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Franchise Financing: Best Business Loan Options
Running a franchise can be challenging, and investments like equipment purchases and renovations can add up. Luckily, there are many franchise financing options that can help business owners to successfully run and invest in their franchises.
Franchises can carry significant start-up costs, and owners may need to invest in a property purchase or lease. Even once the franchise is operating, paying for equipment purchases, expansion costs, and taxes can add up, especially when the business goes through periods of low cash flow. Many alternative small business lenders offer franchise financing to help you navigate these challenges. Our team of financial experts reviewed and ranked the top online lenders to help you get funded.
Top Picks for Best Franchise Financing Options
- Biz2Credit - Best for a Fast and Simple Application
- Fundbox - Best for Fast Repayment
- Fora Financial - Best for a Fast Approval
- Bluevine - Best for Low Interest Rates
- Torro - Best for Fast Funding
- OnDeck - Best for Flexible Financing Options
- SmartBiz - Best for Creative Financing Solutions
- Credibly - Best for Low Credit Scores
It’s important to choose franchise financing that’s right for you and your business. When evaluating funding options, it’s helpful to weigh several factors so you can understand the pros and cons of each option.
In this review, we highlight the terms, rates and fees of each lender, and explain what makes each them a good choice. We also share potential downsides of each company, and provide a methodology you can use to select the best equipment financing option for your needs.
Best Franchise Financing Options in 2022 - Full Overview
1. Biz2Credit - Best for a Fast and Simple Application
Biz2Credit offers term loans that franchise owners can use to build their businesses. Loan amounts range from $25,000 to $500,000. You can use the loan for your operational needs, including making equipment purchases or payroll. The loan can help to free up cash flow, and once funded, you’ll have access to the full cash amount upfront, which is ideal when you need the funding to make a large purchase.
Pros
Cons
Most applicants have a credit score of at least 660, have been in business for at least 18 months, and have an annual revenue of more than $250,000. Applying for a term loan with Biz2Credit takes just four minutes, and you can get approved within 24 hours. You may have funding as soon as 72 hours after submitting your application. Interest rates start at 7.99%, and repayment terms range from 12 to 36 months.
The Bottom Line
With a four-minute application and approval within 24 hours, this term loan is a practical choice for busy franchise owners who need funding quickly. Longer repayment terms of up to 36 months mean the loan will work for many business owners, and you can use the loan for many different purposes.
Try Biz2Credit
Read the full Biz2Credit review for more details.
2. Fundbox - Best for Fast Repayment
Fundbox offers a term loan and a line of credit that can be used for franchise financing. With the term loan, you’ll receive a lump sum that’s suitable for one-time expenses like an equipment purchase. The term loan can also be a suitable choice if you know how much funding you will need. Fundbox offers eligible applicants the ability to take an additional term loan without reapplying. If you need more flexibility, the line of credit offers ongoing funding that you can draw down, repay, and then draw down again. It can be a good choice for ongoing funding
Pros
Cons
Applying for the term loan or line of credit is a relatively simple process. Fundbox requires basic business information, and you’ll need to connect your accounting software or business checking account. The term loan is available with a 24- or 52- week repayment term, and payments are structured to stay the same through the entire term, avoiding unexpectedly larger payments. To apply for a line of credit, you will need a credit score of at least 600. You’ll also need to be generating $100,000 or more annually, and will need to have been in business for at least six months. You can choose a 12- or 24-week repayment term.
The Bottom Line
With both a term loan and a line of credit, Fundbox offers financing solutions for a franchise owner’s short- and longer-term funding needs. Applying for either option is simple and quick. While the repayment terms are short, there are no origination fees or prepayment penalties to worry about.
Try FundboxRead the full Fundbox review for more details.
3. Fora Financial - Best for a Fast Approval
Fora Financial offers small business loans and merchant cash advances suitable for franchise financing. Small business loans are available in amounts from $5,000 to $750,000, making them a versatile financing option. There is no collateral required, and Fora Financial offers discounts for early payoff. The business cash advances are also available in amounts from $5,000 to $750,000, and they require no collateral. There is no restriction on the advance’s use, and no set terms.
Pros
Cons
Small business loan or merchant cash advance applicants need to have been in business for at least six months. The small business loan requires that applicants have at least $12,000 in gross sales, while the merchant cash advance requires $5,000 in credit card sales. Both funding options have an easy, one-page application, and approval is made within 24 hours. Business loan terms are available up to 15 months, while the merchant cash advance is repaid based on your credit and debit card sales, giving you very flexible terms.
The Bottom Line
Both the small business loan and merchant cash advance offer funding amounts ranging from $5,000 to as much as $750,000, making these financing options suitable for many franchise owners. The one-page application is easy and requires no obligation, and with a 24-hour approval, Fora Financial is a practical choice for those who have urgent funding needs.
