Is Ben Jerrys offering any financing options?
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.
For Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop managers that are pursuing franchise ownership, we have a Manager-to-Franchisee Pathways Program that waives certain baseline requirements for franchise applicants and offers certain benefits and incentives, including a waiver or reduction of initial franchise fees, a period of royalty waivers, reimbursement for approved learning and development expenses, and customized training and support from our retail operations corporate team. Qualification for this program is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and managers must meet certain criteria to be considered for the program. As of the issuance date of this disclosure document, such criteria include (i) a minimum equity/ownership interest of 20% in the franchise; (ii) a minimum of 1-year experience as a Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop manager; (iii) demonstrated System participation (e.g., attendance at Franchise Annual Meeting, participation in Systemwide calls, etc.); and (iv) a demonstrated commitment to and understanding of Ben & Jerry's three-part mission (as described in this Item 1, above). This program may be modified without notice at any time and we may establish and/or eliminate any benefits as we deem in the best interests of the System.
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 a franchisee may incur. Furthermore, Ben Jerrys will not offer any trade credit for Ben & Jerry's products or services purchased from them.
However, Ben Jerrys does have a Manager-to-Franchisee Pathways Program. This program waives certain baseline requirements for franchise applicants and offers benefits and incentives to Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop managers pursuing franchise ownership. These incentives can include a waiver or reduction of initial franchise fees, a period of royalty waivers, reimbursement for approved learning and development expenses, and customized training and support from the retail operations corporate team.
To qualify for the Manager-to-Franchisee Pathways Program, managers must meet specific criteria evaluated on a case-by-case basis. As of the issuance date of the 2025 FDD, these criteria include a minimum equity/ownership interest of 20% in the franchise, at least one year of experience as a Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop manager, demonstrated system participation (such as attending the Franchise Annual Meeting or participating in system-wide calls), and a demonstrated commitment to and understanding of Ben & Jerry's three-part mission. It is important to note that this program may be modified or eliminated at any time without notice.