Being the 'new person' is not always beneficial, especially when it comes to a major life decision such as your new career as a franchisee in Canada. Not knowing about franchise finance or franchising lenders work is definitely a set back - so lets get you 'armed and ready' with some solid info on financing your franchise.
First of all, here's the good news - financing a franchise in Canada is certainly possible - It's mostly done by a guy named BILL! And we're not kidding. More about him later.
In fact, the franchise industry is currently viewed as quite healthy as lenders feel that the concept of proven business models and branding of your franchise are great steps to opening what absolutely is a 'start up' business. Obviously we all agree a franchise 'start up' is steps ahead of opening up your own business and 'taking a chance'.
So, can you get a 'standard' bank loan to complete your franchise finance? We do not want to be too sarcastic here, but the answer is, yes, if you have a million dollars net worth, pristine credit, and some outside collateral and guarantee ability. So what we are saying, putting that sarcasm aside, is that conventional lending does not really work if you're a new franchisee seeking an independent business opportunity financing.
So, that brings us to our friend BIll, remember we told you he finances most of the franchises in Canada. Clearly a popular guy, as he finances millions of dollars of franchises. Our clients want to immediately get to know this Bill guy. So, who is Bill?
Actually we have spelled his name wrong, its BIL, because that is the name of the government sponsored loan program in Canada (in the US it's called the SBA loan) that funds most franchises in Canada.
How can one program be so popular? It's simply because it's well suited to what you are trying to accomplish. It provides great rates, terms and structures, limited personal guarantees, and requires what we in our firm call a reasonable or decent personal credit history. IE You do not need that million dollar net worth we spoke of earlier?
So how do you achieve franchise finance success with franchising lenders on the BIL loan? Again, pardon our humor, but investigate the Boy Scout motto - Be Prepared!
The essence of approval for your franchisee venture for franchising lenders under a BIL loan is a crisp business plan, a financial projection that makes sense, and various back up documents as required by the program. Naturally you also need assistance in determining who offers this loan program, how it can be sometimes augmented with other financing, and it sure helps if you present it professionally and properly.
So, we always try to have a bottom line, and in this cases its pretty simple - investigate the BIL program, do your homework, identify key requirements, and, if you are challenged by any of the above seek a trusted, reliable, and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can help you achieve franchisee franchise finance success with the right franchising lenders for your BIL. And, by the way, congratulations on your new role as a Canadian entrepreneur!