How to Finance The Great Frame Up Franchise: Custom Framing Shops
By Chris Cornella
The Great Frame Up franchise loan funds a custom framing and art retail store: a design counter where customers choose mats and mouldings, a production workshop where framers build the finished piece, and a showroom of art, wall decor and gifts. Compared with many retail franchises, the money goes into a specialized workroom, a deep inventory of framing materials and a store in a convenient shopping location.
This article explains what The Great Frame Up shares about its franchise program, how SBA and conventional financing fit a framing store, and how lenders will review your application. The company does not publish its investment figures online, so this article focuses on how to build and finance a loan request once you have the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by The Great Frame Up; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s disclosure document can change, loan programs vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice; review the current FDD and franchise agreement with a qualified franchise attorney and accountant.
The Great Frame Up Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Concept: custom picture framing plus art, wall decor, gifts and framing services for businesses.
- History: started in Chicago; the company says it has been framing memories and art for more than 50 years.
- Headquarters: a Franchise Support Center in St. Peters, Missouri.
- Costs: the company describes startup and inventory costs as reasonable but does not publish the franchise fee, royalty or investment range online; they appear in Items 5 through 7 of the FDD.
- Marketing: franchisees participate in a National Marketing Fund.
- Franchisor financing: the company offers referrals to third-party financing sources on request.
- Ownership paths: new development in many areas and a limited number of existing locations available from time to time.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed as “The Great Frame Up” under code S1755, with no additional notes.
What Is The Great Frame Up?
The Great Frame Up began in Chicago and grew into a nationwide franchise system of independently owned and operated custom framing stores. Its franchise support is based in St. Peters, Missouri, and its parent company also franchises other art and framing brands.
Stores offer custom framing, framing for businesses, art and wall decor, gift items, gift cards and do-it-yourself options, and the company runs an online art shop. Custom framing is a design-led service: customers bring in artwork, photos, diplomas, jerseys or keepsakes, work with a designer on mats, moulding and glass, and pick up a finished piece built in the store.
How lenders view the concept. Lenders see a long-established brand in a niche retail category with repeat and referral customers, business accounts and relatively compact stores. They also look at local competition, the store’s location and the owner’s ability to sell design services, since framing depends on skilled people as much as on foot traffic.
The Great Frame Up Franchise Costs
Initial franchise fee. The company does not publish its initial franchise fee on its website. Item 5 of the current FDD states the fee and any discounts.
Real estate and build-out. The franchisor helps with site selection, lease negotiation and custom build-out from the start of the process. Build-out typically includes the design counter, sample walls for moulding corners, a production workroom, showroom lighting and storefront signage.
Equipment. A framing workroom usually needs mat cutters, glass and acrylic cutting tools, a joiner or underpinner for frame corners, a mounting press, work tables and storage racks, plus point-of-sale and design software. Training includes an introduction to the company’s computer systems.
Opening inventory and working capital. Framing stores carry moulding samples and stock, mat board, glass, hardware, ready-made frames, art and gifts. Budget for opening inventory, grand opening marketing and a cash reserve for payroll and rent while the customer base grows.
Total investment. Item 7 of the FDD lists the estimated initial investment and each line item. Ask the franchisor for the current FDD, then match each line to your own landlord, contractor and equipment quotes before setting your loan amount.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Item 6 lists the royalty, the National Marketing Fund contribution and any technology or other recurring fees. Lenders subtract these from projected revenue before testing whether the store can cover rent, payroll and the loan payment.
The company negotiates discounts with publishers, distributors, suppliers, credit card providers and insurers. Lenders will want to see how those savings, along with the cost of materials, show up in your projected margins on framing jobs.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
The company does not publish net worth or liquid capital requirements on its website. Expect the franchisor to review your finances, background and fit during the application process, and confirm any minimums before you apply for The Great Frame Up franchise loan.
New owners complete an intensive training program. Ongoing support comes from the Franchise Support Center and field regional managers, plus an annual franchisee gathering held with a major industry trade show.
Ways to Own The Great Frame Up
New store. The company lists new development opportunities in many areas. A new store is financed as a retail business start-up loan based on projections, the FDD and the lease.
Buying an existing store. The company says a limited number of existing locations become available from time to time. An existing store gives lenders sales history, customer records and business accounts to review. See our pages on retail business acquisition financing and buying a franchise resale.
Converting an independent frame shop. If you already own a framing business, ask the franchisor whether it considers conversions. Our article on conversion franchise financing explains how lenders treat that kind of deal.
Financing Options for The Great Frame Up Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. The brand is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, so an SBA 7(a) loan can fund the franchise fee, build-out, equipment, inventory and working capital, or the purchase of an existing store.
