Entrepreneur’s Top Franchise Supplier List: Recognition That Highlights the Legacy of Benetrends
Entrepreneur recently announced its Top Franchise Supplier rankings for 2026 with big news for Benetrends Financial. Released annually, the list is updated to highlight the notable businesses helping franchise owners and brands reach their goals and make an impact. This year, Benetrends proudly secured the #1 spot in the financing category.
“We’re very proud to receive the highest ranking on the Top Franchise Supplier list by Entrepreneur this year,” said Rocco Fiorentino, President and CEO of Benetrends. “It’s a testament to the decades of resources and guidance our team has offered inside the franchising sector, as well as the commitment that Benetrends holds to helping franchise owners achieve business ownership through tailored funding strategies. It’s work that we’re genuinely passionate about, and it’s always rewarding to receive recognition that spotlights that.”
Franchise systems around the globe rely on financing for a variety of reasons, from obtaining the funding needed to step into ownership to tapping into resources like equipment leasing and business planning strategies. For decades now, Benetrends has been a valuable partner in the franchising world, standing as a preferred lender for a variety of brands and organizations, with recognition and involvement that span the International Franchise Association (IFA) and Franchise Business Review.
Topping the 2026 Top Franchise Supplier list in the financing category highlights that legacy and momentum, reinforcing Benetrends’ reputation as a trusted funding partner in the franchise industry.
“I always like to reflect on the reality of what we do here at Benetrends,” Ali Kraus, Chief Marketing Officer at Benetrends, explained. “Guiding a new franchisee with funding options they didn’t even know existed. Working with the IFA, staying relevant in a changing landscape, and helping owners from diverse backgrounds tap into franchise systems that allow them to explore ownership with proven systems and support. We’re honored to have that recognized on a national scale, and it couldn’t be done without the team of experts I’m lucky to work alongside every day.”
A History of Guiding Franchise Owners
Benetrends got its start in 1983, when founder Leonard “Len” Fischer realized there was a major barrier to business ownership: funding access. As an attorney with a specialization in Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) law, he used his background to not only launch Benetrends but also to help establish the ROBS 401(k) funding strategy, where entrepreneurs could use their retirement savings to fund their new business without tax penalties and with better protection from personal risk.
It’s the very same approach that’s allowed many franchise owners to fund their business across different industries, and what’s also allowed Benetrends to be positioned as a partner that doesn’t think inside the box.
Over the years, we’ve expanded our services to include guidance through SBA loans and other funding avenues, along with business planning expertise and ongoing guidance and support that allows franchise owners to prepare for what comes next. Being highlighted by industry leaders like Entrepreneur for the Top Franchise Supplier List is an example of what happens when a team is focused on remaining innovative, being reliable, and serving as a trusted funding guide for franchise owners nationwide.
Your Funding Options Start Here
Benetrends didn’t land here by accident. This is the result of being there not only through the initial funding conversation, but throughout the ownership journey. Funding a business is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of getting started. But we don’t just leave things there. We help entrepreneurs and franchise owners create a customized business plan that covers the essentials of running a successful business, with an outline that’s as unique as the person leaping into ownership.
And while many stop there, Benetrends proves our partnership role by working with owners throughout their journey to update their plan and tap into or combine funding strategies as their goals change. It’s the difference between a one-off service and a supportive system that can help take your business to the next level.
As a top preferred funder and a financing sector leader, Benetrends can help you understand the complexities of ROBS 401(k) funding, SBA loans, utilizing personal savings and other retirement funds, how to best combine sources, and what that means for you and your business.
We’ve never believed in a cookie-cutter approach, as goals can differ from one person to the next. If you’re exploring franchise ownership, but aren’t sure how to approach the funding side of things, we want to hear from you.
Reach out here to set up a free funding consultation where we can learn more about you and help you tap into the capital that can take you from interest to investment. It all starts with one conversation. Let’s make sure you have one less worry as you prepare for your next chapter.