(Franchise sales) Important Lessons On Financing A Franchise In Canada – Franchise Business Loan Success

24. October 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Franchise Consultants, Franchise Directory, Franchise Magazine, Online Franchise, Top Franchises

By sprokop

 It might be a proven business model, but funding that model can be a challenge without the right information and assistance. We’re talking about financing a franchise. A franchising business loan done properly is of course what is going to make those franchise opportunities you’ve chose work.

So is there a cost to buying into what most people recognize as a ‘ proven system ‘. The essential cost of course is your own personal investment into the business, as the type of financing that you obtain to acquire, and grow your business.

While many clients come to us with the mindset that financing a franchise is a ‘ start up ‘ type of business that comes with all sorts of risk and challenges the reality is that in many ways financial institutions and other lenders view this business model a safe way to enter into entrepreneurialism. And that translates, when you know what you are doing, into financing opportunities to create success for your vision.

A typical question we get is whether the type of business or brand or reputation of franchise opportunities in Canada matters relative to the finance challenge around acquiring that business. In general we can say it does not. Of course if you have been lucking enough to acquire the rights or an existing unit with an international brand that is already established that’s one step ahead, but the reality is that each new franchise financing opportunity is typically handled on its own merits.

In Canada you can typically be expected to put in a minimum of 10% permanent equity into your business when utilizing one of the most popular finance programs available to franchisees. However to make that transaction work, and get approved realistically you should be prepared to demonstrate the ability, not necessarily the cash, to fund up to 30 -40% of the acquisition.

Don’t forget also that an existing franchise, wherein you are purchasing for a franchisee who is selling is generally financed under the same mechanisms as a new unit. In Canada it always feels like the majority of franchises are Quick Service type restaurants but given that the franchise industry in Canada represents almost 50% of the economy you can be assure there are lots of other industry business models out there offered by Canadian, U.S. and international franchisors.

If there is one ‘ trick ‘ ( can we actually call it a trick?!) to financing a franchise in Canada it probably boils down to being prepared in advance for financing while at the same time working with a franchise financing institution or advisor who has special expertise in this type of finance.

In Canada many of the well known brands in franchising do in fact have relationships and packages available to you with 2 institutions, our chartered banks and one international franchise finance firm. However, we want to make it clear there is certainly no guarantee on financing your new business just because a relationship may have been forged in the past.

A franchising business loan in Canada is most easily accomplished via the federal BIL/CSBF program. This can be complimented by equipment and asset financing as well as working capital solutions that are either entwined or independent of the main financing.

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on franchise opportunities that can be properly financing in Canada.

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(Buying a franchise) What’s The Cost And Return on Franchise Financing In Canada.? Franchising Loans & ROI Explained

24. October 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Franchise Directory, Franchise Magazine, Online Franchise, Top Franchises

By sprokop

 When we talk to clients about their concerns of getting franchise financing in Canada they also want to focus on whether the cost to finance that franchise is in effect a good ‘ return on investment ‘, in relation to both their own personal investment in the business as well as ongoing returns on that equity based on the ongoing profits of the business and the risk involved in this type of business, i.e. franchising!

The amount of capital you need to raise relative to your franchise loan varies in Canada. Factors that are critical here are the amount of capital that in some cases your franchisor might insist you put into the business. Another key factor is of course the amount of funding you are able to raise based upon your own personal financial situation, one factor of which is your personal credit rating. Clearly the majority of franchises in Canada are regarded as ‘ small business’ so it makes sense that the banks and other firms that participate in franchise financing are focusing on you personally as well as your overall business prospects.

Canadian chartered banks, contrary to popular opinion, do participate in franchise financing in Canada. In fact in our opinion you could call them the major lender to the industry. But what many clients don’t understand when looking for franchise financing in Canada is that the bank lending in the franchising industry is done under the auspices of the Government Small Busines Loan, which is perfect suited to the type of financing you probably need.

So how much do franchises cost. We can safely say that they range in price for very nominal amounts such as 10k or so for a small service based franchise to millions of dollars for such large brand names… think ‘ golden arches’ as an example .

Cost factors of your franchise vary with respect to how well your franchisor is doing in Canada, or perhaps it’s often the case of a franchisor in the U.S. who wishes to expand or introduce their presence in Canada.

We mentioned the government small business loan as a prime source of financing for the cost of your franchising proposal. This loan actually maxis out at $ 350,000.00 but in our experience that amount finances a huge amount of the franchise opportunities in Canada. They are great loans because they offer sensible maturities of 5-7 years, solid interest rates and nominal fees attached to the overall financing. The initial franchise fee itself is not financeable under the program, so typically our clients fund that portion themselves, which of course counts as their overall equity,

It’s important to start sourcing your financing for your new franchise early on in the process. The bottom line, it’s never too late to start looking at your financing options available, including our aforementioned SBL loan.

