Irrelevent post

Jim, Right off the bat this sounds like a great option for you. The one who can really give you the most definitive answer is a local banker. The bank is really the lending institution; the SBA simply guarantees a portion of the loan that you make. There are two approaches. One is to talk with 2-4 banker now, before you have actually begun. Find out who is lending money, and on what criteria. Establish a rapport with a banker you think you can work with. This is a great approach because -- if you find such a banker -- s/he can offer a wide range of tools and background information for you. S/he can point you in the direction of local population stats, and might even know good landlords, and if you are very lucky will even have stats on the video game and/or franchise options. The other approach is to go as far as you can without actually paying the franchise company anything. Do your background work. Research stats and locations. Build your business plan as completely as possible. You should be able to get enough info from the franchise company to get your financials reasonably straight. Then go see your local banker(s), business plan in hand. This does make a strong impression, showing how prepared you are, and how much background work you have already done. So take your pick. Both approaches work well. I do advise, however, that you not limit yourself to one bank or one banker. Go to see several. Not all banks have money for all projects. Find the one that is most receptive to your idea. Good luck on your new venture! MaryAnnBusiness Plan MasterStart and Finance Your Business Now ---This post was edited to remove a commercial link. Read our discussion policies for more Community best practices.