Transform Your Business With Strategic Commercial Banking
Stan Prokop
Canadian Business Financing | Cash Flow Financing | Asset Based Lending | Equipment Finance | Lender Financing | Purchase Order Financing | Acquisition Financing | SAAS Financing | Acquisition Financing
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Best Commercial Banking for Your Business
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Regarding commercial banking in Canada, how often do we spot the elusive ‘best one’?
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Unfortunately, when we talk to many of our clients in the SME sector, they seem to tell us that the Canadian banking industry does a great job of ‘living down to their expectations’ regarding business accounts. Does that have to be the case?
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We don’t think that’s the case, so let’s dig in. your company’s cash flow and financial health.
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TRANSFORM? BUSINESS BANKING? FROM BURDEN TO BREAKTHROUGH
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Are you losing business opportunities because of commercial banking? Let the? 7 Park Avenue Financial team show you how tailored financing solutions can optimize cash flow and allow your business to grow!
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DID YOU KNOW?
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UNCOMMON TAKES? ON? CANADIAN BUSINESS BANKING
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WHAT IS THE BEST SMALL BUSINESS BANK IN CANADA?
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There’s a big difference between business and personal banking. Using a personal bank account for business purposes, especially for sole proprietors, is generally discouraged due to the complications in keeping personal and business finances separate, which is pivotal for effective tax management and professional business operations.
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The other day, we read an article that was not Canadian-based but had the theme that all banks are or are not the same. That got us thinking, eh?
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Consider this: if you were ‘ the same’ as all your competitors in your industry, isn’t that somewhat of a losing business strategy?
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With larger corporations and public companies, it can be argued that it’s mostly about ‘ pricing’ and ‘ rates’ regarding the large amounts of capital Canadian banks can bring.
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Naturally, the banks will disagree and will say that they bring differentiated value to the table as they battle in the hypercompetitive market of the big guys.
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HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A BANK FOR YOUR BUSINESS ACCOUNT - SPOILER ALERT - IT’S THE BANKER!
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Choosing the right bank for your business account can be daunting, but the key often lies in the banker rather than the bank itself.
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A good banker can make a significant difference by providing personalized service, offering tailored solutions, and helping you navigate the complexities of business banking.
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When selecting a bank, consider factors such as customer service, access to business financing, and banking fees.
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Look for a banker who understands your business needs and can provide expert advice to help your business grow. A strong relationship with a knowledgeable banker can lead to better financial decisions and more opportunities for your business.
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HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A BANK FOR YOUR BUSINESS ACCOUNT - SPOILER ALERT - IT'S THE BANKER!
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However, clients tell us that when they find a great banker or banking facility in Canada, it’s all about the relationship as much as the services. So what are we saying then? Simply that ‘ It’s the banker, not the bank’!
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Traditional business bank accounts often lack the personalized service a good banker can provide, making the relationship with the banker crucial.
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A common concern among business owners is not that they don’t get all the services that come with our large, concentrated brick-and-mortar banking system in Canada—they don’t have access to business credit.
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Consider that most bank advertisements in Canada focus on ‘ services’… not business lending. Is it just us who notice that?
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LOOKING FOR BUSINESS GROWTH?
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If the commercial bank you are with has a solid banker who has a good grasp of ' risk' and ' business growth,' you are clearly with a winner.
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WHAT FINANCING SERVICES ARE OFFERED BY BANKS
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What services are essential to the business owner and financial manager in the SME sector? They include business credit lines, cards, foreign exchange services, and term loans.
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Evaluating business chequing accounts should include a thorough understanding of monthly account fees, which can vary significantly depending on the account features. Business bank accounts and costs often come down to monthly transactions based on a business's size.
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Regarding those term loans, not all businesses understand that every chartered bank in Canada can facilitate government-guaranteed business loans under the SBL/CSBF program. So they can facilitate those loans (maximum 350k) for you, but do they?
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Business owners should ensure they have a basic business plan for many types of commercial borrowing. At 7 Park Avenue Financial , we prepare business plans that meet and exceed the expectations of banks and non-bank commercial lenders.
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3 KEY ASPECTS OF A GOOD BUSINESS BANKER
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Our experience tells us that every bank runs the program differently, which is a cause of great confusion for our clients. Knowing which bank and banker can successfully complete such a loan is worth a million.
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Do you agree?? We can summarize the traits of a great banker and bank as the following:
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A good banker will also provide a comprehensive business chequing account, essential for financial management and operational efficiency.
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Speed
Access to business credit
Knowledge
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One of the problems with Canadian business financing is that many business owners and financial managers don’t understand that they have financial alternatives via commercial financing through non-bank firms.
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WHAT NON-BANK SOLUTIONS ARE OFFERED BY COMMERCIAL LENDERS
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7 Park Avenue Financial offers those solutions, which are typically more generous, not available at banks, and cost more, but they also bring tremendous access to capital.
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When considering business banking, it's important to note that cash deposits often come with specific fees, whether performed in-branch or ATMs, which could impact the overall cost of banking services for businesses.
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Those solutions?
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Firms offering this type of finance are less regulated than our banks, are more open to risk based on their financing rates, and often move more nimbly.
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Canadian small businesses should expect higher rates but more access to business credit and capital from non-bank lenders.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
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CONCLUSION - WHICH BANK IS BEST FOR BUSINESS BANKING
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So, have our banks done a great job of all seeming ‘ the same.’
