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

Commercial bank lines or credit and term loans in Canada


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




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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



ABOUT THE AUTHOR : STAN PROKOP
7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL

CANADIAN BUSINESS FINANCING!

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



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

5 Things You Didn’t Know About The Government Small Business Loan In Canada - SBL Federal Loans Info

Use This Info For The Payoff in Canadian Small Business Financing



Information on common questions surround the government small business loan in Canada . How do these federal loans work and what must business owners need to know to maximize the program .







Can we ask you a simple question? Actually, if it’s ok with you, we'll ask 5 questions, and we trust and hope you will gain some valuable knowledge about the Canada government small business loan. Federal loans under the CSBF / BIL program could be your secret weapon in Canadian business financing.



Ok, so let’s get the questions out of the way first and onward to those answers! Here are our 5 key shares around the program based on questions we continually get from clients.



Why should we finance equipment with federal SBL loans? What are the basic requirements of the program? Can the government small business loan be used to refinance business debt? Can we use the federal loans program for cash flow and working capital? And finally can we purchase a business via the SBL loan?



Great questions, and now hopefully some surprising answers! Here we go.



Equipment and lease financing in Canada are solid alternatives for the financing of your asset acquisitions. Numerous lease finance options are available, so why does it make sense to use the SBL program for equipment financing. For a start the small business loan program in Canada finances 90% of your equipment financing needs, the other 10% comes in the form of your down payment, which the program refers to as your equity in the transaction. Numerous lease scenarios may require either larger down payments, first and last monthly payments in advance, and in some cases might have a higher level of credit due diligence requirements .Equipment can be financing on terms up to 7 years, and typically that type of term may not be available through lease financing scenarios.



So what about those basic requirements of the program? The government small business loan requires the aforementioned 10% owner equity in your financing. Business owners and your business should have a reasonable credit history; you also should be ready to prepare a simple cash flow forecast that allows you to demonstrate repayment of the loan. Typically no other collateral is required for federal small business loans in Canada. We determined over time that it makes great sense to be able to properly demonstrate that you have sufficient management experience in your business and industry, whether you are a start up or an established firm.



On to our third question - can you utilize the loan to refinance existing debt .The short and simple answer is that any debt you wish to refinance in terms of equipment, leaseholds, software, real estate, etc can be financing within a 6 month window. Example - if you bought a major piece of equipment 5 months ago it can be refinanced under the program, bringing additional cash flow and capital into your business.



Can the program be used for cash flow and working capital? Simple answer = No! Unlike the U.S. equivalent of the program the government small business loan is massively understood by many, thinking it’s a cash flow loan. The program only funds equipment, leaseholds, and real estate.



And on to our final question. Can you purchase a whole business via SBL federal loans in Canada .Categorically yes if the business purchase is within the government loan cap you absolutely can purchase a company, competitor, franchise, etc using this program? Some very basic steps apply, including an appraisal of the business you are buying for example.



Well there you have it, 5 answers to common questions we get from clients everyday on Canadian government small business loan. Want more info, or wish to explore other issues pertaining to your financing needs around this great program? Seek and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in maximizing benefits of the program.





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/government_small_business_loan_canada_loans.html

10 Considerations For Equipment Leasing and Lease Financing In Canada – From Start to Buyout !

Use This Savvy Expertise To Master Equipment Lease Success For Your Company


Contrary to what Canadian business owners and financial managers might think it’s not always about the approval and the rate in lease financing in Canada. Let’s look at ten (yes ten!) other things you need to consider, from the start of an equipment leasing transaction to the end or buyout!

There a number of terms and issues that play a key role in the overalls structure and proper documentation of an equipt. lease in Canada. In some cases they should be viewed as your rights, in some it’s critical you understand your obligations.

Let’s dig in. In Canada the customary point of a starting to an equipment lease is essentially when you the lessee have signed off on an acceptance certificate. Your signature on that document should mean that you are prepared to start payments on the lease, which in Canada typically range from 36- 60 months, with some exceptions based on asset type and your overall firms credit quality. By signing the acceptance it’s critical you understand that you have deemed the asset in good working order, as often times the lease company is not the vendor you have worked with, they are just the financier.

Lease terms as we said are typically 3-5 years in Canada. Many clients fail to recognize they sometimes have flexibility in adjusting payments to a quarterly or semi annual basis - dont always think in terms of monthly payments when you are adjusting your cash flow budgets.


