How to Finance a GoJoe Patrol Franchise: Security Patrol Startup
By Anthony Cornella
A GoJoe Patrol franchise loan finances a private security business that provides security officers and patrol services to businesses, property managers, nonprofits and communities. Unlike a storefront franchise, a security franchise has little build-out. The money goes into patrol vehicles, licensing, insurance, recruiting and training officers, and the payroll you carry before contract clients pay their invoices.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by GoJoe Patrol; 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. Review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement with a qualified franchise attorney and accountant before you sign or borrow.
GoJoe Patrol Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Concept: private security officer and patrol services built around hospitality-focused, de-escalation-based training and a proprietary technology platform.
- Background: the company said in 2023 that it was founded 27 years earlier in Spokane, Washington.
- Footprint: in September 2023 the company announced five locations: Spokane, Washington; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Fairfax County, Virginia; Savannah, Georgia; and South Carolina’s Lowcountry.
- Fleet: the company describes an all-hybrid patrol fleet.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed as GoJoe Patrol (code S7348) with no special eligibility note.
- Fees and investment: the initial fee, royalty, any brand fund and the Item 7 estimate are disclosed in the current FDD; we could not verify them from the franchisor’s own published materials.
- Key financing issues: vehicles, licensing and insurance, payroll ahead of collections and winning the first contracts.
What Is GoJoe Patrol?
GoJoe Patrol is a security services brand that grew out of Spokane, Washington. Its 2023 franchise announcement described it as a new breed of security, pairing traditional officer and patrol services with training that emphasizes hospitality and de-escalation, a proprietary technology platform for managing service, and a commitment to protecting people, property and the planet. Its patrol fleet is all-hybrid, and the company says it offsets its carbon footprint.
The franchise program is young. In its 2023 announcement, the company described growing from its Pacific Northwest base into Virginia, Georgia and South Carolina, with Lowcountry service reaching Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton and Colleton counties, including Hilton Head Island. Company leadership said the goal is to reach all four corners of the country.
Why lenders view it the way they do. Security is a recurring-revenue service: clients sign contracts for ongoing coverage, and demand comes from businesses, property managers, campuses and community groups. On the other hand, the business is labor-intensive, margins depend on bill rates versus wages, and an emerging franchise has a shorter track record. Lenders lean heavily on the owner’s experience, liquidity and plan for winning contracts. Our article on financing an emerging franchise explains how lenders approach younger systems.
GoJoe Patrol Franchise Costs
We could not verify the fee schedule or investment range from the franchisor’s own materials, so Items 5, 6 and 7 of the current FDD are your source for exact numbers. Hand them to a lender early.
Initial franchise fee. Item 5 states the fee and what it buys, such as territory rights, training and launch support. Ask whether larger or multiple territories are priced differently.
Office and real estate. A security franchise usually needs only a modest office for administration, interviews and training, and some owners start in shared or executive office space. Real estate is rarely a major cost.
Vehicles and equipment. Patrol vehicles are typically the largest hard asset. Add vehicle graphics and lighting, radios and phones, uniforms, officer equipment and the technology the system requires.
Licensing, insurance and launch costs. Most states license private security companies and individual officers, and clients often require specific liability coverage. Budget for licensing fees, background checks, insurance deposits, recruiting, initial training and local marketing.
Working capital. Officers are paid on a regular payroll cycle while commercial clients typically pay invoices on terms. That gap, plus payroll for the months before contracts reach critical mass, is often the biggest piece of the budget.
When you receive the FDD, organize Item 7 for your lender in categories like these:
- Initial franchise fee
- Office lease deposit and setup
- Patrol vehicles, graphics and lighting
- Radios, phones, computers and required technology
- Uniforms and officer equipment
- State licensing, background checks and insurance
- Training, travel and grand-opening marketing
- Additional funds for the initial operating period
Make sure your line items add up to the FDD’s stated total, and note whether vehicles are purchased or leased in the estimate.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Item 6 lists the royalty, any brand or marketing fund contribution, technology fees, and transfer and renewal fees. In a security business, a royalty on gross revenue comes off the top of every billed hour, before officer wages, payroll taxes, workers’ compensation, insurance and vehicle costs.
