At 7 Park Avenue Financial many firms we work with are in the ' startup funding ' stage; new business funding for owners who have committed some of their personal capital and are looking for additional financing to start/bootstrap the business. Entrepreneurs consider every source of capital, even tapping that ' friends and family ' and ' Angel ' investors. Some consider the venture capital route which is very time consuming and expensive and typically not appropriate for the majority of startups. Those ' VC ' type deals seem most common in the technology/software area/biotech area. Often a large amount of equity must be given up by founders to receive substantial financing.

Occasionally government grants and government VC capital might be available. Companies going the VC route will have considerable pressure to quickly get to a hyper-growth stage allowing investors to recoup their investment via some sort of exit strategy.

One other source of business capital for more traditional businesses, including franchises, is the Government of Canada Small Business Loan program, providing up to $ 1,000,000 of debt for three specific categories of assets: Equipment, Leaseholds, and Real Estate.

Many business owners/entrepreneurs aren't familiar with the Canadian govt small business loan program. We can call it the ' bread and butter ' in terms of the phrase ' government loans'. Clarification is required here because it's not the gov't that actually funds the loans, it's Canadian banks with the loan guarantee in place from the federal gov't.


For Canadian business owners, timing is pretty well ... everything! That’s why with careful preparation of your submission a loan can be approved in a matter of days



Getting back to our theme of ' timing is everything ' an even more accessible solution for owners/mgrs is the working capital term loan. Often provided on an ' unsecured ' basis these loans are based primarily on the cash flow within your business bank account. There is a lot less paperwork required and funding can occur within days.



Many businesses, particularly in the SME sector (small to medium enterprise) require purchase order funding solutions when they receive orders and contracts far in excess of their normal financing capabilities. P O Financing allows companies to access new markets and larger customers, enhancing revenue growth.

Most times even international orders of almost any magnitude can be financed if your firm has a qualified buyer and a legitimate supplier. Because of that most firms also require a business credit line, in some cases called an ' ABL ' line. These revolving facilities are provided by traditional financiers such as banks, and, somewhat unknown to most, commercial finance companies often referred to as 'asset-based lenders '.



What information is required in order to assess your firm’s qualifications under most types of financing? It's not as complex as it might seem. Traditional applications often include just financial statements, but can also be augmented by a business plan or cash flow forecast. Canadian banks are typically the first ' go to ' for many business owners, and a lot of time can be spent on finding a bank, and banker, that can meet your specific needs.

Borrowers find out very quickly that banks are looking for well-performing firms that have sales, assets, clean balance sheets, and profits. Those attributes, combined with a solid BUSINESS PLAN and cash flow projection will typically lead to financing success with a bank. Canada's crown corporation non-bricks and mortar bank for entrepreneurs will also provide solid financing solutions.

In certain cases your firm might be a solid candidate for cash flow loans, often called 'mezzanine finance; with the loan secured solely by those predictable cash flows you must be able to demonstrate. These loans are often viewed as the interim bridge between debt and equity.

Both working capital term loans, as well as short term cash flow loans, are very popular in current times. Any company showing good growth is a candidate for a cash flow loan either traditional in nature, or of the type offered by a multitude of short term working capital lenders. The latter type of loan is typically a one year loan and is based on a simple formula of 15-20% of your annual sales. With these loans rates are higher as lenders are looking for higher rates of return given the loans are not collateralized.



In all cases you should be prepared to demonstrate the type of collateral that requires financing (which might include just your sales), mgmt experience, and a solid understanding of how business loans or cash flow facilities will be repaid or revolve.

We have demonstrated there are numerous sources of funding for businesses. Careful time and consideration must be given to the type of financing your business needs - different costs and risks are associated with every type of financing.


So yes, it’s true, not all business financing solutions are equal when it comes to benefits or qualifications. Seek out speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor to determine your exact needs and potential solutions.


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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !



7 Park Avenue Financial provides value-added financing consultation for small and medium-sized businesses in the areas of cash flow, working capital, and debt financing.



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 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations.

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations. He is an experienced

business financing consultant

.

Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.


Stan has over 40 years of business and financing experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in-depth, hands-on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.


