5 Ways to Boost Your Business Cash Flow

2M7 Financial Solutions is honoured to be featured in this month’s CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, with an interview highlighting small business financing advice from 2M7’s CEO, Avi Bernstein. From his insights on the state of the lending landscape, to his expertise on the challenges facing small businesses today – Avi provides insider advice on alternative lending options that can help small businesses secure the funding they need to operate and grow their business.

In the interview, CEO Avi Bernstein discusses the many factors that traditional lenders use to evaluate whether a business qualifies for a loan, and why this digital credit score algorithm method of evaluating businesses, is increasingly resulting in small businesses being denied funding from lenders such as banks and credit unions.“

Rapid shifts in new technologies, increased competition, and the state of the economy have led to an increased need for financing, but it is becoming increasingly more difficult from small businesses to access funding from traditional lenders,” said Avi, when asked about the challenges that small businesses face when it comes to securing funding. “Most small businesses need loans to bridge the gaps during uncertain times such as these, but small business owners continuously struggle to secure working capital.”

For over a decade, 2M7 has been dedicated to leveraging its expertise in the Canadian lending landscape to help as many small businesses as possible to get access to the working capital they need. This dedication has led to the development of a proprietary algorithm which uses a unique approach to evaluate risk and determine credit worthiness – enabling 2M7 to fund businesses that might not otherwise qualify for a traditional loan.

Furthermore, the 2M7 team strives to provide an alternative lending solution that better meets the needs of small Canadian businesses than traditional loans. With minimal requirements and simple terms, 2M7 has designed a straight-forward borrowing option that essentially provides small business owners with a cash advance that is deposited directly into their bank account within 24-48 hours, to use immediately within their business as they see fit.2M7 Financial Solutions continues to be at the forefront of the innovative technologies and processes that are transforming the Canadian financial industry in order to help grow the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy. As the industry continues to evolve, the 2M7 team is committed to continuously improving its flexible funding solutions and working closely with small business owners to better meet their changing needs.

To read the full interview, click here to open page 37 of this month’s digital edition of CanadianSME Small Business Magazine.

Every new year brings new tools, techniques, and strategies that help small and medium-sized businesses succeed in an increasingly competitive world. Here are the top four business trends you need to look out for in 2019.

Cybersecurity

Cyber attacks are going to become a more common threat to small and medium-sized businesses. Everyone is a vulnerable target. Whereas many companies are actively preventing attacks, there will be a shift to proactive detection and response in the year to come.

Personalization

The personal touch is going to rein in 2019. Personalized marketing campaigns, transparency, and personal calls-to-action are going to be the ways to connect with potential customers.

Go Remote

The remote office is becoming increasingly a part of today’s business trends world. Small and mid-sized businesses can now reduce operating costs by rethinking their staffing strategies with the use of a remote workforce. With so many low-cost telecommunications platforms available, the days of the cubicle are now on the decline.

Reviews Are Key

Some business leaders resist social media use in the office, but social posting is a great way to connect with your local audience and get valuable reviews. Nearly 95 percent of shoppers read online reviews before making a purchase. It’s worth taking the time to gather testimonials and write case studies more now than ever.If you are looking to grow your business in 2019, there are alternatives to a traditional bank loan you should consider. For details on how you can get approved for a merchant cash advance, speak to one of our experts today.

Businesses need a robust cash flow to sustain their operations and generate profits. At times they may need to borrow funds to acquire resources, maintain operations, or grow. Unfortunately, various factors can adversely affect a business's ability to borrow from traditional financial institutions. These factors include having a poor credit history or insufficient credit history, missed or late payments, high debt-to-service ratio, bankruptcy, records of default, or simply being a relatively new business.However, there are many funding solutions available for Small Businesses that don’t fit the bank or credit Union model.These options are:

1. Merchant Cash Advance

A merchant cash advance is a financing option that offers businesses a lump sum cash payment in exchange for a percentage of their future credit card or debit card sales. This type of financing is best suited for businesses that require quick cash and have a high volume of credit or debit card sales.The primary advantage of a merchant cash advance is the speed and ease of accessing immediate cash funding. The process typically takes only a few days, and the funds become available within a short period.Business owners should take in account that although merchant cash advance is a convenient cash flow instrument and allows you to get funding within a few days, it may come with higher fees and interest rates due to their quick access to cash.

