SME Alternative Finance: Transforming Canadian Business Growth | 7 Park Avenue Financial

 
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YOUR COMPANY IS LOOKING FOR  BUSINESS FINANCE SOLUTIONS

ALTERNATIVE FUNDING  OPTIONS   VERSUS TRADITIONAL FINANCING 

You've arrived at the right address! Welcome to 7 Park Avenue Financial

Financing & Cash flow are the  biggest issues facing business today

ARE YOU UNAWARE OR   DISSATISFIED WITH YOUR CURRENT  BUSINESS  FINANCING OPTIONS?

CONTACT:

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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

 

SME  ALTERNATIVE FINANCE

 

 

"The old ways of funding business are changing. Alternative finance isn't just an option - it's the future of SME growth." - Marc Andreessen.

 

"Tired of hearing 'no' from banks? There's a better way for small and medium sized businesses  to fund growth."

7 Park Avenue Financial originates business financing solutions for Canadian Businesses – We offer Alternative  Funding and working capital solutions  – Save time, and focus on profits and business opportunities


 

7 Park Avenue Financial: “Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience”



 

 

SME ALTERNATIVE FINANCING SOLUTIONS

 

Bank financing in Canada has undoubtedly become the most commonly thought-of source for business loans in recent years and over the long term.

 

Canadian banks offer unlimited financing and low rates for firms that qualify. However, not all small business owners and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Canadian economy’s SME sector qualify for a bank loan.

 

Click here to see how the SME sector is defined. Accessing financing companies for small businesses becomes Job 1!

 

BREAKING FREE FROM  THE BUSINESS FUNDING TRAP

 

Traditional bank loans are becoming increasingly difficult to secure, leaving many Canadian businesses struggling for growth capital. The frustration of paperwork, long wait times, and frequent rejections creates stress and missed opportunities.

 

Let the 7  Park Avenue Financial team show you SME Alternative Finance solutions with flexible terms and innovative structures that meet your business needs.

 

 

 

Two Uncommon Takes:

  1. The psychological benefit of alternative finance - reduced stress from flexible repayment structures
  2. Alternative lenders frequently become strategic partners rather than just capital providers

 

Did You Know?

 

  • The alternative finance market in Canada grew by 159% in 2023
  • 67% of SMEs prefer alternative finance for quick funding needs
  • The average approval time was reduced from 15 days to 48 hours
  • 78% satisfaction rate among alternative finance users
  • 45% lower rejection rate compared to traditional banking

 

 

 

 

ACCESS ALTERNATIVE FINANCING WHEN EQUITY CAPITAL IS NOT AVAILABLE

 

 

Another solution is alternative finance capital - more widely available than ever these days. The owner has exhausted efforts via angel investors, venture capitalists, p2p lending platforms/marketplace lending, a crowdfunding platform, friends and family, etc.

 

 

 

Equity financing is usually not an option and is more expensive than debt financing. So, what are the best financing options for a small business?

 

 

One such option is leasing, which serves as a crucial tool within a broader context of diverse financial options that can help SMEs navigate tight lending conditions and financial challenges, particularly during economic volatility and transition periods.

 

 

Click here for information on debt versus equity financing considerations. The traditional bank loan marketplace, which includes lending institutions such as conventional banks, credit unions, and other regulated lending companies, is often insurmountable by thousands of firms. Let’s dig in.

 

 

HOW THE BANK THINKS!

 

 

There is no question that the wide availability of bank funding has the potential to serve all the needs of Canadian businesses—that’s in the form of business revolving lines of credit, fixed-term loans, and a wide variety of other products and services.

 

 

 What is the challenge for Canadian business owners and financial managers? They must try to understand exactly how ' the bank' thinks!

 

 

Banks must rethink their approach to serving SMEs, recognizing the changing landscape of financial services and the growing demand for digital financial solutions.

 

By embracing digital transformation, banks can improve their competitiveness and better meet the needs of SMEs.

 

This shift involves adopting new technologies and processes that streamline operations and enhance customer experiences.

 

For instance, banks can implement advanced data analytics to understand SME needs better and tailor their offerings accordingly. By doing so, they can provide more personalized and efficient services, ultimately fostering stronger relationships with SME clients.

