Sid Feltenstein, a long-time restaurateur, deal-maker and all around financial guru, stunned the audience with simplicity when he presented five steps to secure growth capital.

The search for financing in today's tough economic environment has been one of the hottest topics throughout this year's MUFSO conference -- "Where is the money, and how do I get it?"

There are long-winded answers on ratios and lending sources, there are short answers claiming there is no capital, and there are answers that cover everything in between. But Sid presented the clearest way yet for operators looking to garner growth capital.

1. Your concept must be differentiated
2. You must have a strong record of same-store sale growth
3. Unit economics must be compelling
4. Management must be strong
5. You must build realistic valuations into your expectations

The steps are by no means easy to execute, but as Sid said, if you can nail those five, you won't have much to worry about.

-- Sarah Lockyer