In many instances, certainly for larger transactions you may be asked to provide a certificate of incumbency on the transaction - simply speaking that’s just your firms statement that the signing officer on the lease can obligate the company for this particular transaction.

Warranties on an equipment leasing transaction in Canada. As we stated in the majority of cases, unless you are dealing with a captive finance co owned by your vendor the lease company is just financing the transaction - so they are concerned solely with payment, not functionality of your asset. So ensure you have a solid understanding with the vendor on maintenance, warranties, etc., because; ask we said, these often should not involve the lease financing firm.

Although your asset is leased you should consider that it be properly maintained. In certain asset categories you might be asked to adhere to a specific level of maintenance, also relating to the fact that on return of the asset the lessor might in fact re lease or sell the equipment.

We aren’t big fans of leasing companies in Canada placing ' stickers' or other asset ownership references on the assets you lease. In some cases lessors might insist, but in general we feel clients can negotiate strongly on this point, especially if your firms overall credit quality is strong.

A certificate of insurance is generally required for any equipment leasing transaction, or even a term loan, in Canada. Your insurance broker will typically be very familiar with a standard form that lists the lease financing firm as ' loss payee' in the even of any unfortunate incident, i.e. fire, theft, etc.

End of term. Only a three word phrase but boy is it important in Canadian equipment leasing financing. These three words can make or break you when it comes to ensuring the lease transaction you entered into brought benefits to your firm. The basics around this issue are as follows - ensure you know how to terminate the lease from a legal obligation point of view. If you have entered into an operating lease understand clearly your ability to terminate, return, extend, or upgrade. In technology financing this is all important, but equally important to other asset categories also.

In Canada some lease companies will want a right of first refusal on all your business. We'll be very clear on our feeling on this issue - simply they should have to earn this right, not demand it! Enough said!

In certain instances you might want to be in a position to assign your lease, prior to the end of the term. Typically this is negotiated up front, and requires simply that a credit worthy other entity be prepared to pick up your rights and obligations. Because of how lease financing companies are funded in Canada you might often find your own firm as the recipient of a notice of assignment by your lessor - the bottom line - nothing should really change as your rights still remain under and assignment unless you have agreed otherwise .

Well, that’s it. A lot of issues, some important to your firm, others less so. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with rates, approvals, plus the number of other issues we have detailed than can make or break equipment leasing success in Canada.


Stan Prokop is founder 7 Park Avenue Financial ; see

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating financing for Canadian companies,specializing: working capital, cash flow, and asset based financing , the 7 year old firm has completed in excess of 80 Million $ of financing for companies . For info / free consultation on Canadian business financing / contact details see:

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

12 Types of Business Financing in Canada - Which Do You Need? Commercial Loans & Cash Flow Finance

Are you serious? We can hear clients asking that already. Can there really be 12 different BUSINESS financing alternatives in Canada available to business owners and financial managers? And are they finance alternatives that make sense.

Actually we're not serious, there are actually more than 12 different alternatives, some are just a bit more rare or esoteric we could say, and not applicable on a daily basis to your company relative to its finance and growth needs.

For small and medium sized businesses in Canada the ability to develop an overall long term strategy and plan is key of course. At the end of the day you want to optimize business assets for borrowing and determine which type of financing works best for your firm .That type of financing is going to come from two areas , clients and suppliers, and of course external finance sources.

When addressing where your business financing is going to come from in Canada you need to determine your optimal level of debt - many business owners don't always realize that certain forms of financing actually don’t bring debt on to your balance sheet, they simply monetize assets.

So, on to what you have been waiting for! Let's do a short highlighting of commercial loans and cash flow facilities that make up our 12 sources of external business financing. (Your profits and suppliers and customers are your other source of cash flow by the way).

12 potential sources of financing in Canada are as follows - confidential invoice discounting , inventory financing, sale and leaseback strategies, equipment financing, purchase order financing, credit card receivable financing, micro loans, working capital lines of credit, bank operating lines, asset based lending, government small business loans, mezzanine and subordinated debt finance.

That's a handful for sure What it really comes down to is determine which type of financing is available to your firms overall credit quality . Often that is tied to what stage of life your company is in - we've referred to that in the past as which stage of life cycle your firm is in. That could be start up, high growth, maturity, and yes, ' distress'.