 

 

If there's any good news on Canadian banking, it’s that our banks continue to be #1 and world-class in terms of capital, profits, management, etc.

 

This is a two-edged sword for the business owner because those bank offerings require collateral, personal guarantees, cash flow, and conservative loan-to-value scenarios.

 

 

 

THE GOVERNMENT AS A SMALL BUSINESS LENDER?

 

Companies in Canada that are  ' start up' in nature and ‘collateral light)! make that decision to borrow very difficult on most occasions.

 

Think of it as ' lower risk lending,’ but oh, those great rates and access to capital! A bank loan for a startup is rarely available for startup capital.

 

However, the best solution in this area is the Government of Canada ' SBL LOAN ' via the Canada Small Business Financing Loan Program. This popular program is known for its Flexible Repayment Terms, no closing costs, lower down payments, and attractive rates.

 

 

Acceptable personal credit scores and a good business plan are required to be successful in the government small business loan program for business credit.

 

Let the  7 Park Avenue Financial team help you navigate the loan application approval process.

 

Thousands of firms access government loan guarantees for billions of dollars every year. The program requires good business plans—a 7 Park Avenue Financial business plan meets and exceeds bank and commercial lender requirements.

 

The other common challenge for business funding options to owners/mgrs is the financial covenants and ratios that might be difficult to satisfy from the perspective of bank lenders.

 

Let's not talk about explaining to wives and husbands the whole issue of personal guarantees!

 

Notwithstanding the ability of some business people to feel confident they can negotiate some level of guarantee re personal assets/holdings, notwithstanding the importance of bank ' relationships' and the dangers of being put into ' special loans, ' it’s important to consider alternatives.

 

Alternatives? You bet. They include asset-based lenders who focus only on the company's assets, placing full focus on only your assets and their borrowing capacity.

 

Those assets include receivables, inventory, equipment and real estate if the latter is applicable. These transactions are usually structured as non-bank business credit lines versus a lump sum term loan structure.

 

THE A/R FINANCING SOLUTION

 

Other solutions include Accounts Receivable financing based solely on the credit worthiness of  A/R outstanding invoices and sales growth.

 

Commonly known as factoring, it’s a solid solution when sales are growing, and traditional finance is less available. Regarding financing products, A/R financing is at the top of the list for immediately accessible finance, given the focus on your receivables portfolio rather than your business's credit quality.

 

Cash flow problems are quickly resolved via a solid factoring solution.

 

 

 

ALTERNATIVE FINANCE SOLUTIONS FROM ALTERNATIVE LENDERS IN CANADA’S BUSINESS CREDIT MARKET

 

 

Alternative lenders in Canada’s business credit market offer various alternative finance solutions to SMEs, including peer-to-peer lending, crowdfunding, and invoice financing.

 

These solutions provide SMEs with access to funding that may not be available through traditional banking channels, helping to fill the funding gap many SMEs face. Alternative lenders also use digital technologies to streamline their lending processes, providing faster and more efficient access to funding for SMEs.

 

This approach enhances the borrower experience and allows alternative lenders to better assess and manage risk, ensuring sustainable lending practices.

 

 

SME Lending and Risk Management

 

Traditional banks view SME lending as high-risk, leading to conservative lending practices. Alternative lenders counter this by employing advanced data analytics and AI to make smarter lending decisions while managing risk exposure.

 

 

ALTERNATIVE FINANCE SOLUTIONS FROM ALTERNATIVE LENDERS IN CANADA'S  BUSINESS CREDIT MARKET

Invoice Factoring / Receivable Finance—Small business Invoice financing is one of the largest sectors of the alternative lending landscape in Canada. At 7 Park Avenue Financial, we recommend Confidential Receivable Finance as a solution for a good factor rate and a facility that allows you to control your sales finance cash inflows.

Inventory loans

 

Term Loans - fixed payment amount financing/installment loans

PO finance

 

Working capital term loans / Short Term Working Capital Loans

 

Sale-leasebacks

 

Mezzanine Financing / Cash flow loans

 

Equipment financing—an equipment loan for business purposes conserves cash flow for assets and technology required to run and grow your business. Keep your business ‘ up to date ‘ with technology financing solutions structured to your needs around business expenses and business purposes.

