Short-term business loans for franchiseesfit-out and equipment on franchisor timelines
Short-term business loans in Australia: typically $50k to $5m at up to 70% secured, over 1–24 months, settling in 1–10 days once security and entity documents are in hand. A business-purpose loan of one to twenty-four months, secured or unsecured, used to cover a cash-flow gap, seize an opportunity or bridge to a longer-term refinance.
- Understands franchise agreements and termsWhat we bring
- Placed with franchise-comfortable lendersWhat we bring
- Moves on franchisor timelinesWhat we bring
Indicative terms in three minutes
Business-purpose and investment finance only. No credit check at this stage.
“Only certain lenders touch franchises”
We hear this constantly. The honest answer is that it depends on security, exit and documentation — which is exactly what the enquiry form asks — and that the lenders on our panel — banks, private lenders and specialist funds alike — price those three things, not the label on the borrower.
“What if the franchise doesn't perform” — a fair concern, and one we address in writing before any application is lodged.
“The franchisor's timeline is unrealistic for finance” — a fair concern, and one we address in writing before any application is lodged.
Typical pain points: Franchisor deadline won't move; Fit-out cost more than budgeted; Franchise fee due before trading starts; Bank doesn't understand the franchise model. What we bring: understands franchise agreements and terms, placed with franchise-comfortable lenders, moves on franchisor timelines.
How we work.
From the first call to the final drawdown, each step is led by a principal — not a queue.
Tell us the scenario
Purpose, amount, security and timeframe — the qualifier takes about three minutes and every answer maps to how our lender panel assesses short-term business loans.
Indicative terms
A specialist reviews the scenario and comes back with an indicative structure, pricing range and the documents needed. Urgent scenarios get a call within minutes during business hours.
Credit and valuation
The lender assesses security, entity and exit. For short-term business loans this is typically 1–10 days end to end.
Settlement
Solicitors settle, funds are released, and the deal is tracked to its exit in our CRM so refinancing or the next facility is ready before the term ends.
Questions we are asked.
Can I get finance to buy into a franchise?
Yes, though lenders will look closely at the franchise agreement, the franchisor's track record, and the territory or site, in addition to your own financial position. Not every lender is comfortable with franchise lending, so matching to the right one matters more here than in general business lending.
Can fit-out costs be financed separately from the franchise fee?
Yes, fit-out and equipment are commonly financed through asset finance secured against the fixtures and equipment themselves, separate from an unsecured or short-term facility covering the franchise fee and working capital. Splitting the two often produces better overall terms than one blended facility.
Will lenders finance a second or third franchise location?
Often on stronger terms than the first, once the existing site or sites have a trading history to show. Lenders weigh the performance of the current locations heavily when assessing an expansion, alongside the franchisor's overall system performance. A consistent trading pattern across existing sites is the single strongest piece of evidence.
Does the franchisor need to approve the finance arrangement?
Not the finance itself, but the franchise agreement may include requirements around the fit-out standard, timing or the entity structure that a lender will want to see satisfied. We work around the franchisor's requirements rather than in spite of them.
What if the franchise system is new or unproven?
It's harder, since lenders weigh the franchisor's track record alongside your own, but not impossible — a strong personal financial position, relevant industry experience, or property security can offset a newer or smaller franchise system. We're upfront if a system's newness genuinely limits what's available right now.
How quickly can franchise finance be arranged before a lease deadline?
Asset and short-term facilities can often move quickly once the franchise agreement, budget and any security are confirmed, but a commercial property purchase or larger facility takes longer. We work to the franchisor's and landlord's timeline from the first call.
How fast can short-term business loans settle?
Typically 1–10 days from a complete application, depending on valuation, legal and lender workload. Speed depends on how quickly security and entity documents are available.
How much can I borrow with short-term business loans?
Our panel typically funds from $50,000 to $5,000,000, at up to 70% secured. Larger or more complex facilities are structured case by case across banks, private lenders and specialist funds.
What security is needed?
Property, GSA, caveat or unsecured. The stronger and more liquid the security, the sharper the pricing.
Is this a consumer loan?
No. Solara arranges business-purpose and investment-purpose finance only. If your purpose is personal or for owner-occupied housing, this product is not suitable and we will say so.
Not quite the right product? Every loan type we arrange.
Most scenarios can be structured more than one way. Browse the alternatives, or tell us the situation and we'll recommend the structure.