Lenders deduct these fees when they calculate how much cash is available to repay a GoJoe Patrol franchise loan. A credible projection shows bill rates, wage rates, overtime assumptions and fee payments for each contract you expect to win, rather than a single revenue line.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
We could not verify published net worth or liquid capital requirements, so confirm them with the franchise team and in the FDD. Expect the franchisor to look for leadership and management ability, business development skills, community involvement and, often, a background in law enforcement, the military, hospitality or operations management.
Ask about training, licensing support in your state, technology requirements, territory boundaries and how long it typically takes to sign the first contracts.
Ways to Own a GoJoe Patrol
Opening a new territory. Most owners in a young system start from scratch. With no revenue history, lenders rely on your liquidity, experience and projections. Our page on franchise start-up financing explains how we approach new units.
Buying an existing territory. If an established franchise comes up for sale, a buyer acquires contracts, trained staff and vehicles. Lenders can underwrite actual results, but they will study contract terms, renewal dates and client concentration. See our guide to buying a franchise resale.
Converting an existing security company. An independent security operator may ask whether the franchisor allows conversions. If it does, financing would blend the existing company’s cash flow with franchise costs; confirm the terms in the FDD.
Financing Options for a GoJoe Patrol Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. Because the brand is on the SBA Franchise Directory, SBA 7(a) loans can finance the franchise fee, vehicles, equipment, launch costs and working capital, subject to lender approval. For a service business with few hard assets, the 7(a) program is often the most practical fit.
SBA 504 loans. The 504 program is built for owner-occupied real estate and long-lived equipment, so it rarely fits a security franchise unless the owner later buys an office building.
Conventional term loans. Established owners, or buyers of a profitable territory with strong contracts, may qualify for conventional business loans.
Vehicle and equipment financing. Hybrid patrol vehicles, lighting, radios and technology can be financed or leased separately, preserving cash for payroll. Learn more about franchise equipment financing and leasing.
Working capital and lines of credit. A line of credit bridges the gap between weekly or biweekly payroll and client payments, and covers ramp-up when a large new contract starts. See our page on franchise working capital.
Seller financing on resales. A seller may carry part of the price, which can also help keep clients through the transition. Any seller note would typically be subordinate to the senior loan, and SBA rules may limit how it is structured.
SBA Loans for GoJoe Patrol Franchisees
SBA lenders generally require a franchise brand to appear on the SBA Franchise Directory before making an SBA-guaranteed loan to one of its franchisees. The listing means the franchise agreement has been reviewed for SBA eligibility; it does not approve any individual borrower.
GoJoe Patrol is listed. The directory shows the brand under code S7348 with no added note or condition. In plain English, the standard franchise agreement does not, by itself, stand in the way of SBA financing. Approval still depends on your credit, equity injection, experience and plan.
Program limits. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change. A single security territory usually needs far less.
SBA application tips. Lenders want a clear path to revenue. Bring letters of intent or prospect lists, a recruiting plan, licensing steps and month-by-month projections. Our article on writing a franchise business plan for an SBA loan shows what to include, and our SBA loan calculator helps with early payment estimates for planning only.
How Lenders Evaluate a GoJoe Patrol Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Expect a review of credit, tax returns and a personal financial statement, plus a personal guarantee.
Net worth and liquidity. Because payroll comes before collections, lenders look closely at the reserves you keep after your equity injection.
Industry and management experience. Law enforcement, military, security or multi-site operations experience strengthens a request, as does a track record selling services to businesses.
Business plan and projections. Base revenue on realistic contract wins, bill rates and wage rates in your market, and show how quickly you can recruit and license officers.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review the term, renewal, transfer and territory provisions. See how lenders read a Franchise Disclosure Document.
