How to Finance a SpeedPro Franchise: Printers, Studios and SBA
By Chris Cornella
A SpeedPro franchise loan pays for a business that looks part showroom, part print shop and part installation company. A SpeedPro studio produces banners, trade show displays, wall murals, window and floor graphics, signage and vehicle wraps for business customers, which means the owner has to finance wide-format printers and finishing equipment, a production space, materials and the working capital needed to carry commercial accounts that pay on terms.
This article explains what SpeedPro is, how the studio model affects the budget, which financing structures tend to fit a new studio, a resale or a conversion, and how lenders look at a print and graphics business. US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by SpeedPro; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s disclosure document and website can change, loan programs vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice.
SpeedPro Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Brand origins: founded in 1992 in Alberta, Canada, according to the company’s own history
- Franchising: began franchising in 1996 and entered the U.S. market in 2003, starting in Dallas
- Headquarters: corporate office in Centennial, Colorado, since 2015
- System size: the company describes a nationwide network of more than 120 studios
- Concept: business-to-business large-format printing, graphics, design and installation
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed as SpeedPro Imaging (code S1605), with no additional notes
SpeedPro’s franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund contribution, Item 7 investment range and minimum net worth or liquidity requirements were not available on the company pages we could review, so they are not quoted here. Request the current Franchise Disclosure Document and use Items 5, 6 and 7 as the foundation of your loan request.
What Is SpeedPro?
SpeedPro started as a sign business in western Canada in 1992 and began franchising four years later. The brand moved into the United States in 2003, set up a U.S. corporate office in 2006 and, by its own account, passed 100 U.S. franchises awarded in 2013. A new ownership group acquired the company in 2014, and the corporate office moved to the Denver area the following year.
The studios serve businesses rather than walk-in consumers. According to the company, studios handle large-format printing, color matching, in-house design, contour cutting, vehicle and surface wraps, and installation and removal by trained crews. Typical products include banners, corporate branding, directional and wayfinding signage, event graphics, indoor and outdoor signage, trade show displays, wall murals and window graphics.
The equipment list is what sets the concept apart from many service franchises. The company describes roll-fed and flatbed printers, cutting plotters for vinyl and vector plotters, along with UV-curable, eco-solvent and latex ink systems. That makes a SpeedPro studio a production business with real capital equipment, not just a sales office.
How lenders see the model. Lenders tend to view a SpeedPro studio as a business-to-business service company with three things to underwrite: the owner’s ability to sell to commercial accounts, a meaningful equipment package that can secure part of the loan, and receivables that tie up cash between invoicing and payment.
SpeedPro Franchise Costs
Use the categories below as a checklist against Item 7 of the current disclosure document and your own quotes for space and equipment.
Initial franchise fee
The fee and any multi-territory or conversion terms appear in Item 5. Confirm whether the fee covers one territory and how territory is defined, since lenders like to see that the market supports the sales plan.
Studio space and build-out
A studio needs a production floor for printers and finishing tables, room to stage large pieces, a customer-facing area and often a loading door for vans and crated graphics. Many owners lease flex or light industrial space. Build-out may include electrical upgrades for printers and curing systems, ventilation, lighting and finishes.
Equipment and technology
This is usually the largest single cost category. Expect wide-format roll printers, a flatbed printer, cutters and plotters, laminators, finishing tools, design workstations and software, and installation tools and ladders or lifts.
Vehicles, materials and working capital
Installation crews need a vehicle that can carry large graphics and equipment. Owners also stock vinyl, banner material, rigid substrates and inks, and need cash for payroll, marketing and rent while the sales pipeline builds.
Item 7 categories to look for
- Initial franchise fee
- Lease deposits and rent before opening
- Leasehold improvements and electrical work
- Printing, cutting, laminating and finishing equipment
- Computers, design software and studio technology
- Opening inventory of media, substrates and inks
- Signage, furniture and showroom fixtures
- Vehicle for installations and deliveries
- Training travel and living expenses
- Grand opening and local marketing
- Insurance, licenses and professional fees
- Additional funds for the initial operating period
Lenders will add a contingency on top of the Item 7 total, because equipment installation, electrical upgrades and early receivables often run ahead of plan.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Item 6 of the disclosure document lists the royalty, any brand or marketing fund contribution, technology or software fees, training fees, transfer fees and renewal fees. Because most of these are based on sales, they rise as the studio grows.
When a lender sizes a loan, it starts with projected revenue, subtracts materials, labor, rent, equipment service contracts, franchise fees and other expenses, and checks whether the remaining cash covers the annual loan payments with room to spare. In a print business, materials and labor are tied closely to each job, so a realistic gross margin assumption matters as much as the sales forecast.