Click here for the business finance track record of 7 Park Avenue Financial







Stan Prokop
7 Park Avenue Financial/Copyright/2020

Business Financing Capital Funding Solutions In Canada

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Eliminating The Tough Road In Accessing Business Credit Lines

Business line of credit needs may often require the business owner/financial mgr look beyond the ' norm' associated with revolving credit lines. That's where ABL asset based lending and revolving loans come in - they're the viable bank alternative. Let's not forget though that bank facilities of this type offer low cost and flexibility if they can be accessed. Let's dig in.

An ' ABL ' is the acronym for the non-bank business credit line via the asset based lending solution. With the focus on using your assets as collateral the true ' borrowing power' of the facility provides your firm with a flexible cash flow solution based solely on the balance sheet assets. The facility actually suits every type of company but is often most successful for firms that have uneven financial statement ratios, fluctuating profits, and cash flows that might not resemble true operating cash flow performance.

Many companies, but not all as we've mentioned, used the facility to facilitate a turnaround or restructuring around their overall capital structure when that is mandated by owners or lenders! Many firms that are financed by Canadian banks might find themselves on the wrong side of covenants and ratios that often can only be solved by a new third party solution.

Solutions around asset based revolving lines demand that your firm has a good handle on your overall cash conversion/business cycle. That knowledge, combined with the ability to borrow a higher amount on your overall collateral will deliver the proper turnaround in your business finances. In some cases true asset based lenders will also consider term debt if it is appropriate and feasible.

WHY CONSIDER AN ABL BUSINESS CREDIT LINE / REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY?

Many new clients at 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL aren't fully aware of the differences in ABL loans as compared to bank credit or other facilities. They have found via experience that bank credit is difficult to get given the personal guarantees, covenants, and other obligations Canadian chartered banks might impose. Accessing all the bank credit you require can easily become a full-time job! As one of our mentors used to say ' tuition is very expensive in the school of experience '!


There are a number of reasons why your firm might consider an ABL revolving line. Some of these reasons might include:

ABL Finance will provide significantly more, and immediate liquidity to the business

Firms that might be under a cash flow crunch or constantly facing bulge financing needs due to issues around seasonality, etc will find themselves fully financed

Asset based credit lines tend to almost automatically grow as your revenues rise Growing sales requires constant replenishment of working capital due to the build-up your investments in receivables and inventory consistent with any company with growing sales.

ABL financing is 'covenant friendly', with asset based lending companies place much less, or even no focus on debt to equity ratios, financial leverage, outside collateral, etc ( ABL Lenders can do this as they constantly update your overall all asset coverage around aged payables, receivables, fixed asset lists, etc - The software and reporting mechanisms ABL lenders use provides them with a total update on how your firm is doing


In summary, asset based lenders who feel comfortable with their asset security, as well as your firm's ability to provide regular updates on performance, provide a significant amount of liquidity into the Canadian business financing landscape.

Are There Disadvantages To The ABL Facility And A ABL Revolving Line Of Credit?

99% Of the time asset based lending will always cost more than traditional bank financing. The bottom line interest rate and the focus on continual reporting is the tradeoff your firm gets from it's access to maximum liquidity. However, similar to bank financing the ABL environment allows you to pay for only the credit you utilize. ABL lenders have a higher cost of financing as they are typically financed privately and have higher costs around the monitoring of collateral and reporting.


Fundamentally it's all about the cost of financing benchmarked against the ' risk ' associated with your firm or its industry. It's at these times that looking at alternatives make sense.


Revolving credit facilities are primarily used for growth; and in some cases they are a solid re-financing alternative.

HOW DOES THE ABL BUSINESS LINE OF CREDIT WORK? THE REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT

The ability to constantly access and drawdown working capital/cash flow needs is the key attraction of securing the proper line of credit facility. The assets that make up and drive this type of business credit are:


Receivables

Inventory

Equipment / Real Estate (if applicable)


As these two ' current asset' levels rise and fall so does the line of credit accessibility. Technically speaking the bank, or the asset based line of credit provider determine your firms access by establishing what they call a ' borrowing base' - typically on a monthly basis


In the case of a bank facility, typical margins against these two assets are as follows -


A/R = 75%

Inventory - 50% (varies)


The asset based lenders who provide lines of credit typically offer higher margin borrowing:


A/R - 90%

Inventory - 50-75% - (varies)


We can with confidence and experience say that asset based non-bank credit lines, while more costly, almost 99% of the time offer more borrowing power.

