Client stories
What applicants did with the findings
Evidence from real review stages: revised reserves, clearer lender questions and decisions made with fewer unsupported assumptions.
A fit-out allowance reconsidered
“The report separated the franchisor estimate from quotations we had actually obtained. I had expected a recommendation, which they correctly would not give, but the missing fit-out contingency became impossible to ignore. We delayed submission for three weeks and returned with firmer supplier figures.”
— Thabo N., quick-service restaurant applicant, Johannesburg
Thabo’s application used the midpoint of a broad establishment-cost range, while the proposed premises required additional extraction and electrical work. The readiness note did not price those works. It identified the unsupported allowance, showed its effect on the cash buffer and framed the questions for the franchisor and contractor.
Household reserve kept visible
“Naledi asked where our living costs would come from during the opening months. That amount had quietly become part of the business contribution in our own spreadsheet. The session was exacting, but never alarmist.”
— Ayesha and Imraan K., education franchise applicants, Pretoria
The couple used a Funding Pressure Session before approaching a lender. They left with separate lines for household reserve, business working capital and lender-funded establishment costs. Their accountant then helped them confirm the tax and entity treatment.
A document pack made consistent
“I thought the bank statement was the main proof. The check found that my application still used an earlier contribution amount and the liabilities schedule omitted a vehicle settlement. Fixing those two points saved an awkward follow-up.”
— Sibusiso D., automotive service franchise applicant, Ekurhuleni
A decision to pause
“The review could not remove every unknown because the lease heads were still changing. That limitation was frustrating, though fair. The written questions helped me decide not to pay the deposit until occupation costs were clearer.”
— Marike V., retail franchise applicant, Western Cape
These accounts describe individual engagements and are not promises of finance approval, franchise acceptance or business performance. Names are used with permission; commercially sensitive figures remain private.