New Locations
First-time franchisees or existing owners opening new units. Funding helps cover upfront fees, construction, and launch expenses.
Franchise Financing
What Is Franchise Financing?
Franchise financing is funding tailored for franchise owners and candidates. It can cover upfront franchise fees, build-out and construction, signage, equipment, and the working capital you need to get through the ramp-up period until your location is cash-flow positive.
What Franchise Financing Can Cover
- Initial franchise fee and other one-time brand-related fees.
- Leasehold improvements, build-out, and construction costs.
- Equipment, furniture, fixtures, and signage.
- Opening inventory and supplies.
- Marketing and grand opening campaigns.
- Working capital to cover payroll and expenses during the first months.
New vs. Existing Franchise Locations
Existing Locations
Current franchisees who need remodel capital, equipment upgrades, or funds to acquire additional territories or units.
Example Scenarios
Scenario 1 – First-Time Franchisee
A corporate employee is leaving their job to open a franchise fitness studio. Franchise financing combines a term loan for build-out and equipment with working capital to cover the first several months of rent, payroll, and marketing until membership reaches break-even.
Scenario 2 – Multi-Unit Expansion
An experienced quick-service restaurant (QSR) franchisee wants to add two more locations in nearby markets. Financing supports the build-out, equipment, and opening costs, allowing growth without draining cash from the existing stores.
Scenario 3 – Remodel / Refresh
A franchise brand is rolling out a mandatory remodel program. Financing helps the franchisee complete the required upgrades on time, keeping the location in compliance and competitive in the market.
How Lenders View Franchise Deals
Lenders often like franchise concepts because the model is proven and supported by the franchisor. They typically review:
- The strength and track record of the franchise brand.
- Your personal credit, experience, and net worth.
- Whether this is your first unit or an expansion of an existing group.
- Projected revenues and break-even analysis based on franchisor data.
- Location details: demographics, traffic, and lease terms.
How SBA May Fit In
For many franchisees, **SBA-backed loans** are part of the picture, especially for owner-operators with strong personal credit and a well-known brand. SBA programs can offer longer terms and potentially lower payments, but documentation and approval times can be more involved.
What You May Need to Provide
- Franchise disclosure document (FDD) and franchise agreement details.
- Personal financial statement and credit profile.
- Business plan or project summary, including timelines and cost breakdown.
- Build-out budget, equipment quotes, and lease terms.
- Any performance history from existing units (for multi-unit operators).
Planning Your Capital Stack
Franchise projects often combine several sources of capital—cash injection, financing, possible franchisor incentives, and sometimes equipment-specific loans. Fast Finance can help you think through:
- How much you realistically need for build-out vs. working capital.
- What portion may come from loans vs. your own cash.
- Whether SBA or non-SBA options make more sense for your timeline.
How Fast Finance Helps
Fast Finance listens to your franchise goals—brand, territory, number of units, and timeline—and introduces you to funding partners that understand franchise deals. We help you compare:
- Loan structures for new vs. existing franchisees.
- Terms that balance monthly payment comfort with total cost.
- Whether to combine franchise financing with equipment or working capital products.
Looking to open your first location or scale to the next one? Check my franchise financing options