Franchise Finance Formula 102 : Why The Canada Small Business Financing Program Works And When It Doesn’t

What’s Good And Not So Good About Franchise Financing In Canada : Franchisee’s Are People Too !

OVERVIEW – Information on the positive and negative aspects of the Canada small business financing program as it relates to franchise loan solutions


The Canada small business financing program , properly approached, is a great vehicle to complete the financing of a franchise in Canada. Knowing the limitations of the program, and how to accentuate the benefits become a classic win/win. It's as close to a proven ' formula '

as we can get, so let's dig in.









While franchising is as close to ' rampant ' as we can get these days many franchisees still view the whole purchase/acquisition and of course financing with some fear and trepidation. It's essentially fear of the unknown we suppose.

While not specifically designed for the franchise industry the Canada small business financing program over the years has evolved into a major lender in Canadian franchising. The program, commonly called the govt SBL (small business loan) loan is government underwritten and sponsored, but administered and managed via our Canadian chartered banks and a very small number of misc other financial institutions.

It's not hard to see why banks flaunt their interest and expertise in franchise financing - as their loans are in a large portion guaranteed by the government. Who wouldn’t want a piece of that action?! While some franchising loans might be made by banks to the largest and well known brands (think ' clown and a golden arch) outside the SBL program they are clearly not the majority.

While the requisites for the program are certainly not onerous it is often what the program does not do that limits some franchisees from reaching financing success for their venture.

And those prerequisites? They include:

Reasonably clean personal credit and financial history of owner
Proof of acceptance from their chosen franchisor
Premises lease co-terminus with loan amortization
Business plan/cash flow and management bio

Surely everyone recognizes that that type of information is standard within any type of business financing in Canada.

So where do things go awry? As we said it's knowing when the program will not work from you.

Here's where the limitations of the program need to be clearly understood. They are as follows:

- The program is not 100% financing - the owner must have a reasonable down payment, aka ' equity component’

- The SBL loan is a term loan, not a cash loan, and not a revolving line of credit type facility - It is a term loan with equal fixed monthly payments, typically spread over a 3-7 year term that suits the borrowers

- The loan only finances equipment and leasehold improvements - That means franchise fees, working capital needs,

- The SBL does not finance inventories, and it doesnt provide financing for the actual sign up franchise fees

- The Loan cap is 350,000.00 so franchises requiring financing additional to that often become problematic when it comes to the SBL

If your franchise needs can’t be financed by a direct franchise commercial lender explore the Canada small business financing program. But beware, as we have noted, of what the program can... and can't do.

For further clarity and probably faster approval seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success in the franchise area of the Canada small business financing program.


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 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.

Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


7 Park Avenue Financial = Canadian Franchise Financing Expertise


Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:

7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769
Office = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

Stan Prokop

Looking For Franchise Business Funding ? Stay In The Loop On What’s Important For Canadian Business Lenders When It Comes To Franchising Loans

What You Need To Know Franchise Loan Financing In Canada

Information on franchise business funding in Canada . What take aways you need for business lenders around your franchising loan .




‘In the loop’ ... it’s of course being informed and up to date on a subject. So when it comes to a decision such around franchise business funding and staying in the loop on issue surrounding franchising loans, lenders, and other related issues what could be more important ? !

The whole issue of purchasing a franchise and then sourcing franchising loans to complete that purchase is clearly a journey these days... we like to think about it as simply basic steps you can implement in an orderly fashion.

It should be no secret that the franchise you ultimately choose, whether it be in hospitability or service business has to match and complement your financial resources. Naturally related to those decisions are key areas such as suitability of the business when it comes to work experience, fields of interest, etc.

What many franchisees may not realize is that your actual experience in the business is certainly one key factor that a franchise lender considers with respect to a final approval of your transaction. This is probably most evident in the hospitality area, when it comes to a restaurant as an example.

While we personally believe a solid mix of business and marketing skills should make a strong case for a positive supplement to your franchise loan approval the hard reality is that in many cases no experience in an industry often raises a red flag with lenders when it comes to probability of financial success in the business. In any business management experience, rather mis - management is cited as a case for business failure, and this is equally so in franchising in Canada.

Your own investment in the business, i.e. your equity or down payment is of course a strong motivator for you to make the right decision. Although we see some franchisors providing what we could call at best ' guidance ' to your financing needs it should be clearly understood that you're on your own when it comes to franchise business funding in Canada . The one caveat is that in some cases franchisors have a program established with a financial institution of some type, but this is absolutely certainly no guarantee of final approval.

Doing the right due diligence around the financial aspects of your purchase is critical. Understanding revenue potential, profits after your salary that would define a reasonable return on investment, and the ability to finance the business on an ongoing basis are key to being ' in the loop. This can be accomplished through research, talking to current franchisees in the system, and getting some solid advice or mentoring from your accountant, lawyers, or business peers.

Franchising sales account for a huge part of the Canadian economy. Financing your franchise via a specialized loan program such as the Government SBL/BIL program allows you to limit your liability while at the same time having access to solid rates, terms and structures. It quite frankly the ' proper ' financing for your franchising business loan.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on which type of financing best suits your needs... and , as we said, you'll be ' in the loop '!






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 7 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.
Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/franchise_business_funding_lenders_franchising.html