True revolving facilities are the most typical credit line - your firm draws down on the facility and then pays the facility down as you collect receivables and generate cash. The facility ' revolves ' - hence the name 'revolver'. The key drives of that ' revolving ' tend to be the turnover over inventories and collection of receivables as the company completes its sales cycle.

Many industries find themselves perfectly suited to asset based credit; examples might be distribution companies, manufacturers, distributors, etc.

In current times many firm are service or software-based , and these firms focus on the collection of a/r or their ability to contract clients via recurring revenue streams. When you set up your facility with the asset based finance company you will mutually agree on a ' borrowing base ' which will identify the maximum you can draw down at any time. Revolving credit facilities make the most sense economically when they ' revolve ' allowing you to minimize borrowing costs which at the same time being able to access capital when you need it.

This is why good attention to your inventory turns and DSO ( the key measurement of receivable turnover ) are so critical for the ownership/management team.

Asset based lenders use bank lockbox agreements to allow them to control the overall facility and ensuring the funds you receive are used to constantly pay down the facility. Over time your ability to have the facility ' revolve ' properly will have a key place in determining facility size, rates, collateral monitoring, etc.

If your firm has a good relationship with your lender you can often negotiate an ' over adance ', allowing you to temporarily ' over-borrow ' above the approved facility size. In these cases we always recommend clients be prepared to put together a realistic cash flow projection based on the current situation and needs of the business. Those situations might arise out of the ' seasonality ' in your industry, or your ability to take advantage of special vendor pricing, etc.

One other possibility surrounding this type of facility is the potential for the asset based lender to include a ' term loan component ' in the overall structure of the facilities. Payments can be adjusted to be made separately on the loan or also utilizing the ' balloon repayment ' scenario, allowing for the loan to be collapsed when the facility is paid out by another lender.

 Suffice to say good asset coverage is required in these latter two scenarios. Although almost all Canadian banks have an ' ABL ' division Canadian borrowers will always struggle with the concept of trying to understand the difference between bank ABL and non bank ABL.

In the U.S. ' second liens' are popular, allowing lenders to be 2nd on charges of equipment already secured by another lender; this practice is very uncommon in Canada. When banks do provide ABL loans in Canada their rates are often considerably better than their non-bank counterparts - however minimum loan sizes are often in the 5-10 Million range and upward. Banks will take a more extensive look at a multitude of factors in these larger ABL loans such as overall credit quality, pricing, and the company's ability to comply with the operational aspects of loans.

It is safe to say though that on balance there is more lender risk in asset based loans given constantly changing assets of the borrowing firm, along with major fluctuations in cash flow and often struggling working capital ratios, which is why various conditions will be imposed by a Canadian bank or non-bank LOC provider. We can (again) say with confidence (and, again experience!) that conditions imposed by asset based lenders are less onerous and more flexible. To some extent the actual limit on the line of credit can almost automatically increase without further applications, etc


What then is the bottom line of your firm's search for revolving lines of credit? The key points include:


Consider the entire funding landscape currently available in Canada


Be open to looking at both bank and non-bank solutions - aka ' traditional' versus ' alternative’


Have a strong sense of your working capital and cash flow needs


Ensure you have the data to allow a bank or non-bank lender to consider the credit facility - typically that's financials, aged receivables, inventory, payables, etc

ALWAYS BE OPEN TO A PLAN B!

In certain cases your company either may not be eligible for an asset-based credit line. There are numerous other solutions that can provide a similar type of liquidity including accounts receivable credit lines, purchase order financing and inventory loans, sale-leaseback scenarios, factoring loans, etc. Each of these types of facilities has different pricing and benefits attached to them.

Certainly a sole accounts receivable line of credit is always more achievable and can meet the needs of many firms, particularly those with smaller facility size requirements. Although there is no hard and fast rule our experience at 7 Park Avenue Financial is that for firms requiring facilities less than 500k these secondary solutions we have highlighted will often do the job, particularly if your firm doesn't qualify for a true ABL through a commercial lender or the bank.

