How to Get Funding for a Franchise Business in 2025
Buying a franchise is one of the fastest ways to become a business owner — but even with a proven business model, one major question remains: How do you fund it?
Buying a franchise is one of the fastest ways to become a business owner — but even with a proven business model, one major question remains: How do you fund it?
SBA (Small Business Administration) loans are among the most favorable funding options for small businesses — but their interest rates vary over time and depend heavily on economic conditions. Understanding the historical trends in SBA interest rates and the current 2025 landscape can help you “time” your borrowing and negotiate more effectively. This guide covers how SBA rates have moved over the years, what’s driving them now, and what to expect going forward.
Standard loans (bank, SBA) are foundational, but California offers loan guarantee programs, microloan initiatives, CDFIs, and matching / grant schemes that reduce risk for lenders, making capital more accessible—especially for underserved or early-stage businesses.
When you apply for a small business loan, most lenders require one thing that many entrepreneurs don’t love: a personal guarantee (PG). It’s a legal agreement that puts your personal assets — like your home, savings, or car — on the line if your business can’t repay the loan.
When you apply for a small business loan, most lenders require one thing that many entrepreneurs don’t love: a personal guarantee (PG). It’s a legal agreement that puts your personal assets — like your home, savings, or car — on the line if your business can’t repay the loan.
There’s nothing more frustrating than applying for a business loan — only to get a rejection email. Unfortunately, you’re not alone. Roughly 60% of small business loan applications are denied each year, often for reasons entrepreneurs don’t fully understand.
There’s nothing more frustrating than applying for a business loan — only to get a rejection email. Unfortunately, you’re not alone. Roughly 60% of small business loan applications are denied each year, often for reasons entrepreneurs don’t fully understand.
When applying for a business loan, one number can make or break your approval chances: your Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR). Lenders use this key metric to measure your ability to repay debt — and if it’s too low, you could face higher interest rates, smaller loan amounts, or outright rejection.
Choosing how to fund your small business is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make. And one of the biggest questions entrepreneurs face is: Should I apply for a grant or take out a loan?
If you need small business financing quickly, waiting weeks or months for approval isn’t an option. That’s where the SBA Express Loan comes in — a streamlined version of the traditional SBA 7(a) program designed to deliver fast funding with less paperwork and quicker decisions.