Answer two questions and see the lenders that fit your kind of project, ranked from public SBA loan data for Florida. Every figure shows its source.
Carrying forward from Steps 1–2: brand not set. ClearBuild uses this project context to frame the funding path and carry the deal into permitting and the final package.
No match yet. All three paths are shown below. Need an estimate? Buildout Estimator · Deciding build-to-suit vs 2nd-gen? BTS vs 2nd Gen
You can skip financing research and continue to Permits & code. ClearBuild will record that decision in your project evidence.
First-time or single-unit franchisees building out leased inline or endcap space.
SBA 7(a) is the usual fit: most franchisees lease, so there is no building to pledge as collateral.
Dedicated franchise finance team covering first units through multi-unit growth. Named by Paris Baguette as a preferred lender for its franchisees (1851 Franchise, Apr 2023).
Made more SBA 7(a) restaurant loans nationwide than any other lender from FY2021 to FY2026 (4,397 loans). Has SBA specialists covering Florida.
Multi-unit operators, area developers and buildouts above about $1M.
Lenders with larger average loans and franchise teams that finance a development schedule, not just one store.
Since Jul 4, 2026, eligible small businesses that secure a 7(a) loan first can combine SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loans for up to $10M in SBA-backed financing (each program still caps at $5M). Source: U.S. Small Business Administration, News release 26-52 (May 18, 2026)
Largest average Florida loan among top lenders. Dedicated franchise restaurant team for new units, acquisitions, refinancing and working capital.
Dedicated franchise finance team covering first units through multi-unit growth. Named by Paris Baguette as a preferred lender for its franchisees (1851 Franchise, Apr 2023).
Franchisees purchasing a building or developing a freestanding pad they will occupy.
SBA 504 pairs a bank with a nonprofit lender for long-term fixed-rate financing with as little as 10% down.
Nonprofit SBA 504 lender in Florida since 1989. A 504 loan pairs a bank (about 50%) with FBDC (about 40%) and as little as 10% down. It can fund land, buildings, new construction and renovation of property the business will occupy. It cannot fund working capital.
Source: fbdc.net (checked Oct 11, 2026)Largest average Florida loan among top lenders. Dedicated franchise restaurant team for new units, acquisitions, refinancing and working capital.
Dedicated franchise finance team covering first units through multi-unit growth. Named by Paris Baguette as a preferred lender for its franchisees (1851 Franchise, Apr 2023).
We show how long permits can take and what waiting costs you.
Planning information only. ClearBuild is not a lender, does not arrange loans and cannot guarantee approval. Every lending decision, rate and term is set by the lender. Figures are historical and don't predict any one application.
ABOUT THE BUILDER
Rohane Davidson built ClearBuild and maintains it. He has more than 20 years in business development and construction, with project experience that includes New Balance, Panther Coffee and Wendy's. He built ClearBuild to put where to open, what it costs, how long permits take and how to fund it in one place, each answer with its source and date.