Franchising Canada. Whether it’s an ‘ IT ‘ franchise in the world of technology, or a restaurant in the quick service / full service/ casual service industry everyone it seems wants to get on board. If they know they have the ability to finance the business…so let’s examine some creative ways in which to complete the financing of the entrepreneurial dream.

It’s no secret to the potential franchisee that it’s all about cash – a combination of your own and borrowed funds. What are some of the methods that clients use to creatively, yet sensibly finance the franchise dream in Canada.

Every business in Canada, new or existing, has two components to the capital structure. Debt… and equity. Equity is of course your portion; debt is of course that contributed by your lender or lenders. And remember, you have the upside potential in equity… your lender has only the interest income, and the hope and belief that they will be paid in full.

That’s one of the reasons that many franchisee ‘ newbie’s’ in fact get overly enamored with the financial potential of their business when pitching a franchise finance scenario. We think they would do better often to tone it down a bit and focus more on the lenders ability to feel comfortable that cash flow will cover the loan or loan payments.

In talking to clients over a long period of time we’ve been intrigued by the manner in which customers come up with their portion of the funds, the equity. Sometimes it’s savings, other times they are leaving corporate life and utilizing their severance from the previous employer.

In other cases there is ‘ friends and family ‘ – we see that a lot. In order to be truly creative in using funds from friends and family (it hasn’t escaped us that they are in fact your ‘ angel investors;) you need to be sure these funds arent documented as formal debt – otherwise your banker or lender will have to show this on your personal balance sheet as debt, which will affect some of your borrowing ratios.
Supplementary to this strategy is getting a minority operating or silent partner in the business. Giving up a small amount of equity, say 5-10% might induce a family member or third party to help you out.

Typically the collapsing of registered savings plans is viewed by most as not, we repeat, not the best way to finance a franchise. Two reasons here actually, one is the huge tax bite involved in such a move; the other is simply that you have put your savings at risk, which clearly is not optimal.

Other creative ways to compliment franchise financing in Canada are to consider supplementary forms of financing such as equipment lessors for certain assets, or merchant receivable firms for ongoing cash flow. They are complimentary to your overall finance strategy.

Is there one way to really move along quickly in franchise finance in Canada? How about a co- signer, and boy do we have one for you. It’s the government of Canada, via Industry Canada’s BIL program, with the government in effect guaranteeing a huge portion of your loan in the franchising Canada environment. Don’t overlook that one!

So, a service franchise, such as in the IT (information technology) industry, or a restaurant… it’s your call when it comes to selecting and finalizing the franchise dream. Just make sure you have considered all options, traditional and alternative when it comes to ‘ creative ‘.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor for franchise finance advice that gets you to the goal line of success.