Unsecured business loan · Franchises

Unsecured business loan for franchises

Franchise finance is lending to franchisees, funding the initial franchise fee, fit-out and equipment package for a new site, resales of existing franchises, and multi-site expansion within a system.

How a unsecured business loan works for franchises

Unsecured lending covers the working capital an established franchisee needs between capital events: a slow trading period, a local marketing push beyond the levy, a tax liability, or the months while a second site finds its feet. It is fast and lightly documented and prices above secured lending. For franchisees carrying set-up debt already, we assess the combined repayment against real trading, because royalties and marketing levies come off the top regardless of profitability.

The cash-flow pattern we plan around

A single large set-up cost before opening, then trade that ramps over six to twelve months while royalties, marketing levies and rent apply from day one.

What franchises typically fund

  • Initial franchise fee and training costs
  • Fit-out to franchisor specification
  • Standard equipment package and opening stock
  • Buying an existing franchise on resale
  • Adding a second or third site

Unsecured business loan for franchises: the numbers

Typical amounts$5,000 – $500,000
Term336 months
Indicative rates9.9% – 29.5% p.a.
RepaymentsDaily, weekly or monthly
Speed24–72 hours after documents are received
Documents franchises usually needFranchise agreement and disclosure document · ABN, personal financial position and asset and liability statement · Franchisor build cost schedule or contract of sale for a resale

Rates shown are indicative ranges observed across our lender panel for the period stated. They are not an offer or quote. Your rate depends on your business, the lender, the amount, the term and the security offered. The lender makes the final credit decision.

Key terms

Franchise finance

Franchise finance is lending to a franchisee to fund the initial fee, fit-out, equipment and working capital of a franchised business, assessed against the franchise system’s performance data as well as the individual applicant.

Lender accreditation of a franchise system

Lender accreditation of a franchise system is a pre-assessment in which a lender reviews a franchisor’s model, agreement and site performance, allowing franchisees within that system to borrow on pre-agreed terms.

What is an unsecured business loan?

An unsecured business loan is finance provided to a business without a specific asset held as security. Approval is based on trading history, bank statements and cash flow. Most lenders still require a personal or director’s guarantee.

How is an unsecured business loan repaid?

Repayments are usually daily, weekly or monthly direct debits over 3 to 36 months. Some lenders quote a factor rate (total payable ÷ amount borrowed) rather than an annual interest rate, so always compare the total cost.

Who is eligible for an unsecured business loan in Australia?

Typical minimums are an active ABN, 6 to 12 months of trading and monthly turnover above roughly $10,000, but each lender sets its own criteria. Lyft Money checks fit across the panel before anything is submitted.

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