How To Finance A Franchise ! Great Question !

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Can You Finance A Franchise ? Yes You Can !

Canadian franchise financing - When Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs ask us what their financing options are for a Canadian franchise we indicate to them that the options certainly aren’t unlimited, but a number of standard and also creative options do exist.

Naturally all of these options are supplemented by your own savings or investment, what the finance world typically calls ‘owners equity ‘. In the current somewhat difficult challenging environment we have observed that there is upward pressure on the amount of owner equity you need to put into the business yourself.

How to Get A Business Loan For A Franchise with Franchise Financing Lenders

Most franchises in Canada are typically financed via loans, or debt – Canadian franchising does not really lend itself to a venture capital type environment. So where do those loans or debt come from – typically it is from traditional sources such as banks, and our firm has found success in effect cobbling together a couple of different financing sources to ‘ get the job done ‘.

When entrepreneurs come to us for franchise financing them is either looking for one of three scenarios – they are:


Looking to renovate their franchise location
They are wishing to purchase a brand new franchise
They have entered into a purchase agreement to purchase an existing franchise


Each of the above scenarios is worth mentioning with respect to a couple key points and observations:


Renovating an existing franchise via leasehold improvements or new equipment is probably the easiest financing scenario – as we have a real business already on our hands that is hopefully doing well, making some money, and looking to grow / expand
New franchises are probably where most of the financing challenge is as the entrepreneur and his trusted business financing advisor have to sell the lender(s) on the nature of the franchise, the probability of success, the industry business model, etc
Existing franchises are fairly easy to finance as again we have a business with sales, assets, and profits already in place. Some owners we work with target franchises that are existing that might not be doing well, they negotiate a fairly reasonable price, and have the determination that they can ‘turn the franchise around. Sometimes that is not necessarily as easy as it sounds.



One of the most popular methods of financing franchises in Canada is the Govt of Canada guaranteed small business loan . A large majority of franchises are financed in this manner .



Highlights of the Program include :

Eligibility for any franchise with under 5 M or less from an actual or projected point of view.

Loans up to 1 Million $ are available, with a large portion of the loan guaranteed by the government . An appropriate business plan and other key documents supporting the is required to commence the loan process. 7 Park Avenue Financial prepares proper business plans for our clients in the franchise segment.

Loans are used to either purchase the building/land , new equipment, as well as leasehold financing improvements.business.

Repayment terms and rates are very attractive and similar to traditional financing that is available to non franchise businesses.

We can’t over emphasize the fact that the ‘financing’ aspect of the business purchase should be entered into very early on in your whole process. Typically you have selected a franchise, or are entertaining a couple different options. In the last couple years we have been made aware of specialized firms that match your own business traits and style with the type of franchise that would most suit you. Not everyone is cut out to sell donuts and pizza, and we find some owners simply look at the appeal of potential revenues and profits, and not into the issue of ‘does this franchise suit my overall business style, work ethic and skills.

‘Skills ‘– Let’s focus on that for a moment. In our experience owners stand a significantly more better chance of success when they have some industry experience – We are not saying you ‘can’t be successful with no industry experience, but certainly those chances improve, and we hasten to add that issue is one criteria of any lender – i.e. does this business owner have the skills to run this business on a daily basis and grow and profit.

In summary, finalize your franchise purchase and start early on in your process to determine a financing strategy that works and will compliment your skills and investment. Rely on the services of a trusted , credible and experienced Canadian business franchise advisor with a track record of business finance success who will work with you through the entire financing process.




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

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com


Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations .

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.



Stan Prokop

Franchising Loan Solutions In Canada : Sourcing The Right Franchising Financing Lenders

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Franchising Loan Solution In Canada : Stalking Those Elusive Franchise Lenders

OVERVIEW – Information on sourcing franchising loan needs in Canada. Locating the right franchise financing lenders for your needs is a challenge you just might need some help with

Franchising loan needs of course involve franchise financing lenders. That search for the purchase of your business can seem very elusive to many entrepreneurs, particularly those that are new as franchisees.

How then do we find the right lender for our needs, and who in fact are those lenders. We supposed you could say we're stalking those funders that participate in franchise financing - but not in a creepy way of course! Let's dig in!

