Franchise FAQ

how to gain the startup funds needed to start franchise

by Leonor Morissette DDS Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Considering Your Funding Options

  • 1 Seek franchisor financing. Some franchises will lend you the money needed to purchase a franchise. ...
  • 2 Tap your retirement accounts. You can use retirement accounts such as your 401 (k) or IRA to fund the purchase of a business. ...
  • 3 Pull equity from your home. ...
  • 4 Find business partners. ...
  • 5 Pursue traditional bank loans. ...
  • 6 Consider SBA loans. ...

Options for funding a franchise
  1. Franchisor financing. ...
  2. Commercial bank loans. ...
  3. Small Business Association (SBA) loans. ...
  4. Alternative lenders. ...
  5. Personal assets. ...
  6. Rollovers as business startup (ROBS) ...
  7. Crowdfunding. ...
  8. Friends and family.

Full Answer

Where to Look for Startup Funding?

What is Score.Org?

Is crowdfunding a good way to raise capital?

About this website

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How do you get initial investment for a franchise?

5 Ways to Finance Your Initial Franchise InvestmentCommon Franchise Costs.Personal Financial Assets.Franchisor Financing.Commercial Bank, VA, and SBA Loans.Home Equity Loan or Second Mortgage.Retirement Rollover for Business Startups (ROBS)

Can you get funding for a franchise?

Can You Get Financing for a Franchise? Yes, it is very common for business owners to use financing programs to open or acquire a franchise business, and there are a variety of financing solutions that may be available to you.

How much money is needed to start a franchise?

Franchise startup costs can be as low as $10,000 or as high as $5 million, with the majority falling somewhere between $100,000 and $300,000. The price all depends on the industry, location and type of franchise.

What resources are needed to start a franchise?

6 Essential Resources for Franchising Your BusinessInternational Franchise Association. ... Trade Shows and Expos. ... Data Analytics.

Do banks finance franchises?

Banks and credit unions can offer a wide variety of loan options for franchise businesses. These loans will likely have the most competitive interest rates and repayment terms, but require strict criteria to qualify.

What franchise is the most profitable?

Most Profitable FranchisesDunkin'7-Eleven.Planet Fitness.JAN-PRO.Taco Bell.Orangetheory Fitness.Great Clips.Mac Tools.More items...•

How much does a franchise owner make a year?

According to a survey done by Franchise Business Review involving 28,500 franchise owners, the average pre-tax annual income of franchise owners is about 80,000 dollars.

What is Starbucks franchise fee?

What are the Financial requirements for a Starbucks licensed store? You need to pay the licensing fee of between $50,000 – $315,000 and you must have over $1,000,000 in liquid assets to be considered for a licensed store by Starbucks.

What does a KFC franchise cost?

For non-traditional KFC outlets, KFC charges an initial license fee of $22,500. For traditional KFC franchise agreements, the franchise (or initial license) fee is $45,000 split into the deposit fee and the option fee.

How is a franchise set up?

In a franchised business, the business owner (the franchisor) grants their franchisees permission to use their established brand, and work under it to run their own branch of the business. Franchisees will then pay the franchisor to use their brand and run their franchise unit largely independently.

Can anyone start a franchise?

Before you can get your operation going, you'll need to have enough initial capital as well as an overall net worth before even considering starting a franchise. Unless you're independently wealthy, you may have to borrow money. Start with commercial banks since they fund many types of franchises.

How does opening a franchise work?

A franchise enables you, the investor or franchisee, to operate a business. You pay a franchise fee and you get a format or system developed by the company (franchisor), the right to use the franchisor's name for a specific number of years and assistance.

Is it hard to get a business loan for a franchise?

Getting approved for franchise financing can be difficult, particularly if you need startup funds, you need funding but have bad credit, or your franchise has been open for less than a year.

What kind of down payment do you have to put down to acquire a franchise?

Entrepreneurs looking to finance a franchise transfer typically need to put 20% down, while a new location or start-up business requires 25 – 30% down.