Try Fora FinancialRead the full Fora Financial review for more details.
4. Bluevine - Best for Low Interest Rates
BlueVine offers a business line of credit that franchise owners can repeatedly draw from. Credit lines are available up to $250,000, and as owners repay their line of credit, the credit line replenishes, creating a continuous funding line. With interest rates as low as 4.8%, this line of credit could be a good choice for franchise owners who are facing ongoing financing needs, such as during renovations, financing restaurant equipment (for example), or when navigating cash flow challenges. Franchise owners will only pay for the funding that they use, and the line of credit has no opening, maintenance, or prepayment fees.
Pros
Cons
To qualify, applicants need to have a FICO score of at least 600. They also need to have been in business for at least six months, and should have at least $10,000 per month in revenue. The application requires basic business information, and you can be approved in just five minutes. Once approved, you can request funds through the online dashboard, and they can be deposited within hours. You can pay back each draw over a six- or 12-month term.
The Bottom Line
BlueVine offers the flexibility of a business line of credit with interest rates starting at a low 4.8%. Since there are no opening, maintenance, or prepayment fees, this line of credit can be a lower-cost option for franchise owners who need flexible, ongoing financing that they can repeatedly draw down.
Try BlueVine
Read the full BlueVine review for more details.
5. Torro - Best for Fast Funding
Torro offers both fixed term and open ended funding for franchise owners. The fixed term funding features a maximum limit of $575,000, and there is no prepayment penalty. Payments are divided evenly across a term of three to 24 months. The open ended funding features a maximum limit of $125,000, but franchise owners can draw just what they need at one time. They can return and draw more money down in the future, and as they pacy back their loans, their monthly payment size declines.
Pros
Cons
Torro has a simple online application that can be completed through a computer or even a smartphone. The application requires some personal and business information, and Torro advertises a fast approval. In many cases, you can get funding the same day that you’re approved, making Torro a good option for franchise owners who are in a hurry to move forward with their financing.
The Bottom Line
By offering both fixed and open ended funding, Torro can help many franchise owners to address their financing needs. Its simple application and the ability to get funding the same day you’re approved is a major advantage, especially for franchise owners who need financing quickly.
Try Torro Read the full Torro review for more details.
6. OnDeck - Best for Flexible Financing Options
OnDeck offers short term loans and business lines of credit that can be used for franchise financing. The short term loans are available in amounts from $5,000 to $250,000, while line of credit amounts range from $6,000 to $100,000. As borrowers draw from their line of credit, those funds appear in their accounts in just seconds, thanks to OnDeck’s Instant Funding feature. That Instant Funding feature works even on weekends and holidays when banks are closed, which is a major advantage for franchise owners who will repeatedly need funding quickly.
Pros
Cons
OnDeck offers an easy application that you can complete online or over the phone. To be eligible for a term loan or line of credit, you’ll need to have been in business for at least a year and have annual gross revenue of at least $100,000. You’ll also need a personal FICO score of at least 600. Once you’ve completed the application, you could receive your funding the same day that you’re approved. Franchise owners who take out a business loan can apply for a second loan or renew their existing loan once they’ve paid down half of the balance. If approved, they won’t be charged any of the remaining interest on their first loan, and might qualify for a lower origination fee.
The Bottom Line
Applying for an OnDeck loan or line of credit is easy and fast, and funding is available as soon as the same day that you’re approved. Franchise owners who are unsure of their exact funding needs can repeatedly draw down a line of credit, or they can apply for a second loan or renew their existing loan, thanks to OnDeck’s loyalty features. These options make OnDeck a flexible lender that can support franchise owners through uncertain times.
Try OnDeck
Read the full OnDeck review for more details.
7. SmartBiz - Best for Creative Financing Solutions
SmartBiz offers bank term loans and custom financing options for franchise owners ranging from $30,000 to $500,000. The bank term loans feature repayment terms of two to five years, which gives borrowers a longer-than-average time to repay the loan. The custom financing options include a business line of credit, invoice financing, and business credit cards. The line of credit allows franchise owners to repeatedly pay back and draw down funding. Invoice financing can be an appealing option, since it lets franchise owners sell outstanding invoices to a lender. The franchise then receives part of the invoice payments that the lender collects.
Pros
Cons
Applying for financing with SmartBiz is easy, thanks to the five-minute prequalification process that can save applicants time. SmartBiz does have strict applicant eligibility requirements, including having been in business for at least two years, having the cash flow to support loan payments, and having a personal credit score of 660 or higher.
The Bottom Line
With options like invoice financing and business credit cards, SmartBiz moves past traditional funding and offers franchise owners greater flexibility. The five-minute prequalification application is convenient, and with upper limits of $50,000, SmartBiz funding is a practical choice for applicants who need smaller amounts of financing.