The majority of business owners would normally think that Canadian chartered banks probably offer their best chances of securing a franchise loan to purchase either a new or existing business. In some ways they could not me more wrong. If your bank does not have a formal ' program ' in place with your franchisor financing will be, shall we say... challenging! Banks prefer very established names that come with a brand and a lot of ' unit ' success in the market. (Think golden arches and rolling up cup rims)

Where the banks do play a key loan in franchise funding is via their partner in the transaction - the Canadian govt! That's via the Govt of Canada Guaranteed Small Business Loan program which makes the transaction less ' risky ' given that the govt guarantees the majority of the loan in case of default. That type of backing makes any loan ' low risk ' for sure!

One point of clarification: Your bank will of course consider financing your franchise choice outside the Govt Small Business loan program. (By the way, the new 1 Million dollar limit on this program isn’t exactly small) However that will require full disclosure by yourself of your personal finances, tax returns, sources of income/savings, etc.


While banks could provide the maximum amt of funding you need at absolutely the lowest cost it's safe to say that many franchisees would prefer to separate their business and personal finances when it comes to risk. Also if your bank is not willing to consider a pure franchise loan on its new merit it is often difficult to establish a new relationship within a short period of time based on your funding and timing needs.

Other sources for your franchising loan needs. They include a small handful of specialized franchise lenders who again also focus on programs they have in place with major franchising chains. These loans can be complemented by financing for various other lenders including leasing companies, working capital providers, etc.

Not sure you want to be a ' stalker' when it comes to tracking down franchise financing lenders? One alternative is to seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success
who can assist you with originating the best funding to start or continue your entrepreneur journey.


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 - Completed in excess of 100 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 & Contact Details :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com




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 '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.


Stan Prokop

Feel The Freedom ! Success With Canadian Franchise Financing Business Lenders

Our Only Competitive Edge In Business Financing Is Experience !

Thinking Of Entrepreneurship ? Pain Free Franchising Finance



Information on franchise financing solutions and lenders in Canada . Business financing made sense for entrepreneurs .


The ' freedom ' of owning your own business, one that has already proven to be successful is surely exhilarating. That’s why it’s so all important to ensure that you're aware of the options and mechanics that franchise financing lenders utilize for a business financing when it comes to franchising in Canada.

It’s a broad spectrum ! From newer immigrants to Canada to seasoned corporate executives there is no doubt that a franchise purchase represents the new ' Canadian business dream '.

Let's examine some key issues when it comes to financing your purchase, including which the franchise financing lenders are in Canada, and how you can avoid the disappointment of doing it wrong the first time.

Several elements of your personal and past business life come into play when a franchise lender looks at your business proposal. One of them quite frankly is your personal credit history which must be reasonable. ‘What’s reasonable?' ask clients who sit down with us to discuss their franchise purchase and business financing options.

Actually the playing field is very level here, not a lot of mystery as some clients assumes. In Canada two credit bureau agencies dominate the credit history market. All Canadians who borrow or who have borrowed in the past have a 'score '. The passing score in Canada tends to be 650. So you can easily check your score by yourself and determine whether you are in the striking range.

Another typical question we always get revolves around the type of franchise you purchase. Do franchise lenders actually favor certain franchises over others? (Think doughnuts, hockey, and a Canadian franchise name that comes to mind as an example!) We have even seen some studies recently that indicate that there are some internal publications at some financial institutions in the U.S. and Canada that favor certain franchises over others.

We think it goes without saying that some brand names are more attractive , seeming have the ability to be more successful vis a vis cash flow generation and profits, and are viewed as a ' better bet '. That having been said we've worked with numerous clients who have successfully financed franchises that are either new concepts to Canada or less well known. So don’t take a less known name as a ' no' when it comes to franchise financing success probability.

The reality of financing franchises in Canada is that it’s hardly a huge ' collateral ' play. Involved in your purchase are franchise fees, leasehold improvements, and numerous soft costs that quite frankly aren’t at the top of the collateral desired meter!

So your ability to package and present a deal properly, inject some equity into the deal (the proverbial ' down payment ‘) and demonstrate a decent opening balance sheet and cash flows is critical. A solid business plan that meets and exceed the lenders qualifications can be prepared efficiently by any Canadian business financing advisor who is worth their salt!

