As independent small business operators, franchisees may qualify for business loans that are guaranteed by the Small Business Administration ("SBA loans"). However, the SBA considers certain types and levels of control exerted by franchisors over franchisees to create an "affiliation" between them, disqualifying controlled franchisees for the loans because the SBA does not consider them "independent."

Previously, a franchisor could draft an addendum to its Franchise Agreement to remove these controls and, after the addendum and Franchise Agreement were reviewed and approved annually by the SBA or an affiliate organization, franchisees signing the addendum could receive approval for SBA loans. This process was costly and time consuming.

However, as of January 1, 2017, the SBA simplified this process by prescribing a single form of addendum (the "SBA Addendum") that will make any Franchise Agreement kosher. Franchisors are now required to use these 2-page forms to qualify their franchisees for SBA loans, but now no review or approval by the SBA is needed.

SBA Addendums remain effective until either the underlying loan is paid off or the SBA no longer has any interest in the loan. In summary, the addendums modify Franchise Agreements as follows:

• Change of Ownership: 1) The franchisor has no right of first refusal if the franchisee wants to transfer a partial interest in the franchise to a family member or one of the franchise's present owners. 2) The franchisor cannot unreasonably withhold consent to any proposed transfer. 3) After a transfer, the transferor cannot be held liable for the actions of the transferee.
• Forced Sale of Assets: Upon the default or termination of a franchise: 1) If the franchisor exercises a right to force the franchisee to sell it the assets of the business but the parties cannot agree on a price, then the price will be determined by an appraiser appointed jointly by the parties. 2) If the franchisee owns the real estate where the franchise was located, then the franchisor cannot compel the franchisee to sell it the property, but rather only to lease it for fair market value for the remainder of the franchise's term.
• Covenants: If a franchisee owns the real estate where the franchise is located, the franchisor cannot require the recording of any restrictions on the use of the property.
• Employment: The franchisor may not directly hire or fire the franchisee's employees.

This simplification of obtaining approval for SBA loans will save the SBA time and money, while simultaneously allowing franchisors and franchisees to benefit from SBA loans.

Read: Notice from the SBA