The FMF Blog # Franchise Funding, explained in public. Guest appearances, deep-dive guides, and the patterns Al sees behind deals that actually fund. Building out the library now — start here. Featured ## Latest from the blog [ Planning Guide September 16, 20269 min read ### Turn FDD Item 7 Into a Franchise Startup Budget Read a real franchise disclosure example, map expenses into a working budget, check the footnotes, and test your cash reserve before choosing a funding amount. Read the post ](https://fundmyfranchise.com/blog/fdd-item-7-franchise-startup-budget) [ Funding Comparison ### SBA vs. ROBS: Compare Franchise Funding Scenarios Compare borrowing, retirement-funded ownership, and a blend of both using one illustrative project. See the effect on payments, cash retained and retirement exposure. September 16, 20268 min read ](https://fundmyfranchise.com/blog/sba-vs-robs-franchise-funding) [ ROBS ### ROBS 401(k) Rules: How It Works, Who Qualifies, Pros & Cons A ROBS 401(k) lets you fund a franchise with retirement savings — no loan, no interest, no early-withdrawal penalty. The step-by-step process, who qualifies, the core IRS rules, honest pros and cons, and typical timeline and setup costs. September 4, 202610 min read ](https://fundmyfranchise.com/blog/robs-401k-rules) [ Planning Guide ### How Much Cash Do You Need to Buy a Franchise? The down payment is only one part of the answer. Separate lender equity, unfinanced costs, business working capital, and personal reserves—then compare three funding-stack scenarios using the same $370,000 franchise project. August 16, 20269 min read ](https://fundmyfranchise.com/blog/how-much-cash-do-you-need-to-buy-a-franchise) [ Funding Guide ### Financing a Franchise: 7 Funding Options Compared for 2026 Most buyers stack two or three funding sources, not one. A side-by-side comparison of all seven realistic options — SBA 7(a), ROBS, unsecured credit, personal loans, HELOC, seller financing, and equipment leasing — with real dollar ranges, credit bars, timelines, and the honest downside of each. July 28, 202610 min read ](https://fundmyfranchise.com/blog/financing-a-franchise) [ Funding Guide ### How Much Does It Really Cost to Start a Franchise? (2026 Breakdown) The franchise fee is only part of the startup budget. Explore investment ranges, FDD Item 7 costs and assumptions, operating reserves, and the funding options buyers combine. July 17, 202611 min read ](https://fundmyfranchise.com/blog/how-much-does-a-franchise-cost) [ SBA Loans ### What Credit Score Do You Need for an SBA Franchise Loan? Al Lesko recommends 720+ for SBA franchise financing based on his experience. Understand why published lender minimums such as 680 differ from a fundable application, what else lenders review, and how the March 2026 SBSS change affects older guidance. May 19, 20269 min read ](https://fundmyfranchise.com/blog/credit-score-for-sba-franchise-loan) [ Guest Appearance ### Franchise Funding Myths vs. Reality Al joins Brett Ethridge on Franchises for Fathers to bust ten of the most common misconceptions about franchise funding — and confirm the one that's actually true. From the millionaire myth to why your local bank probably isn't the right SBA lender. April 23, 202610 min read ](https://fundmyfranchise.com/blog/franchise-funding-myths-with-brett-ethridge) [ Guest Appearance ### Al Lesko on Franchise Funding Essentials A conversation with Scott Elliott on Ownership Essentials — why funding strategy comes before the franchise, how franchisors really evaluate buyers, and the patterns behind franchise funding that actually closes. April 23, 20268 min read ](https://fundmyfranchise.com/blog/al-lesko-on-ownership-essentials-with-scott-elliott) More posts coming soon ## In the meantime, dig into the resource library Long-form guides on the mechanics behind ROBS, credit, and borrowing the right way for your franchise. [ROBS Compliance Guide](https://fundmyfranchise.com/resources/robs-compliance-guide)[Business Credit Guide](https://fundmyfranchise.com/resources/business-credit-guide)[6 Benefits of Borrowing Right](https://fundmyfranchise.com/resources/6-benefits-of-borrowing-right) ## Ready to put your funding together? One call with Al. Pre-qualify with a soft pull, review your real options, and walk out knowing what you qualify for. [Get Your Free Assessment](https://fundmyfranchise.com/am-i-fundable) Canonical URL: https://fundmyfranchise.com/blog Agent instructions: https://fundmyfranchise.com/llms.txt