The Top 4 Small to MediumSized Business Trends in 2019

Cannabis has been legalized in Canada since 2019, and since the legalization, the consumption of marijuana has skyrocketed to the extent that setting up a cannabis business in the country is guaranteed to be a profitable investment. There’s never been a better time to move into the industry. However, if you’re a cannabis enthusiast that wants to make a move into this industry, the first thing you’re probably concerned about is the working capital to start the business. Business loans in Canada are a big part of the entrepreneurial world, however, getting funding for a cannabis business is easier said than done. So, how can you get funds for your future company? If this is a question that you’re asking, you’re at just the right place. Here are a few funding options from sources that will happily lend you money.

Bank Loan

Banks are obviously the first option whenever we think about anything money/loan-related. But cannabis, banks, and business loans in Canada are three things that don’t blend well together. Most mainstream banks will refuse to work with cannabis companies. However, if you can find the right bank, there’s potential to get your hands on a large stack of cash for your cannabis company at reasonable interest rates. There’s a lot of room for customizing payment plans as well, so you can pay back the money on your terms. You’ll have to find a relatively smaller bank that has lenient policies for where they invest their money. But even those banks are strict with their requirements for loans and will check to make sure you don’t have bad credit. The banks will not approve a loan if there’s any signs of problems in your credit and financial history.

Business Line of Credit

A business line of credit is another underrated option when it comes to getting funds for a cannabis business. It’s a simple process that provides your business with a revolving credit limit. It’s very similar to a credit card, but interest rates are significantly lower. You can withdraw a certain amount of money that you need and will have the option to pay it back in the form of monthly balances and partial payments. You’ll have the added benefit that the interest will only be charged for the outstanding balance of your card, making it a viable option for business loans in Canada. This is a good option for some quick funding when you need to pay the utility bills, fund inventory refilling, pay salaries, and more. However, you’re not going to get a large amount of money with a business line of credit. You’re going to be limited to a certain amount of money, depending on your credit limit. If you’re looking for funds to start your company, a business line of credit is not a good idea. If you need a small amount of money for occasional expenses, this is a great option.

Merchant Cash Advance

A merchant cash advance is, by far, the best way a cannabis business can secure funding. It’s a system where you pay today’s bills with tomorrow’s money. Your MCA provider will hand over a flat sum of cash directly into your account, and you’ll only have to return a certain percentage of your sales every month until the entire amount is covered. This is a flexible option for businesses that aren’t certain of what their sales volume will be each month. For example, if you have $0 in generated revenue for December, you won’t have to pay back anything to your MCA provider. That’s the major benefit of MCA and why it’s such a great idea for an industry like cannabis. Where Can You Get a Merchant Cash Advance? So, now that you know what an MCA is let’s talk about where you can get it. 2M7 Financial solutions is a Canadian merchant cash advance provider that has been helping small businesses like yours get over the funding limitations and compete with your top competitors. The best part about working with 2M7 is that we give funds to companies that banks and other lenders are saying no to. Here’s a breakdown of why 2M7 is the company that should fund your business:

• Quick Process – We work fast! If you signed up for an MCA in the morning, you could have the money in your account by the end of the day.
• Ignoring Bad Credit – Unlike banks, 2M7 doesn’t rely on credit scores as a factor to decide who gets funding and who doesn’t. If you have bad credit, you are still eligible for an MCA.
• Multi-Use Funding – Businesses have tons of miscellaneous costs, and we get that. That's why the money you get from 2M7 can be used for any business purpose you choose.

Conclusion

A merchant cash advance is the best way to secure capital for your company. So, if you are looking for a Canada-based provider to help you out, get in touch with the funding experts and discover how this alternative financing option can help your business.

There is a wide array of services available to businesses in Canada seeking to bolster their cash liquidity. This article will explore some of the most popular options, as well as their best use cases. These financial solutions typically include a combination of bank loans, CEBA loans, government business grants, factoring, cash advances, payday loans, and microloans.

Businesses can utilize these financial options to optimize growth, gain liquidity, bridge emergency situations, or capitalize on opportunities.

Let's delve into our options:

1. Traditional bank loans

This is the most conventional form of financing that small businesses can utilize to obtain Typically, these loans are secured by collateral, and may offer lower interest rates, making them an appealing choice for businesses with strong credit. However, small and medium-sized businesses adhering to conservatism and GAAP principles might have lower perceived financial strength, which can make obtaining traditional financing more challenging, especially if the bank relies on financial statements as part of its due diligence process. This can be particularly problematic for new startups and businesses without a significant financial track record. Furthermore, liquidity provided might be limited if a business is relatively new or experiencing volatility, even with collateral in place.

2. CEBA loans

The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans are interest-free loans of up to $60,000 designed for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These loans are 100% backed by the government and do not require any collateral. Businesses can use these loans to cover operating expenses such as payroll and rent, as well as for purchasing equipment or expanding their operations. The CEBA loans offer flexibility and accessibility with a few caveats. Firstly, the loan forgiveness repayment date has been extended to December 31, 2023, for CEBA loan holders in good standing. This means that loan holders may have to start repaying their CEBA loans as early as 2024. Secondly, eligibility is only applicable to businesses that have had an active business account with their financial institution as of March 1, 2020, and can demonstrate a decline in revenue due to the pandemic.

3. Factoring

Factoring enables businesses to sell their accounts receivable (invoices) to a third-party (a factoring company) at a discount. The factoring company then acts as the agent to collect payments from the invoice customer, providing the business with liquidity (cash) based on a certain percentage of the invoice amount. Factoring can significantly improve cash flow for small and medium-sized businesses by offering liquidity and quick access to funds. It is also helpful that the factoring company will be the one taking care of ensuring invoices are paid, freeing up valuable resources for small businesses.

