How to Finance a Go Mini’s Franchise: Containers, Trucks, Yards
By Marc Cornella
A Go Mini’s franchise loan funds a portable storage and moving business that delivers metal containers to customers’ homes and businesses, then stores or moves them. Unlike a storefront franchise, most of the money goes to rolling stock and inventory: a fleet of containers, delivery trucks and handling equipment, a secure yard or warehouse to hold containers, and working capital while the customer base builds.
Go Mini’s Moving and Portable Storage was founded in 2002 and began franchising in 2012. The franchisor’s fee schedule and investment table were not available in materials we could verify, so this article explains how these deals are financed, what to pull from the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and how lenders look at an equipment-heavy service franchise.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Go Mini’s; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s disclosure document can change, loan programs and terms vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to review and approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice.
Go Mini’s Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Concept: portable storage containers delivered to customers for local moves, long-distance moves, on-site storage and secure storage.
- History: founded in 2002; moved to a franchise model in 2012.
- System size: the company reports 114 outlets across North America, with locations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
- Headquarters: Simi Valley, California; the franchisor is Go Mini’s Franchising, LLC.
- Franchise fee, royalty and investment: see Items 5, 6 and 7 of the current FDD; we could not verify them from franchisor materials.
- Candidate requirements: net worth and liquidity minimums are shared by the franchisor during discovery.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed as Go Mini’s Moving and Portable Storage (code S0724), with no additional directory notes.
What Is Go Mini’s?
Go Mini’s describes itself as one of North America’s fastest-growing portable storage and moving companies. Customers rent all-metal, ground-level containers that are delivered to their door, loaded at their own pace and then either kept on site, moved to a new address or taken to secure storage. The company offers three container sizes and serves residential moves, military moves, commercial storage, remodeling projects and restoration jobs.
In January 2025 the company launched Go Mini’s Miles, a long-distance moving service using 7.5-foot by 7.5-foot containers for moves within a state or across the country. Chris Walls serves as CEO and president.
Why lenders see it differently. A portable storage franchise is closer to an equipment rental business than to a retail store. Lenders focus on the value and useful life of the container fleet and trucks, utilization rates, the yard or warehouse and how quickly rental revenue covers fleet costs.
Go Mini’s Franchise Costs
Initial franchise fee. Item 5 of the FDD states the fee, how territory size affects it and whether additional territories cost less.
Containers. The container fleet is usually the largest investment. Ask the franchisor how many containers a new territory typically starts with, which sizes, and whether units must be purchased from approved sources.
Trucks and handling equipment. Containers must be picked up, delivered and placed safely, which requires delivery trucks and specialized handling equipment. These are long-lived assets that lend themselves to equipment financing.
Yard or warehouse. Containers in storage need a secure place to sit. Some owners lease a fenced yard or warehouse; others own property. Owners who already run a self-storage facility or moving company may be able to use existing space.
Opening costs and working capital. Expect local marketing, insurance, software, staffing, fuel and an additional funds line for the early months before rentals reach a steady level.
Total investment. Item 7 lists the total estimated range along with categories such as:
- Initial franchise fee
- Container inventory
- Delivery trucks and container-handling equipment
- Yard or warehouse lease deposits and improvements
- Office equipment, software and technology
- Signage, vehicle graphics and uniforms
- Insurance, licenses and permits
- Grand opening and local marketing
- Training-related expenses
- Additional funds for the initial operating period
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Item 6 discloses the royalty, any brand or marketing fund contribution, technology or software fees, and transfer and renewal fees. Some service franchisors charge a percentage of revenue, while others charge a flat or minimum amount, which matters early on.
How lenders factor in fees. Lenders deduct royalties and fees from projected rental revenue before measuring cash available for debt service. For an equipment-heavy business, they also account for fuel, truck maintenance, insurance and eventual container repairs.
