Cutting off from the chaingang of corporate america

Hi all: Yesterday, as I was watching my computer monitor here at work, trying to figure out how to keep my sales high, and the pressure of getting to my sales goal, among other corp. issues… I realize that the time have come to take a decision that I been putting away for far too long, I am 40 now, have a successful career in print advertising sales, and now that I see my numbers starting to deep because of reasons beyond my control (Internet taking over one of them), I spoke to my wife last night and we have decided to take the risk and try to open a franchise, so one of us can quit one of our 9 to 6 jobs and take care of something that it will be ours. Not too long ago we walked in to a Cold Stone Creamery store, and we felt in love with their products and concept, between spoons of ice-cream we fantasized about one day opening one that was almost 1 year ago and now we are finally moving forward. We have many concerns that I guess they will be answered by the Area Managers, we submitted the application yesterday, and we are waiting for the 1st phone call or email. (The waiting is already killing me, LOL )

Since I found this Website, I would like to share some of our concerns, maybe you guys can help me, or show me the light, as you know this is completely new for us. We have a net worth of 375k very little cash as everything is invested in our 401ks and home and equity, our credit scores are 775 and my wife over 800. Cold Stone requires an investment between 290k and 450k, the question is simple…

Is my thinking rational, I mean; can this be done with a SBA or pulling some money out of our home? The other concern I have is that I need to replace her 45k per year salary from profits from this franchise…

Am I crazy for thinking that we are going to be making this much the first year? Our plan is that I stay at work at least until we are ready to open the second one. Yes our Idea is to open several stores, as my daughter is growing older she will help us manage the stores and maybe one day have a happy family business. Your input is greatly appreciated Jimbo and Wifie