What is the best way to raise a capital in franchising?

How to Raise Capital to Finance Your FranchiseLeasing programs for equipment.Leasing programs for your building and/or land.Financing programs provided by suppliers to the franchise system.Deferral of all or a part of the initial franchise or other fees due to the franchisor.

What is the importance of funding in franchising?

Most young franchisors and franchisees need at least one, and typically more than one, capital infusion in order to achieve projected growth. The most common method of acquiring such capital is through venture capitalists or strategic partners. Financing is an essential and continuing need for any business.

Do franchise owners make money?

Although franchisors cannot forecast income, as a franchisee, you can definitely make money. It’s important to assess your costs regularly and make...

Are franchise fees paid yearly?

Franchise fees are usually on a monthly basis. The fee is a percentage of your revenue, and the royalties can range from 4% to 12% per year.

How much does the average franchise owner earn per year?

In a study from Franchise Direct, the average franchise owner makes $80,000 a year before tax. However, the range of income is quite large: anywher...

What kinds of franchises are available?

In general, there are three types of franchises available: business, management and product distribution. A business franchise gives you the rights...

How much money do I need to start a franchise business?

The cost to start a franchise business varies by business. Some only cost a few hundred dollars, while starting a McDonald's franchise costs betwee...

How much do franchise owners make per year?

It varies by business. The average is usually between $50,000 and $70,000 per year.

Can I start a franchise business for free?

Not entirely, no. The franchisor generally requires an initial payment before you can open your business. If you don't have capital, consider bring...

How do you start a franchise business?

1) Identify a business you want to work with. 2) Research current owners and the competition. 3) Determine market interest. 4) Research startup cos...

What is the most profitable franchise?

According to Entrepreneur, the most profitable franchises are Taco Bell, Dunkin', and The UPS Store.

Where to Look for Startup Funding?

There are many different sources from which you or your franchisees could obtain startup capital. Entrepreneur.Com says that most franchisees will look for funds in the following places:

What is Score.Org?

SCORE is a nonprofit organization that provides education and mentorship to small businesses at little to no cost– Score.Org. This doesn’t necessarily mean that these organizations will provide financial capital to your franchisee; however, they can offer guidance on how to successfully obtain and use that capital.

Is crowdfunding a good way to raise capital?

Crowdfunding is a newer way to raise capital; however it does come with its risks. A franchisee could join a crowdfunding website and essentially sell securities to investors through that site. This is a relatively easy way to raise startup capital for a franchise; however, there are a number of regulations that go along with crowdfunding a franchise that could prove this option to be a relatively risky one.

What does it mean when a franchise partner with a lender?

When franchisors form close ties with a lender, it usually means favorable rates and a fast-track to loan approval.

What is an equipment loan?

Equipment Loan. If your franchise requires an expensive piece of equipment to operate — say, giant beer-brewing tanks, a pizza oven or a small fleet of trucks — an equipment loan could get you up and running. There are specialized lenders who focus entirely on this area. Because equipment loans are secured by a physical asset, ...

What happens if you default on a personal loan?

When all else fails, you can always go to a bank and get a personal loan, but only if you have good credit (one reason some turn to crowdfunding). Risks mount here, because if you default on a personal loan, it will affect your credit rating and ability to borrow in future, likely for years to come.

What is SBA loan?

One of the most popular ways to get business funding, a Small Business Administration ( SBA) loan is a tried-and-true method of borrowing for a business startup.

What is Forbes Business Council?

Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?

Who is Don Daszkowski?

Don Daszkowski is the Founder of IFPG. IFPG trains individuals to become Certified Franchise Consultants and earn money selling franchises. Share to Facebook. Share to Twitter. Share to Linkedin. Photo:

Do franchises have 401(k)?

