SBA’s new Franchise Registry is a good example of helping small businesses owners through cooperation between government and industry. The dedicated efforts of SBA employees, franchisees, franchisors, and lenders have led to streamlined eligibility guidelines and operating procedures that will reduce costs and processing time and help SBA serve its customers better.

The Registry lists names of franchise companies whose franchisees enjoy the benefits of a streamlined review process for SBA loan applications. Loan applications for registered franchisors can be reviewed and processed quickly and efficiently. Small business owners get better service and quicker loans.

Participation in the Registry is voluntary. If a franchisor chooses not to participate in this streamlined review process, loan applications by its franchisees will still be reviewed individually by SBA or its lenders. You should not construe a franchise system’s presence on or absence from the Registry as either an endorsement by SBA or an indication of the franchise system’s quality or profitability.

Note: Listing on this registry means that the franchise agreement does not impose unacceptable control provisions on a franchisee (which could result in affiliation with a franchisor). The lender and/or SBA must still consider and evaluate, with respect to each application for SBA financing, factors such as general eligibility, creditworthiness, conflicts of interest, character, use of proceeds, and discrimination.