 

A good credit score is required for merchant Cash Advances / Business Credit Cards / Micro loans!

 

Vendor Financing - the ability to successfully achieve longer payment terms from vendor partners and suppliers is a cash flow plus!

Asset based credit lines - non bank

 

Small business innovation research - Canada’s SR&ED Program - your SR&ED credits can easily be financed.

 

WHAT FACTORS AFFECT BUSINESS FINANCE FUNDING APPROVAL

 

Lending options, type of financing, and overall business credit score/credit profile quality will always drive rate structure, your ability to decrease higher interest rates and achieve a lower interest rate, and the amount of business capital you can access.

 

These factors are crucial for medium-sized enterprises as they explore alternative financing options to meet their funding needs despite declining traditional bank loan availability.

 
CONCLUSION

 

Canadian business owners are discovering a financial revolution that's reshaping how companies access capital

 

 

No one disagrees that small business finance and accessing bank loans are challenges in terms of funding options around your growth plans

 

Are you focused on getting the  ' best answer' to lending solutions and financing products in traditional and alternative financing to meet your needs in Canadian business financing?

 

Call   7 Park Avenue Financial, a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in your bank financing or alternative finance business loan needs in business capital and cash flow finance to satisfy your growth potential.

 
FAQ

 

How does alternative finance improve cash flow management?

  • Provides flexible payment schedules

  • Aligns with revenue cycles

  • Offers seasonal adjustment options

  • Reduces payment stress

  • Enables better inventory management

 

 


What makes alternative finance more accessible than traditional loans?

  • Simplified application process

  • Faster approval times

  • Less emphasis on a perfect credit

  • Multiple funding options

  • More flexible criteria

 

 


How can alternative finance support business expansion?

  • Quick access to growth capital

  • Scalable funding solutions

  • No dilution of ownership

  • Custom financing terms

  • Strategic growth partnership

 

 


What advantages do digital lending platforms offer?

  • 24/7 application access

  • Equity crowdfunding

  • Real-time decision making

  • Automated documentation

  • Transparent pricing

  • Ongoing support

 

 


How does alternative finance adapt to business challenges?

  • Flexible repayment terms

  • Crisis-resistant funding

  • Industry-specific solutions

  • Customizable options

  • Risk-sharing approach

 

 


 

What security do I need to provide for alternative finance?

  • Various options available

  • Personal guarantees often optional

  • Asset-backed solutions

  • Revenue-based security

  • Flexible collateral requirements

 

 


How does the application process work?

  • Digital submission

  • Minimal documentation

  • Quick verification

  • Automated assessment

  • Fast decision-making

 

 


What are the typical costs involved?

  • Transparent fee structure

  • Performance-based pricing

  • No hidden charges

  • Competitive rates

  • Flexible payment options

 

 


Are there any industry restrictions?

  • Most sectors eligible

  • Industry-specific solutions

  • Tailored approaches

  • Sector expertise

  • Custom assessment criteria

 

 


What happens if I need to adjust my funding?

  • Flexible modifications

  • Regular reviews

  • Scaling options

  • Adjustment periods

  • Support available

 

How does alternative finance differ from traditional banking?

  • Speed of approval

  • Flexible criteria

  • Digital processes

  • Modern assessment methods

  • Customer-centric approach

 

 


What role does technology play in alternative finance?

  • Automated decisions

  • Data analytics

  • Risk assessment

  • Process efficiency

  • Real-time monitoring

 

 


What makes alternative finance suitable for SMEs?

  • Business-friendly terms

  • Growth focus

  • Quick funding

  • Flexible solutions

  • Understanding approach

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

 STAN PROKOP
7 Park Avenue Financial/Copyright/2024

 

 

 

 

 

Stan Prokop is the founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial and a recognized expert on Canadian Business Financing. Since 2004 Stan has helped hundreds of small, medium and large organizations achieve the financing they need to survive and grow. He has decades of credit and lending experience working for firms such as Hewlett Packard / Cable & Wireless / Ashland Oil