Insights & Advice
Practical advice, industry insights, and guides for Australian business owners.
The New Cost of Capital: What SME Borrowers Need to Understand in 2026
Interest rates have settled, but the way lenders assess SME borrowers has shifted. Here's what franchise owners and business buyers need to know about securing finance in 2026.
Read more →The New Economics of Franchising: What 2026 Buyers Need to Know
The economics of franchising are evolving — borrowing costs, labour, AI, and lender expectations have all shifted. Here's what prospective franchisees need to understand in 2026.
Read more →Building Your Strategy for Multi-Unit Franchise Ownership
Thinking about opening a second franchise location? Multi-unit ownership is an exciting step — but it requires a completely new approach to funding and management. Here's how to plan for it.
Read more →Top 5 Reasons Franchise Business Loans Get Rejected
Even successful franchisees can face hurdles when applying for finance. Here are the five most common reasons franchise loan applications are declined — and how to avoid them.
Read more →Is Your Business Doing Enough to Protect Customer Information?
Data breaches aren't just a big-business problem. Here's a practical guide to protecting customer information in your small or medium business — from access controls to response plans.
Read more →Maximising Revenue for Your Franchise Business
Revenue is the driving force behind any business. Here are practical strategies franchise owners can use to grow their top line — from pre-launch planning to customer loyalty.
Read more →Cost Management Strategies for Franchise Owners
Effective cost management is a key pillar of profitability. Here are practical strategies franchise owners can use to review, reduce, and optimise their business costs.
Read more →Know the Players: Key Parties in a Franchise Transaction
Buying a franchise involves more than just you and the franchisor. Here's a guide to the key players in any franchise transaction — and what motivates each of them.
Read more →Is This Your Year to Start a New Franchise?
Thinking about starting a franchise business? Before you take the leap, here are the big questions to ask yourself — and why the answers matter more than you think.
Read more →Business Finance Products Explained
From business loans to leasing, invoice finance to merchant cash advance — a plain-English guide to the most common types of business finance in Australia and New Zealand.
Read more →How Do Lenders Decide What You Can Afford?
Wondering how much you can borrow for a franchise or business purchase? Here's how lenders assess affordability — from 'skin in the game' to whether your business can service the debt.
Read more →How to Write a Business Plan That Gets Results
A business plan isn't just a box to tick for a finance application — it's your personal blueprint for success. Here's a practical guide to writing one, even if you've never done it before.
Read more →Know the Score: Understanding Your Credit Score
Your credit score can make or break a finance application. Here's how credit scores work, what affects them, and how to keep yours in good shape before applying for business finance.
Read more →What Does a Franchisor Look for in a Franchisee?
Franchisors assess more than just your finances. Here's what they're really looking for when evaluating prospective franchisees — from hands-on experience to motivation.
Read more →Not sure where to start?
Talk to a CFI Finance Specialist — we'll help you find the right path for your business.