Amid a sea of uncertainty and confusion in the financing market, not to mention the tightening of credit and lending practices, franchise owners may find themselves adrift when seeking loans and leasing programs. Thankfully, DDIFO has sponsorship relationships with institutions that are actively lending and continuing to provide high-quality service and cost-effective programs.
One such company is Harbour Capital Corporation (HCC) of Newington, New Hampshire. HCC is a recognized leader in the franchise financing industry and specializes in providing creative and cost-effective solutions to small and medium sized businesses in all 50 states and in Canada. HCC finances new and used equipment, store remodels, new store acquisitions, and equipment replacement and upgrades in addition to offering equipment leasing programs.
Senior Vice President for Franchise Financing Frank Phennicie says that HCC has a track record with Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners and, at any given time, the company has six to 12 transactions in process with Dunkin’ franchisees. He recognizes the challenges that franchise owners are facing in the current financial market: tighter credit windows, a liquidity shortage and even scenarios in which financial institutions have disappeared, leaving franchisees in the lurch. Phennicie proudly affirms that HCC is on solid ground, is committed to expanding its presence in franchise financing and has no intention of abandoning its customers.
“The good news is we still have money to lend,” said Phennicie. “At a time when many financial institutions are vacating the franchise space, we are still making transactions happen and we still have excellent terms and competitive rates.”
HCC is currently offering franchise lending transactions in the range of $5,000 to $750,000. While the company does not finance real estate transactions, it can finance new store acquisitions in terms of equipment and “soft costs,” like construction, including kiosk-type locations (a Dunkin’ shop within another location such as a hotel, grocery store or convenient store). In terms of both new store acquisitions and remodels, HCC can offer loans that consist of 50% equipment costs and 50% soft costs, matching these dollar-for-dollar and covering up to 100% of the total costs. The types of equipment HCC supports – through direct loans for franchisee purchases and through HCC leasing programs – include: display counters, furnishings, POS systems, signage and food process equipment.
Phennicie is eager to call attention to HCC’s one-page “worry free” applications through which qualified franchise owners can apply for up to $100,000 of funding without having to provide financial statements. In addition, HCC can structure flexible payment plans to meet individual franchisee needs including seasonal, skips and “90 Day No Pay” plans. And the company offers fast credit decisions: Depending on the type of transaction, a decision can be made in a matter of hours or a matter of days.
“Even in today’s market, Harbour Capital prides itself on providing consistently good quality and service, including swiftness of decision-making,” said Phennicie. “Why wait around for six months for the SBA to make a determination about your funding when we can typically turnaround a decision in less than a week’s time?”
In terms of financing and leasing alternatives, Harbour Capital offers:
• Loans – Equipment Finance Agreements
• True Lease: purchase the equipment at the end of the term for its then fair market value, re-rent the equipment on a month-to-month basis or return the equipment; offers the lowest monthly payment and least equipment risk
• $1.00 Purchase Option: purchase the equipment for $1.00 at the end of the lease term; benefits of ownership for tax purposes, such as depreciation and interest deductions
• 10% Purchase Option: offers a fixed purchase option of 10% of the original cost; lower payments than the $1.00 purchase option; benefits of ownership for tax purposes
“I believe we bring a valuable service to the market today,” said Phennicie. “While we can’t be all things to all people, we offer a variety of programs and options that can meet the needs of a wide range of franchise owners.”
To discuss the right product and terms for your franchise, you can contact Frank Phennicie at frank@harbourcapital.com or 603-610-6545.
Another DDIFO Associate Member that is actively lending is JenCas Financial, Inc. of Maumelle, Arkansas. JenCas is a business lending company that specializes in franchise financing. With more than 15 years in the commercial financing industry, JenCas has the experience to offer attractive, competitive financial agreements that fit the specific needs of individual customers in all 50 states. According to Senior National Account Representative Eric Dyson, JenCas can fund new stores, remodels, relocations, refinancing and acquisitions for both traditional and non-traditional QSRs.
In spite of the current volatile and stringent credit climate, Dyson says JenCas is ready, willing and able to lend money to qualified candidates.
“Our portfolio is performing well thanks to our years of experience and focus on the franchise sector,” said Dyson. “While other banks, financial institutions and lenders have faltered or dissolved completely, we have weathered the storm and are continuing to remain active in franchise lending”
JenCas may be a newcomer to working with Dunkin’ Donut franchise owners, but they have a proven track record and preferred lender status with such franchise concepts as Subway and CiCi’s Pizza. Always on the lookout for new business relationships, Dyson said he met some Dunkin’ people at a trade show, saw an opportunity for developing business with the franchise concept and contacted DDIFO President Jim Coen. They began to explore options for reaching out to Dunkin’ Donut franchise owners. JenCas became an Associate Member in April of this year and already has a few deals in progress with Dunkin’ Donut franchisees.
“Dunkin’ Donuts is a strong and growing franchise concept,” Dyson said. “We believe with our experience in the franchise finance market we are a good fit with the Dunkin’ brand. We are pleased to be able to offer our finance programs to Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees.”
JenCas can provide up to 100% financing including soft costs. The company can fund all elements of Dunkin’ Donut equipment packages, including POS systems, security systems, signage and food process equipment. JenCas agreements are at a fixed rate and there are no strict limits for loan minimums or maximums. The credit window is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on several factors, including but not limited to personal credit, financial record and level of experience. Most credit decisions can be made within two to three business days. Dyson stresses that among the advantages JenCas provides is the flexibility of its lending programs and its ability to tailor programs to match specific customer objectives and business goals. The company can even arrange financing to reimburse franchisees for out-of-pocket expenses after the fact.
In general, JenCas strives to make financing as simple as possible. Throughout the process, individual franchise owners work one-on-one with a single point of contact. JenCas does not require a business plan or projections: Typically the company needs just two years of financial information. Further, JenCas offers loan and lease programs with a variety of payment plans, including seasonal, deferred and interest-only, as well as early payoff options.
“We look forward to developing a partnership with Dunkin’ Donuts,” said Dyson, “and providing each franchisee with the financing needed to grow their business.”
To inquire about financing for your franchise, contact Eric Dyson at eric@jencas.com or 877-953-6227, ext. 114.