2. Invoice Factoring or Cheque Factoring

Invoice factoring, also known as cheque factoring, is a financing option that enables businesses to utilize their outstanding invoices in exchange for a cash advance that is immediately available. The lender collects payment from the business's customers and pays the business the remaining balance minus the financing cost. This type of financing is ideal for businesses with bad credit history since their ability to borrow is based on the creditworthiness of their invoice customers rather than the borrower. Businesses with long-term contracts, high-value invoices, or those needing cash to immediately purchase materials to fulfill high-value invoices should consider this type of bridge financing.Manufacturing, construction, transportation, and wholesale/distribution are businesses that can benefit from this type of financing to meet their immediate cash flow needs.The main advantage of invoice factoring is that the lender typically assumes responsibility for collecting payment from the invoice customers or payers. This can free up valuable time and resources for the business to focus on other aspects of their operations. Furthermore, businesses with long payment cycles, delayed payments, or long-term contracts that involve milestone payments can obtain the necessary cash to expand or continue operating their businesses immediately.Similarly to merchant cash advance companies, factoring lenders may charge a high fee for assuming the risk of collecting on the invoice and the time gap until the invoice is due for payment.

3. B-Lender Loans

B-Lender loans are non-traditional financing options provided by private equity firms or online lenders. These lenders are often willing to lend to businesses with bad credit or little credit history for various purposes. They understand the complexity and cash flow requirements of small businesses and work with them regularly. This type of loan comes in various sizes and forms, depending on the business needs and the business entity's qualifications and lending risks.B-Lender loans are a great financing option for start-ups, small businesses, seasonal revenue businesses, or those in urgent need of short-term financing. Traditional lenders typically require creditworthiness, good credit history, and collateral, but B-Lenders often have significantly more flexibility. These lenders are specialized in dealing with the complexity of newer and smaller businesses and can provide loans with less stringent due diligence processes and quicker turnaround times to meet business needs.However, it is highly advisable for borrowers to understand the terms of the loan and carefully review the terms and conditions before accepting them. B-Lender loans are less standardized and customizable and can vary significantly in terms such as repayment, interest, default events, settlement, and legal jurisdiction. Businesses should also be aware that B-Lender loans may come with higher fees and interest rates due to their higher risk tolerance.B-Lender loans can be a great option for businesses that are just starting or facing challenges with traditional lenders. These loans can provide flexibility, speed, and customized financing solutions to meet their specific needs. However, careful consideration of the terms and conditions and full understanding of the associated costs are crucial before committing to this type of financing.

4. Instant Payday Loans

Instant payday loans are short-term loans that can be used to cover unexpected expenses or emergencies. They are easy to obtain and are often offered by online lenders. Borrowers may receive access to immediate relief cash within hours, thanks to the quick and standardized approval process of the lenders that provide these loans.Instant payday loans are suitable for individuals with emergency cash needs or who need access to immediate cash to cover unexpected expenses. Some typical uses for instant payday loans include medical bills, car repair bills, and home repair bills. These loans can offer immediate cash relief to ensure a person has the cash to cover daily living needs to continue working and earning money.Payday loans can be useful for individuals who have low credit scores or limited credit history and may not qualify for traditional loans.Borrowers should know that instant payday loans typically have high interest rates and fees for their ease of access and quick approval process. The repayment period is often within two to four weeks. As these loans can be accessed quickly and easily with minimal documentation requirements, these could be beneficial for individuals who need immediate cash and don't mind the associated fees.In summary, there are various types of non-traditional lending and financial services available to businesses and consumers in Canada. These services can provide cash relief for a variety of situations, depending on the borrower's needs and qualifications.Merchant cash loans are suitable for businesses with high credit or debit card transaction volume and immediate cash needs. Invoice or cheque factoring can benefit businesses with valuable invoices with longer repayment terms. B-Lender loans are a great option for start-ups or small businesses with an immediate cash need to expand or maintain operations. Instant payday loans can provide relief for individuals with unexpected or emergency cash needs.Overall, non-traditional lending and financial services can provide valuable solutions for businesses and consumers with unique financial needs. It is also vital to approach them with caution and careful consideration of the associated costs and repayment terms. With the right lender and loan terms, these financial services can help businesses and individuals overcome cash flow challenges and achieve their financial goals.