Solutions such as the factoring line of credit are easily put in place, so business owners and their financial mgr's should always investigate types of asset-based financing.

These secondary types of offerings, versus the operating line of credit, are generally easily accessed, and certainly, approvals are more quickly put in place.

In summary, if you’re focused on shortening the journey on the tough road to business cash flow and working capital financing consider all options, including speaking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with funding needs... that deliver.





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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !



7 Park Avenue Financial provides value-added financing consultation for small and medium-sized businesses in the areas of cash flow, working capital, and debt financing.



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 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations.

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations. He is an experienced

business financing consultant

.

Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.


Stan has over 40 years of business and financing experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in-depth, hands-on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.


Click here for the business finance track record of 7 Park Avenue Financial





Stan Prokop


7 Park Avenue Financial/Copyright/2020

A Business Line Of Credit In Canada : It’s True That ABL Revolving Lines Deliver !

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Unlocking Business Cash Flow Financing

Business cash flow financing often requires some ' straight talk ‘. The ability to finance your company with the right loan / loans properly is one of the most powerful success forces in Canadian business. But how does the business owner/financial mgr determine where new cash flow and working capital will come from, and where it went? Let's dig in.

Working capital type loans have a multitude of purposes; in some cases it might be long term growth planning in typical business initiatives such as traditional marketing or even digital marketing initiatives, r&d capital spending, or a more robust ' feet on the street ' salesforce.

In other cases new influxes of working capital and cash flow might be required for current facilities which may be ' maxed out ' due to the constant replenishing requirement of working capital as you invest in inventory, receivables, and the purchase of new assets. It's important to note that new assets that have a longer useful economic life should never be financed with short term credit facilities.

That's a cardinal rule of business financing that many business owners / financial managers realize a little too late! Equipment leasing and financing as well as standard equipment loans are best suited for the purchase of assets. The majority of companies in North America (industry statistics say 80% )utilize lease financing. A subset of the lease finance option is ' sale leaseback ' finance, allowing your firm to keep the asset, refinance it for additional cash flow, and regain ownership of the asset at the end of the term. Commercial real estate can also be addressed as part of the leaseback process.

The new paradigm in business today is often tied to a firms investments in technology. Technology finance and tech funding needs can require a major investment of business capital. The good news is that ' IT ' (information technology ) needs can easily be accommodated in the world of lease financing. Also, it is hopefully no surprise that software, albeit an ' intangible ', can be financed, and companies can also raise working capital/cash via financing their ' SAS ' ( software as a service ) contracts.


In many cases cash flow financing makes sense because your company might not be ' asset rich ' which is certainly the case in the new economy of service-based industries that are less capital intensive. That of course means they don't have that ' hard collateral ' that typically Canadian banks are looking for.

Often the case is that your firm requires a permanent working capital injection, typically best satisfied by a working capital term loan. Here the focus is on the cash flow of the business and the ability to satisfy monthly payments which are usually over a 3-5 year term. Here the key requirement for your company is to present a defendable cash flow projection which is usually included as part of an updated business plan.

In any working capital loan or asset refinancing considerable discussion should be generated around the flexibility of repayment


There is in fact a very harsh and simple reality around your business cash flows. The answer? You've simple bought assets, or generated new assets such as receivables and inventory via monies spent.


There is a natural flow in business - it's all about paying down your debt, keeping taxes up to date, building working capital assets, and generating and taking profits


How does the owner/mgr make the right choices in raising funding for your business and keeping your financials understandable - i.e. understanding where the cash in your business is ' flowing '.


Many firms are challenged by low owner equity, which compounds the owner's ability to take cash out of the company.


Is there a simple secret to managing and financing your cash flow? The pros call this whole process ' operating cash flow ' it’s simply your profit or loss for the month plus or minus your changes in working capital accounts - we’re back to those receivables and inventories again.


External financing for your business will come from either term debt of business credit lines. By the way those business revolving credit facilities will come from either a bank or alternately a commercial finance company offering asset based credit line facilities.


