Women and Financing
Would you like the opportunity to run your own franchise but are unsure of what personal finances you have available? There are a number of options available to women entering into the franchise industry, such as:
- Personal Resources: Many women entering into the franchise industry generally use their personal resources (savings, family and friends) as a starting point for borrowing and raising money for their franchise opportunity.
- Financial Institutions: Some female franchisees may turn to financial institutions for debt financing or equity financing, or both.
- Franchisor: In some cases, the franchisor can help generate the start-up finance needed to set up a franchise.
View the following list of financial institutions that are dedicated to helping women finance their own business...
1. Financial Institutions: NatWest
Financial institutions in the UK and Ireland are now actively assisting women in starting their own franchise or business opportunity. NatWest is one such institution that is reaching out to women franchise owners in an attempt to increase the number of female franchisees operating businesses in the UK.
NatWest provides the following services to women interested in starting their own business:
(a) Dedicated Business Manager
When you contact NatWest for assistance in funding your franchise or business operation, you will be assigned a dedicated Business Manager to will be your main point of contact throughout the process.
(b) Business Plan
You can avail of the Business Plan services where you will be assisted with advise on how to create an effective business plan to cater to your business needs.
(c) 2 Years Free Business Banking
When you join NatWest they will provide you with 2 years no-charge business banking to assist you with managing other start-up costs such as rent, computer equipment etc.
(d) Everywoman
Join the Everywoman community of fellow business women and find advice, discussion groups and more as you grow and develop your franchise or business start-up.
NatWest Start-up Loans
In addition, the NatWest provides a number of different start-up loans that you can avail of as a first time franchisee or franchisor expanding your business.
NatWest Franchise Seminars
You can also avail of “free franchise seminars” where you can find valuable information on franchising. Throughout 2008, NatWest in partnership with 10 leading UK franchise groups will be scheduling dates at different locations across the country for free, where you can receive first-hand information from expert franchise specialists. Click on the link provided to find out when the next free franchise show is on in your area…
2. The Bank of Ireland
This financial organisation offers expert franchise information for women in Ireland interested in buying into a franchise opportunity. To access more information about franchising funding in Ireland, please read the Bank of Ireland's free "A Complete Guide to Franchising" which will provide you with the necessary information when sourcing finance for your franchise or business opportunity.
The Bank of Ireland has set up a number of start-up business loans and advisory business managers to help women and potential franchisees in general receive the necessary funds to invest in a franchise or business opportunity.
For more information on the Bank of Ireland’s funding opportunities, click on the link provided.
Some Interesting Financial Business Facts:
- Four out of every five women starting their own business or investing in a franchise opportunity would borrow a loan from a financial institution compared to one in five male counterparts;
- Women bosses (four out of five) have more expert knoweldge in the technicalities or stipulations involved in loans, investments and other forms of financial lendings than do their male boss colleagues (two out of five);
- 84% of women bosses claim to have a better understanding of loan fixtures compared to 75% of men bosses;
- Bosses or Managers that are women are far more comforatble in repaying financial loans than are their male counterparts.
Source: Women and Franchising (whichfranchise.com)
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