SBA 504 loans. If you buy the building that houses your store, an SBA 504 loan can finance the real estate. Most framing stores lease retail space, so 504 applies only to owner-occupied property.
Conventional term loans. Borrowers with strong credit and collateral may qualify for conventional business loans, especially for resales with solid financial history.
Equipment financing. Mat cutters, joiners, mounting presses and computer systems can be financed separately through retail equipment financing and leasing.
Working capital and lines of credit. Framing demand often rises before holidays and around graduation season. A working capital line of credit helps cover materials, art inventory and payroll during busy seasons and slower months.
Seller financing on resales. When buying an existing store, the seller may carry part of the price. Seller notes are typically subordinate to the senior loan, and SBA rules may limit them.
SBA Loans for The Great Frame Up Franchisees
The SBA guarantees part of loans made by participating lenders; it does not lend directly. The SBA Franchise Directory tells lenders which brands meet program eligibility rules. The Great Frame Up is listed under code S1755 with no additional notes, so lenders can follow the standard franchise review. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change.
Bring the full FDD, a lease or letter of intent, build-out and equipment quotes, personal financial statements, tax returns and a month-by-month projection. Try different loan amounts in our SBA loan calculator.
How Lenders Evaluate The Great Frame Up Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Expect a review of credit, tax returns and current debts.
Net worth and liquidity. You need cash for the equity injection plus reserves for the first months of operation.
Experience. Retail, design, art or framing experience helps, as does sales or management background. Lenders also like to see who will build frames if you will focus on sales.
Business plan and projections. Model average framing tickets, business accounts, art and gift sales and seasonality. Keep the ramp-up realistic.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders read Items 5 through 7, Item 10, Item 17 and Item 19 (whether the FDD includes financial performance representations). Review Items 3 and 4 as part of your own diligence. Our article on using the FDD for franchise financing explains what lenders look for.
Site and lease. Visibility, parking and nearby households matter. Make sure the lease term covers the loan term.
For resales. Lenders review tax returns, sales by category, customer and business account records and the remaining franchise term.
The Framing Workroom and Inventory
The workroom separates a framing store from a typical retail shop. Lenders financing equipment will ask for quotes and whether the franchisor requires specific equipment or suppliers. Inventory is the other key piece: moulding, mats and glass tie up cash, so a careful opening order and a supplier plan protect your working capital.
Multi-Unit Growth
Owners who build a strong first store may add a second in a nearby market. Lenders usually want stable results from the first store, and each new location needs its own equity and lease review.
Real-World Scenarios
The career changer. A former designer opens a new store with SBA 7(a) financing and hires an experienced framer.
The resale buyer. A buyer acquires an existing store with a loan and a seller note, and the lender underwrites its sales history.
The independent framer. An independent shop owner explores joining the brand and finances updated signage and equipment.
The second store. An owner opens a second location after the first shows steady cash flow.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying before receiving the current FDD and Item 7.
- Ordering too much opening inventory.
- Underestimating staffing for skilled framing work.
- Ignoring seasonality in cash flow projections.
- Signing a lease shorter than the loan term.
See our list of retail store loan mistakes for more.
Next Steps to Finance The Great Frame Up Franchise
Step 1: Contact the franchisor. Request the current FDD.
Step 2: Review Items 5 through 7. Note the fee, royalty, marketing fund and investment range.
Step 3: Check your finances. Pull credit and calculate available cash.
Step 4: Find a site. Work with the franchisor on location and lease.
Step 5: Gather quotes. Collect build-out, equipment and inventory estimates.
Step 6: Apply. Submit The Great Frame Up franchise loan package for SBA or conventional review.
The Great Frame Up Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does The Great Frame Up franchise cost?
The company does not publish its investment range online. Item 7 of the current FDD lists the estimated initial investment.
What is the franchise fee?
Item 5 of the FDD states the fee.
What is the royalty?
Item 6 lists the royalty and the National Marketing Fund contribution.
How much liquid capital do I need?
The company does not publish a minimum. Plan for your equity injection plus reserves.
Is The Great Frame Up eligible for SBA loans?
Yes. It is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S1755.
Does the franchisor offer financing?
It offers referrals to third-party financing sources on request. Item 10 confirms any direct financing.
Can I buy an existing store?
Yes, when available; the company says a limited number of existing locations become available from time to time.
Can I finance framing equipment separately?
Yes, through equipment loans or leases.
Do I need framing experience?
The company provides intensive training; lenders still look for management or retail experience.
How long is the franchise term?
Item 17 of the FDD sets the term, renewal and transfer conditions.
Final Thoughts
The Great Frame Up franchise loan starts with the FDD, since the company does not publish its numbers online. With the Item 7 figures in hand, a good site, careful inventory planning and a realistic ramp-up give lenders what they need.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners and buyers finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing and retail business financing solutions.
