January is a time of financial clarity for many corporate professionals, especially for those receiving year-end bonuses, performance incentives, or investment dividends, making capital more liquid than at any other point in the year. While it’s easy to let those funds sit in a traditional savings account, savvy entrepreneurs see this moment as an opportunity to invest strategically and shape their future. At SpeedPro, one of the nation’s leading large-format printing franchises, we’ve refined a proven model that allows professionals to turn corporate experience into business ownership, using today’s windfall not as a reward for past performance, but as a foundation for long-term independence and growth.
The Math of Opportunity
One of the biggest hurdles to business ownership is the “black box” of startup costs. At SpeedPro, we prioritize transparency because we know our aspiring franchisees are looking for stability and a clear ROI. The SpeedPro model has long been recognized as one of the most affordable printing opportunities in the industry, and it’s specifically designed to be attainable for those transitioning away from the corporate world.
According to Item 7 of our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the average cost to open a new SpeedPro Studio is $250,000.* While that number represents the total leap into ownership, it is important to understand what that capital actually secures for you.
- A Proven Entry Point: Our initial franchise fee is $49,500. In an era where franchise costs are rising across the board, we have kept our fee consistent with years past.
- Incentives for Service: We believe the leadership skills forged in the military and emergency services are a perfect match for Studio ownership. To honor that, we offer a $10,000 discount on the initial franchise fee for veterans and first responders, lowering the initial franchise fee to $39,500.
- Turnkey Startup Package: The total initial investment includes the cost of your marketing launch and a comprehensive startup package containing the high-quality equipment, technology and supplies you need to open your doors for business.
- Initial Operating Capital: A minimum of approximately $54,000 is needed to support your Studio through the initial six months of business ownership. During this time, having cash on hand will help you navigate challenges while your business secures new clients and generates early revenue.
By keeping these barriers to entry low and our support high, we ensure that more of your capital stays in your business to fuel growth, rather than just getting you through the door.
Tactical Financial Planning: How to Fund Your Studio
For most successful franchisees, the path to ownership isn’t paved with a single check. Instead, it takes a strategic combination of assets. Your year-end bonus could serve as the vital liquidity needed to unlock larger financing opportunities.
Leveraging Your Retirement: The ROBS Strategy
Many prospective franchise owners are surprised to learn they can fund their small business using their own retirement savings without triggering early withdrawal penalties. Through a Rollover as Business Startup (ROBS) plan, you can roll over funds from an existing 401(k) or IRA to invest in your SpeedPro Studio. This allows you to start your business debt-free, or at least significantly reduce the amount you need to borrow.
Small Business Loans and Personal Savings
Because SpeedPro is an established brand with a proven B2B track record, our model is highly regarded by SBA lenders. Combining your year-end bonus or dividends with personal savings will often provide the necessary liquidity to secure an SBA loan. This allows you to preserve your cash flow for those critical first months of operation.
SpeedPro maintains relationships with many of the nation’s leading lenders, and our franchise consultants are happy to help you find the right financing opportunity for your financial situation!
Make 2026 the Year of the Pivot
Financial readiness is the bridge between dreaming of business ownership and achieving it, but the true value of your investment lies in the lifestyle it affords. Ultimately, investing in SpeedPro is more than just a financial move. It is a strategic shift into a professional environment that respects your time and desire for work-life balance.
Unlike retail or food franchises that demand a brick-and-mortar storefront with large staffing needs, SpeedPro operates on a B2B model. Your clients are hospitals, schools, marketing firms, and stadiums, and your operations follow standard banking hours, all with the benefit of unlimited scalability and a diverse client pool.
As you review your year-end financial statements, don’t just look at the total balance, look at the potential. That bonus check or dividend payout could become the foundation of a legacy that you own and control. You aren’t just buying a job. You are buying a professional platform built for growth.
Are you ready to see how your financials align with a SpeedPro future? Contact our team today to learn more about our large-format printing opportunity and begin the discovery process.
* Figures reflect 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)