When it comes to business credit lines the facilities that are most manageable are those when the credit line fluctuates significantly. Banks or finance firms will always look more favorably on your ability to constantly draw done and replenish the facility via your receivable and inventory turnovers.


Assets that need to be financing in your business might include plant and equipment assets, vehicles, as well as technology / software etc. Here a term debt options such as lease financing will almost always make the most sense.


What's the bottom line in accessing outside funding and managing your balance sheet properly. We summarize as follows:


- Develop a strong sense of how cash flows in your business- a good cash flow forecast based on your historical inflows and outflows helps


- Ensure your provincial and federal taxes are paid on time- If you have tax arrears they can often be consolidated into a new re-financing of your business


- Determine your business line of credit needs - this is a critical area of business cash flow financing. Remember that Canadian chartered banks are NOT the only credit line providers


- Finance those long term assets with long term leases or loans


- Focus on building equity in your business via good gross margins and profits

The overall quality of your ability to generate cash flow will be a dominant focus for any commercial lender. The a/r turnover and types of customers you sell to will also be a factor, and in general your accounts payable turnover should be consistent with your 'DSO ' (days sales outstanding ) performance. Taking a holistic approach to these points via what the pros call ' the cash conversion cycle ' will determine your loan success. Other ' soft factors' such as the lenders impression of your mgmt team and experience as well as personal credit histories etc should never be overlooked as a component of any loan submission.

In any commercial loan proposal there are always some key documents and information that should never be overlooked or omitted. A business plan and cash flow are key, and it should cover your requirement and use of funds, management overview, company background, as well as historical financial statements. At 7 Park Avenue Financial we prepare that document for clients with a focus on financials, not ' marketing ' or an infomercial on the company that is high on promises and short on financial delivery!


Firms with positive cash flow will always have a better chance of obtaining the required amount and type of loan they need. Every firm at certain times in its history experiences the ' cash flow crunch ' and growing too fast is not the worst problem to have, if you have the right financing solutions in place to address that situation. The ability to access funds to take on larger contracts, obtain preferred pricing from suppliers is a positive need for cash flow financing.

That growth in business often leads to a larger investment in receivables, sometimes augmented by slow-paying customers. In that instance solutions such as a/r financing, factoring, asset-based lines of credit, or Confidential Receivable Financing, the latter being our most recommended solution at 7 Park Avenue Financial. This type of facility takes away the 'notification' issue found in standard ' factoring' offerings and allows you to bill and collect your own a/r which at the same time achieving all the benefits of a bank type line of credit, ie the ' revolving credit facility '.

The Difference Between Cash Flow Loans & Asset Based Financing

KEY POINT: It is important to understand the difference between business cash flow term loans versus monetizing your assets across the multitude of solutions in the Asset Based Lending universe.

While both types of loans are ' secured ' monetizing your assets does not bring additional debt to the balance sheet. Each type of these two loans offers different benefits and risks. In each case your ' collateral ' is, in the case of the working capital loan the cash flow, while in an asset based loan it is the underlying collateral.

Working capital cash flows are always ' credit quality ' based, so the criteria we have talked about already such as historical cash flow, profit, type of industry, etc are key drivers in the approval process. Companies will typically want to be able to demonstrate good profit margins and a relatively clean balance sheet with acceptable debt/equity ratios.

UNSECURED CASH FLOW LOANS

Unsecured short term cash flow loans are all the rage these days - they come with higher rates by virtue of their unsecured status, but at the same time are much more easily accessible. A good rule of thumb is that your company can achieve loan approval for 10-15% of your annual sales volume. The popularity of these loans arose out of the Merchant Advance Loan industry in the U.S. which grew out of providing loans to retailers based on .. future sales and credit card receipts !.

These loans, unsecured for the most part, often fix a cash flow gap/cash crunch. They can fix the seasonality of many small to medium-sized businesses and can address those unplanned for emergencies that befall any business. Loans are often based on a one year term and payments can be made weekly or monthly at the discretion of the lender. Short term opportunities in buying product at an advantageous price.

ASSET BASED LENDING

The required amount of financing you need can often easily be acquired via the ' Asset Based Lending' process. These facilities mirror a bank line of credit, and allow you to margin and borrow against, on an ongoing basis your receivables, inventory and equipment/fixed assets. These are the ' collateral' components of the loan and historical cash flow is really a secondary factor in the approval process.


