You've found the right restaurant concept, you're fully convinced of its potential, and the franchisor inspires your confidence. But one question remains central and still unanswered: how do you finance your restaurant franchise?
Because before you start thinking about decorating the room or putting together the menu, there's one critical step you mustn't miss: putting together the financial package. Because, let's be clear: a poorly put-together franchise project can quickly turn into a headache.
In this article, we give you concrete advice on the sources of financing you need to mobilize, the expectations of banks and franchisors, and how to put together a solid file to obtain a business loan.
‍
Why is financing a critical step when launching a franchise?
Avoid weakening your project from the outset
In the restaurant business, everything moves very fast: construction delays, operating costs, unforeseen technical issues, etc. If your budget is too low from the outset, your profitability will suffer.
Good financing is your safety net to ensure the long-term viability of your project, cope with unforeseen events and develop your business under the right conditions.
Understand the expectations of financial backers to provide the right support for your franchisees
As a franchisor, it's in your interest to prepare your future franchisees for the demands of financiers. Banks, in particular, don't finance an idea, but a structured project, backed by a credible, well-supported candidate.
To maximize your chances of obtaining a loan, your network must provide a reassuring framework: a solid standard business plan, consolidated financial data, support in building a financing plan, and a realistic personal contribution requirement.
A reassuring model for banks
Franchising is a reassuring model, especially in the foodservice sector, where solid networks boast proven performance, a strong reputation and structured support.
These elements enable banks to better assess the risks involved, making it easier for them to grant financing to applicants. As a franchisor, your role is therefore key: the clearer, well-documented and professionalized your business model, the more confidence it inspires in financiers and the easier access to credit for your future franchisees.
‍
What sources of financing can be mobilized?
Here's a comparison table to help you make sense of the situation:

👉 To find out more : How can you finance your restaurant with a bank loan?
1. Personal contribution: a key confidence-building factor
A personal contribution is the key to obtaining a business loan. It generally represents 25% to 40% of the total budget.
For a €200,000 restaurant, the math is easy. The minimum contribution is €50,000. Your ability to release funds is also proof to financiers that you are 100% committed to your project.
Note: Nearly 6 out of 10 franchisees launched their business with an initial budget of less than €200,000. This figure shows that a well-thought-out business model and structured financing make franchising more accessible. As a franchisor, this is a lever you can leverage with prospective franchisees to overcome the obstacles associated with initial investment.
2. Professional bank loans: the pillar of financing
This is often the heart of franchise financing. The loan covers most of the investment, provided your plan is credible, costed and well presented.
Our tip: target banks used to financing franchises.
3. Public and regional aid: additional support to be explored
Don't overlook them! Between Bpifrance, business start-up grants, regional subsidies and tax exemptions, you can recover up to 20% of additional financing.
4. Crowdfunding: a local visibility and relay tool
Some platforms, such as Tudigo or Lendopolis, enable you to raise funds locally, while creating a buzz. This is never a substitute for a loan, but it can work in your favor with the local community and raise awareness of your brand even before launch.
5. Leasing: a solution to reduce initial investment
Very practical for financing equipment without increasing your debt. Kitchens, cash registers, furniture - everything can be leased. This way, you preserve cash for other strategic expenses, such as communication or recruitment.
6. Franchisor support: an often underestimated help
This last point won't be of any use to you as a franchisor, but it will be for your future franchisees. Some networks offer negotiated opening packages, bank support or repayable advancesto help their franchisees get started.
As a franchisor, your ability to structure these tools and guide candidates towards the right banking contacts plays a key role in the success of their financing. It's also a strong argument for attracting serious profiles and securing the opening of new outlets.

