Can you get an SBA loan for a window tint franchise?

SBA Franchise Directory listing

Polar Tint is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory (download the directory spreadsheet and search for "Polar Tint" to confirm). Being listed means the SBA has reviewed the franchise agreement, FDD, and operating standards — and pre-approved them for 7(a) loan eligibility. Without that listing, every lender has to do their own franchise underwriting from scratch, which adds weeks and often kills deals.

How 7(a) works for franchise buyers

The SBA 7(a) program isn't a loan from the SBA — it's a guarantee to your bank. SBA backs 75-85% of the loan amount, which materially reduces the bank's risk and unlocks better rates and longer terms (10-25 year amortization typical for franchise loans).

Down payments run 10-30% of total project cost depending on operator experience, credit profile, and the lender's appetite. On a $200K Polar Tint project, that's $20K-$60K out of pocket. The rest is financed.

What lenders want to see

Credit score 680+, two years of personal tax returns, liquidity statement, resume showing relevant business or operations experience, and a business plan with realistic projections. Polar Tint's development team helps with the business plan and FDD-grounded financial projections.

Preferred lender introductions

Polar Tint maintains warm intros to several SBA-preferred lenders that specialize in automotive aftermarket and franchise financing. Working through a preferred lender typically cuts the time-to-close from 60-90 days down to 30-45.

Visit /financing to get connected.