Fleet replacement. Trucks wear out and containers need upkeep. Build a replacement plan into projections so that later equipment purchases do not strain cash flow.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
The franchisor shares its financial requirements during discovery. Expect it to evaluate:
- Liquid capital for the cash injection, the initial fleet and working capital
- Net worth that supports the territory and any expansion plans
- Business, logistics, moving or self-storage experience, or a plan to hire it
- Access to a suitable yard or warehouse in the territory
Approval process. Expect an introductory call, delivery of the FDD, conversations with existing franchise owners and a financial review. Lenders generally want franchisor approval before final loan commitment.
Ways to Own a Go Mini’s Franchise
A new territory. A start-up territory requires financing for the fleet, trucks, yard and working capital. Lenders rely on projections and the borrower’s finances. See our franchise start-up financing options.
Buying an existing territory. The company reports that established territories have changed hands, including a sale by a retiring franchise owner. A resale comes with an existing fleet, customers and operating history, which lenders can underwrite directly. Read our guide to buying a franchise resale.
Adding Go Mini’s to an existing business. Owners of self-storage facilities, moving companies or restoration businesses may find a portable storage franchise fits alongside their current operations. Lenders can consider the existing business’s cash flow and property.
Financing Options for a Go Mini’s Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. Because the brand is on the SBA Franchise Directory, an SBA 7(a) loan can combine the franchise fee, containers, trucks and working capital in one loan.
SBA 504 loans. If an owner buys a yard or warehouse, or a large equipment package qualifies, an SBA 504 loan can finance long-lived fixed assets with longer terms.
Conventional term loans. Borrowers with strong credit, collateral and experience may qualify for a conventional business loan, especially when expanding an existing storage or moving company.
Equipment financing. Containers, delivery trucks and handling equipment are well suited to equipment loans or leases, with the assets serving as collateral. Learn more about franchise equipment financing and leasing.
Working capital and lines of credit. Moving demand often peaks in warmer months and around school calendars. A line of credit can cover payroll, fuel and insurance during slower periods or fund extra containers before busy season. See our self-storage working capital options.
Seller financing on resales. When buying an existing territory, a seller may carry part of the price. Any seller note is typically subordinate to the senior lender, and loan programs may limit its structure.
SBA Loans for Go Mini’s Franchisees
SBA lenders generally require a franchise brand to appear on the SBA Franchise Directory before they can make an SBA-guaranteed loan to one of its franchisees. A listing means the franchise documents have been reviewed for eligibility; it does not approve any borrower.
Directory listing. Go Mini’s Moving and Portable Storage is listed under code S0724 with no additional notes. In plain terms, no special addendum or condition is flagged for lenders. Directory status can change, so confirm it when you apply.
Program limits. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change.
Application tips. Include equipment quotes for containers and trucks, a yard lease or purchase contract, and projections that show utilization and rental rates. Our guide to writing a franchise business plan for an SBA loan explains what lenders expect.
How Lenders Evaluate a Go Mini’s Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Lenders review credit, tax returns and a personal financial statement, and usually require personal guarantees.
Net worth and liquidity. Lenders want the cash injection plus reserves, since fleet businesses can take time to reach full utilization.
Industry and management experience. Experience in moving, logistics, self-storage, equipment rental or managing drivers strengthens a request.
Business plan and projections. Projections should show container count, expected utilization, rental periods, delivery fees, driver labor, fuel and maintenance.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review the fees, territory rights, term, renewal and transfer conditions. Check whether Item 19 includes financial performance representations.
Yard or warehouse. Lenders want a lease term that at least matches the loan, or clear title if the property is owned, along with zoning that permits container storage.
Resale financials. For an existing territory, expect to provide several years of profit and loss statements, rental reports, a fleet list and tax returns.
The Container Fleet and Delivery Equipment
A Go Mini’s franchise loan is in large part a fleet loan. Containers are durable, but they need inspection, repairs and occasional repainting. Trucks need regular maintenance and eventual replacement. Lenders typically match loan terms to the useful life of each asset class.