So, franchise lenders. Who are they in Canada? The banks do the majority of franchise financing in Canada, but the secret here is that the vehicle used to approve your financing is done under a government program called the BIL /CSBF loan. It works perfectly for your needs on franchise financings under 350k. One major international firm also finances franchises under special arrangements with selected franchisors.

You should rarely count on your franchisor to assist in the financing process, other than some guidance and suggestions. So if that’s the case, who can you turn to? Consider talking to a trusted, credible an experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can tailor a financing to your specific needs, and entrepreneurial success!


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_financing_lenders_business.html

Revealed ! How Funding Of A Franchise Purchase Works In Canada – Franchise Financing Lenders & Your Loan

We're never ones to be negative, so all we can say is that you can look at it as a problem, or an opportunity. We're talking about how franchise financing lenders work in Canada. Unless we're missing something, you've just made the decision to purchase a franchise in Canada - so how exactly does the approval and funding of that loan work? We're going to clarify that for you, right about now..!

The positive aspect of our information is simply the fact that franchising is ' hot ' again. Of course it’s always been around, and the actual stats on how much of the industry plays an important part in the overall economy is surprising to most. But when world fell to its knees, financially speaking, in the 2008-2009 global recession (and boy did that include Canada) many industries felt the pain, as did franchises. Well, the good news is that's over.

Clients always seem a bit overwhelmed with all the different aspects of putting together their total plan for their new franchise business. That includes choosing the business that matches your skills and investment, picking a location, finding employees, etc. But the biggest challenge seems to be the financing of that purchase via a franchise loan.

So is traditional bank financing available for a pure franchise loan. We're not 100% sure we can give you a ' yes ' on that one, but don’t despair as you will soon see. We suppose if you have pristine credit, a high net worth, strong outside collateral and guarantors, etc you could facilitate a term loan to purchase your business. That unfortunately is not he profile of many of the clients we meet that are looking for loan funding.

So what are those options then? In reality the specialty finance firms that focus on providing only franchise finance are a very small number in Canada. There are more of them in the U.S., but that’s not our turf! The specialty firms that provide the financing for the industry in Canada focus on the large well know brands that have lots of franchise units, strong franchisor financials, etc. That is only of course a small percentage of the total industry.

So whats the solution then if you're in the other majority, the hundreds or thousands of entrepreneurs who still require some major financing assistance. The answer is the Canadian BIL/CSBF program. It’s a customized federal program for businesses in Canada, with a loan funding cap of $350,000.00.

This program allows a Canadian bank to be your new franchise funding partner - mostly because the loan is guaranteed by the government so there is only nominal risk to the bank. Would the bank lend you those funds outside the program? As we said, maybe... but we're sketpical.

So if you are a new entrepreneur with a reasonable record of business success and experience how exactly do you proceed to qualify for your franchise loan purchase financing?

We going to break that down into a few key areas - they are focusing on the size of your investment, determining your own equity or deposit into the transaction, and then focusing on key fundamentals required for a loan approval.

Key elements to focus on are ensuring you can prove you have a reasonable credit history. Prepare a business plan, or have a plan prepared for you , that focuses on you, the franchisor, the financial potential of your business , one that demonstrates you're ready to run a business, and , oh yes, repay that loan .

Typical investments by yourself in the new business range from 25-40%... and as far as that credit rating goes you should have a credit bureau score of 650+.

Is there one secret to getting a final approval? We think it’s a bit more complicated than that, but not as troubling as you might think. Focus on a business plan, presenting yourself properly during the proposal process. We point out to clients that every new business, small and large actually goes through these same processes.

We recently came across a statement that maintains the four ' P’’s of franchise success are people, purpose, payment and protection. In summary, a good business candidate, a good franchise pick, ability to show you will be successful, and a back up plan if things don’t work out - example: spouses outside income.

So can we summarize? Franchising is popular again today... the best franchise financing lenders are specialized firms as well as the ever popular BIL/CSBF loan. Be prepared, and if you need assistance, consider seeking a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can fast track you to loan funding success for your new business.




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 .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.parkavenuefinancial.com/franchise_financing_lenders_funding_loan_purchase.html