How to Avoid Delays and Keep Your Franchise Financing on Track

Staying Ready in a Shifting Lending Landscape: How to Avoid Delays and Keep Your Franchise Financing on Track

In today’s unpredictable economic environment, franchise financing remains possible, but the timeline from approval to funding can be delicate. Whether you’re acquiring a new unit, opening your first location, or expanding your footprint, timing is everything. And in this environment, being prepared isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

At ApplePie Capital, we work with franchisees every day to navigate the final mile of the lending process. And time and again, we’ve seen that proactive borrowers who stay organized and engaged are far more likely to close quickly and smoothly. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Proactive Borrowers Win

"One of the biggest keys to closing your loan effectively and efficiently is being proactive," says Travis Perrine, ApplePie's Director of Business Development and franchise financing specialist. "Some items are quick to gather, others require third parties and can take time. Tackling the low-hanging fruit early and kicking off external processes right away keeps things on track."

Some of the most commonly required documents and tasks during closing include:

Executed lease agreements
Landlord subordination agreements
Construction bids
Business and personal tax returns
Life insurance assignments (in some cases)

Delays often occur not because of major issues, but because items like these get pushed to the end of the borrower’s to-do list—or worse, are forgotten entirely until the last minute.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

Commitment letters don’t last forever. If your timeline stretches beyond the commitment expiration, you may be required to resubmit updated financials or even undergo a full recommitment. In a volatile lending climate, that opens the door to real risk.

"Rates are not guaranteed to hold, and the credit environment can change," Perrine notes. "You may see revised pricing, new conditions, or in rare cases, find that the original commitment can no longer be honored. It’s always best to close while the terms are favorable and funding is available."

Put simply: Don’t wait.

Microeconomic Variables: Costs, Leases, and Labor

You don’t need to be a macroeconomist to understand that real-world inputs like construction costs, lease negotiations, and labor can shift under your feet. Delays in funding can delay your project, which delays your opening—and that means lost revenue.

Being unprepared can result in:

Outdated or expired construction bids
Inaccurate budgets due to shifting material or labor costs
Lease complications or missed windows for space
Delayed cash flow from pushing out your opening date

"Time is money," says Perrine. "The earlier you open, the sooner you generate revenue. Opportunity cost is real."

Communication Is Key

If you’re unsure about a requirement, the best move is simple: ask. ApplePie is here to help you navigate the process, and no question is too small.

"This is all we do," Perrine says. "We want to get you across the finish line. We’re in the boat with you. So lean on your closer, communicate often, and never hesitate to raise your hand."

Final Tips to Stay on Track:

Start with what you control: Gather tax returns, sign leases, and request bids early.
Engage third parties quickly: Give outside parties time to review and respond.
Nominate a quarterback: If you have multiple partners or guarantors, designate one person to lead communication and coordination.
Monitor your timeline: Know your commitment letter expiration date and work backward.
Stay in sync: Keep your lender updated on delays or changes. Transparency helps.

Ready to Move Forward?

We know how fast things can change. But with the right preparation and a trusted lending partner, you can move with confidence.

Need guidance? Reach out to the ApplePie team or visit applepiecapital.com to learn more about how we help franchisees finance smarter, faster, and with fewer surprises.