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We’ll let our clients decide whether they fit inside the ‘ credit box’ drawn up by banks in Canada. If they do, capital is unlimited and low-cost. If they don’t fit… there are alternatives!
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Opening a business bank account online in Canada is convenient, allowing you to apply over the phone, in-branch, or from the comfort of your home.
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Call 7 Park Avenue Financial, a trusted, credible , and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your finance, capital, and credit needs regarding business chequing accounts and small business banking solutions.
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Whether it’s the ‘ interest rate ‘ , or ‘ minimum balance’ required business owners should always be paying attention to the details.
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FAQ
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How do I choose the best commercial bank?
Selecting the optimal commercial bank requires evaluating several key factors:
? Industry expertise in your specific business sector
? Range and sophistication of digital banking tools
? Quality of cash management solutions
? Competitive fee structures and interest rates
? Availability of dedicated relationship managers
? Geographic presence and branch network
? Integration capabilities with your existing systems
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What services should my business bank offer?
Essential commercial banking services for the right business bank? account in? Canada include:
? Cash flow management and forecasting
? Trade finance solutions
? Payment processing systems
? Foreign exchange services
? Credit facilities and lending options
? Treasury management
? Merchant services
? Online and mobile banking platforms / business credit cards
? International banking capabilities
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When should I switch commercial banks?
Consider switching commercial banks when:
? The current bank’s technology doesn’t meet your needs
? Poor response times from relationship managers
? High or increasing fee structures
? Limited credit availability
? Lack of industry-specific expertise
? Inadequate cash management solutions
? Poor integration with your business systems
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Where can I find the best business bank account? rates?
Best business banking rates can be found through:
? Direct comparison of multiple banks’ offerings
? Industry-specific banking associations
? Financial advisors and consultants
? Online rate comparison tools
? Banking relationship managers
? Industry peer networks
? Professional business associations
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Why do I need a dedicated business banker?
A dedicated business banker provides:
? Personalized financial guidance
? Industry-specific expertise
? Faster loan approvals
? Customized solutions
? Proactive problem-solving
? Strategic business planning support
? Priority service access
? Network expansion opportunities
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Who provides the best commercial bank services?
Top commercial banking providers are determined by:
? Size of business being served
? Industry-specific needs
? Geographic location requirements
? Technology integration needs
? Service level expectations
? Fee structure preferences
? Credit facility requirements
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How much do commercial banking services cost?
Commercial banking costs vary based on:
? Account transaction volume
? Service package selected
? Cash handling requirements
? Digital banking needs
? Credit facilities utilized
? International banking needs
? Merchant services usage
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What commercial banking features matter most?
Priority commercial banking features include:
? Real-time payment processing
? Integrated cash management
? Mobile banking capabilities
? Fraud prevention tools
? Credit availability
? Customer service quality
? International banking options
? Digital platform reliability
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Where can I compare business banking packages?
Business banking packages can be compared through:
? Online comparison platforms
? Banking industry publications
? Financial advisors
? Professional associations
? Business banking consultants
? Peer networks
? Direct bank inquiries
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How do commercial banks evaluate businesses?
Commercial banks assess businesses based on:
? Credit history and score
? Financial statements
? Cash flow patterns
? Industry performance metrics
? Management experience
? Business plan quality
? Collateral availability
? Market position strength
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What is a business bank account?
A business bank account is a specialized type of bank account designed to manage a business's financial transactions separate from personal finances. This separation is crucial as it allows business owners and authorized individuals to handle the company’s finances under its name, ensuring clarity and organization. A business bank account will enable you to pay bills, receive and make deposits, transfer funds, and conduct other business-related transactions efficiently.
Having a business bank account is essential for several reasons. It streamlines tax preparation by keeping business and personal expenses separate, builds a transaction history that can be beneficial for securing loans, and supports the overall financial goals of the business. A business bank account is a foundational tool for managing your company’s cash flow and economic health.
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What are the types of Business Bank Accounts?
In Canada, various business bank accounts are designed to cater to different organizational needs. Understanding these options can help you choose the best fit for your business:
Consider monthly fees, transaction limits, and interest rates when choosing a business bank account. Assess your business’s specific needs and financial habits to find the account that offers the best combination of features and cost-effectiveness.
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What is the BDC?
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The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a federal Crown corporation and financial institution focused exclusively on entrepreneurs. Key aspects: Core Functions: - Provides financing, advisory services, and capital to Canadian businesses - Focuses on underserved markets and gaps in private sector financing - Specializes in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) Main Services: ? Financing - Business loans - Working capital - Equipment financing - Technology financing - Commercial real estate ? Advisory Services - Business strategy - Operational efficiency - Digital transformation - Market expansion ? Capital Investment - Growth equity - Venture capital - Cleantech funding - Women in Technology Fund Distinguishing Features: - Patient capital with flexible repayment terms - Higher risk tolerance than traditional banks - Focus on business growth and innovation - Complementary to private sector lenders - Nationwide presence with 100+ business centers Target Sectors: - Technology and innovation - Manufacturing - Service industries - Export-oriented businesses - Indigenous entrepreneurs - Women-owned businesses Impact Statistics: - Serves 72,000+ Canadian entrepreneurs - Manages $36+ billion in capital - Focuses on businesses traditional banks consider higher risk - Provides countercyclical support during economic downturns
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MORE? INFO:? Efficiency and Competition in Canadian Banking
' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '
?STAN PROKOP 7 Park Avenue Financial/Copyright/2024
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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