Asset lenders typically focus on larger deals and typical candidates are asset rich firms that might have profit and cash flow challenges. This is one way in which the non cash rich company can grow its business. Typical borrowing amounts are receivables at 90%, inventory at 30-50%, and the value of appraised assets. Companies requiring SME COMMERCIAL FINANCE needs can quickly see this type of financing will provide significantly more financing they could ever achieve via a bank. Customers are required to report, usually monthly at a minimum, on their a/r, inventories and payables. Your firm is a good candidate for asset based lending if you can report properly on your financial performance and are prepared to cooperate in the due diligence process leading towards an offer to finance.


Borrowing does not have to be a negative process - in many cases it allows your company to capitalize and seize on new market opportunities to grow your business. Most borrows can often easily find they can generate a solid return on investment for every dollar borrowed. A recent survey by a leading business capital provider in the U.S. stated that small businesses can achieve a 5x return on every dollar borrowed based on their planned use and turnover of capital borrowed.


If you’re focused on accessing the right finance solutions for your business seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your long term funding and working capital needs.




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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !



7 Park Avenue Financial provides value-added financing consultation for small and medium-sized businesses in the areas of cash flow, working capital, and debt financing.



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 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations.

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations. He is an experienced

business financing consultant

.

Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.


Stan has over 40 years of business and financing experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in-depth, hands-on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.


Click here for the business finance track record of 7 Park Avenue Financial







Stan Prokop
7 Park Avenue Financial/Copyright/2020

Business Cash Flow Financing In Canada: Improving & Understanding Access To Loans

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Business Financing At The Speed Of Light? You Decide!

Business finance in Canada, according to most business owners and financial mgrs we talk to, doesn’t seem to happen at the speed of light! So when the type of loan and cash flow needs your firm requires isn't happening as quickly as needed are there alternatives. These alternatives include bridge loans and other specialty lending solutions. Let's dig in and look at some of that finance for businesses and business lending.

In most circumstances specialty lending and bridge financing refers to non-bank borrowing, business loans that banks can't or otherwise won't make. A lot of that comes back to the ' credit box ', somewhat of a slang term for the ' risk appetite ' that any commercial lender is willing to take. There are, of course, numerous reasons why traditional bank financing can't accommodate your business financing needs - reasons such as lack of substantial profits, poor balance sheets, low owner equity, unsatisfactory collateral... and on it goes! Traditional lenders such as Canadian chartered banks, insurance companies, et al are in fact regulated around the types and amounts of loan risk they can take.

Specialty lending from a finance company takes up where those traditional lenders leave off. Often only self-regulated they are prepared to take additional risk commensurate to the interest rates they will charge. Not in all cases, but certainly in the majority specialty lenders focus on collateral value and how you run your operations. Their ability and expertise in both valuing and realizing on their security if need be is the key to specialty lending and the specialty lender profile. In certain cases their business loan might be complimentary to another senior lender you might be working with.

Why Bridge Loans? What is Bridge Financing?

Although the specialty lending solution is always more expensive it provides the ability to do a deal, save a company, etc when that otherwise might not be accomplished via banks. Therefore the business owner/financial mgr. must be in a position to weigh the ' cost of capital ' against ' access to capital '! We recommend to clients they view the commercial lender bridge loan as a path to operational success and growth. Canadian business financing access is always viewed as a potential obstacle to success.

'Short term' is always the key in bridge loans, whether its a restructure scenario, a cash crunch, or supporting new business/orders/contracts for financing capital.

WHAT DO BRIDGE LOANS COST? HOW DOES PRICING WORK IN ALTERNATIVE FINANCE COMMERCIAL LOAN ?

Numerous factors come into play around the cost of bridging financing and alternative finance solutions. Key factors include the quality and value of assets, the ability of the borrower to utilize the funds properly and for the right reason, potential exit strategies by the lender, and of course the overall size of the facility relative to the equity of the borrower company. We can of course make the blanket statement that alternative lending/bridge loans, etc always cost more than traditional finance solutions.

