Bellinis With Benetrends

Wendy Skemer welcomes Emily Anderson from The Perfect Franchise for an honest conversation about the realities of franchise ownership. From the biggest disconnect between franchisors and candidates to the true cost of getting started and the funding questions clients ask most, this episode pulls back the curtain on what candidates can expect along the way.

Ali Kraus welcomesJohn Hajgato, VP of Banking Operations at Benetrends. They discuss the latest SBA changes, timelines, and guidelines. Plus - what are the top misconceptions people have about SBA loans? And, what can Consultants do help their clients?

Gabby Grimaldi sits down with Ali Kraus, Vice President of Marketing at Benetrends, to dive into her impactful leadership in franchising. With roles like Vice-Chair of the Women’s Franchise Committee and Co-Chair of the Franchise Business Network, Ali shares how she champions women in business and helps entrepreneurs thrive.

Gabby Grimaldi sits down with Stephanie Harding, Manager of Project Operations, to dive into the importance of business plans for securing funding. Discover how Benetrends’ SBA/Lender Compliant Business Plans stand out, the process behind creating them, and how they support clients every step of the way.

Kathy Sergio, Senior Funding Consultant at Benetrends, sits down with Gabby Grimaldi to discuss key aspects of ROBS funding. Discover how to leverage your IRA, choose the right business structure, and explore flexible funding options, including partial 401(k) usage, without leaving your current job.

Join Michael Minitelli, SVP of Business Development at Benetrends, as he shares with Gabby Grimaldi how Benetrends builds meaningful partnerships with consultants and franchise brokers. Learn about the company's 40+ years of trusted leadership, open communication strategies, and unwavering advocacy for its partners' success.

Anthony Byrd, Director of Business Development at Benetrends, joins Gabby Grimaldi to discuss essential steps for SBA loan success. From understanding pre-approval requirements to selecting the right loan program and the role of a business plan, this episode covers everything you need to confidently navigate the SBA funding process.

Chuck Brodany, Director of Client Services, joins Gabby Grimaldi to demystify business structures. Learn the key differences between C-Corps, S-Corps, and LLCs, explore their tax benefits, and discover how Benetrends supports you through and beyond the incorporation process.

Bailey Raynor, Chief Development Officer at Painter Bros, and Sara Vrancik Moriarty, Director of Business Development at Benetrends, join Bellinis with Benetrends to share how they’ve navigated business challenges, learned from setbacks, and built lasting success. Their candid conversation offers practical strategies and inspiration for entrepreneurs, franchise owners, and business leaders.

Funding Consultant Jade Maloney joins Gabby Grimaldi to discuss the ins and outs of ROBS. Discover how you can pay yourself a salary, manage compliance with ease, and maximize the tax advantages of using ROBS to fund your business dreams.

Join Senior Funding Consultant Kelly Krueger and Gabby Grimaldi as they break down ROBS funding basics. From understanding 401(k) qualifications and penalties to exploring how ROBS can support franchise and non-franchise businesses, this episode has everything you need to know.

Senior Funding Consultant Michael Schonberg joins Gabby Grimaldi to discuss how ROBS funds can be used for working capital, managing multiple retirement accounts, and planning for your business’s future. Learn how Benetrends supports you every step of the way.

Join Senior Funding Consultant Sara Vrancik as she and host Gabby Grimaldi explore the ins and outs of combining ROBS with other funding options, staying IRS compliant, and navigating fees. Discover how to protect your 401(k) while leveraging ROBS to grow your business.

Larry Carnell, VP of Business Development at Benetrends, dives into the details of managing ROBS funding. Hosted by Gabby Grimaldi, this episode covers how to pay yourself, navigate the process, and understand the advantages and tax implications of using ROBS to launch your business.

Gabby Grimaldi, Benetrends' Marketing Manager, sits down with Funding Consultant Adam Robinson to discuss how to leverage your IRA, navigate business registration, and understand funding flexibility with ROBS. Learn the essentials to set up your business and fund your dream without quitting your day job.

Gabby Grimaldi sits down with Ali Kraus, Vice President of Marketing at Benetrends, to dive into her impactful leadership in franchising. With roles like Vice-Chair of the Women’s Franchise Committee and Co-Chair of the Franchise Business Network, Ali shares how she champions women in business and helps entrepreneurs thrive!

Host Ali Kraus welcomes Larry Carnell, funding consulting with Benetrends. Larry shares discusses working with busines brokers and how funding solutions can help owners and brokers to grow.

Host Ali Kraus chats with Tiffany Blackford, Manager of Project Operations and Fleet Funding specialist at Benetrends Financial about the vehicle leasing and a great way to get funding needed to open a franchise outside of the SBA. Tiffany walks through the fleet program including building a business plan and the types of financials prospective franchisees should be ready to share.

Wendy Skemer, Senior Consultant at Benetrends Financial, joins host Ali Kraus. They’re diving into understanding Multi-Unit and Multi-Territory opportunities in Franchising.

Join us as we chat with Jess Quinata, SBA and Sales Administrator at Benetrends, about how our elite service offerings and white glove approach streamline the SBA lending process. Learn why partnering with Benetrends helps entrepreneurs secure financing faster and with less hassle than going directly to the bank.

Benetrends Financial’s Kathy Sergio joins Ali Kraus to discuss how Benetrends sets up and designs your funding plans and what Benetrends takes care of for you going forward!

Join Ali Kraus, VP of Marketing at Benetrends, as she sits down with Anthony Byrd from Benetrends' SBA team and Jim DiRugeris, SVP of Franchise Sales at Lightbridge Academy. In this episode, they discuss the exciting announcement of $50 million in SBA funding available for Lightbridge Academy franchisees, the impact this funding will have, and how strategic partnerships drive franchise growth. Don...

Join us on this special episode of "Bellinis with Benetrends" as we chat with StretchLab franchisee Rob Miles who shares his inspiring journey to funding success. Discover how he navigated the ROBS rollover process, launched his business, and continues to thrive with ongoing support from our expert team.

Senior Consultant Michael Schonberg joins Ali Kraus to give an overview of ROBS (Rollovers as Business Startups), share some common misunderstandings, and discuss how Benetrends administers and supports the plan.

Ali Kraus sits down with Edith Weisman from FRANdata and Reg Byrd from Benetrends to explore how the Franchise Registry accelerates SBA funding for franchisors. Discover the importance of being on the Registry, how Benetrends leverages this partnership for faster funding, and best practices for securing capital. Tune in to learn how your brand can benefit and connect with the experts to fuel your...