Unfortunately the larger your company is often plays into the fact that you might have more flexibility and ' wiggle room ' in Canadian business financing alternatives.

Is there a formula or roadmap for that is perfect for any one firm? Unfortunately not, each firm and industry is different. Seek a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can ensure you are aware of various solutions that are most applicable to your company... today!




7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
Canadian Business Financing

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

Why Canada Provides Film Production Tax Credits & SRED Tax Credits – Financing Film & SR ED Tax Credits

We don't care. How’s that for a short and concise answer as to why we think the government of Canada provides hundreds of millions of dollars in Canadian film and production tax credits, as well as the ' SRED ' (aka SR&ED) tax credit.

What we do care about is how clients can use those two great Canadian tax credits to maximize the value of their film, TV, and animation projects, or if we're referring to SRED itself, then their ability to recoup a huge amount of their research and development expenses.

Not to be so glib, but we don't think ours is to second guess or question why the government of Canada provide all this funding for these two unique non repayable tax credit grants .

In the case of the film TV and animation industry the government seems to be returning almost 25% of all the revenues that the industry spends in Canada - that’s of course a huge amount.

And the SR ED ( Scientific Research and Experimental Development ) program returns billions ( yes that’s billions with a capital B !) to privately owned Canadian firms who recoup up to 40% or more of their total r&d expenses in the form of non repayable cheques issued annually to firms such as yours, ( as well as your competitors ) .

Let's focus on the film production tax credits first a bit. There's no business more intriguing complete with stars, egos, and great stories such as the entertainment business - we're talking 3 critical aspects of that - film, televison, and animation - the latter becoming very popular . No business financing challenge is more daunting than putting together the finances for these productions.

That’s why the knowledge that Canadian productions or co - productions (isn’t Canada Hollywood North?) take advantage of the film tax credits that can fund up to 40% or more of your budget. Your ability to then monetize that credit, during, or after production) can make up for a huge amount of your working capital and cash flow needs, for this project (or your next one!).

Let's also pay due respect to the SRED (SR&ED) credit in Canada. This program is probably the largest tax credits provider in the country. Canadian firms get refunds, via a non repayable cheque for the advancement of their R&D processes and innovations.

We continually remind clients in both the Film area as well as SRED that their claims can be financed and monetized for instant cash flow and working capital. If you are not one to wait (who can in business) film production tax credits and sred credits can be financed in a variety of manners.

Whether you're in the film tv and animation industry, or your firm is a manufacturing , service or technology company in Canada take advantage of those tax credits . And if you're reading this in Hollywood, remember that we have just shown you a way to finance 30-50% of your project. You’re welcome by the way!

Want more info? Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor in the area of film tax credits and sr&Ed credits. Like us, don’t question the why of the program, focus on ' why not for us?!’



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 .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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

Why Is The Canada Government SBL Loan For Small Business A Canadian Success Story

Wow! A ' favorable termination of attempts ‘. Could there be a more perfect dictionary definition of the government of Canada SBL loan for small business. We don't think so. Why?

First of all we meet clients all day every day that aren’t even aware of one of the most powerful programs in Canadian business financing in Canada. And in a time when programs of all types are under attack... guess what, this program got even better. Can you believe it? We couldn’t.

We're talking about BIL /CSBF. What the heck is that??? .. we can already hear you saying . It seems like government and business always have acronyms that confuse the little guy. The BIL/ CSBF program is simply the government small business financing program sponsored by Industry Canada.

Again, we’re astounded by the fact that thousands of small, and new (yes even start ups, franchises, etc) are eligible for the program and not even taking advantage of it.

So let’s get you up to speed. Quickly. The Canada Small business financing program , also called by us ordinary guys ' the SBL ' (small business loan) is simply the official government program to encourage financing of small and medium sized businesses in the Canadian business financing arena.

Who is eligible? It’s pretty simple. Any business with either real revenues, or sales, or forecasted sales less than 5 Million dollars. When you're starting out we can assure you it will take a little while to get to 5M in revenue, so that’s why again we're amazed at who doesn’t take advantage of the program .

Ok, we're interested, we can hear you say. Whats the bare bones explanation of the program. Ready - here it goes. It's a loan for a maximum of 350,000.00 for the purchase of equpment, leasehold improvements, software, or real estate. Is it just us, but doesn’t things like equipment and improvements to your business cover a lot of your financing needs? When the loan is for real estate only, guess what... you can borrow up to $ 500,000.

