PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Answers to Your Biggest Franchise Financing Questions
Few people are able to fund a franchise on their own, which is why franchise financing is so important. The following are a few questions you may have about financing your franchise.
Topics of Discussion
- Is franchise financing similar to small business loans?
- How can I get franchise financing?
- What are SBA-backed loans?
- What do I need to get approved for franchise financing?
1. You may have heard that banks typically don’t like to approve small business loan applications. This may be true for bigger banks due to the perceived level of management risk, but smaller banks are a little more likely to approve small business loans — especially if you already have an established relationship with them. However, getting financing for a franchise is slightly different than getting a small business loan — franchises are often seen as less risky since franchisees are working with an established brand. This means that you’re more likely to be approved for franchise financing than if you were applying for a small business loan.
2. There are a number of different ways that you can go about getting your franchise financed. The following are three different places you can go to get financing for your franchise.
Banks
Franchise Financing Company
Franchisors
Remember that just because the franchisor offers financing doesn’t mean that you have to get your financing through them — always compare financing options to find the option that offers you the best terms.
3. SBA (small business administration) loans, which are also known as 7(a) loans, tend to have flexible terms and low rates, making them one of the best ways that you can finance your franchise. Basically, it’s a program in which the SBA guarantees loans that are issued by lenders participating in the program. So if you are planning on applying for financing at a bank, make sure you see if they offer SBA-backed loans.
4. You’ll need to determine exactly how much you need to borrow in order to get your franchise up and running. This includes the franchise fee, site development costs, building costs, equipment costs, marketing costs and much more. A lender will want to see the breakdown of these costs. Lenders will also look at your personal financial history and the current and past financial history of the franchise itself. You may want to consider hiring a financial advisor to help ensure that you provide all the information required to help improve your chances of being approved.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. Franchise offerings are made by Franchise Disclosure Document only.