Utilization drives returns. A container earns money only when it is rented. Projections should show how many containers sit idle in slower months and how quickly new containers are added as demand grows. Adding the fleet in stages can reduce early debt payments.
Multi-Unit Growth and Additional Territories
Owners who perform well may add neighboring territories or buy existing ones. Each expansion usually means more containers, another truck and possibly another yard.
Financing growth. Once the first territory has operating history, lenders can underwrite its results alongside projections for the next. Some owners finance each territory separately, while others consolidate debt. Read more about multi-unit franchise financing.
Real-World Scenarios
A first-time owner launching a territory. A former logistics manager uses an SBA 7(a) loan for the franchise fee, an initial container fleet, a truck and working capital, and leases a fenced yard.
A self-storage owner adding portable storage. An owner of a storage facility adds a Go Mini’s territory and keeps containers on existing land, using equipment financing for the fleet.
A buyer of an established territory. A buyer acquires a territory from a retiring owner, with an SBA loan covering the fleet and goodwill, subject to franchisor approval.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying the full container fleet before demand supports it
- Overlooking truck maintenance, fuel and insurance costs
- Choosing a yard without confirming zoning for container storage
- Ignoring seasonal swings in moving demand
- Leaving too little working capital for the ramp-up
For more pitfalls, read about the franchise loan mistakes that cost owners the most.
Next Steps to Finance Your Go Mini’s Franchise
Step 1: Request the FDD. Complete discovery and note the fee, royalty, investment range and requirements.
Step 2: Review it with advisors. Have a franchise attorney and accountant review the FDD and franchise agreement.
Step 3: Estimate your budget. Use our SBA loan calculator for early payment estimates, which are for planning only.
Step 4: Secure a yard. Find a site with the right zoning, access and security.
Step 5: Build projections. Model container count, utilization, rental rates and seasonal demand.
Step 6: Apply for your Go Mini’s franchise loan. Submit tax returns, a personal financial statement, the FDD, equipment quotes and yard documents.
Step 7: Close and launch. Coordinate container delivery, truck purchase, training and local marketing with your loan timeline.
Go Mini’s Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does a Go Mini’s franchise cost?
The total estimated investment is disclosed in Item 7 of the current FDD. We could not verify it from franchisor materials, so request the FDD during discovery.
What is the Go Mini’s franchise fee?
Item 5 of the FDD lists the initial franchise fee and any fees for additional territories.
What royalty does Go Mini’s charge?
The royalty and other ongoing fees are disclosed in Item 6.
How much liquid capital do I need?
The franchisor shares its requirements during discovery. Lenders will also want reserves beyond the cash injection.
Can I get an SBA loan for a Go Mini’s franchise?
Yes, the brand is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S0724 with no added notes, so eligible borrowers can apply. Every loan is still subject to approval.
Can I finance containers and trucks separately?
Often, yes. Equipment financing or leasing can cover the fleet apart from the main loan.
Can I buy an existing territory?
Yes, if one is available and the franchisor approves the transfer. Lenders can then review the territory’s actual results and fleet.
Can a first-time owner get a Go Mini’s franchise loan?
Yes, if the franchisor approves the candidate and the borrower meets lender standards. Logistics or management experience helps.
Does the franchisor offer financing?
Item 10 of the FDD discloses any franchisor financing. Most buyers arrange their own loans.
How long is the franchise term?
Item 17 sets out the term, renewal and transfer conditions. Lenders generally want the term to at least match the loan.
Final Thoughts
A Go Mini’s territory is a fleet business: containers, trucks and a yard working together to earn rental and delivery revenue. Buyers who size the fleet to demand, plan for maintenance and seasonality, read the FDD closely and keep cash in reserve are best positioned to secure a Go Mini’s franchise loan and grow.
US Professional Funding helps franchise buyers and owners finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing and self-storage financing solutions.
