Cost to Start a Squeegee Squad Franchise in 2026

Per the current FDD filed under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436), total estimated initial investment for a Squeegee Squad franchise runs $54,000–$94,000. The range reflects vehicle configuration, territory size, and launch marketing budget:

• Franchise fee: $29,500
• Service vehicle (branded van or truck): $0–$25,000 (existing vehicle credit or new purchase; many operators finance separately)
• Window cleaning equipment (ladders, squeegees, water-fed poles, pure water system): $5,000–$12,000
• Supplies and chemicals: $500–$1,500
• Technology (scheduling, routing, CRM, payment processing): $1,000–$3,000
• Vehicle branding and wraps: $1,500–$3,500
• Initial marketing and territory launch: $2,000–$5,000
• Training and travel: $1,500–$3,500
• Insurance (commercial auto, general liability): $2,500–$5,000
• Working capital (3 months): $3,000–$8,000
• Miscellaneous startup costs: $1,000–$3,000

Squeegee Squad's investment range qualifies for SBA 7(a) and SBA Express financing. Financing paths:

• SBA 7(a) loan: Covers franchise fee, service vehicle, window cleaning equipment, technology, and working capital per the SBA 7(a) program. The $54K–$94K range fits SBA Express and standard 7(a) structures.
• SBA Express loan: Faster approval for qualified operators — streamlined processing up to $500K covers the full investment range.
• Commercial vehicle financing: Service vans financed separately at 48–72 months reduces upfront capital requirement.
• Equipment financing: Water-fed pole systems and pure water equipment financed at 36–60 months.
• Working capital line: Covers ramp period and seasonal cash flow gaps in colder-weather markets.

Squeegee Squad suits operators comfortable with physical outdoor service work and residential sales. Technical window cleaning skills are taught through franchisor training — no prior experience is required. Strong relationship-building skills accelerate commercial and property management account development. Financial benchmarks typically include net worth of $50K–$75K and liquid capital of $30K–$45K. Suburban markets with high owner-occupied home density and commercial retail strips offer the best opportunity mix.

Squeegee Squad is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory. At $54K–$94K, the investment fits SBA Express — faster approval with streamlined paperwork. The vehicle-based model means underwriting centers on projected service revenue, the commercial account pipeline, and seasonal cash flow annualization. Here is what lenders evaluate:

• Seasonal DSCR annualization: Window cleaning has meaningful seasonal exposure in northern markets — lenders require an annual DSCR view, not just peak months. Model winter revenue honestly (commercial-only or zero for outdoor residential) and show the annual DSCR of 1.25×+ across all 12 months. Underrepresenting seasonal troughs is a common mistake that delays approval.
• Commercial account pipeline as DSCR support: Recurring commercial contracts — property managers, HOAs, retail chains — provide the predictable quarterly revenue that makes DSCR projections credible. Signed contracts or LOIs from commercial accounts before closing materially strengthen the underwriting case.
• Equity injection 10–15%: At $54K–$94K total project cost, the equity injection per SBA SOP 50 10 8 typically runs $5,400–$14,100 from non-borrowed funds. Verified at closing via 90-day bank statements.
• Vehicle and equipment collateral: Service van (80%+ advance rate when financed separately via commercial vehicle loan) and pure water systems (60–70% advance rate) serve as collateral. Lenders prefer the van as a standalone equipment loan and the remaining startup costs via SBA Express.
• Royalty (7%) stress test: At 7% ongoing royalty plus marketing contributions, the combined fee load must be modeled accurately in the DSCR pro forma. Confirm the total fee structure from the FDD.