SBDC Guides Katy Entrepreneurs Through Franchise Acquisition

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Overview

Ana and Jason Backman were interested in acquiring a local Minuteman Press franchise in Katy, Texas, but the business’s financial history under previous owners was unclear. Seeking guidance, they turned to the Houston SBDC for assistance in April 2023. They first needed help developing a business plan and loan proposal package to secure funding from a lender for the purchase.

Their business advisor, Charles Capers, was happy to meet with them to begin the process. He initially helped the Backmans prepare a financial forecast, a key requirement for securing financing from institutional lenders. He also created an industry profile and benchmarking analysis for them to include in their business plan.

Capers then identified a lender and consulted with them to determine the overall scope of the acquisition, ensuring the Backmans' business plan was finalized. At the same time, he referred them to PeopleFund as an alternative financing option.  

Ultimately, the Backmans decided to invest a lump sum of their own capital into the franchise. Additionally, the lender Capers recommended agreed to provide financing for the acquisition. With the Houston SBDC’s support, they successfully secured funding to acquire the Katy Minuteman Press location and added two jobs by September 2023. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the guidance and support we received from Charles Capers of [the] SBDC throughout our business acquisition journey,” Jason says. “From the very start, Charles instilled confidence in us, ensuring that we felt capable and empowered to become business owners. His expertise in helping us prepare a thorough business plan was invaluable, and he made sure we had all the necessary information to succeed. Thanks to the comprehensive educational resources provided by [the] SBDC, Charles enrolled us in the right classes that truly helped us navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Additionally, his connections with PeopleFund were instrumental in securing an SBA loan, which was essential for our success.”

Today, the Houston SBDC continues to support the Backmans, providing marketing guidance to help grow their business. Jason says, “Even after the process, Charles continues to check in with us, offering his support and guidance whenever needed. We can't thank him enough for being such a dedicated mentor and advocate throughout this entire process!”

Minuteman Press is a global printing, marketing, and design franchise serving small local businesses. Its offerings range from branded apparel, packaging, and large-format printing to banners and signs and direct mail design—providing a one-stop-shop solution for business owners looking to market their brands effectively.