In San Antonio & Streamed Live
Funding the Franchisee
The missing link in franchise sales
Most franchisors have a system for real estate, equipment, marketing, and tech. Funding is usually the one piece nobody owns. On September 9th, I'm sitting down with Benetrends CEO Rocco Fiorentino and VP Anthony Byrd to fix that — join us in San Antonio or watch live from wherever you are.
The Premise
You don't need to be the bank.
You do need a process. One that helps qualified candidates understand their funding options, see a realistic path to ownership, and move through development without getting stuck. That's the hour we're going to spend together — practical, not promotional.
"There's a big difference between being the banker and having a clear funding process. Most franchisors have never drawn that line."
Two Ways to Join
Pick the seat that works for you.
Join Us in San Antonio
- Private room at Fogo de Chão, San Antonio Riverwalk
- 849 E Commerce St, Ste 393 · San Antonio, TX 78205
- Wednesday, September 9, 2026 · Session begins 11:00 AM Central
- Luncheon served at noon, complimentary courtesy of Benetrends
- Seating is limited to keep the room conversational
Watch the Livestream
- Wednesday, September 9, 2026 · 11:00 AM Central
- Streamed live to your screen
- The same conversation, the same live polls
- Live Q&A with Rocco Fiorentino
- No travel required
Your Funding ExpertS
Rocco Fiorentino, CFE
President & CEO, Benetrends Financial
Rocco has spent more than 35 years helping people fund the leap into business ownership. He helped pioneer the funding model that lets entrepreneurs put retirement savings to work starting a business, and he's built Benetrends into one of the largest SBA lenders in franchising. On September 9th, he's telling you exactly what a real funding process looks like — no bank required.
Anthony Byrd, CFE
VP, Banking Business Development
With more than a decade of experience in franchise and SBA lending, Anthony specializes in helping franchisees and franchisors access smart, growth-focused funding solutions. A Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and frequent industry speaker, he shares practical insights on lending strategy and franchise growth. Known as a trusted advisor in the franchise community, he is passionate about building strong relationships, simplifying complex financing, and helping entrepreneurs secure the capital they need to launch and scale successfully.
What We'll Cover
The questions every franchisor should be asking.
- Why "we don't want to be the banker" isn't the same as having no process at all
- When the funding conversation should really start — and why most franchisors wait too long
- Where your development team's job ends and a funding partner's job begins
- The paths every franchisor should know: SBA lending, ROBS, and other sources of capital
- How a funding calculator can qualify a candidate before your team invests weeks
- What happens next when a candidate doesn't qualify for the first option
This is a working session, not a lecture. We'll poll the room several times during the hour, then put the results straight in front of Rocco for his read on where you all stand.
Franchisors — CEOs, VPs of Development, and anyone on your team who talks to candidates about becoming an owner.
Let's Close the Gap
One hour. Two experts. A process you can put to work Monday morning.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 · 11:00 AM Central · Luncheon at noon for in-person guests · Fogo de Chão, San Antonio Riverwalk — or wherever you're watching from.
