The commercial cleaning industry is one of the most resilient sectors in the U.S. economy, generating over $70 billion annually and continuing to grow year after year. For entrepreneurs who want to tap into a recession-resistant business with low startup costs and recurring revenue, a BuildingStars franchise presents a compelling opportunity. But like any business investment, securing the right financing is the key to turning your franchise dream into a profitable reality.
Whether you are exploring a Janitorial Franchise or a Master Franchise with BuildingStars, understanding your financing options -- from SBA loans to equipment financing -- will help you move forward with confidence. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about BuildingStars franchise costs, loan options, and how to qualify for funding in 2025 and beyond.
Founded in 1994 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, BuildingStars International is a commercial cleaning franchise that has grown to operate over 1,200 franchise locations across the United States. The brand specializes in providing professional commercial cleaning services to offices, medical facilities, educational institutions, financial institutions, and industrial sites.
What distinguishes BuildingStars from other commercial cleaning franchises is its tiered franchise structure. Franchisees can enter at multiple levels depending on their goals, experience, and available capital. The three tiers in the Janitorial Franchise model are:
The Master Franchise model is designed for experienced business owners who want to develop a regional territory, recruit and support Janitorial Franchise owners, and build a scalable B2B enterprise. According to data from Entrepreneur, BuildingStars has maintained a consistent presence on franchise opportunity lists thanks to its low startup costs and strong support infrastructure.
The commercial cleaning market itself continues to expand rapidly. According to industry research cited by Forbes, the U.S. commercial cleaning sector is projected to surpass $80 billion by 2027, driven by heightened hygiene awareness and growing demand from healthcare and office sectors. This makes now an ideal time to invest in a BuildingStars franchise loan and stake your claim in this growing market.
Crestmont Capital offers fast, flexible financing solutions for commercial cleaning franchises. Get funded in as little as 24-48 hours.
Apply Now - It's FreeOne of the most attractive aspects of a BuildingStars franchise is its accessibility. Unlike food and beverage franchises that can require $500,000 or more to launch, BuildingStars offers multiple entry points that make franchise ownership achievable for a wide range of entrepreneurs.
The Janitorial Franchise is BuildingStars' entry-level franchise offering, designed for owners who will personally perform cleaning services or manage a small team. Here is a breakdown of the typical startup costs:
| Expense Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $995 | $46,995 |
| Equipment Package | $500 | $5,000 |
| Insurance | $300 | $1,000 |
| Supplies / Opening Inventory | $300 | $700 |
| Legal and Professional Fees | $500 | $1,500 |
| Training and Travel | $0 | $1,000 |
| Working Capital (3 months) | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $2,245 | $53,200 |
The Master Franchise model is a higher-investment opportunity designed for entrepreneurs with B2B sales experience and leadership capabilities. A Master Franchisee recruits Janitorial Franchise owners, provides ongoing support, manages regional account growth, and builds a scalable commercial cleaning organization. Investment requirements for the Master Franchise typically range from $7,700 to over $320,000 depending on territory size, regional market demands, and the number of Janitorial Franchises you plan to develop.
Beyond startup costs, BuildingStars franchisees pay ongoing fees that fund corporate support and brand development:
These fees are standard within the commercial cleaning franchise industry and are offset by the recurring contract revenue model that provides predictable monthly income.
BuildingStars offers in-house financing options for a portion of the franchise fee and account sales fees. This can reduce the upfront capital required for new franchisees, but most buyers will still need external financing to cover full startup costs and working capital needs.
Financing a BuildingStars franchise is highly manageable given its relatively low startup costs. However, it is still critical to secure the right type of financing to cover your initial investment, build a financial cushion, and position your business for growth. Here are the primary financing options available to BuildingStars franchisees.
BuildingStars offers in-house financing for a portion of the initial franchise fee and startup account fees. This internal financing option can reduce the cash required upfront and help new franchisees get started more quickly. Terms and availability may vary based on your selected franchise model and territory. Contact BuildingStars directly for current in-house financing details.
