If only I had known! That’s one of our clients talking about a business franchise loan in Canada . The financing loans for franchising in Canada is often a major challenge.
Let’s examine 3 key areas of the franchise financing dilemma and help you get to the goal line on what is surely one of most rewarding and sometimes daunting business journeys that you have been on.
And what are those 3 things you sure wished they had told you previously? They are as follows – there is a unique program specially designed to cover off the majority of financing of franchises in Canada . Who knew! Secondly certain aspects of your franchise business can be financed, certain things can’t. You need to know what’s what and plan accordingly. Thirdly … it’s all about that word plan, because if you are 100% prepared, with a basic package, your chances of getting a business franchise loan financing approved increase commensurately. We can pretty well guarantee that.
We have always agreed that a franchise purchase in Canada is a great way to balance entrepreneurial risk. The range of opportunities available to you seems to grow every day, and if you are working with the right people and the right institutions you’re in a position to capitalize on that success.
We talked about the necessity to be prepared. There was a study done in the U.S. and we’re pretty sure it mirrors the Canadian experience, that over 80% of loans to new small businesses ( that’s kind of what a franchise is , wouldn’t you agree ?) are declined only for the one reason that the applicant wasn’t fully prepared with respect to a quality package of basic information.
And what those business folks hear about how basic some of those requirements are it must be downright embarrassing to know franchise financing loans weren’t approved simply because you didn’t cover off the basics.
We also point out to clients that a business franchise loan in Canada can cover of purchasing a new turnkey location, and in fact can also pertain to financing an existing franchise within the chain you are focusing on. This scenario of course requires full co operation and disclosure from both the current franchisee as well as the franchisors permission for you to complete the transaction.
Many franchisees ‘ turbo charge ‘ their chances of financial freedom and progress by adding additional units to a franchise they already own, thereby building their own mini empire! All power to them of course. We do caution clients though that it’s important to set up separate legal entities for each of those locations from a view point of risk and accounting implications.
So, what can be financed, and what can’t. Typically what can be financed in a franchise scenario are leaseholds, equipment, real estate if applicable, and items such as software of P O S ( point of sale ) systems. Inventory can’t be financed , as well as the franchise fee, prepaid rents, consulting you may have needed, etc.
The Government CSBF/BIL program which is administered by the banks is your quick and accessible solution for franchise financing under $350,000.00. It works great for starting any new business, and rates, structure and other aspects of the program such as limited liability make it almost perfect for what you want to achieve.