So where does the capital come from relative to your own investment in the business.

Typically we see these funds coming from a clients own personal savings. That might also come from a severance situation based on the clients exit from ‘ corporate life ‘. In some cases you may choose to collapse savings, registered, or otherwise.

We encourage customers to understand the concept of financial leverage when it comes to R O I, or return on investment. Measure risk against reward; ensure you can withdraw a reasonable amount as a salary from the business, based on your financial projections.

And that ROI! Compute and analyze it just as you would any investment, such as a stock. Let’s say something costs 100% and you earn a 6% dividend. That’s generally a reasonable amount. So if you sell that investment 12 months latter your ROI is 6%. Think of that stock as being your business and the dividend being your business profits. Measure risk and reward and factor in the time and commitment you need to make into the business.

Franchising financing in Canada can be as difficult or easy as you make it. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who is expert in financing the cost of your franchising. And here’s to your great, hopefully, Return on Investment!

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(Food franchises) Planning for a green Franchise Launch

24. October 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Franchise Consultants, Franchise Directory, Franchise Magazine, Online Franchise, Top Franchises

By Daniel Cargille

 There are a number of benefits to starting an environmentally friendly business – especially if you’re starting a franchise. Not only will you save money on getting your business launched but you’ll earn the respect of the local community as you strive to improve your carbon footprint. It’s great for positive branding as you prove that you’re a globally and economically responsible company.

Here are steps to help you develop an environmental strategy as you get ready to choose and open a new franchise.

Target Environmental Regulations with your Franchise

Every business in the US is governed by a minimum set of environmental standards and regulations that have to do with trash and cleanliness, drainage, etc. Keeping up with these helps to avoid legal issues but if you want to build your brand and tout yourself as a green business then you need to go beyond the minimum standard.

Create an Environmental Management Plan for your Franchise

When you want to open a business you will more than likely sit down to create a business plan if you haven’t done so already. This typically includes financial and marketing information but it can also include an environmental management plan. This takes into account practical ways to reduce carbon footprint and utilize energy-saving equipment for reduced local impact as well as savings to utilities and reductions in budget. This can be as simple as planning to source food products from local providers.

Build a Green Franchise from the Start

If your franchise requires that you build a new structure to gain the most benefit and local impact with your target audience (or its just a sound decision financially) then you should aim to use green building products wherever possible in the business. This includes better HVAC systems, high-quality insulated windows with Low-e ratings, efficient lighting, solar panels and more.

Buy Green Products

Every business needs supplies, and depending on the franchise and brand you choose to invest in, you may need more than others. Food services franchises for example use far more cleaning supplies than a clothing chain. Make sure you source and buy products that are bio based and non-toxic. Where possible, such as with paper towels, try to purchase products made from post-consumer recycled materials.

Conserve Water

Every business uses water to some degree – but more so for a food-service based franchise. The increased demand on the water supply of our nation is threat to human health as well as the environment. If you implement a water-conservation program you’re working to conserve a precious resource that is in fact limited. Likewise, you cut a general utility cost by a portion through conservancy. You can boost conservation of water by having your local water agency conduct an audit of your systems. Likewise, invest in better technology and water-saving equipment. Lastly, try to minimize discharges of sewer and wastewater.

Make a Green Marketing Strategy for your Franchise

When you launch as a green business or franchise, there is a great deal of potential for building brand visibility – but people won’t know that you’re running a green business unless you tell them. Add those “green” claims to all of your marketing materials and make sure that your customers, vendors and business partners know that you’re working with conservation in mind. People love to do business with environmentally friendly companies.

You should take the time to build relationships with the people and organizations that can help you spread the word about your overall message and goal. Of course you want to turn profits with your business but you should work to share your attempts to help the environment. Not only are industry partnerships a good idea – such as with other business owners – but groups and organizations can help you share your missions as well.