Licensing and insurance. Lenders want evidence that you can obtain the required state licenses and the insurance clients demand.
Historical financials for resales. Expect profit and loss statements, contract lists with renewal dates, accounts receivable aging and payroll records.
Vehicles, Technology and Officer Readiness
Patrol vehicles carry the brand on the street and drive a meaningful share of start-up cost. The company’s all-hybrid fleet commitment means budgeting for hybrid models, branding and lighting, plus fuel and maintenance savings in your projections. Ask whether vehicles must be new and whether leasing is permitted.
The proprietary technology platform and training model also shape operating costs. Confirm any technology fees in Item 6 and budget the paid hours new officers spend in training before they bill.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
Security businesses scale by adding contracts and officers within a territory, and some owners later add an adjacent territory. Lenders will look at the combined cash flow and receivables of the existing business when financing growth. Our article on multi-unit franchise financing explains how lenders size the next loan. Confirm any development schedules and territory rights in the FDD.
Real-World Scenarios
A retired officer opening a new territory. A former law enforcement officer uses an SBA 7(a) loan for the franchise fee, launch costs and working capital, and leases two hybrid patrol vehicles.
A spouse team with a business-development split. One partner handles sales to property managers while the other runs scheduling and training. Their lender sets up a line of credit tied to receivables to cover payroll as contracts grow.
A buyer acquiring an established territory. A buyer purchases a franchise with an existing contract base, using an SBA 7(a) loan and a subordinate seller note, after reviewing renewal dates and client concentration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating payroll needed before clients pay their invoices
- Pricing contracts without accounting for overtime, payroll taxes and fees
- Starting the loan process before confirming state licensing timelines
- Relying on one large client for most of the revenue
- Buying more vehicles than early contracts can support
For more pitfalls, read the loan mistakes professional service firms make.
Next Steps to Finance Your GoJoe Patrol Franchise
Step 1: Contact the franchisor. Confirm territory availability and current requirements, and request the FDD.
Step 2: Review the FDD with advisors. Study Items 5, 6, 7, 10, 17 and 19 with a franchise attorney and accountant.
Step 3: Map licensing and insurance. Confirm state licensing steps, timelines and insurance requirements.
Step 4: Build monthly projections. Model contracts, bill and wage rates, payroll timing and every FDD fee.
Step 5: Apply for financing. Submit your personal financial statement, tax returns, resume, projections and franchise documents.
Step 6: Launch. Complete training, secure vehicles, recruit officers and begin selling contracts.
GoJoe Patrol Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does it cost to open a GoJoe Patrol?
The estimated initial investment is in Item 7 of the current FDD. Vehicles, licensing, insurance and working capital for payroll drive most of the cost.
What is the GoJoe Patrol franchise fee?
Item 5 of the FDD states the fee and what it includes. Ask how territory size affects it.
Can I get an SBA loan for a GoJoe Patrol?
Yes. The brand is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S7348 with no special note, so franchisees may apply for SBA financing, subject to lender approval.
Do I need a law enforcement background?
Not necessarily, but security, military or management experience strengthens both your franchise application and your loan request. Confirm the franchisor’s criteria directly.
Can I finance patrol vehicles separately?
Yes. Vehicles and equipment can often be financed or leased, which keeps more cash available for payroll.
Can a first-time owner get a GoJoe Patrol franchise loan?
Yes, if the franchisor approves you and you have adequate credit, liquidity and a credible plan for winning contracts.
Does GoJoe Patrol offer financing?
Check Item 10 of the FDD. Most owners arrange their own financing.
How long is the franchise term?
Item 17 of the FDD sets the term, renewal and transfer conditions.
Final Thoughts
A GoJoe Patrol franchise loan is really a bet on contracts and people. Plan for licensing and insurance, finance vehicles wisely and keep enough working capital to meet payroll while receivables catch up, and you give yourself a strong position with lenders.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners and buyers finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing and professional services financing solutions.