Here’s a method of buying a franchise that’s increasingly common, even though it risks your retirement fund. Many franchise buyers come from corporate jobs and have a 401 (k) retirement plan. In a move the IRS calls ROBS (for Rollovers as Business Startups), your new franchise creates a 401 (k) plan for employees.

How much money do I need to start a franchise business?

Some only cost a few hundred dollars, while starting a McDonald’s franchise costs between $1 and $2 million.

How much do franchise owners make per year?

It varies by business. The average is usually between $50,000 and $70,000 per year.

How do you start a franchise business?

1) Identify a business you want to work with. 2) Research current owners and the competition. 3) Determine market interest. 4) Research startup costs 5) Create a business plan. 6) Form an LLC or corporation. 7) Choose a location. 8) Create a marketing plan.

What is the most profitable franchise?

According to Entrepreneur, the most profitable franchises are Taco Bell, Dunkin’, and The UPS Store.

How much does it cost to start a franchise?

The cost to start a franchise business can range drastically from a few hundred bucks to set up a website to millions to pay franchise fees and build a store . Usually, franchisors will list the average cost on their website.

Why is franchise business so popular?

A franchise business is a popular business model because it offers owners the best of both worlds: the support of a large brand and the benefits of owning a business.

What happens when you buy into a franchise?

Franchise businesses often have a lower failure rate. When you buy into a franchise, you join a proven business model that works. You also have additional support and business resources that can make a difference in your success.

What factors do lenders look for in a loan?

First, it’s important to understand since you won’t have a great deal of revenue, the key factor that lenders will look at is your personal credit worthiness. As you know, personal credit reports and credit scores are tools lenders and banks use to rate an individual’s credit worthiness.

How to cast a net for attracting investors to a business?

Crowdfunding – One of the fastest ways to cast a big net for attracting investors to a business is through crowdfunding. There are many crowdfunding sites to participate in but be prepared to do your homework. It takes careful preparation and planning to run a successful crowdfunding campaign.

How long does it take to get a business loan?

Upon approval, you can use funds towards the financing of your business. Additionally, a personal business loan can take a few days compared to a traditional business loan which can take a matter of weeks .

What is vendor credit?

Credit from Vendors – Vendor credit is the largest use of capital from business-to-business and remains the number-one alternative to personal and small business loans. The Small Business Administration reports that it’s the single largest source of small business lending in the United States today.

Why is access to funding important?

Access to funding is essential to the success of a business; it’s the fuel on which a business runs. Take the time to add one or more funding vehicles to your arsenal so that you have access to capital when your company needs it.

Who is Marco Carbajo?

Marco Carbajo is a business credit expert, author, speaker, and founder of the Business Credit Insiders Circle. He is a business credit blogger for Dun and Bradstreet Credibility Corp, the SBA.gov Community, About.com and All Business.com.

Is microloan better than business loan?

Microloans – A microloan is easier and faster to get than a traditional business loan.

How much does it cost to start a franchise?

Franchise costs vary widely depending on the industry and business you choose to invest in, not to mention where you live or plan to do business.

How long do you have to get a copy of your FDD before signing a contract?

The franchisor is required to provide you with the FDD at least 14 days before you sign a contract, though it’s a good idea to request a copy earlier in your initial phases of research. You can typically download a PDF of the FDD, though some franchisors might be willing to send you a hard copy. 5.

What are some online lenders?

Other options include crowdfunding or lenders based entirely online. Online lenders like Kiva and BlueVine aren’t part of the traditional financial industry populated by banks and credit unions. These digital lenders tend to leverage technology for more streamlined or automated approval processes. You could also use an online business marketplace like Lendio or Fundera to compare a network of funding options in one spot.

How to get a copy of a franchise disclosure document?

Reach out to the franchisor for a copy of its franchise disclosure document (FDD), which contains detailed legal information about its franchise group along with financial data like the average gross revenue of its locations.

What to do if you don't have a franchise?

