Franchise Finance – Info You Must Know re: Franchise Financing and a Franchise Loan In Canada

As a Canadian entrepreneur considers a franchise purchase you want franchise financing info re the Canadian environment. When we meet with clients the questions is always very clear –

What do I need to know about franchise financing and how can I get a fast track to franchise loan approval.

Let’s cover off the basics in order that you are well prepared for the full completion of a successful franchise acquisition. That of course includes selecting the right franchise for you ( we leave that up to you !) but lets ensure you are well equipped to cover off franchise financing success on your own or with the assistance of a trusted, credible and experience franchise financing advisor .
Many fundamentals in franchise finance are key, and you should ensure these are in order prior to contemplating a franchise loan for the purchase of a new or existing franchise. (Many of our clients contemplate existing franchises that are being sold for some reason or another – they feel they can better validate chances of success by assessing the business results, location, etc.)

Speaking generally, you should ensure that you have a reasonable credit history and personal credit score. Whether you like it or not the two main credit bureaus in Canada allocate a score to every consumer and borrower in Canada – we can generally say that your personal bureau score should be in the 650+ range to acquire the best, and proper franchise loan approval.
Many clients we talk to believe the ‘franchising fee ‘being charged by the franchisor can be financed. You need to understand that is what people in the finance business call a ‘ soft cost ‘ and you should generally be prepared to use your own working capital for that issue as apart of your total financing plan . Naturally that amount still counts as a part of your overall equity contribution.

We should focus in on that point for a bit – You do not borrow in Canada ‘successfully ‘using the OPM model. OPM stands of course for other people’s money. Business borrowing, whether you are General Motors or an independent franchisee, has to be based on a combination of debt and owner equity. While in some cases you can achieve successful financing in Canada with a 10% deposit, in general the current economic climate calls for a 25- 40% or so owner equity contribution.

Where do clients get this ‘personal equity contribution’ that is a critical part of your franchise plan. In general it comes from savings, the liquidation of investments, or in many cases a collateral mortgage. The one positive feature of a collateral mortgage equity contribution is simply that rates, terms and structures are low and variable. I.E. low rates due to the current rate environment in Canada, and flexible repayment structures, i.e. no pre payment penalties, etc.

The positive advantage of arranging franchise financing for a resale franchise is that you can validate the profit and cash flow potential of the business. We should add that we are always a little bit concerned when a client assures us he or she can over turn the financial position of a failing franchise. Clearly a case of buyer beware we would say.

However, as we have stated, purchasing an existing franchise gives you great insights into the ownership and running of the business – including insights from the owner, i.e. the current franchisee. One can forgive the franchisors for being bullish and optimistic on their business, as their business is of course selling franchises.

We recommend all clients incorporate a business when applying for a franchise loan, if only for the reason that it is prudent to separate your business life from your personal life re liabilities, assets, etc.

So whats our bottom line – it’s simply that franchise finance in Canada is as complicated as you want it to be. Work and seek out a trusted, credible and experienced franchise financing advisor who will assist you in putting together the right franchise loan structure that meets lender and personal needs. That’s a solid financing plan!

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Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial - http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 6 years - has completed in excess of 45 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details:
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/franchise_finance_franchise_financing_loan.html