Franchise finance

Franchise Funding UK

How franchise finance works, what lenders look for and how we help you get it.

Funding is often the biggest hurdle between a business owner and their first franchise, or between a franchisor and their next franchisee. The key is understanding the options and having the right financial planning in place.

We prepare the forecasts and business plans lenders need, and introduce you to lending partners who understand franchising.

Business owner planning franchise finance
Planning first

Why professional financial planning matters

Banks and lenders need to see solid financial projections and a clear business plan before they approve franchise funding. The quality of those documents affects both your chances of approval and the terms you are offered.

We start by checking the numbers genuinely work, then produce the documents lenders expect.

Financial projections for a franchise
The options

The main routes to franchise funding in the UK

Start Up Loans

The government-backed Start Up Loans scheme lends up to £25,000 per founder, repaid over one to five years at a fixed rate of 7.5% a year (since April 2026). It suits first-time business owners.

High street banks

Most major banks lend for franchise investment, and several have teams that specialise in franchising. They tend to suit applicants with a solid personal financial position.

Specialist franchise lenders

When a bank says no, specialist lenders can offer quicker decisions and more flexible criteria, because they understand how franchise models work.

Alternative finance

Asset finance, invoice finance and other providers offer options for different circumstances and credit profiles.

How we help

How we support your funding application

1

Financial viability

Before looking at funding, we check that the franchise makes commercial sense and work out exactly how much you need.

2

Forecasts and business plan

Detailed three-year projections and a business plan written to meet lender requirements.

3

Lending partner introductions

Once the numbers are confirmed, we introduce you to lending partners who specialise in franchise funding.

4

Application support

We guide you through the application from first assessment to approval.

Lender reviewing a franchise application
Lenders

What lenders look for

On the personal side, lenders look for a good credit history, stable income and a meaningful personal contribution to the total investment.

On the business side, they look at the strength of the concept, realistic financial projections and a business plan that shows you understand the market. The quality of the franchise model, its training and support, and the protection of your territory all count too.

Why funding applications fail.

Most rejections come down to weak projections or unrealistic assumptions, too little personal investment, applying to a lender that doesn’t understand franchising, or leaving it too late when a territory has a deadline. Good planning avoids all four.

Questions you might have

How much funding do I need to start a franchise?

It varies widely by business model and sector. The total includes the franchise fee, set-up costs, working capital and launch marketing. We work out the exact figure as part of our financial viability work.

What documents do lenders require?

Usually a business plan, financial projections, personal financial statements, credit reports and proof of your personal investment. We prepare the business plan and forecasts to the standard lenders expect.

How do you support the application?

We produce the projections and business plan, then introduce you to lending partners who specialise in franchise funding. For franchisors, once the financial modelling is done, we can also help set up a funding line for your new franchisees, making it easier for them to secure finance and join your network.

What makes your approach different?

We always check financial viability before looking at funding. That makes sure the numbers work and gives lenders the documents they need, and our lending partners give you access to specialist franchise finance.

Ready to plan your funding?

Book a call and we will help you work out what you need and how to secure it.