If you don’t have the initial investment costs at the ready, you may need to tap into outside financing to launch or run your franchise. Many banks, the SBA and franchise-specific lenders offer financial help for would-be franchisees. Other options include crowdfunding or lenders based entirely online.

Why do you need a business plan?

A business plan is necessary if you plan to apply for a loan to help with startup costs. Lenders want to know that you have a viable plan for turning a profit and sustaining your business over the long haul, because it helps them evaluate whether you’ll be able to pay it back.

How long does a franchise contract last?

Franchise contracts come with terms of five to 20 years. At the end of the term, you can often choose whether to renew the contract or discontinue your franchise. At contract signing, you’ll likely need to also pay any upfront fees or initial investment expenses.

How to start a franchise with no money?

Starting a franchise with no money can be challenging, but it's possible if you find investors or take out a loan. Some franchises, especially newer ones, offer financing to help you purchase the franchise. If you know someone with the money to invest, consider asking them to partner with you to fund the purchase in exchange for profits. Alternatively, borrow the funds from a bank or Small Business Administration loan, or take an equity loan on your home. If you have sufficient savings in your retirement account, you might be able to start a Rollover as Business Startups plan to invest the money into your franchise. However you secure the funding, make sure you fix any errors in your credit report to pass franchisor’s background checks. For more tips, including how to find the right franchise for your circumstances, read on!

What is the difference between a HELOC and a home equity loan?

A home equity loan is an installment loan, while a HELOC is like a credit card. Before tapping equity in your home, you need to appreciate the risks. If you default, the bank can seize your home. Generally, you can get about 80% of the equity available in your home.

How to get a franchise disclosure document?

You might not get the Franchise Disclosure Document until you submit a qualification questionnaire. However, you should still try to find out the start-up costs before pursuing a franchise. Talk to a current franchisee or ask the franchisor outright how much money is needed. They should be willing to tell you.

Why is franchise exposition important?

A franchise exposition might be held near you as well. They are great to visit because you can ask questions and compare franchises at one location.

What is the SBA loan?

In the United States, the Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantees loans. Although you obtain a loan from a bank, the SBA guarantees that it will step in and repay the loan if you default. Often, SBA loans are easier to get than conventional loans. The SBA also has a list of approved franchisors.

What is a rollover of a business?

The process is called a Rollover as Business Startups, or “ROBS.”. Essentially, you start a qualified retirement plan in your new business and then rollover your retirement savings into the franchise's retirement plan. The retirement plan then buys shares in your business.

How much does it cost to start a franchise?

Check start-up costs. No franchise will let you start for free. However, you can start some home-based franchises for as little as $1,000. Others will cost from $10,000 or more. Find out the start-up costs and whether you can afford to buy in.

How do franchisees get financing?

The first is having a family member or friend join in the franchise as a partner, sharing the financial and operational load of the business—and also the profits that come. The second is a family member or friend offers a loan, which the franchisee pays back.

What is FDD in franchising?

The FDD is an invaluable resource to have as you put together your budget for franchise investment. You can request an FDD, which must conform to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines, from a franchisor at any time but you must receive one to review at least two weeks before signing any contracts with a franchisor.

How much does it cost to franchise a single unit?

Seid, founder and managing director of Michael H. Seid & Associates, the initial investment for a single unit franchise typically falls in the $100,000 to $300,000 range.

What is franchise fee?

The franchise fee is basically a cover charge for entry into a franchise system. Think of it as the fee you pay the franchisor for doing the legwork developing the brand, and saving you from many (not all) of the pitfalls that come with starting a business from the ground up.

Why do you need to prepare documents before meeting with a franchise lender?

Before meeting with potential lenders, it will be to your benefit to prepare your documents in advance. Not only will it help expedite the process, it will help you show the lender you can be trusted with the responsibilities of a franchise business. Lenders strive to take on as little risk as possible.

How long does it take Glenn to finance his franchise?