‍
How do you put together a solid financing package?
Once you've identified your sources of finance, the next step is to put together a business case that inspires confidence. This is the key to obtaining a business loan for your franchise.
Drawing up a solid franchise business plan
The purpose of your business plan is to prove that you have mastered your business model.Â
A good franchise business plan should include :
- An overview of the franchise concept,
- Financial forecasts over 3 to 5 years,
- Targeted local market research,
- An opening communications plan,
- Your profile, your motivations and your role in the project.
To justify your forecasts, there's nothing like your franchisor's consolidated figures (average ticket, margin rate, staff/sales ratio, etc.).
Structuring a clear franchise financing plan
In addition to your business plan, banks also look at your financing plan, which must be as precise and balanced as possible. Show them that you have identified all expenditure items (works, equipment, training, communication, cash flow, etc.) and that you have the appropriate resources in front of you.
Your plan must list the different sources of financing in a clearly distinguishable way:
- Initial investment,
- Personal contribution,
- The franchise business loan,
- Additional assistance (subsidies, leasing, etc.).
A quick reminder: set aside at least 3 months' cash in reserve to avoid cold sweats in the event of a slow or unexpected start-up.Â
Preparing the right documents for a loan
What documents do you need to provide to the bank to increase your chances of obtaining a loan for your franchise? Here's a checklist to help you make sure you don't forget anything:Â
- A complete business plan,
- Localized market research,
- A commitment from the franchisor (contract or letter of intent),
- Estimates and budgets,
- Your bank statements, CV and proof of contribution.
This list is not exhaustive. Feel free to provide anything that proves your seriousness, your commitment and the expected profitability of your establishment.
2,089: the number of franchise networks in France in 2024, compared with 553 in 2000.
What it shows: Franchising is a fast-growing business model that has become essential in many sectors, particularly the food service industry. This not only enhances the credibility of the model with banks, but also increases competition between candidates: making sure your financing application is well prepared is therefore becoming a real differentiating factor.
Working with the right partners
To bring your project to fruition, there's no need to go it alone: there are a number of players who can help you arrange financing:
- Your franchisor, often experienced in banking support,
- A chartered accountant, to help you with forecasts,
- A support network, such as Réseau Entreprendre, France Active or Initiative France.
They can open doors for you with banks, or help you refine your file to get approval faster.
👉 Going further : 37 questions to ask yourself before launching a restaurant franchiseÂ

‍
How can you anticipate and manage your financing over the long term?
Successful financing or not, it's not all about the opening. You also need to think about the aftermath: how to maintain a healthy cash flow, reinvest at the right time, and grow your profitability over the long term.
Leave room for manoeuvre after opening
Too many franchisors forget that the real test begins after the opening. Even if the business looks promising on launch day, cash flow shortfalls, unforeseen social security charges or a less regular influx of customers than expected can get you into trouble.
To stay one step ahead, it's best to plan ahead:
- 3 to 6 months of fixed cash expenses,
- A short-term credit line negotiated with the bank,
- Weekly monitoring of your sales and breakeven point.
Your goal is to be able to operate stress-free until your franchise becomes profitable.
Adapting financing to the pace of your development
Are you planning to open several franchises, expand or diversify your business? Then start thinking about your financing now, with a vision of growth.
Some banks or organizations can offer you flexible financing or pre-approved packages, to be mobilized as your business develops. This is particularly useful for :
- A 2nd point of sale,
- An extension or enlargement,
- The launch of a delivery service or digital kiosk.
Reinvest wisely to boost profitability
A profitable franchisor is not one who "sleeps on cash", but rather one who reinvests in a targeted way. In foodservice, this can mean :
- Optimize your order-taking tools ;
- Train your team to improve service quality;
- Launch a powerful local marketing campaign.Â
‍
What can we learn from this article?Â
Successfully financing your restaurant franchise means :
- Mobilize the right sources of financing (not just your bank),
- Draw up a clear and convincing franchise business plan,
- Anticipate post-opening cash flow to avoid unpleasant surprises,
- Surround yourself with people and prepare for the future, because a good franchisor also thinks about growth.Â
-
Do you want to digitalize your concept? Don't wait for the green light from a bank to structure your project: anticipate, surround yourself and count on Innovorder to support you from day one with digital solutions designed for foodservice franchisors.