As a borrower in the bridging loan process, you must be able to clearly identify the use of the financing and your ability to repay based on term requested. Many bridge loans have balloon payment scenarios/options. At 7 Park Avenue Financial, we always focus on the need for both a business plan and a cash flow projection that identifies where the business is going. As a commercial borrower you should be able to identify how and when you will exit alternative financing solutions.





The alternative to shorter-term bridge loans and specialized financing solutions might sometimes be equity investments, but that type of solution comes with longer timelines and ownership equity dilution.

Typical Uses for Bridge Financing & Specialty Lending Solutions

A firm can benefit in numerous ways when consideration is given to business financing solutions around the bridge loan and alternative finance.

Many times a company is looking to simply refinance existing credit arrangements. In other cases you or your firm might be looking to acquire a business or to replenish existing working capital and cash flow needs. In other cases key management might be looking to a management buyout or leveraged buyout utilizing the assets of the company.

In more challenging scenarios a company might find themselves in ' Special Loan ' at the bank and trying to satisfy the workout team at a bank. In the most severe circumstances, a firm with assets and a business plan will be looking for a ' debtor in possession' financing or exiting from a receivership. Traditional commercial lenders not always capable to work on those sort of circumstances.

Alternatives To Bridge Financing

A/R Financing facilities

Inventory Loans

Sale/leaseback loans on unsecured assets

Working Capital loans

SR&ED Tax credit loans

Asset based non bank credit lines

Purchase order financing



Commercial mortgages are very common in the bridge loan environment. They allow your firm to refinance the commercial mortgage at more favourable rates at a future point in time. In commercial loan and mortgage financing in Canada non-bank lenders are typically called ' B ' or ' C ' lenders, reflecting where they are in the credit risk profile. Those ' B ' lenders, for example, are typically ' one notch ' down from traditional Canadian chartered banks. These ' B ' and 'C' business lenders are looking to fill out the story when your financing needs don't match that bank ' credit box ' we've talked about.



The majority of term loans, as we've noted are usually on a 1-year term. That timeframe usually ( but not always !) allows the business to achieve the main purpose of the business finance need that arose, such as buying a company, refinancing, etc.


Business owners should expect to be asked for a first lien on any unencumbered enterprise asset. Perhaps even a second lien on working capital and other fungible resources. Also, you may request a personal guarantee as a sign of the owner’s intention to work with the lender in good faith to repay the loan. The guarantee may, in some cases, be limited to the amount of the financing.







Most bridge loans are ' secured' so they must take into account any existing financing your company has in place with any other lenders, which might often include a Canadian chartered bank.



Financing rates for specialized lending solutions will almost always come with higher financing costs. That is usually the case, but not always; larger firms who are more stable can often obtain bridge loans at more normal interest rates from commercial lenders.



Typical bridge loans are more often than not provided by commercial finance companies/niche lenders. These firms serve the SME COMMERCIAL FINANCE / MIDDLE MARKET needs of the Canadian business borrower.



Startup companies rarely fit the profile of companies who qualify for bridge financing, which typically is based on assets such as receivables, inventory, equipment, real estate, etc.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN EXPERIENCED BUSINESS FINANCE ADVISOR / COMMERCIAL LOAN BROKER EXPERIENCED IN BRIDGE LOAN / SPECIALTY LENDING

Your firm should be looking to access solutions that are tailored and flexible to your particular situation, taking into account your overall capital structure and the amount of time you require to put appropriate financing in place. In most cases financing needs around the bridge loan process might be complex and speed and expertise are the key requirements. Numerous industries have unique requirements around how they run and finance their business.



If you're focused on an interim ' bridge ' solution to capital and cash flow needs seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your specialized lending needs.


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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !



7 Park Avenue Financial provides value-added financing consultation for small and medium-sized businesses in the areas of cash flow, working capital, and debt financing.



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 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations.

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations. He is an experienced

business financing consultant

.

Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.


Stan has over 40 years of business and financing experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in-depth, hands-on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.


Click here for the business finance track record of 7 Park Avenue Financial







Stan Prokop
7 Park Avenue Financial/Copyright/2020

Business Finance In Canada: When Bridge Loans Or Specialty Lending Just Might Work!