Determining the Type and Source of Financing Required

 
 
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 It takes money to start a business. Determine the most suitable type of financing, as well as sources of various types of financing. This page includes tips on presenting a loan request - how to prepare statements, how to analyze profitability, using benchmark ratios to assess your business - as well as financing 'tools', consulting help available, a financial glossary and other sources of financial information.

Points to consider in raising capital | Financial tools to help analyze your business | Presenting your loan request | Sources of financing | Financial consulting services | Financial glossaries | Other links

Points to Consider in Raising Capital

"Preparation for outside financing must always start far in advance of the actual need."
Jeffrey P. Davidson 'Avoiding the Pitfalls of Starting Your Own Business'

Five important questions:
Your ability to offer a detailed, credible business plan is of prime importance when seeking a loan. Your finance proposal should be succinct and focus on the following key questions:

  • How much do you want?
  • How long do you want the money for?
  • What are you going to do with the money?
  • How are you going to repay the money?
  • What are the alternative sources of repayment in the event of something going wrong?
When you make your make your initial presentation to a financial institution, or potential investor, GET TO THE POINT! Answer the foregoing five questions and you will have created a favourable first impression.

Ten key pointers in making an approach for financing:

  • Analyze program thoroughly and completely.
  • Identify positive and negative features.
  • Communicate your ability to repay, a factor often more important than security.
  • Involve client and or management in all details of presentation.
  • Allow for contingencies.
  • Provide investors/lenders adequate time for investigation.
  • Be candid about all sources being canvassed.
  • Make initial approaches to most senior personnel.
  • Present a complete Business Plan, appropriate to the amount and type of financing required.
  • Use pictures to create an impression.
Financial Tools to Help Analyze Your Business

Loan Calculators
Royal Bank
Financial projections software
Pro-Forma Plus, PendockMallorn Ltd
Start up cost sheet

Presenting Your Loan Request

Preparing and presenting a loan proposal
Online Women's Business Centre, U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Approaching a lender
  • What the lenders need to know?
  • What do you need to know?
Major reasons lenders reject small business loan applications:
  • too much debt
  • too little equity
  • lack of collateral
  • inability to demonstrate repayment
  • inadequate financial information
Major problems lenders encounter in dealing with small business:
  • too little equity
  • inadequate records
  • incapable management
  • inadequate financial knowledge
Characteristics of an ideal small business borrower:
  • adequate equity
  • experienced management
  • sound financial practices
  • timely well prepared business plan (including financials)
  • positive profit history
In addition to the quantity of dollars secured, the following additional factors should be considered:
  • raising the correct type of funding for the specific requirements;
  • the lowest net cost for the funds, including front-end costs as well as interest and bonus arrangements;
  • a manageable cash flow, related to the specific needs of the business;
  • flexibility in refinancing and paying out financing as requirements change;
  • undertaking covenants; both positive and negative, to be able to raise new funds at a later date;
  • terms and conditions that are flexible and workable;
  • funds raised on a timely basis, as required, and certainly with due anticipation of needs;
  • an efficient and timely disbursement of financing proceeds;
  • establishment of open and effective relationship with new finances and new "partners" of the business
Sources of Financing
    Risk influences by type of lender/investor
    Risk influences the type of lender/investor, the type and amount of security coverage, and the form of the financial instruments. The desired reward influences the rate of interest or return, and the type and form of the documents and finance instruments to ensure that the reward is achieved. Uncertainty of economic policy, financial markets, and local and global events and conditions can have an impact on the probability of success of an enterprise and the probability of a desired return being achieved. Accordingly, the time horizon of funding influences the inherent risk, and similarity the type and sources of financing available for various terms.

    *



    Methods of corporate financing
    The following chart illustrates various methods of corporate finance in relation to different time frames for the funding.

    Summary of Methods of Corporate Financing
    Short TermMedium TermLong Term
    DebtEquityOther
    Bank LoansTerm Loans
      • Banks
      • AFSC
    Conventional
    Mortgages
      • Banks
      • AFSC
    Preferred
    Shares
    Leasing
    Bankers'
    Acceptance
    BankBondsConvertible
    Preferred Shares
    Government
    Assistance
    programs
    Commercial
    Paper
    Non-BankDebenturesClass A and
    Class B Shares
    Royalties
    FactoringDebenturesCommon SharesFranchise
    Payments
    Warehouse
    Receipts
    Income
    Debentures
    Share Purchase
    Warrants
    Advances and
    Deposits
    GuaranteesSubscription
    Rights
    Guarantees

    Financing Your Business
    The fact is, there are many sources and types of financing for your small business. The Canadian Business website can provide you with information on the various possibilities.

    Government of Alberta
    Agriculture Financial Services Corporation
    Alberta Treasury Branches

    Government of Canada
    Farm Credit Canada
    Business Development Bank
    Export Development Canada

    Banks and credit unions
    BMO Financial Group
    Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
    Royal Bank
    Scotiabank
    Toronto Dominion Bank
    RoyNat

    Venture Capital
    AVAC Ltd.

    Other
    Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)
    Agriculture & Food Council

    Services

    Financial Consulting Services

    Business Development Bank
    KPMG
    Grant Thornton

    Financial Glossaries

    FinancialGlossary.com
    Financial Glossary
    Glossary of Financial Terms

    Financing - Other Links

    Steps to growth capital

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    For more information about the content of this document, contact Kathy Bosse.
    This document is maintained by Ordella Knopf.
    This information published to the web on November 6, 2001.
    Last Reviewed/Revised on September 18, 2018.