Misinformation. It’s everywhere it seems. That’s why we think there’s some room for some solid information around a franchise business loan in Canada, with, and without the franchising bank finance you are probably looking for.

The whole issue of ‘ the bank ‘ is probably where a lot of the mystery, apprehension and misinformation lie when it comes to franchising finance in the Canadian marketplace.

When you understand how the banks participate in franchise finance and your loan in particular things get a lot clearer. We think if we lined up ten business people and entrepreneurs and asked them if they thought banks would finance their franchise… well we hesitate to guess their answers, or coments.

The reality though, approached under the right circumstances and program the fact that you are purchasing a proven business model is actually very appealing to the bank – Again, under the right program.

So where do things go wrong? One of them when we talk to clients is simply the fact that they are incorrectly assuming that the financing they are looking for will be a loan for 100% of the purchase price. We only wish!

The reality is that you must be prepared to inject certain funds; we’ll call it an equity or owner investment, into your business. Under the right franchise finance program that permanent injection can be as low as 10%. Naturally certain other rations around liquidity and debt have to make sense.

Remember also that the right mix of debt, i.e. what you owe, and equity, i.e. what you put in is the classic success story for any business financing. It’s all about the right blend. You don’t want to drain all your personal resources, that’s for sure – at the same time you want to be in a position to pay yourself and your franchising finance loan and show a reasonable profit also.

We keep referring to a ‘ program’ Specifically its the government BIL program which is administered by the banks but underwritten, or ‘ guaranteed’ substantially by the government , to your lender, the bank!

Clients often ask us if they can get franchising assistance from a finance point of view from their franchisor. We’re skeptical that happens a lot, and if it is it’s certainly in a limited fashion – so don’t hang your hopes on that dream too much!

Does being prepared make sense to you in business? It sure has to us! That’s why a very simple basic package that covers info on yourself, your new proposed business, some financial projections and other misc data make a franchise business loan happen a lot faster.

What about the financing costs for that loan ?The truth be told ( and we did promise you the truth ) is the BIL program has the best rates in Canada for any start up business, which is more or less what your new franchise is . Rates are in the 3% over prime range, and other enhancements to the overall credit package of the program are very
attractive to you, the business borrower.

Your own business background and personal credit rating play a key part of any franchise financing decision. Be prepared to demonstrate paying your taxes on time, having good payments with your creditors, etc. Typically you won’t be asked to put up additional personal collateral such as homes, savings, etc. But again, that’s if you have presented your overall picture properly.

We often supplement client financing with equipment leasing on certain assets when that makes sense – that might include P.O.S. systems, computers, etc.

Want to make sure you are getting the real scoop on franchise finance in Canada. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in this area; thereby enhancing your business success potential.