How Charlie Sheen and I Discovered How Financing a Franchise Works '" a Canadian Franchise Lending Loan Business Story !

This is a strange one. I had a dream last night that I was on a business trip searching for the answer to financing a franchise in Canada. To many people franchise lending and getting a franchise loan for their new business is a challenge.
I wanted to reduce the risk and increase the chances of success for Canadian franchisees.

When I returned from the trip who did I find at our offices but Charlie Sheen, a very famous personality these days. I was surprised but I simply figured that he too wanted to know the secrets and inside tips on franchise financing in Canada. So not too surprising that he had such a strong interest in this area.

Charlie wanted to know about my trip - he seemed excited about being able to know the methods in which franchises were financed in Canada - he seemed totally interested in everything I was about to share .

I told Charlie that I had stumbled upon the exact method under which most franchises were financing in Canada, and moreso, I knew exactly how to complete transactions successfully. He was all ears.

In order to access the capital you need for financing a franchise in Canada wouldn't it be safe to say that you needed to understand who is offering this financing. I told Charlie that although there are a very small handful of specialized firms in franchise finance that the actual majority of franchise lending in Canada is done under a specific program called the CSBF program. It is underwritten and sponsored by Industry Canada, and the government mandates that Canadian banks ' administer ' the program. Charlie's eyes were locked on mine. He couldn't believe government on a daily basis was financing franchises.

Charlies asked if it was possible to ensure that the whole process of obtaining a business franchise loan wasn't time consuming and frustrating. I assured him that if the prospective franchisee was properly prepared it was a smooth process.

Charlie wanted to know more. 'So this actually works?' he asked. I assured him it did. To keep it simple for Charlie I explained that a good way of sizing up your ability to get approved is thinking like the lender. In small business financing, because that's what a franchise is, the focus is on what some call the 4 C's.

Charlie moved closer. What are the 4 C's he asked? I explained that they were character, capital, capacity and credit. Simply speaking if you have a good business reputation and experience, some funds of your own, and reasonable personal credit history then the ' capacity ' to repay the loan becomes significantly enhanced - bottom line - you will be approved!

Charlie had a question - ' Are you saying that if I am properly prepared I can be successful in financing a franchise?" Exactly, I replied. Ensure that your experienced and credible Canadian business financing advisor works with you to achieve a package that includes a solid business plan, an overview of your experience, a documented cash flow repayment, as well as your ability to put a reasonable personal investment into your new business.

Charlie wanted to know how we could share this knowledge - he suggested a Cross Canada tour we would call ' The Torpedo of Franchise Financing Truth '. Not necessary I said , lets just advise Canadian franchisees to seek the services of a trusted, credible an experienced Canadian business financing advisor who will assist them to get the franchise loan and financing they need to begin their new role as entrepreneur/ business owner.

I'll always wonder if Charlie had the same dream?