The SBA 7(a) loan program is one of the most popular financing tools for franchise buyers. SBA loans offer below-market interest rates, extended repayment terms of up to 10 years for working capital and up to 25 years for real estate, and lower down payment requirements compared to conventional commercial loans. For a BuildingStars franchise, an SBA 7(a) loan can be used to cover the initial franchise fee, equipment, working capital, and other startup expenses.
Traditional and alternative small business loans provide a lump sum of capital that you repay over a fixed term with regular payments. These loans are well-suited for covering franchise fees and initial startup costs. Repayment terms typically range from 1 to 10 years, and interest rates vary depending on your creditworthiness and the lender.
For Master Franchise buyers who face higher startup costs, long-term business loans offer extended repayment periods that keep monthly payments manageable while providing the capital needed for a larger-scale launch. These loans are particularly useful for covering territory development costs and initial operating expenses during the ramp-up phase.
A business line of credit gives you flexible access to capital that you can draw from as needed -- ideal for covering unexpected expenses, managing cash flow gaps, or seizing growth opportunities as your franchise expands. You only pay interest on the amount you actually use, making it a cost-effective supplemental financing tool.
Commercial cleaning requires a range of specialized equipment including floor polishers, carpet cleaners, industrial vacuums, and sanitation systems. Equipment financing allows you to acquire essential tools by using the equipment itself as collateral, preserving your working capital for operations and growth.
Crestmont Capital offers SBA loans, term loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing -- all in one place. Our team will help you find the right fit for your BuildingStars franchise investment.
Get My Free QuoteThe U.S. Small Business Administration's loan programs are frequently the first choice for franchise buyers seeking low-cost capital. Here is a deeper look at the two most relevant SBA programs for BuildingStars franchisees.
The SBA 7(a) loan is the most flexible SBA program and is widely used for franchise financing. Key features include:
According to the SBA official website, the 7(a) program approved over $31 billion in loans in fiscal year 2024 alone, demonstrating its continued availability and importance for small business owners nationwide.
The SBA 504 loan is designed for major fixed asset purchases such as commercial real estate or large equipment. For BuildingStars franchisees who plan to purchase a facility for their regional Master Franchise operations or invest in large commercial cleaning equipment, the 504 program offers:
To qualify for SBA-backed financing, the SBA requires that franchisors be listed on its official Franchise Directory. Prospective BuildingStars franchisees should verify the brand's current status on the SBA Franchise Directory before applying for SBA financing. Your lender can assist with this verification during the application process.
For SBA loan approval in 2025 and beyond, lenders typically look for a credit score of 680 or higher, at least 10% equity injection from the borrower, a detailed business plan with financial projections, and a debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of 1.25 or above. Start gathering these documents early to speed up your application process.
Not every franchisee will qualify for SBA loans or traditional bank financing. Fortunately, Crestmont Capital offers a range of alternative lending solutions that can fund your BuildingStars franchise with faster approvals and more flexible requirements.
Short-term business loans provide quick access to capital with repayment terms typically ranging from 3 to 18 months. These are well-suited for covering immediate startup costs or bridging a gap while you wait for longer-term financing to be approved. Approval can often happen within 24-48 hours.
When you need capital quickly to secure a franchise territory or cover an unexpected startup expense, fast business loans can provide funding in as little as one business day. These products are designed for speed and convenience, with streamlined applications and minimal documentation requirements.
For the most time-sensitive funding needs, same-day business loans deliver capital on the day of approval. While these loans typically carry higher rates than traditional financing, they provide invaluable flexibility when timing is critical.
If your personal credit history is less than perfect, you may still have financing options available. Bad credit business loans focus on the overall strength of your business plan, available collateral, and revenue potential rather than relying solely on your credit score. These programs open the door to franchise ownership for entrepreneurs who are rebuilding their financial profile.
Understanding what lenders look for in a franchise loan application will help you prepare a stronger application and increase your chances of approval. Here are the key factors most lenders evaluate when reviewing a BuildingStars franchise loan request.
Most traditional and SBA lenders prefer a personal credit score of 650 or higher. Scores above 700 will open the door to the most competitive rates and terms. Alternative lenders may work with scores as low as 550, though rates will be higher.
