Franchise Financing Loans In Canada : Achieving Franchise Finance Success Depends On This

Looking To Be A High Achiever In Franchise Loan Success?

OVERVIEW – Information on acquiring franchise financing loans in Canada . Franchising finance is successful when the franchisee has mastered these critical issues

Franchise finance success in Canada - What business person /entrepreneur wouldn't want to be a ' high achiever ' in the one area that is critical to success - franchising financing. Let's dig in.

The good news in the franchise industry is that the few rougher years after the 2008 recession appear be quite well over - that has made it easier for potential franchisees of new and existing franchises to acquire the capital they need - if.. And it’s a big if... they know how to go about it.

The most common ' type ' of loan for a franchise is a ' term loan ‘. It's a fixed payment loan that is amortized over a period of usually 3-7 years. These loans are acquire and achieved through only a small handful of sources - a specialty franchise finance lender , ' the bank ' ( more about that later ) and a combination of commercial financing options that , when cobbled together put you on the path to loan success .

All these solutions might include one, or a combination of equipment and leasehold financing, working capital, credit lines, etc,

How you navigate the landscape of franchise lending (landscape in some cases might mean ' minefield ‘!)

will depend on your ultimate success in securing capital.

One key component of the franchise acquisition is the owner equity, aka ' down payment ' component. While there is no right amount that broadly qualifies all franchisees a typical range is between 25-50%.

KEY POINT - In some cases you only need to demonstrate you has access to capital, not necessarily provide it.

Your down payment, loan amount and ongoing finance needs are best set out in the financial portion of your business plan. This document should lay out in a clear manner the cost of the business, your loan amount, your on going incoming cash flows, your loan payments, and , most critical - the timing of your cash inflows . For example while many franchises in the hospitality business are ' cash businesses ‘ other franchises might be selling on credit terms - whereby they will only collect their invoice sales 30-60 days later .

In Canada there is a major government program that finances a huge amount of franchises. The program is called the CSBF program and finances loans up to 350k on very reasonable rates, terms and structures. The Canadian government guarantees a very large part of the loan to the participating bank.

If you want to be a ' high achiever ' in franchising finance success consider seeking out and aligning yourself with a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who will ensure the correct options relative to your situation will be explored.. And achieved... making you that ' high achiever ' in the explosive franchise industry that is such a big part of the Canadian economy.






Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :

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 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :



7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN FRANCHISE FINANCE 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

Franchising Finance Canada : Don’t Settle For Less In Franchise Business Loans

Feeling Out Of Control On Franchise Business Loans ?

OVERVIEW – Information on critical elements of franchise business loans in Canada. Franchising finance in Canada requires specialized focus and knowledge

Franchise business loans in Canada can easily give the Canadian franchisee that ' out of control ' feeling when financing is needed. So when it comes to franchising finance where does one go to, who can you count on for assistance? Let's dig in.

Top industry experts tell us that over 30% of those folks considering purchasing a business in this industry rarely consider at the outset the financing and cost of the business!

Even more so of a predicament is that the average franchisee considers ' the bank ' as the logical (only?) source of capital for their business purchase. The reality? It's that very few franchises are financed by banks in a direct manner. Many are financing in an ' indirect' manner, more about that one a bit later.

So who then is doing the financing in this industry? Unlike our counterparts in the U.S. financing solutions for purchase of a franchise hardly abound, but the good news is that that are still available - you just have to know the lay of the land.

Certain specialty franchise financing firms have major programs in place for specific franchisors. More often than not these are ' tier 1' type names for major brands with strong brand recognition. If your business purchase does not fall into that category you're immediate challenged?

We spoke of an ' indirect ' manner to finance your franchise via a bank. That is achieved under the CSBF program that is sponsored /administered by INDUSTRY CANADA, a branch of the Cdn government. Commonly called the ' SBL ' Small business loan this program is run by the banks but the majority of the loan is ' guaranteed ' by the government.

While we think it's a great program for franchising loans our problem with the SBL loan is that each bank has their own twist and interpretation on the requirements. So it's incumbent on the franchisee to ensure they have the knowledge, or the help of an advisor, to maximize success in financing approval under this program.

