Funding for your next franchise move.

Often, yes. Lenders look at you, the franchise brand and the numbers behind the opportunity. For a new franchise that usually means your experience, your own contribution and a realistic plan. For an established franchise it also means the business's trading accounts. bizbritain is a finance broker, not a lender, so we help you find a suitable route and prepare the application. The lender makes the decision.

Yes, if you meet the scheme's rules. A Start Up Loan is a government-backed personal loan for business use, from £500 to £25,000 per eligible person, at 7.5% fixed over 1 to 5 years. It can also help you buy an existing franchise, provided you have not personally owned it for more than 60 months. bizbritain is a Start Up Loans Business Support Partner.

Source: Start Up Loans: eligibility questions

The £25,000 Start Up Loan limit applies to each eligible person. Up to 4 eligible owners can each apply, up to £100,000 per business. Above that, or where a Start Up Loan does not fit, we look at acquisition and related business finance, typically £25k to £10m. The right route depends on your circumstances, not only on the amount.

There is no single rule. Lenders usually expect you to put in some of your own money, and the amount depends on the brand, the costs, your experience and the security available. Tell us what you can contribute, even if it is nothing yet, and we will explain what that means for your options.

It can, but not every cost suits every route. A franchise investment often includes the franchise fee, equipment or a vehicle, premises and fit-out, opening stock, professional fees and working capital. We look at the full cost first, then at which parts each type of funding can cover.

Yes, these are common. Buying an established franchise is an acquisition, so lenders look at its trading history and the price. Adding a unit or territory builds on the track record of the franchise you already run. We assess each case with you before suggesting a route.

Start with the franchise agreement or disclosure pack, the franchisor's cost breakdown and forecast, your own business plan and cash flow, proof of identity and address, and a summary of your experience. For a resale, add the business's recent accounts. You do not need everything before you enquire.

No. A franchisor's forecast is a useful starting point, but it is not a guarantee of income or of funding. Lenders expect your own plan, based on your location, your costs and your assumptions. We can help you check the numbers before you apply.