The process of financing his franchise with his retirement funds took Glenn around four-to-six weeks. Glenn advises others seeking franchise funding “to make sure you do the due diligence. Research the business model thoroughly. If you can afford to overfund, especially with a 401 (k), do so.

What is an executive summary?

An executive summary: An overview of the business plan and the goals you have for the business. Many have found it best to write this summary last, even though it’s presented first.

What Is a Franchise?

Put simply, a franchise is a business that’s owned and run by a franchisee or individual but is overseen and branded by a larger parent company or franchisor. Common examples include restaurants and hotels, such as Subway and Hilton Hotels.

What is franchising a restaurant?

Franchising is one of the most flexible ways you can distribute goods and services. A franchisor can give you the needed training and support for starting a restaurant franchise business. Partnering with a fun and successful brand, such as Twin Peaks, which is a unique sports bar and restaurant, is a smart move.

What is the fourth requirement for a business?

4. Regulatory or Legal Requirements. A fourth requirement is satisfying any regulatory or legal requirements that the parent business mandates. While sometimes the requirements are simply obtaining permits and a lease, in other situations, it could involve educational requirements or specific licensing. 5.

What should a business plan include?

Your plan should include details, such as estimated investment expenses, besides projected returns. Most importantly, be sure your business plan is well written because this can make a difference in whether a lending company approves your loan.

What are the skills needed to be a successful business owner?

Are you able to comfortably interact with both employees and customers? Besides being energetic, you also need to pay close attention to details and be exceptionally disciplined.

Is it easy to start a franchise business?

The Bottom Line. The process of starting a franchise business isn’t cheap or easy, so it’s important to partner with a reputable parent company. There are several requirements you must satisfy before starting your business. Franchising is one of the most flexible ways you can distribute goods and services.

Where to Look for Startup Funding?

There are many different sources from which you or your franchisees could obtain startup capital. Entrepreneur.Com says that most franchisees will look for funds in the following places:

What is Score.Org?

SCORE is a nonprofit organization that provides education and mentorship to small businesses at little to no cost– Score.Org. This doesn’t necessarily mean that these organizations will provide financial capital to your franchisee; however, they can offer guidance on how to successfully obtain and use that capital.

Is crowdfunding a good way to raise capital?

Crowdfunding is a newer way to raise capital; however it does come with its risks. A franchisee could join a crowdfunding website and essentially sell securities to investors through that site. This is a relatively easy way to raise startup capital for a franchise; however, there are a number of regulations that go along with crowdfunding a franchise that could prove this option to be a relatively risky one.

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Where to Look For Startup Funding?

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There are many different sources from which you or your franchisees could obtain startup capital. Entrepreneur.Comsays that most franchisees will look for funds in the following places: 1. Friends and Family 2. Home Mortgages 3. Venterans’ Loans 4. Bank Loans 5. SBA Loans 6. Finance Companies When banks are too sk…
See more on blog.projectionhub.com

Franchisor Financing

  • Your franchisee may be more likely to buy a unit of your franchise if you, the franchisor, are able to support their business venture. Entrepreneur.Comhas a list of ways you can provide financing for your franchisees: 1. Leasing programs for equipment 2. Leasing programs for building 3. Financing programs provided by suppliers 4. Deferral of all or a part of the initial franchise fee If …
See more on blog.projectionhub.com

Crowdfunding

  • Crowdfunding is a newer way to raise capital; however it does come with its risks. A franchisee could join a crowdfunding website and essentially sell securities to investors through that site. This is a relatively easy way to raise startup capital for a franchise; however, there are a number of regulations that go along with crowdfunding a franchise that could prove this option to be a relat…
See more on blog.projectionhub.com

Small Business Mentors

  • Finally, a great way to finance a franchise is to partner with a small business mentorship organization. One example of this is SCORE. SCORE is a nonprofit organization that provides education and mentorship to small businesses at little to no cost–Score.Org. This doesn’t necessarily mean that these organizations will provide financial capital to your franchisee; howe…
See more on blog.projectionhub.com

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