A well-prepared business plan demonstrates to lenders that you have thought through your franchise strategy, understand the market opportunity, and have a realistic plan for generating revenue and repaying the loan. Your business plan should include a market analysis, competitive overview, operations plan, revenue projections for years 1-3, and a funding request with a clear explanation of how the funds will be used.
Most lenders require you to contribute some of your own capital toward the startup investment. For SBA loans, this is typically 10-20% of the total project cost. For alternative loans, requirements vary by lender and loan product.
For new franchise owners, "time in business" is not a factor since you are launching a new entity. However, if you are applying to expand an existing cleaning business into a BuildingStars franchise, your business's track record will be evaluated. Lenders generally prefer at least 6-12 months of operating history for existing business applicants.
While not always a formal requirement, lenders and franchisors alike view relevant industry experience -- whether in commercial cleaning, facilities management, or B2B sales -- as a positive indicator of success. For Master Franchise applicants, BuildingStars specifically looks for candidates with B2B sales experience and management capability.
The difference between a successful loan application and a rejection often comes down to preparation. Here are proven strategies to strengthen your BuildingStars franchise loan application.
Before applying for any financing, pull your personal credit reports from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and review them for errors. Dispute any inaccuracies, pay down revolving balances to reduce your credit utilization ratio, and avoid opening new credit accounts in the months leading up to your application.
Lenders require detailed documentation. Be prepared to provide recent personal and business tax returns (2-3 years if available), bank statements, personal financial statements, a copy of your franchise agreement or franchise disclosure document (FDD), and your business plan with financial projections.
BuildingStars has a well-developed franchisee support infrastructure that includes training, operational guidance, and marketing systems. Highlighting the brand's established track record and your access to these resources in your loan application demonstrates reduced risk to lenders.
Do not limit yourself to a single lender. Shopping multiple financing options -- including banks, credit unions, SBA lenders, and alternative lenders like Crestmont Capital -- will help you find the most competitive rates and terms for your situation. As CNBC notes, comparing at least three lenders is standard practice for savvy business borrowers.
Lenders who specialize in franchise financing understand the BuildingStars business model and the commercial cleaning industry. They know what questions to ask, what documents to collect, and how to structure a loan that works for your specific situation. This expertise can significantly speed up the approval process and improve your chances of success.
For entrepreneurs who may have credit challenges, exploring business loans with no credit check can be a starting point to understand what alternatives are available.
Do not apply for personal credit cards or car loans in the 6-12 months before applying for your franchise loan. Each hard inquiry on your credit report can lower your score and signal financial instability to lenders. Keep your financial profile clean and consistent in the lead-up to your application.
At Crestmont Capital, we specialize in helping franchise owners across every industry secure the capital they need to launch, grow, and thrive. We understand that every franchisee's financial situation is unique, which is why we offer a broad portfolio of lending products designed to fit different credit profiles, timelines, and investment sizes.
Here is why BuildingStars franchise owners choose Crestmont Capital:
Whether you are launching your first Janitorial Franchise or building a regional Master Franchise territory, we are here to help you secure the capital that makes it possible. Our clients have successfully used our small business financing solutions to fund franchise purchases, equipment upgrades, and business expansions across the commercial services sector.
We have also helped many clients in similar service franchise categories get funded -- including those who have explored Domino's franchise loans and Jersey Mike's franchise loans -- demonstrating our commitment to franchise financing at every level of investment.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, service-based businesses like commercial cleaning franchises represent one of the fastest-growing segments of small business ownership in the United States, making now an ideal time to secure franchise financing and enter this expanding market.
Get matched with the right financing option for your franchise investment. Apply in minutes with no obligation.
Apply NowThe total initial investment for a BuildingStars Janitorial Franchise ranges from $2,245 to $53,200, depending on the franchise tier and starting account package you select. Master Franchise investments are higher and depend on the size of the territory.
Does BuildingStars offer financing?Yes, BuildingStars offers in-house financing for a portion of the initial franchise fee and account sales fees. However, most franchisees will still need to supplement this with external financing from SBA lenders or alternative lending sources like Crestmont Capital.