Equipment service contracts and printer replacement belong in the plan too. Wide-format printers improve quickly and wear with use, and a lender will want to know how you will replace them over the life of the loan.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
SpeedPro sets its own financial qualifications and candidate profile; the minimum net worth and liquid capital figures are not on the company pages we reviewed, so ask the franchise team for them and confirm them in the disclosure document. Because the business sells to companies, event organizers and agencies, the franchisor and lenders will both pay close attention to sales and business development experience.
The process generally moves from inquiry and qualification to disclosure document review, conversations with current studio owners, territory and site review, approval and signing, then training, studio build-out and opening. Start the SpeedPro franchise loan conversation early so financing and the lease timeline line up.
Ways to Own a SpeedPro
Opening a new studio. A new studio means signing a lease, completing the build-out, installing equipment and building a client list from scratch. Lenders underwrite projections, so the owner’s sales background and liquidity carry extra weight. Our page on franchise start-up financing explains how new franchise units are typically funded.
Converting an existing print or sign shop. SpeedPro has announced conversions of independent studios into its network. A conversion can combine refinancing existing equipment debt, upgrades the brand requires and the franchise fee, while the lender looks at the shop’s existing revenue and customer base. Read more about financing a conversion franchise.
Buying an existing SpeedPro studio. A resale comes with equipment, staff, client accounts and a sales history a lender can study. The franchisor must approve the transfer, and the buyer should look closely at the age of the printers and the concentration of revenue among top clients. Our article on buying a franchise resale covers the process.
Financing Options for a SpeedPro Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. SBA 7(a) loans can combine the franchise fee, build-out, equipment, opening inventory and working capital in one loan, or fund the purchase of an existing studio. The program maximum is currently $5 million, and program rules can change.
SBA 504 loans. Most studios lease their space, so 504 financing is less common. An established owner who buys a building for the studio or makes a large purchase of long-lived equipment may find that a 504 structure fits, subject to program rules and lender approval.
Conventional term loans. Experienced owners with strong financials, or those acquiring an established studio with solid cash flow, may qualify for conventional business loans, which usually expect more equity and stronger credit than SBA programs.
Equipment financing. Wide-format and flatbed printers, cutters, laminators and installation vehicles can be financed or leased on their own, with the equipment as collateral. That can help an owner upgrade printers mid-life without refinancing the whole business. See our page on franchise equipment financing and leasing. Any equipment payments count against cash flow when the main loan is sized.
Working capital and lines of credit. Business customers often pay on terms, so a studio can be busy and still short on cash while invoices are outstanding. Large event and trade show orders also require materials up front. A line of credit can bridge those gaps; our page on franchise working capital explains the options.
Seller financing on resales. A seller may agree to carry part of the price on an existing studio. A seller note is typically subordinate to the primary loan, and SBA rules may limit how it is structured.
SBA Loans for SpeedPro Franchisees
SBA-backed loans are made by participating lenders, with the SBA guaranteeing part of the loan. For franchises, the lender also confirms that the franchise agreement leaves the owner in control of the business, and the SBA Franchise Directory makes that review easier for listed brands.
The directory listing. SpeedPro appears on the SBA Franchise Directory as SpeedPro Imaging under code S1605, with no additional notes. In plain English, the lender can rely on the directory for the brand’s franchise documents without special conditions; it still has to underwrite you, the studio and the collateral. A listing does not approve any borrower or guarantee a loan.
SBA application tips. Gather the franchise agreement and disclosure document, the proposed lease, equipment quotes, a sources and uses statement, personal tax returns, a personal financial statement and a résumé that emphasizes sales and management experience. The SBA loan calculator can help you estimate payments for planning purposes only.
How Lenders Evaluate a SpeedPro Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Lenders review the credit, tax returns and existing obligations of each significant owner.
Net worth and liquidity. Expect questions about the cash you are injecting and what remains afterward. In a business-to-business model, reserves matter because receivables can stretch out before revenue turns into cash.
Sales and management experience. A studio grows through outbound selling to marketing departments, event planners, builders, schools and other organizations. Lenders and the franchisor both want to see that the owner, or a key hire, can build that pipeline.
Business plan and projections. Strong projections show the target client mix, average order size, gross margin by product type, staffing for production and installation, and how long receivables typically take to collect. Include every Item 6 fee and equipment service contracts.
The disclosure document and franchise agreement. Lenders review the term, renewal, transfer and territory provisions, and they want the franchise term to cover the loan term. Our article on how lenders use the FDD explains what they look for.
Lease and site. For a leased studio, lenders check the lease term, renewal options and whether the space can handle the equipment, power and loading needs.
Historical financials on resales. For an existing studio, lenders study several years of tax returns and financial statements, customer concentration, accounts receivable aging and the age and condition of the printers. Our article on franchise valuation explains how buyers and lenders arrive at a price.