Going it alone in business is never a great feeling, especially in start up or business purchase mode, so don't forget to draw on the experience of your contacts with a lawyer, accountant, a business advisor, etc. It's their skill and expertise that will change losing to winning.

Financing can also be significantly complemented via equipment financing, working capital term loans, working capital credit lines, etc.

Don't forget also that an existing franchise can also be financing in much the same method as a start up/turn key scenario. In some cases it reduces risk as you have access to financial statements, asset lists, etc of the existing owner. Naturally the approval of the franchisor is also required.

So, bottom line? You don't have to settle for less when you've got some knowledge and experience behind you. Eliminate that ' out of control' feeling in financing a franchise - seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can assist you in your franchising finance needs.




Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :

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 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN FRANCHISING LOAN 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

Franchise Business Financing : Managing Headwinds In Your Franchising Finance Challenges As A Franchisee

The Best Of Times.. Or Worst Time To Finance A Franchise ?


OVERVIEW – Information on franchising finance in Canada . Franchise business financing requires a solid understanding of some key principles and facts



Franchise business financing in Canada requires solid basic knowledge around those ' headwinds '

that buffet the franchisee about when he or she is seeking a franchise solution. Without some expert help the franchisee potentially can fail in his efforts to successfully finance a business. Let's dig in.

The Canadian franchise sector as a whole couldn’t be more ' busy ' - in fact many maintain its ' hot '. A fairly solid economy, as well as the desire to become an entrepreneur of sorts makes franchising attractive. Corporate downsizing also tends to offer opportunities to experienced individuals who might otherwise view starting a business as too ' risky'.

Part of the problem we have seen in many cases revolves around the fact that some franchisors do not properly investigate or asses franchisee financial and business qualifications in their sometimes haste to ' sell ' a franchise. Remember always that franchisors ' sell' franchises, they don't ' finance' them - that’s simply not their business or best use of capital.

Does the quality or reputation make a difference in the ability to finance your franchise? While there is probably no ' bad ' list of franchisors available it's safe to say that many franchises have a reputation of being a bit more ' tried and true ' when it comes to business success. In Canada the franchisee has the option of dealing with a Canadian franchisor, or a chain that has U.S. or foreign ownership. In some cases you might be dealing with a ' MASTER FRANCHISE ' - someone or an entity that has purchased the rights to a geographical territory, such as... you guessed it... Canada.

We've observed that for whatever reason some franchise sectors tend to attract franchisees more than others - they include restaurants/hospitality , training, hair, fitness etc. It's incumbent on you the franchisee to demonstrate to your lender that you have both the right combination of passion and experience to start, run and grow a franchise.

So let's bore down into the actual financing of your franchise. That financing is achieved by either a specialty franchise lender ( they are extremely limited in Canada ) , a bank ( highly improbable ) , a bank via the SBL loan ( highly probable by the way !) , and a combination of assorted financing services such as leasing, merchant advances, working capital term loans, etc.

So, getting back to... the bank! While all our Canadian banks have franchise ' units' they are heavily focused on arrangements with only the most popular , large and successful chains .

Traditional financing for a start up is simply not available without the franchisee putting up as collateral significant personal collateral, aka the home, savings, etc. Typically that's not desirable for the franchisee! Simply speaking, you might find that the guy in the bank commercial on TV is not the lender you deal with in the branch!

We referred to the Canadian SBL loan above; it’s a solid way to finance your franchise if you meet some basic criteria. That includes a reasonable down payment, a decent business plan, good personal credit history, the loan only finances equipment and leaseholds, but more often than not that’s the bulk of the financing needed. Personal guarantees under the program are also limited, which is attractive.

Typically you want to have a ' team ' in place to ensure legal and financing issues are in place to help cement success. That might include your lawyer, an accountant, and... when it comes to financing a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success
. You'll be in better shape to navigate those business and financing headwinds.



Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :
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 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/franchise-business-financing-franchising-finance.html



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

Franchise Loans Canada : Let The Sun Rise On Franchising Finance Success

Are You ‘ All In ‘ When It Comes To Franchising Finance in Canada You Don’t Have To Be !

OVERVIEW – Information on franchise loans in Canada . Franchising finance properly executed doesn’t have to be the financial personal commitment that some franchisees think it needs to be . Here is why


Franchising finance makes many would be ' entrepreneurs ' feel like they must be ' ALL IN ' when it comes to franchise loans in Canada. ‘ALL IN ' of course connotation major personal investments in their franchises. Does it have to be that way? Not necessarily! So let's dig in.

When it comes to financing a franchise in the current ' hot ' Canadian franchise market the clients we talk to seem to think that comes with significant personal investments, overdrafts on personal lines of credit, and complicated financing packages that inter mingle with their personal finances. Again, that’s what they think, but it’s not necessarily the case.

We must emphatically say that the would be franchisee would be entrepreneur must in fact contribute some capital to the business. It goes without saying there no ' free ride ' on ' OPM ' - i.e. 100% other people’s money.

In fact some of the amounts required to properly finance this type of business in fact are normally not financeable - those include the actual franchise fees themselves, brokerage or consultant fees, etc. These types of charges typically come out of the owner’s capital investment.

As a broad rule you should be prepared, depending on the overall situation, to put down anywhere from 10-50% of the total amount of financing required to kick start your venture.

Funding the balance of franchise loans in Canada is typically dependant on the size of the purchase, the quality of cash flow forecasts, and lenders interpretation of the viability of your franchisor as a whole. Not all franchisees might be aware that many franchisors are willing to let a franchise fail, knowing they can re-sell it to another potential viable franchisee. Here issues such as ' location/ location/location' and mgmt competence and experience are important.

Never forget that at the end of the day the actual repayment of the franchising loan, which typically is amortized over 5-7 years will in fact come from ongoing cash flows and profits. Since most franchisees tend to be 100% cash businesses that is important.

In Canada franchises are financed via a small handful of specialty finance lenders, the Govt SBL loan, and a combo of various other financing solutions that might inlcude equipment financing, merchant advances, working capital term loans, etc.

So our advice? You don't have to be ' all in ' thinking you have to pledge your personal assets in franchising finance. More important is the ability to seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your funding needs.


Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :

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 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = CANADIAN FRANCHISING FINANCE 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

A Franchise Business Loan Shouldn’t Be A Gamble: Make Franchising Finance Strategy Successful

Do You Have What It Takes To Get A Franchise Loan In Canada

OVERVIEW – Information a achieving success in a franchise business loan in Canadian franchising . Franchising finance solutions depend on what you’ve got and how you show it! Here’s why and how



A franchise business loan in Canada seems to be viewed by some as a ‘gamble’

on franchising finance success. We certainly have never looked at it that way, and if you follow that famous Boy Scout motto (BE PREPARED!)
you'll be viewing financing your franchise in terms of a strategy, not a gamble! Let's dig in.




Various types of financing might be required by a franchisee. The most common is probably a term loan - typically with a 5-7 year term, fixed interest rates, and a therefore predictable monthly outflow of cash in terms of the loan. Naturally the amount of the purchase, coupled with your down payment or equity installment determines the ' monthly damage'!

In almost 99.99% of the time your ability to repay the loan will come from sales and profits you generate in the business. That’s where a serious amount of time needs to be spent on your cash flow forecast - it’s a task not loved by all but very necessary. And frankly if you don't want to do it yourself there is a lot of help available from your banker, accountant, or a Canadian business financing advisor.

We often hear the expression that you shouldn’t assume anything.

However, assumptions in your cash flow forecast are critical relative to revenue growth, expenses, owner draws, future investments required in the business, etc.

Security for a franchise business loan in Canada typically is the personal guarantee of the borrower, as well as the collateral financed inside the business. That typically exists of equipment and leasehold improvements.

