Financing Your Franchise Author:Meg Whittemore, Andrew Sherman, Ripley Meg Hotch Franchising represents 35 percent of all retail sales in the U.S.-and will rocket to 50 percent by the end of the century. Yet, while thousands have made the successful jump into franchising, many more never even open shop-usually due to lack of financing. This easy-to-follow guide shows exactly how to secure the money to buy any size franchise.... more ».. from a $10,000 home-based business to a high-priced McDonald's! Here's tried-and-true advice on evaluating a purchase opportunity... recognizing "red flags" that spell trouble... obtaining capital... preparing a proposal for the lender or investor... finding out about federal, state, and local financing programs... and much more. Plus, readers will find complete contact information for the 50 leading franchise lenders, 500 franchisors who offer direct financing, and 20 lenders who target women and minorities, with full company profiles and valuable working tips. Packed with checklists, sample forms, and business plans-and written by three top experts affiliated with Nation's Business magazine-Financing Your Franchise is "must reading " for anyone entering the lucrative world of franchising.« less