First Financial

First Financial

Banking/Financing

SBA financing for franchise startups, working capital, construction, and acquisitions; equipment leasing

Company Snapshot

  • Year Founded: 1997
  • Headquarters Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Ownership: Private
  • Key Executives: Cindy Watson (President)
  • Number of Locations: Headquarters with satellite offices throughout the US; approximately 11–50 employees
  • Public Contact: (954) 630-1011; info@ffcash.net

Company Overview

First Financial specializes in flexible and creative financing solutions for franchise owners and other business clients, leveraging over 25 years of industry expertise and Small Business Administration (SBA) experience to fund start-ups, acquisitions, and expansions. The firm’s mission centers on tailoring funding to the unique needs of franchises, supporting both new and established operators with a full spectrum of loan and financing products specifically designed for business growth and operational success.

Services Offered

  • SBA-backed loans, including Express and Dream Loans designed for new and expanding franchisees
  • Commercial real estate loans and business acquisition financing
  • Working capital solutions, equipment leasing, and 401(k) rollover funding programs
  • Military-focused loan programs (M5 Loan) tailored for veterans and active service members seeking franchise ownership

Value Proposition

  • Industry Specialization: Focuses on franchise operations across industries, with expertise in QSR, retail, home services, and special loan programs for military franchisees.
  • Key Benefits: Accelerates SBA loan approvals and funding timelines (often processing Express loans in less than 30 days); provides low-collateral, non-asset-based loans; offers turnkey funding options—covering franchise fees to working capital; and supports clients with dedicated credit advocacy.
  • Franchise Expertise: Actively serves franchise systems, as evidenced by partnerships with franchisors (e.g., Patrice \& Associates), franchise-specific loan products, and published case studies highlighting rapid and flexible financing for both new and existing franchise owners.

Company Snapshot

Year Founded

1994

Headquarters Locations

Lauderdale By The Sea , FL

Key Executives

Lucinda Watson, president; Michael Allen, CFO

Number of Locations

2-5

Public Contact

754-701-0331
michael@ffcash.net

Industry

Banking/Financing