Traditional and non-traditional financing
Traditional financing such as term loans, line of credit and capital leases are usually the first types of financing that business managers and directors explore when searching for funds.
For the past few years, an increasing number of government and private organizations are proposing funds in the form of non-traditional financing to business. The funds may be offered in the following forms:
- Factoring - Short-term financing allowing to immediately obtain cash based exclusively on the value of accounts receivables, short-term cashable contracts and purchase orders;
- Asset-Based Financing - Financing based solely on the business’ asset value, tangible or non-tangible, and particularly on your client account and equipment, thus avoiding ratio issues;
- SR&ED Tax Credit Financing - Offers the possibility to obtain immediate liquidity based on the value of SR&ED tax credits to be received by the business.
Refundable or non-refundable contribution, and equity investment
Government financial assistance can also take the form of refundable or non-refundable financial contributions. This type of program is relatively unknown but presents a certain interest for many new businesses. This type of financial contribution differs from venture capital financing because the return on invested funds is required only if the project is successful.
Governments also offer financial assistance as an investment in equity or in a business’ share capital. The main advantage in obtaining this type of financial contribution from a government organization is the reduced pressure to make your investment profitable. Governments are often more lenient than private organizations that offer the same type of financing.