Buying a Franchise
Build a business faster with built-in brand power and proven franchise support.
Your Franchising Toolbox
Weekly Newsletter
Your 7-Step Franchise Buying Guide
Self-Assessment 📋
Evaluate your personality, financial readiness and lifestyle preferences.
- Calculate your available capital
- Assess your skills and experience
- Determine your risk tolerance
Find a Franchise📍
Discover which franchise is the right fit for you.
- Take the quiz to find your match
- Explore options by industry and budget
- Get personalized recommendations
Researching Franchise Opportunities 🧐
Explore, filter and compare the top 500 franchises.
- Review franchise performance data
- Explore different industries and markets
- Compare investment levels and fees
Franchise Due Diligence 🚙
Break down the Franchise Disclosure Document — and how to spot warning signs.
- Visit operating franchise locations
- Interview current and former franchisees
- Verify financial claims and documentation
Legal and Financial Considerations ⚖️
Understand legal documents and financial requirements.
- Plan for ongoing royalties and fees
- Final review of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
- Understand territory rights and restrictions
Finalizing Your Decision to Purchase a Franchise 🤝
Make the final decision with confidence.
- Complete financial projections
- Secure financing commitments
- Negotiate final terms
Buying Your Franchise and Funding Your Business 
Complete the purchase and secure financing.
- Execute franchise agreement
- Secure SBA or alternative financing
- Begin training and site selection
Still not sure how to get started?
Connect with a Franchise Advisor for free.
Get personalized guidance to find out if franchising is right for you.
Angry Crab Shack
Seafood Boil Restaurant
Mathnasium
Math Tutoring
🏆 PROVEN PICKS
Discover Our Annual Franchise 500 Rankings
Take a deep dive into our Franchise 500 data, including lists that spotlight the top brands in categories like food, fitness, education and more.
Top New & Emerging Franchises
Get in on the ground floor with top companies franchising for five years or less.
Fastest-Growing Franchises
Meet the companies scaling quickly across the U.S. and Canada in our annual ranking.
Top Franchises for Less Than $50K / $100K / $150K
Best low-cost franchise options for every budget, from $50K to $150K.
2025 Best of the Best
This year’s highest-ranked franchises for support and performance.
Browse Franchises by Category
Why Choose Franchising?
Franchising takes the guesswork out of starting a business on your own. You gain the strength of an established brand, proven systems and ongoing support designed to help you succeed.
Rather than facing the risks of going solo, you plug into a model built for growth — with expert guidance, training and resources at every stage. For many entrepreneurs, it’s the smartest and fastest way to own a business with confidence.
By the Numbers
Want proof? These statistics show why franchising is among the most reliable and rewarding paths to business ownership.
850K+
franchise businesses are operating in the U.S. today, spanning nearly every industry.
9M
jobs are supported by franchises, making them a powerhouse for economic growth.
$850B+
in GDP is generated annually by franchises in the U.S. economy.
80%
of franchisees would recommend franchising to others.
Source: International Franchise Association
Did you know?
Franchise success rates are higher compared to independent start-ups, thanks to proven models, ongoing support from the franchisor and immediate, established brand recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Franchising
What is franchising, and how does it work?
Franchising is a business relationship where independent owners operate under a recognized brand’s proven systems — giving them access to established products, support and built-in market credibility. This model has enabled over 800,000 businesses in the U.S. to launch successfully, reducing the risks associated with independent startups.
Want a comprehensive overview of how the process works? Our free Franchising 101 Whitepaper explains each step in detail.
How do I know which franchise is right for me?
With thousands of franchise brands across nearly every industry, matching your experience, interests and investment goals to the right opportunity is critical.
To simplify the process, take our Franchise Assessment for a personalized list of matches tailored to your unique profile.
How much does it cost to buy a franchise?
Franchise investments range widely, but more than half of franchises require less than $250,000 to start — and you can start some home-based models for less than $10,000. Typical expenses include franchise fees, equipment and working capital.
To explore real-world costs and identify options within your budget, schedule a free session with a Franchise Advisor.
What are the advantages of owning a franchise compared to starting my own business?
Franchisees experience higher long-term survival rates than independent startups, thanks to proven systems, powerful brands and ongoing support.
Curious about how to choose, finance and launch a franchise? Sign up for our 5-Day Franchise Bootcamp Email Series.
What qualifications do I need to become a franchise owner?
Most franchises don’t require prior ownership experience. Brands typically seek individuals with leadership skills, a willingness to follow a system and sufficient financial resources to get started.
Our Franchise Advisors can review your background and provide free, customized feedback.
Can I run a franchise part-time or from home?
One of franchising’s many benefits is flexibility, and many service or mobile franchises are designed for owners seeking flexible schedules and lower overhead.
Find out which models best fit your lifestyle by taking our Franchise Assessment.
How can I stay updated on trending franchise opportunities?
Emerging franchise trends can be lucrative for early investors. Subscribing to industry news is one of the best ways to discover rising concepts and make informed decisions.
Join our Franchise Newsletter to get the latest opportunities delivered directly to your inbox.
What’s the first step I should take if I’m serious about buying a franchise?
Understanding the process, costs and your role leads to better outcomes. Equipping yourself with credible information sets you up for confident, successful ownership.
Start by downloading our Franchising 101 Whitepaper, taking the Franchise Assessment and connecting with a Franchise Advisor — all at no cost to you.
Did you know?
Nearly every major industry has franchises — from fitness and food to pet care and senior services.