Try SmartBiz
Read the full SmartBiz review for more details.
8. Credibly - Best for Low Credit Scores
Credibly offers SBA loans, small business lines of credit, merchant cash advances, and equipment financing loans that franchises can use for their financing needs. The line of credit is available for amounts of up $250,000, while the merchant cash advance offers funding up to $400,000. The merchant cash advance may be particularly appealing to franchisee owners, since fluctuating revenue and low credit scores won’t necessarily prevent an applicant from getting funding.
Pros
Cons
SBA loans have strict qualifying criteria and require that you have a 620+ personal credit score and have been in business for at least two years. Repayment terms range from two to five years. The line of credit minimum qualifying criteria include a personal credit score of at least 560, plus having been in business for at least six months and having at least $50,000 in annual revenue. Applying for a merchant cash advance is easier; you’ll need at least a credit score of 500, and you’ll need to have been in business for at least six months and have earned at least $15,000. Equipment financing doesn’t require a minimum credit score, and it’s easier to apply for because the new equipment serves as collateral. All Franchise Financing funding options feature online applications, and applications for merchant cash advances and small business lines of credit are reviewed within one business day. You can pre-qualify for equipment financing in just 10 minutes, and SBA loan applications are approved within 24 hours.
The Bottom Line
With four different types of funding suitable for franchise financing, Credibly offers solutions for many different franchise owners. The merchant cash advance in particular offers reasonable qualification requirements, including a credit score of just 500. Financing terms vary, meaning many franchise owners are likely to find a funding solution that works for them at this lender.
Try Credibly
Read the full Credibly review for more details.
How to Choose the Best Franchise Financing Option
- Loan Features: Consider the specific features of the loan, including the terms, repayment optionality, and the funding amounts available. Make sure that you’ll be comfortable paying back the loan within the specified terms.
- Application process: How invasive are the application requirements, and how much time will you spend applying? Look into whether the application has a hard-pull or soft-pull credit score impact. If you’re in a hurry for franchise funding, consider how quickly applications are approved and loans are funded.
- Interest rates and fees: Consider different types of fees, like origination fees, as well as the minimum and maximum interest rates. A high interest rate can drive up your payments, and your franchise’s income needs to be able to support those higher payments.
- Qualification process: Will you qualify for funding? Factors like the required minimum credit score, annual revenue, and business history can help you to tell whether you should apply.
- Customer support: If you need help, can you get in touch with a live customer service representative? Is multi-channel support available, so you can get the help you need even when you’re also busy running your franchise?
- Online user reviews: Consider what other customers are saying about their experience with the lender on sites like Trustpilot.
- Perks and Bonuses: Are there other reasons to choose the lender, like perks like payment flexibility, advertising transparency, and advanced technology?
Franchise Financing Options Main Features
| Company | Min. Credit Score | Min. Time in Business | Min. Revenue | Loan Amount | Interest Rate |
| Credibly | 620 for SBA loans, 560 for line of credit, 500 for a merchant cash advance | 2 years for SBA loans, 6 months for line of credit and merchant cash advance | $100,000 for SBA loans, $50,000 for line of credit, average of $15,000 per month for a merchant cash advance | Up to $250,000 for a line of credit, up to $400,000 for a merchant cash advance | 6.99% for SBA loans, 4.8% for line of credit |
| Biz2Credit | 660 | 18 months | $250,000 | $25,000 to $500,000 | 7.99% |
| Fundbox | 600+ for line of credit | 6 months | $100,000 for line of credit | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Fora Financial | Not disclosed | 6 months | $5,000 minimum in credit card sales for a merchant cash advance, $12,000 gross sales for a small business loan | $5,000 to $750,000 | Not disclosed |
| BlueVine | 600 | 6 months | $10,000 in monthly revenue | Up to $250,000 | 4.8% |
| Torro | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Up to $575,000 for fixed term funding, up to $125,000 for open ended funding | Not disclosed |
| OnDeck | 600 | 1 year | $100,000 | $5,000 to $250,000 for short term loans, $6,000 to $100,000 for a line of credit | 35% for short term loans |
| SmartBiz | Not disclosed | 2 years for term loans | Not disclosed | $30,000 to $500,000 for bank term loans, $30,000 to $500,000 for custom financing | 6.99% for bank term loans, 6.99% for custom financing |
What is Franchise Financing?
A franchise is a joint venture between a franchisor and several franchisees. The franchisor is an original, successful business that sells the right to use its name, ideas, and products. The franchisees buy this right to trade under an existing business model.
Franchise financing is a term given to the process of securing a loan for getting your franchise business started. More prominent brands assist these individual stores with trade secrets, marketing, business plans, and other resources to help them succeed.
