How to Finance a Franchise with an SBA Loan

Buying into a franchise is one of the fastest ways to become a business owner, but the financing side can feel like its own learning curve. This guide walks you through exactly how to finance a franchise with an SBA loan, from the loan types available to the eligibility rules and the steps you’ll take to apply. Live Oak Bank is an SBA Preferred Lender, and this guide reflects the SBA’s current SOP 50 10 8.1, effective October 1, 2026, including the franchise eligibility rules established under SOP 50 10 8.