The Escape & Empower Franchise Podcast | Buying Your First Franchise

Franchise Funding 101: How to Finance Your Business the Smart Way

Dave Greenberg and Pete Gilfillan Season 1 Episode 13

Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan

David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan dive into one of the most important topics in franchise ownership: How to fund your business. They are joined by Christine Hansen from FranFund, who shares expert insights on the different ways to finance a franchise—from self-funding and SBA loans to using retirement funds tax-free. If you’re ready to invest in yourself but unsure how to fund it, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Dave and Pete discuss:

  • Understanding Franchise Funding Options

Christine breaks down the four main ways to finance a franchise, including self-funding, retirement rollovers (ROBS), SBA loans, and asset-backed funding.

  • The Power of Using Retirement Funds (ROBS Program)

Christine explains how the ROBS program allows franchisees to invest 401(k) or IRA funds tax-free, eliminating debt and giving business owners full control over their financial future.

  • Why SBA Loans Are a Game Changer

Not all banks understand franchise financing. Christine discusses how FranFund’s lender network helps franchisees secure SBA loans faster and with fewer hurdles.

  • Home Equity and Other Asset-Based Strategies

For candidates with strong home equity or investments, Pete and Dave explore how to leverage assets to fund a franchise without tapping into personal savings.

Key Takeaways:

  • Funding Shouldn’t Be a Barrier: There are multiple ways to finance a franchise—find the best fit for your situation.
  • Using Retirement Funds Can Be Smart: The ROBS program allows you to invest in yourself without penalties or taxes.
  • Get Pre-Approved Early: Understanding how much funding you qualify for makes the franchise process smoother.
  • The Right Funding Strategy Helps You Scale: A strong financial plan enables growth and multi-unit expansion.

"The biggest mistake franchise candidates make? Waiting too long to figure out funding. If you’re serious about owning a business, get the financial piece in place first." — David Greenberg

CONNECT WITH PETER GILFILLAN:

Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/

CONNECT WITH DAVID GREENBERG:

Website: https://empoweredfranchisee.com/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-greenberg-entrepreneur/