Does Ben Jerrys offer direct financing to franchisees?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We do not offer direct or indirect financing. We will not guarantee your note, lease, or obligation. We will not offer, issue or otherwise make available to you any form of trade credit for the Ben & Jerry's Products, or any other products or services, purchased from us.
Source: Item 10 — FINANCING (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Ben Jerrys does not offer direct or indirect financing to franchisees. Ben Jerrys will also not guarantee any notes, leases, or obligations for franchisees. Furthermore, Ben Jerrys will not offer any trade credit for Ben & Jerry's products or any other services or products purchased from them.
This means that prospective Ben Jerrys franchisees will need to secure their own financing through third-party lenders to cover startup costs, franchise fees, and ongoing operational expenses. This is a fairly common practice in the franchise industry, as many franchisors do not directly provide financing but may offer a list of preferred lenders.
Because Ben Jerrys does not offer financing, franchisees should carefully consider their financial resources and explore various financing options, such as bank loans, SBA loans, or private investors. It is essential to have a solid financial plan in place before investing in a Ben Jerrys franchise.