Business

by doug88888

Article by Stan Prokop

Many of our clients can be easily forgiven for being confused and mis-informed on Canadas SR&ED program, aka ‘ SRED ‘, as most people call it. They can be even more forgiven for not know the basics about SRED finance. We try and simplify that discussion into two very basic things you need to know :- If you have a sred claim its financeable for cash and working capital now- To finance a claim you need to have filed a claim, but not always!! Your ability to monetize or cash flow a claim is in fact a superior way of generating additional working capital and cash flow now based on the value of your filing. We will add one technical point here, in that claims are generally financed at 70% LTV. LTV means ‘ loan to value ‘, so we are simply saying that for every one hundred thousand dollars of sred claim filing you can generate seventy thousand dollars via a short term sred loan. We can expand on that point a bit to ensure you are well informed. After filing a claim it is clear you are in a ‘waiting mode ‘ for your claim to be analyzed, potentially audited, and then of course waiting for the proverbial government cheque – we are of course all familiar with the expression ‘ it’s in the mail ‘ – With Ottawa backing your non repayable cheque you of course have the assurance funds will come, but you just don’t know when!We recommend that if you have filed a claim that you investigate the ability to finance that claim now. If the cheque under the program is a non payable grant ( other than paying tax on the income that’s as close to free money as we can get in Canada from the government!) Why wouldn’t you consider a financing option to accelerate cash flow and start using those funds now?Uses of funds under SR&ED financing are totally within your control. We see clients utilize sred financing to further invest in even more R&D, i.e. next years claim! or you can choose to reduce payables, invest in additional equipment or business assets, etc.In a small handful of cases we meet with firms who have a tax liability to Ottawa or the province re source deductions, GST/PST back remittances, etc. If you work with a trusted, credible, and experienced sred financing Sr&Ed consultant you can structure your financing to ensure that you’re past due remittances are taken care of during the sred financing process. No firm wants to be in the governments bad books re past due government super priority issues.The actual SR&ED financing process should be treated by yourself as any other business financing – we try and actually make the case its easier in some cases, because the actual asset behind the sred loan is the sred claim itself, so even if you think your firm might not qualify for financing for other forms of traditional borrowing your probably qualify for the sred – why?? Because you have a sred claim as an asset that’s verifiable! Ensure you are aware of this great program within Canada that generates billions of dollars in working capital and cash for Canadian corporations.Yes you can wait for funds, which may take a couple months or the better part of a year – if you cant wait consider financing your Sr&Ed claim via a short term sred loan which is collateralized against your filing. We strongly recommend you have a professional filing prepared, by your accountant or sred consultant (there are many) – this will significantly positively impact your ability to finance your claim.It’s a great cash flow and working capital strategy, and no debt is on your balance sheet, as it is offset by your sred asset that is in fact a monetizable account receivable.

About the Author

Stan Prokop – founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial – http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.comOriginating business financing for Canadian companies, specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing. In business 6 years – has completed in excess of 45 Million $ $ of financing for Canadian corporations.Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details:http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/sred_tax_credit_financing_2_things_you_must_know.html

by California Cthulhu (Will Hart)

Article by Stan Prokop

Clients are always asking what extra steps or information they need to know to complete a successful acquisition a new or existing franchise. Buying a franchise, it goes to says, is clearly one of the largest decisions any entrepreneur might take. Of coruse there are a couple of different versions of the opportunity, as follows – Purchase of a new franchise – Purchase of an excising franchise that is for resale by current owner- Purchase of an additional unit in your chain when you own one alreadyAre there any special tips and critical pieces of information you need to know that will get you a leg up on a ‘ leg up ‘ in the area of franchise finance. Let’s share and discuss three critical points.1. Franchise Finance is a very specialized type of financing – financing options are available but not unlimited – you need to know what they are2. There is a chance for franchise financing failure if you do not have the proper fundamentals in place and are exploring numerous options at the same time – ‘flailing around is not good!3. You might significantly benefit by using the services of a franchise consultant in the area of business financing Lets review our point # 1 – Business financing in general has always been a challenge. Specialized financing in any area of business is a unique challenge because of limited options and a limited number of players. Players = lenders! If you accept business financing is difficult then you can imagine the severity of the challenge in the 20010 global economic crunches that we still seem to be in.So is it all negativity and bad news. Not necessarily of course if you are informed and prepared. Let’s unveil the mystery of franchise financing. How exactly are the majority of franchises financed in Canada? The options are exactly as follows:- A special Government programme called the BIL program under which the majority of franchises in Canada are financed- Owner equity – your own deposit into the deal- Equipment and asset financing- Working capital cash term loan – typically a 5 year payback- Vendor financing ( if available – more often than not it is not )- Revolving line of credit for ongoing operating needs and growth!With respect to the last point we would emphasize that while it is of course important to structure a proper financing around your franchise purchase many business owners forget to consider how they will finance the business on an ongoing basis, and more importantly, how growth options will be financed.It is critical for you to understand that it is very rare that any one option will get you the full financing you need. The reality is that it will be a select combo (and that’s the expertise you require) to fully finance your business with any number of the above options.We point out in our key point # 2 that you must be prepared. This is where many clients tell us they have failed in the past – they have not prepared a proper business plan and executive summary. We encourage you to prepare a proper business plan, understand what your opening balance sheet will look like, and most importantly, understand the cash flow needs of your business. For example, if you take the time to sit down and do all the numbers ( this is actually easier than you think ) you could find that in month one and 2 and 3 that you might be experiencing negative cash flow. If sales ramp up slowly and you have negative cash flow then clearly you will have problems which could accelerate and dampen the overall success of your business. Finally, consider using the services of an experience, credible and trusted franchise consultant that can guide you through the financing maze. Having that party properly prepare a business plan, opening cash flow, executive summary, and proper financial projections is worth a small fee you might be charged. Business financing in Canada dried up in 2008 and 2009 – franchise financing is still alive and well though. Many lenders view franchise financing even more positively than other types of businesses and industries – the reality being that there is a greater chance of success for a brand that is proven and known, and has a reliable business model of proven success.Know your franchise options, be prepared in executing on those options, and consider italicizing a franchise consultant to complete your franchise loan and overall funding. That’s a solid plan!

About the Author

Stan Prokop – founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial – http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.comOriginating business financing for Canadian companies, specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing. In business 6 years – has completed in excess of 45 Million $ $ of financing for Canadian corporations.Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details:http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/buying_franchise_franchise_finance_franchise_loans.html