This article looks at how to start a laundromat business with little to no money. Is that even possible? Well, it depends on several factors.

You don’t have to have all the money needed for the business to start. There are ways to source financing for your laundromat business.

Here are the pros and cons of opening a laundromat.

How to Start a Laundromat Business With No Money

Starting a business is an exciting yet rigorous process requiring much planning and strategizing.

Everything required for the business needs to be implemented, including sufficient financing. This (funding) is one of the primary requirements for a successful takeoff.

The Franchising Route

Considering your options when starting a laundromat business without money would be best.

Franchising and starting from scratch are two options for realizing your objective. The franchising model tends to be the easiest, as you only need to buy part of a successful laundromat franchise.

So, is it possible to own a laundromat franchise without money? It is!

Several tips or strategies exist for doing so. These include franchisor financing, online loans, rollovers as business startups, SBA loans, home equity loans, and HELOCs.

You could also consider other options, such as partnerships or low-cost franchising opportunities. You will likely launch your laundromat franchise business without money with any of these strategies.

Let’s have a further look at the points mentioned, shall we?

i. Franchisor Financing

Through franchisor financing, you can own part of a successful laundromat franchise.

Here, franchisees that meet the minimum requirement are offered the much-needed capital to launch their operations. It’s a win-win situation for both the franchisor and the franchisee.

To benefit from franchisor financing, you’ll need to determine the requirements. Each franchisor has its financing program and processes.

However, not all laundromat franchises will offer such opportunities.

ii. Online Loans

Another way to own a laundromat franchise with little to no capital is by seeking online loans.

This can be challenging for a new franchise operation as funding sources with favorable rates can be elusive. Taking out a personal loan is one way to go about this.

Critical details like your credit score, history, and annual income will be considered when determining whether you can obtain a personal loan for your laundromat franchise.

iii. Rollovers as Business Startups

Also known as ROBS, Rollovers for Business Startups offers an alternative strategy for owning a laundromat franchise without money.

Here, funds in your retirement account are deployed early without the risk of penalties. In a nutshell, the ROBS technique gives you access to your retirement funds to start a business.

iv. SBA Loans

If you’re looking for loans with competitive terms and rates, the Small Business Administration (SBA) loans will perfectly fit your laundromat business.

This government organization guarantees loans issued by banks to businesses such as yours.

v. Home Equity Loans & HELOCs

This business financing opportunity is for property owners. It allows you to use your home’s equity as a collateral startup loan for your laundromat franchise.

For better context, equity here is the difference between the amount owed on the property and its value.

You’ll likely get as much as 80% of your home’s value. These funds can be used for various purposes, including buying a laundromat franchise.

vi. Partnerships

Entering into partnerships is another excellent way to start a laundromat business without money.

This financing strategy serves persons who are unable to cover their franchise financing needs. You become co-owner of the laundromat business by bringing in someone with the money to invest.

vii. Low-Cost Franchising

This approach seeks to invest only in low-cost laundromat franchising opportunities.

Rather than the big laundromat franchising brands whose financial requirements can be significant, low-cost franchises allow people to join without substantial investments.

These laundromat franchises are usually relatively new to the business but are thriving. They offer low-cost franchising to grow their brand and business.

Starting a Laundromat Business from Scratch with Little to No Money

Having discussed how to own a laundromat franchise with no money, it’s time to consider the other alternative: starting from scratch.

Like franchising, multiple ways to source funding for your laundromat business exist. These include grants and small business loans.

Other financing options include professional investors, crowdfunding, angel investors, and credit cards.

It’s important to note that you’ll be responsible for loan payments for any business loan applied for, even when it fails. This is a drawback of this method.

i. Grants

Laundromat grants are a great way to obtain funding for your laundromat business. Luckily, there are tons of grant opportunities for small businesses.

You only need to search with local business administration chapters or government databases. A persuasive application is likely to win you such grants.

ii. Small Business Loans

Government agencies, banks, and online lenders offer small business loans to qualified businesses.

You only need to find out what these requirements are. Some types of loans may be more suitable for your laundromat business than others.

iii. Professional Investors

Investors look out for viable business opportunities to commit their funds. Your laundromat business idea can qualify if it’s deemed likely profitable enough.

Part of the investment requirement may include a percentage of your business’s stock or profits.

iv. Crowdfunding

A laundromat business can be started by sourcing startup capital via crowdfunding.

As the name suggests, many individuals contribute this pool of funds towards investing in viable business opportunities. You only need to find out what the requirements are.

v. Angel Investors

You can also start a laundromat business with no money by turning to angel investors who commit their funds to viable ventures they believe in.

These may be entrepreneurs who may double as mentors or may be members of one’s family.

vii. Credit Card

Your scale of operation will determine whether credit card financing is available to launch your laundromat.

This option is advisable only if the funding required is small. Before proceeding, it’s important to compare interest rates and terms from multiple lenders.

A laundromat business can start without money using the above tips and strategies. You don’t need to raise funding as long as these options are available.