Printers, Finishing Equipment and Technology Cycles
Equipment drives both capacity and quality in a SpeedPro studio. Roll-fed printers handle banners, wall coverings and wraps; flatbed printers print directly onto rigid boards and specialty surfaces; plotters and cutters shape the finished pieces; and laminators protect them. Each machine has its own service contract, consumables and useful life.
That cycle shapes financing in three ways. First, lenders consider resale value and age when they use equipment as collateral. Second, upgrades often make sense as separate equipment financing rather than a refinance of the main loan. Third, a buyer of an existing studio should get a service history for every major machine and price any near-term replacement before setting the purchase price.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
Growth in this model often means adding sales staff, production capacity or installation crews before it means opening another studio. Owners who do add a second studio or territory should ask the franchisor how additional territories are awarded and priced.
Lenders finance expansion based on the first studio’s results. They look at global cash flow across all of your businesses, receivables quality, remaining liquidity and whether a manager can run production while you sell. SBA limits apply across all of a borrower’s SBA loans.
Real-World Scenarios
A sales executive opening a new studio. A former corporate marketing leader with deep business contacts opens a new studio. The SBA 7(a) loan covers the franchise fee, build-out, printers and working capital, and a separate line of credit is set up for large event orders.
A sign shop owner converting. An independent sign and graphics owner converts to the brand. The lender reviews the shop’s existing financials and funds required upgrades and the franchise fee while refinancing older equipment debt.
A buyer acquiring an established studio. A buyer purchases an existing studio with a long client list. The lender studies customer concentration and receivables aging, and the seller agrees to a small subordinated note and a transition period to introduce key clients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating how long commercial clients take to pay and starting with too little working capital
- Signing a lease before confirming the space can handle the equipment’s power and ventilation needs
- Building projections on sales volume without realistic gross margins
- Buying a resale without checking printer age, service history and client concentration
- Skipping a sales plan and expecting work to arrive on its own
For more, see professional firm loan mistakes.
Next Steps to Finance Your SpeedPro Franchise
Step 1: Request the disclosure document. Review Items 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 17 and 19 with a franchise attorney and accountant.
Step 2: Confirm the franchisor’s financial requirements. Ask for the current net worth and liquidity minimums and compare them with your own position.
Step 3: Choose your path. Decide between a new studio, a conversion and an existing studio.
Step 4: Build a full budget. Include the fee, lease and build-out, equipment, vehicle, materials, training and working capital for slow-paying receivables.
Step 5: Talk to a financing specialist. Choose between 7(a), conventional and equipment financing before you sign a lease.
Step 6: Assemble your package. Gather tax returns, a personal financial statement, a résumé, the franchise documents, quotes and a sales-driven business plan.
Step 7: Close and launch. Coordinate funding with the lease, equipment delivery, training and your first sales campaigns.
SpeedPro Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does it cost to open a SpeedPro studio?
The franchisor’s estimate is in Item 7 of the current disclosure document. Costs depend on the size and location of the space, the equipment package and how much working capital you hold for receivables.
What is the SpeedPro franchise fee?
The initial fee is listed in Item 5 of the disclosure document, along with any terms for additional territories or conversions.
How much liquid capital or net worth do I need?
Ask the franchise team for the current minimums and confirm them in the disclosure document. Lenders will also expect cash for the equity injection plus reserves.
Is SpeedPro eligible for SBA loans?
SpeedPro Imaging is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S1605 with no additional notes. Approval still depends on the borrower, the project and lender underwriting.
Can I finance the printers separately?
Yes, wide-format printers, flatbeds, cutters and laminators can often be financed or leased on their own, and the main lender will factor those payments into its analysis.
Can I buy an existing SpeedPro studio?
Yes, when one is available and the franchisor approves the transfer. Lenders will review the studio’s financial history, client mix and equipment condition.
Do I need printing experience?
Lenders weigh sales and management experience heavily. Ask the franchisor how training covers production, and plan to hire experienced production and installation staff if you lack that background.
Can I convert my sign or print shop to SpeedPro?
The brand has announced conversions of independent studios. A conversion loan may combine refinancing, upgrades and the franchise fee, depending on lender approval.
Does SpeedPro offer financing?
Check Item 10 of the disclosure document, which describes any financing the franchisor offers. Most owners arrange their own loans.
How long is the SpeedPro franchise agreement?
The term, renewal and transfer rules are in Item 17 and the franchise agreement. Lenders generally want the franchise term to cover the loan term.
What documents do I need for a SpeedPro franchise loan?
Typically personal tax returns, a personal financial statement, a résumé, the franchise agreement and disclosure document, the lease or letter of intent, equipment quotes and a business plan with projections.
Final Thoughts
A SpeedPro franchise loan is as much about equipment and receivables as it is about the franchise fee. Confirm the franchisor’s requirements, budget realistically for printers and working capital, and pick a structure that leaves room to upgrade equipment as the studio grows.
US Professional Funding helps owners finance franchise and business services companies, including start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing programs and professional services financing.