4. Government business grants

The Canadian government provides an array of business grants designed to help small businesses flourish and These grantstypically target specific industries or business activities, such as clean technology, innovation, workforce development, and international trade, among others. A considerable number of grants currently emphasize research, development, and exporting. The application process for these grants can be intricate, requiring well-prepared grant proposals that effectively communicate the business's objectives, anticipated outcomes, and potential impact. This process is often competitive, as numerous businesses vie for the limited funding available. Newer businesses or those without prior grant writing experience may find this process daunting, and may benefit from seeking professional grant writing assistance or collaborating with experienced partners in their industry. Despite the challenges, securing a government grant can be a game-changer for small businesses, providing essential funding without the burden of repayment, and fostering growth, innovation, and competitiveness in the marketplace.

5. Payday loans or Microloans

Payday loans and microloans are small, short-term loans that are typically utilized to address unexpected expenses or navigate temporary cash flow gaps. While these loans may not be suitable for long-term financing needs due to their relatively higher interest rates and fees, they play a vital role in providing financial support during emergencies. By offering quick access to funds, payday loans and microloans help businesses remain afloat and operational during challenging times, allowing them to successfully weather temporary cash flow issues that are anticipated to improve in the near future. This targeted financial assistance can be a lifeline for businesses, enabling them to maintain stability and continue serving their customers as they work towards recovery and growth.

6. Cash Advance

A cash advance, particularly in the form of a Merchant Cash Advance (MCA), is an innovative financing solution that provides businesses with a lump sum of cash in exchange for a percentage of their future sales (typically credit card sales). Cash advances and MCAs can be exceptional financing options for businesses that need funds swiftly or require increased liquidity to seize opportunities that demand prompt. One of the key advantages of this financing option is its speed and flexibility. Cash advances can be processed more quickly than traditional loans, often within a matter of days, allowing businesses to address their financial needs without delay. Additionally, repayment terms are tailored to the business's sales volume, making it a more manageable solution for businesses with fluctuating revenues. MCAs are particularly valuable for new businesses and small enterprises that may face challenges in obtaining traditional bank loans due to a lack of financial history, inadequate financial book strength, or a dearth of collateral. By offering an alternative financing avenue, cash advances empower these businesses to overcome financial barriers and pursue their growth objectives. Ultimately, the various financing options available to Canadian businesses each have their own strengths and specific use cases. Traditional bank loans can be attractive for businesses with strong credit, while CEBA loans offer interest-free financing for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Factoring provides immediate liquidity to businesses with outstanding invoices, and government grants can support targeted industries and activities. Payday loans or microloans can assist in managing short-term cash flow gaps. And cash advances offer rapid access to funds for businesses lacking financial history or collateral. The choice of financing option will depend on the unique needs and circumstances of each business. By understanding the advantages and limitations of each option, businesses can make informed decisions about the most suitable financing solution to support their growth, liquidity, and success.

You have worked hard to start up your business. After perfecting your presentation, you have been able to raise some capital. Congratulations! Now what do you do? Make sure you don’t waste this opportunity to launch your business right. Here are five ways to prepare your business for capital raised.

1) Know your “runway”

Your business’s “runaway” is the amount of time your business has before it runs out of cash. First, you should look at your business’s monthly expenses and your capital raised and then, determine how much time you need in order to gain a steady stream of income. Ideally, you will want your business to have a six-month “runaway.” With six months’ worth of operating capital, you can deal with various disruptions that will come with operating a new business.

2) Use a budget management tool

One of the best ways to manage your business is to use a budget management tool, and with the right budget tool, you will be able to manage your expenses and identify opportunities to save money and run leaner. There are a number of top budget management tools that are designed around start-ups. Some of the top budget management tools include the following: Quicken - Quicken is great for smaller starter-ups with its easy-to-use software and interface. Centage - If you have more complex operations, then Centage is an ideal budget management software system. Lola - Lola is a great budget management tool if you are dealing with a number of expense report.

3) Secure the best prices from vendors

You want to make sure that your capital goes as far as it can possibly go. Therefore, you will want to control your costs. One of the best ways to control cost is to be able to get the best prices from your vendors. Be sure to get multiple quotes from as many vendors as possible. Also, if you are planning to use a vendor for the long term, try to negotiate better prices to help you stretch your capital.

4) Have a business plan

It’s a good idea to have a business plan. In fact, a business plan is like a road map that shows everyone in your company, as well as your investors, what is your plan to grow income and become profitable. If you have no experience writing up a business plan, don’t worry. There are a number of business plan templates that you can use to help you get started. Here are a couple of places where you can find business plan templates:

• LivePlan
• BusinessPlanTemplate
• Formprintr

5) Have an emergency or contingency plan

You want to make sure that your business has a plan for the unexpected. In fact, situations such as natural disasters or disruptions in manufacturing or inventory can spell disaster for your business. The best way to plan for an emergency is to set aside a portion of your capital raised and set it aside for emergency situations. That emergency money can save you in situations where you need money fast and you may not be able to raise further capital.

Getting your capital for your business going

Now that you have the capital that you need for your business, it is time to get going. Be sure to have a plan, set a budget, and watch your spending. Also, spend your business capital the right way and you will be well on your way to start-up success. If you require a merchant cash advance for your business, 2M7 Financial Solutions are here to help you out. Request a quote, we will be happy to assist you.