Starting Gate Financial
Financing ProgramsFranchise Financing

Financing Program

Franchise Financing

Franchise financing combines SBA programs with conventional lending to help franchisees open new units or expand existing locations. We understand FDD requirements, franchisor approval processes, and how lenders underwrite franchise deals.

Loan Range

$150,000 – $5,000,000

Term Range

10 – 25 years

Structure

Structured capital for franchise startup and expansion

What It's Used For

Common Use Cases

Open a first franchise location

Expand to multiple units within a territory

Acquire an existing franchise resale

Refinance high-cost franchise startup debt

Fund a new brand launch or concept conversion

Program Details

Key Features

SBA 7(a) franchise financing up to $5M

Covers franchise fees, buildout, and working capital

Pre-approved franchise brands with streamlined underwriting

New unit and multi-unit development programs

Conventional franchise acquisition financing available

Equipment and FF&E may be included in the loan

How It Works

How This Financing Is Structured

Franchise financing is typically structured as SBA 7(a) loans, which recognize franchise agreements as collateral and allow longer amortization. Conventional financing may also apply for multi-unit operators with existing cash flow. Lenders evaluate both the borrower profile and the franchise brand's unit economics.

Fit Assessment

Is This the Right Program?

✓ This program IS a good fit when:

  • Established franchise brands with proven unit economics
  • Operators with industry experience and liquidity
  • Multi-unit expansion with existing franchise agreements
  • First-time franchisees with strong financial profiles

✗ This program is NOT the right fit when:

  • Unproven or emerging franchise concepts
  • Operators with no industry or management experience
  • Franchises with unresolved litigation or FDD issues
  • Borrowers with significant consumer debt load

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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Ready to Move Forward

Structure Your Franchise Deal

No cost. No obligation. A direct conversation about whether this program fits your deal.