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(Franchise consultants) Business Funding Options

24. October 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Franchise Directory, Online Franchise, Top Franchises, Uncategorized

By chadwick stear

 Starting a franchise could be a great opportunity. Franchises minimize some of the danger of establishing your own organization. However, starting a franchise requires considerable money. Not only must a franchisee pay for the regular launch costs, but the franchisee must also pay a franchise fee (which might be $10,000 to $100,000 or more). The typical average person probably doesn’t have all the necessary money in cash, and so the franchisee should find franchise financing. There are many options available for franchise financing.Franchisor Financing:Some franchises offer money directly to the franchisee. This sort of franchise financing could possibly be 1 of 2 ways. The first is that the franchisor offer financing straight to the franchisee. The 2nd way is that the franchisor can help the franchisee acquire franchise financing with a next party.Bank Financing:A franchisee also has the option of searching for franchise financing by themselves. A franchisee may make an effort to remove financing and search for a bank. A franchisee may visit the lender which they actually have a checking or family savings. Nevertheless, a franchisee will be best served by seeking out these banks that offer franchise financing and deal with little businesses.A franchisee must be organized when seeking out franchise financing from a bank. Whether the franchisee gets the mortgage would depend on the franchisees’ credit report. A franchisee could also have to present a business strategy and other financial statements to the bank.U.S. Small Business Administration:The U.S. Small Business Administration can be an organization of the United States government that helps individuals interested in establishing small businesses. Companies fall within the meaning of small enterprises, and thus franchisees may seek out help from the Small Business Administration in acquiring franchise financing. The Small Business Administration has plans where the us government can ensure the small business loan, which could help the franchisee be eligible for a lowered rate of interest on the loan.Friends and Family:Another place where a franchisee may seek franchise money is family and friends. If the franchisee features a rich uncle, he then may be in luck. The franchisee might be able to obtain capital from family member or several. If the franchisee really wants to make the franchise financing loan more formal, one option is to set up the loan through virgin money dept of transportation com.One point to consider is that nothing can sour a connection quicker than borrowing money and not paying it back, so if the franchisee selects this option, do it cautiously.Pay it Back:Franchise financing means that ultimately the franchisee will need to pay back the money, the financing is a loan and not an offer. The franchisee must make sure that they can manage to pay off the loan without adversely affecting the franchise or their private life.

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(Franchise ideas) Planning for a green Franchise Launch

24. October 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Franchise Consultants, Franchise Directory, Franchise Magazine, Online Franchise, Top Franchises, Uncategorized

By Daniel Cargille

 There are a number of benefits to starting an environmentally friendly business – especially if you’re starting a franchise. Not only will you save money on getting your business launched but you’ll earn the respect of the local community as you strive to improve your carbon footprint. It’s great for positive branding as you prove that you’re a globally and economically responsible company.

Here are steps to help you develop an environmental strategy as you get ready to choose and open a new franchise.

Target Environmental Regulations with your Franchise

Every business in the US is governed by a minimum set of environmental standards and regulations that have to do with trash and cleanliness, drainage, etc. Keeping up with these helps to avoid legal issues but if you want to build your brand and tout yourself as a green business then you need to go beyond the minimum standard.

Create an Environmental Management Plan for your Franchise

When you want to open a business you will more than likely sit down to create a business plan if you haven’t done so already. This typically includes financial and marketing information but it can also include an environmental management plan. This takes into account practical ways to reduce carbon footprint and utilize energy-saving equipment for reduced local impact as well as savings to utilities and reductions in budget. This can be as simple as planning to source food products from local providers.

Build a Green Franchise from the Start

If your franchise requires that you build a new structure to gain the most benefit and local impact with your target audience (or its just a sound decision financially) then you should aim to use green building products wherever possible in the business. This includes better HVAC systems, high-quality insulated windows with Low-e ratings, efficient lighting, solar panels and more.

Buy Green Products

Every business needs supplies, and depending on the franchise and brand you choose to invest in, you may need more than others. Food services franchises for example use far more cleaning supplies than a clothing chain. Make sure you source and buy products that are bio based and non-toxic. Where possible, such as with paper towels, try to purchase products made from post-consumer recycled materials.

Conserve Water

Every business uses water to some degree – but more so for a food-service based franchise. The increased demand on the water supply of our nation is threat to human health as well as the environment. If you implement a water-conservation program you’re working to conserve a precious resource that is in fact limited. Likewise, you cut a general utility cost by a portion through conservancy. You can boost conservation of water by having your local water agency conduct an audit of your systems. Likewise, invest in better technology and water-saving equipment. Lastly, try to minimize discharges of sewer and wastewater.

Make a Green Marketing Strategy for your Franchise

When you launch as a green business or franchise, there is a great deal of potential for building brand visibility – but people won’t know that you’re running a green business unless you tell them. Add those “green” claims to all of your marketing materials and make sure that your customers, vendors and business partners know that you’re working with conservation in mind. People love to do business with environmentally friendly companies.

You should take the time to build relationships with the people and organizations that can help you spread the word about your overall message and goal. Of course you want to turn profits with your business but you should work to share your attempts to help the environment. Not only are industry partnerships a good idea – such as with other business owners – but groups and organizations can help you share your missions as well.

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