Can I get an SBA loan for a BuildingStars franchise?Potentially yes, if BuildingStars is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory. Prospective franchisees should verify the brand's current directory status with an SBA-approved lender before applying. SBA 7(a) loans are the most commonly used SBA product for franchise financing and can cover franchise fees, equipment, and working capital.
What credit score do I need to finance a BuildingStars franchise?SBA and traditional lenders typically require a credit score of 650 or higher, with scores above 700 receiving the most competitive terms. Alternative lenders through Crestmont Capital may work with scores as low as 550, though rates will be higher for lower credit profiles.
What is the royalty fee for a BuildingStars franchise?BuildingStars charges a royalty fee of 10% of gross revenue, along with an advertising/marketing fee of approximately 1% of gross revenue. These ongoing fees fund corporate support, brand development, and centralized marketing programs.
How long does it take to get approved for a BuildingStars franchise loan?Approval timelines vary by loan type. SBA loans typically take 30-90 days. Alternative lenders like Crestmont Capital can often provide approvals in 24-48 hours. Having all your documentation ready -- credit reports, business plan, bank statements, and franchise agreement -- significantly speeds up the process.
What financing options are available if I have bad credit?If your credit score is below 650, you may still qualify for alternative financing options including bad credit business loans, secured loans using collateral, or short-term financing solutions. Crestmont Capital evaluates your overall financial picture -- not just your credit score -- to find the best available option for your situation.
What is the difference between a BuildingStars Janitorial Franchise and a Master Franchise?A Janitorial Franchise involves delivering commercial cleaning services directly to clients, either as a solo operator or with a small team. A Master Franchise involves building a regional territory by recruiting and supporting multiple Janitorial Franchise owners, managing account development, and growing a larger-scale cleaning organization.
How many BuildingStars franchise locations are there?BuildingStars operates over 1,200 active franchise locations across the United States as of recent reports. The brand has been growing steadily since its founding in 1994 and continues to expand into new regional markets.
Can I use a business line of credit to fund a BuildingStars franchise?Yes. A business line of credit can be an effective supplemental financing tool for covering startup expenses, managing initial cash flow gaps, or handling unexpected costs during your franchise launch. It works best when combined with a primary term loan or SBA loan to cover your larger upfront franchise fee and equipment costs.
Is commercial cleaning a recession-resistant business?Yes. Commercial cleaning is widely considered a recession-resistant industry because demand for professional cleaning services remains consistent regardless of broader economic conditions. Offices, medical facilities, schools, and industrial sites require regular cleaning regardless of economic cycles, providing franchisees with a stable, recurring revenue base.
What equipment do I need to start a BuildingStars franchise?Essential equipment for a BuildingStars franchise includes commercial vacuums, floor polishers, carpet cleaners, sanitation supplies, microfiber cloths, mops and buckets, cleaning chemicals, and personal protective equipment. BuildingStars includes an equipment package in many of its franchise tiers, reducing the need for additional equipment purchases at startup.
How does equipment financing work for a commercial cleaning franchise?Equipment financing allows you to borrow funds specifically to purchase commercial cleaning equipment, using the equipment itself as collateral. This preserves your working capital for operations while allowing you to acquire the tools you need from day one. Repayment terms typically range from 24 to 84 months, with fixed monthly payments.
Do I need prior cleaning industry experience to own a BuildingStars franchise?Prior cleaning experience is not required to become a BuildingStars Janitorial Franchise owner. BuildingStars provides comprehensive training that covers cleaning techniques, account management, customer service, and business operations. However, for Master Franchise applicants, B2B sales experience and demonstrated leadership capability are strongly preferred.
Why should I work with Crestmont Capital for my BuildingStars franchise loan?Crestmont Capital specializes in franchise and small business financing with a broad range of products including SBA loans, term loans, lines of credit, equipment financing, and alternative lending solutions. We offer fast approvals, transparent terms, and personalized support to help you find the right financing for your specific investment goals. Our team has helped thousands of entrepreneurs across the country secure the capital they need to launch and grow successful franchise businesses.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Funding terms, qualifications, and product availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Crestmont Capital does not guarantee approval, rates, or specific outcomes. For personalized information about your business funding options, contact our team directly.