Fundraising University vs Sunbelt Business Brokers
Fundraising University vs Sunbelt Business Brokers: Fundraising University costs $34K to $150K to open; Sunbelt Business Brokers costs $61K to $115K. Fundraising University has 8 units, Sunbelt Business Brokers has 130. SBA loan history: Fundraising University = 11 loans (9.1% default); Sunbelt Business Brokers = 8 loans (12.5% default). The franchise with more SBA funded units, a lower SBA default rate, and a lower royalty load is the safer financing bet; see the comparison below.
Fundraising University vs Sunbelt Business Brokers: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Analysis based on FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
Fundraising University requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($34K vs $61K for Sunbelt Business Brokers), a 45% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $60K for Fundraising University versus $50K for Sunbelt Business Brokers, Sunbelt Business Brokers has the lower entry fee. Ongoing royalty load is 5% for Fundraising University and 4% for Sunbelt Business Brokers, giving Sunbelt Business Brokers the lighter per-unit drag on operating income.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Sunbelt Business Brokers operates 130 units to Fundraising University's 8, roughly 16× the system size.
SBA Lending Profile
Fundraising University has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 11 7(a) approvals compared with 8 for Sunbelt Business Brokers. Fundraising University's peak SBA year was 2020 (7 loans); Sunbelt Business Brokers's peak was 2026 (2 loans). Sunbelt Business Brokers's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Fundraising University has the most SBA funded units in NE, with 4. Sunbelt Business Brokers leads in CA, with 2. Borrowers should pick the brand whose strongest SBA state matches their own state for warmer lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded Fundraising University deals is $115K vs $912K for Sunbelt Business Brokers, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 9.1% for Fundraising University and 12.5% for Sunbelt Business Brokers, Fundraising University has the cleaner SBA loss record by 3.4 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 27 (Fair) for Fundraising University and 50 (Moderate) for Sunbelt Business Brokers, giving Sunbelt Business Brokers the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 27/100 | 50/100 |
Health Tier | Limited | Moderate |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | N/A |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 11 | 8 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 9.1% | 12.5% |
Peer Tier | growing | emerging |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $34K to $150K | $61K to $115K |
Franchise Fee | $60K | $50K |
Royalty Rate | 5% | 4% |
Ad Fund | 3% | 4% |
Liquid Capital | N/A | N/A |
Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Disclosed | Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 8 | 130 |
Franchised Units | 8 | 129 |
Company Owned | – | 1 |
Term Length | 10 yrs | 10 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | N/A | 1978 |
Franchising Since | 2014 | 2006 |
Years Franchising | 12 yrs | 20 yrs |
Headquarters | ELKHORN, NE | Independence, OH |
Category | All Other Business Support Services | All Other Business Support Services |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2025 | 2026 |
Which Is Better, Fundraising University or Sunbelt Business Brokers?
Lower upfront capital required
Fundraising University
Fundraising University: $34K starting · Sunbelt Business Brokers: $61K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Fundraising University
Fundraising University: 11 SBA loans · Sunbelt Business Brokers: 8 SBA loans
Lower SBA default rate
Fundraising University
Fundraising University: 9.1% · Sunbelt Business Brokers: 12.5%
Larger system & brand presence
Sunbelt Business Brokers
Fundraising University: 8 units · Sunbelt Business Brokers: 130 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
Sunbelt Business Brokers
Fundraising University: 5% · Sunbelt Business Brokers: 4%
More lender financing options
Sunbelt Business Brokers
Fundraising University: 4 unique lenders · Sunbelt Business Brokers: 7 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
Fundraising University vs Sunbelt Business Brokers: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Fundraising University and Sunbelt Business Brokers is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $34K to $150K.
Fundraising University has 11 SBA loans on record and Sunbelt Business Brokers has 8. Those totals are cumulative history rather than a measure of current appetite. Recent lending activity is trending down for at least one of these brands, so current lender appetite has to be checked deal by deal rather than assumed from the totals.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.
Fundraising University vs Sunbelt Business Brokers, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, Fundraising University or Sunbelt Business Brokers?
How much does a Fundraising University franchise cost compared to Sunbelt Business Brokers?
Can I finance Fundraising University or Sunbelt Business Brokers with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, Fundraising University or Sunbelt Business Brokers?
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Page Review
Reviewed by Edward L. Freeman, Founder and Managing Director, PeerSense
- PeerSense is a capital advisory firm that places commercial financing with direct capital sources; the capital source sets final terms.
- Edward L. Freeman founded PeerSense in January 2020.
- He is a Registered Franchise Consultant with Business Alliance, Inc., a credential issued in March 2022, and worked as a franchise consultant there from March 2022 to May 2023.
- His recorded experience includes a $22 million SBA construction loan, with about $16 million funded on the deal.
- In the 12 months through September 30, 2026, PeerSense tracked 912 publicly announced financings with a disclosed size of $361.32 billion. PeerSense Capital Data Report · Methodology page
Last reviewed LinkedIn profileAbout Edward Freeman