While franchises are an excellent way to ensure that you have a solid business plan in place, buying into these businesses can be expensive.
Insights Into The World of Loans for Franchises
Start-up costs for owning a franchise can vary from thousands to a few million dollars for some of the more popular franchises. While many franchises will require a franchisee to have a substantial net worth, one can purchase a franchise for $50,000 or less.
The franchisor will charge an initial franchise fee or license fee. Also, there will be a royalty payable based on the franchised outlet's financial performance. Besides this fee and costs, you may be restricted to selling only the stock or goods supplied by the franchisor.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Franchise?
Buying into a franchise can be costly. The following are the costs that you should expect.
- Initial franchise fee: an initial fee is payable to the franchisor for the purchase of your business.
- Recurring franchise fees: these are often referred to as royalties, which are ongoing fees that you'll pay (usually monthly) to the franchisor as part of the original agreement.
- Marketing fees: the franchisor will most likely take care of the marketing for the brand as a whole.
- Required purchases: franchisors may require that you purchase certain goods or services for use within your store.
- Build out costs: Once you have secured your franchise outlet, you will have to pay initial rental plus a deposit, start renovating your premises, shopfitting, and so on.
- Hiring costs: there will be costs involved with the hiring and training of employees.
Things to Know Before Taking Out Franchise Financing Loan
Franchise loans are available for franchisees, but it's essential that you come armed with the following before approaching franchise financing lenders or a franchise financing company itself.
- Business and Personal Budgets: You will need to budget for the usual business expenses such as rental for the business premises, stock, salaries and wages, insurance, and other overheads. Then you must cover your salary and set an amount aside for unforeseen expenses. Set your goal for breaking even in the first year.
- Your Personal Net Worth: Net worth refers to how much capital you can access to invest in your franchise and tells franchisors and those in the franchise financing business how well you have managed your money historically.
- Financing Options: Do your best to know more or less what your financing needs and options will be. We will discuss these options in the next section.
- Time to Profitability: The franchisor and other franchisees in a chain should know how long it takes to become profitable. Speaking to them should give you a fair indication for inclusion in your forecasting.
- Developing Relationships: One of the biggest causes of franchise failure is because would-be franchisees go into a business with their eyes closed. We suggest that you develop as close a relationship as possible with the franchisor and the bank or lender that will finance you.
Where to Get a Loan for a Franchise?
The following are five different types of small business loans for a franchise.
1. Bank Loans
You will probably find that a successful franchisor's bank will be open to financing franchise opportunities based on its franchise client's track record.
Banks, however, tend to require more substantial documentation and will look at the prospective owner's credit rating and any other business credit ratings more closely.
A bank also tends to require self-contribution from a prospective franchisee and consider any available collateral.
2. SBA Loans
Another possibility is raising a loan guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). These loans typically offer attractive rates and terms. You should note that the SBA itself does not make loans, though.
Instead, it partners with a financial institution that makes the loan; then, the SBA undertakes to repay a significant portion thereof in the event of default.
3. Retirement Funds
Should you have a 401(k) or 403(b) retirement account, you might be able to borrow against it to fund a business—including a franchise.
There are many restrictions against using retirement funds for anything other than retirement, so be careful and seek a tax professional's guidance when considering this option.
4. Small Business Credit Card
Small business credit cards can be another road to take. They often provide high credit limits, which could make it possible to finance a low-cost franchise with a balance transfer—where the funds are deposited into your business bank account.
This carries its risks, of course, meaning that you could be looking at exorbitant interest rates on your outstanding balance. If handled properly, it could provide you with a good business credit rating further down the line.
5. Franchisor Financing
Two weeks before you purchase a franchise, the franchisor must provide you with a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). This document should contain any information about whether the franchisor offers to finance or may finance through one of its established lending partners.
Conclusion
Finding the right financing option can help franchise owners to successfully run their businesses. Financing options like short term business loans and lines of credit allow business owners to navigate challenging cash flow times, invest in business equipment, pay for renovations and expansions, and make other important investments in their business. As you explore these franchise financing options, be sure to consider factors like loan amounts, loan terms, interest rates, and eligibility requirements to determine which option is best for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
How Can I Afford a Franchise?
What Are the Starting Costs to Operate a Franchise?
Do Franchise Owners Make Money?
Why Are Some Franchises so Expensive and Some so Cheap?
Should I Open a Franchise or a Regular Business?
Where Can I Find Financing to Open a Franchise?
About the Author
Paige Cerulli
Paige Cerulli is a content writer and copywriter who specializes in business, finance, pet, and health topics. An entrepreneur herself, Paige enjoys writing about topics that help business owners to make well-informed strategic decisions.
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