Qualifications? You want to know them, we've got them. To qualify you need to have a business plan, demonstrate the need for financing via a quote of vendor invoice, and you must have a 10% investment into the amount of financing you need. For example, you want to buy a franchise business in the Canadian business marketplace. The franchise costs 350,000.00$. You put in 10%, and our SBL loan program covers the balance.

Do you have to drive to Ottawa to get the loan? We're kidding of course - the good news is that the government of Canada sponsors the loan and assumes the majority of ' risk ' but the actual government of Canada small business loan program is administered by your bank.

We don’t want to get too personal here, because we love our Canadian banks, but it's sometimes a challenge finding everyone who knows about this program and can get you funded quickly. But guess what? Last year 7,441 of your competitors and business friends took advantage of the program, for a total of 957 Million dollars! And you hadn't even heard of the program?!

Want to know more ?Business financing success is all about experience, trust and credibility, seek out a Canadian business financing advisor who can fast track you to business financing success using this great Canadian financing tool to grow or start your business .

P.S. And you wont believe the great rates, terms and structures of the SBL loan also! Trust us on that.



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 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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

Computer Leasing and Financing in Canada

Many companies are not aware of the significant benefits related to Computer Leasing and Financing in Canada .

Let's discuss acquisition financing in computers and technology segments . The proper term for this type of financing is ' Technology lifecycle management '. Most business owners simply consider the following question : ' Should I buy or lease my firms new computers and software and related products and services ? '

Two old adages related to leasing still ring true when it comes to the technological aspect. That is that one should finance something and depreciates, and one should buy something that appreciates in value. Most business owners and consumers as well know very well that computers depreciate in value. Systems we paid thousands of dollars for years ago are now hundreds of dollars. Walk into any ' big box ' retailer and see the dramatic moves in technology.

Business owners who finance technology demonstrate a higher level of cost effectiveness. The company wants to reap the benefits of the technology over the useful life of the asset, and, importantly, more evenly match the cash outflows with the benefits. Leasing and financing your technology allows you to stay ahead of the technology curve; that is to say you are always using the latest technology as it relates to your firms needs.

Businesses that lease and finance their technology needs are often working better within their capital budgets. Simply speaking they can buy more and buy smarter.

Many companies that are larger in size have balance sheet issues and ROA (‘return on assets ' ) issues that are compelling. They must stay within bank credit covenants and are measure often on their ability to generate income on the total level of assets being deployed in the company. Lease financing allows those firms to address both of those issues. Companies can choose to employ an ' operating lease ' structure for their technology financing. This is more prevalent in larger firms, but works almost equally as well in small organizations. Operating leases are ' off balance sheet ‘. The firm adopts the stance of using technology, not owning technology. The lessor/lender owns the equipment, and has a stake in the residual value of the technology. The main benefit for the company is that the debt associated with the technology acquisition is not directly held on the balance sheet. This optimizes debt levels and profitability ratios.

At the end of those operating leases, which are usually 36 months long, the customer has the option of:

1. Returning the equipment
2. Buying the equipment (not likely though)
3. Negotiating an extension of the financing for continued use of the computers, technology, etc.

Companies that have recently acquired computers and technology can in fact negotiate a' sale leaseback ' on those same assets. This financing strategy brings cash back into the company , as the firm has employed a leasing and financing strategy building on our above noted them - using technology, not owning technology .

In summary, the key benefits of computer and technology lease financing are:

* The company can stay ahead of the technology curve
* Computer leasing and financing has significant balance sheet and income statement benefits
* The firm has flexibility with respect to buying new product, returning existing technology, and generating cash flow for purchases already made

Many of the benefits we have discussed relate to leasing in general. However, technology and lease financing are very perfectly suited to the business financing strategy of leasing

Working capital saved on computer leasing and equipment leasing in general allows a company to use that capital to grow revenues. Depending on which types of leases are utilized there are also tax benefits associated to leasing.

With the current focus on the environment customers can work with their vendor to return unused equipment at the end of the lease for proper ' green' disposition. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can provide you with the best strategies on computer leasing and financing in Canada .

--

Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial -

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 7 years - has completed in excess of 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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