If the franchisee is dealing with either a specialty lender, or utilizing the Canadian small business loan program to finance the business typically no outside collateral will be required. That tends to be great news for the wives and husbands of new franchisees who don't have to put the family home on the line. We see many franchise owners that mortgage their homes to purchase a franchise - in hindsight this tends to be a failed strategy - in essence they have ' too much' equity in the business and are putting personal asset at risk in case of problems down the road .

As we have hinted the success you have in financing your new venture is clearly tied to your business plan / executive summary. Many clients we meet have that ' glazed look' when we start discussing preparation of their plan. It's a lot more common sense than you think.

Elements of your plan will hinder, or guarantee franchising finance success. Our key tips in this area include:

Focusing on the basics - start up risk mitigation. Cash flow & profit projections

A clear summary of how revenues will be achieved and how expenses can be contained

Strong focus on the franchisor, the industry you are entering (hospitality, service, etc), client growth, etc - Some good industry data helps re trends, competition, etc

Conservative financial projections that make sense when it comes to making money and paying your franchise loan(s)


In fact the business plan can be a great document to revisit on a monthly or annual basis to determine what’s working, what didn’t work.

Take the gamble out of franchising finance risk - Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can ensure you've got what it takes to be a franchisee entrepreneur.


Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :

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 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :



http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/franchise-business-loan-franchising-finance.html




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

Loan For A Franchise? Here’s How Franchising Finance Can Work For You

Buying A Franchise ? How To Finance That Smart Purchase!


OVERVIEW – Information on how Canadian franchisees can access a loan for a franchise . Franchising finance is a specialized form of finance .


Yes, you're looking for a loan for a franchise, but who in fact is lending for franchising finance in Canada and what are the criteria. Is there a way to ensure you have access to all aspects of franchisee loans? Some good questions - let's explore some even (hopefully!) better answers.

A few years ago as the Canadian franchise industry (and all businesses in general) recovered from the global financial crisis it probably was the worst time even to seek franchising loans. But the dust has settle, the Canadian economy seems to be firing on all cylinders, and the only question you as a franchisee want to know is ' where's my loan approval'?

While Canadian banks promote actively that they support franchises in Canada the reality is that quite often, in fact almost always! ... they don’t do this directly. That probably simply comes from the fact that in many aspects franchises are viewed as start up in nature - notwithstanding the proven business model and brand you as the franchisee have bought into. So that means from a fundamental finance point of view that there are no strong opening balance sheets, historical cash flows, and proof of profitability. In essence you're a start up... and start up financing is hard to find.

So how in fact do the banks finance franchises? The reality? They do it under the auspices of the BIL/CSBF loan program, which is a government guarantee to the bank for the majority of the loan.

There are of course other sources of franchise loans. They include specialized franchise finance organizations, private commercial finance firms, and to a certain extent equipment finance firms that will finance certain hard assets associated with your business.

The key aspect of getting approved for financing under the Govt loan program is your ability to find an experienced banker who is both familiar with the program and can help you identify the key requirements of the loan . Another method in which you can address this ' search issue ' is to seek out a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who has the established relationships and knowledge to fast track approval success.

In the U.S., which has a similar program almost 25% of all loans made under their program are for franchises, and we think that's probably a similar, if not larger number in Canada. So if your competitors are getting franchising finance, why shouldn’t you... right?

If you are buying a master franchise or have multiple locations in mind various other options might in fact be available - for example assistance from a private equity group, etc. But the reality is that one individual franchise will never qualify for this type of financing participation.

The equity, or down payment component of a franchise loan is critical - It can be anywhere from 10-50% and it’s a fine line that has to be managed relative to the amount of personal funds you commit and where there will come from - i.e. collapsed savings, collateral mortgages on your home, etc, Remember the saying ' once you spend it, its gone! ‘which we caught recently.


The reasons you want to get a loan for a franchise are quite clear – owning a business, financial independence, etc. Accessing the right type of available finance for that entry into entrepreneurship is critical. Seek out and talk to an expert in franchising finance options.

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
CANADIAN FRANCHISE LOAN EXPERTISE






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 :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/loan-for-a-franchise-franchising-finance.html





7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8
Phone = 905 829 2653
Fax = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com
















Stan Prokop