Franchise 101

Your Educational Hub

Franchising can open doors to business ownership—but like any major decision, it comes with a learning curve. At Start to Finish, we believe the more you understand, the more confident and successful you’ll be as a franchise owner. Our Franchise 101 hub breaks down key concepts to help you build a solid foundation.

What is a Franchise?

A franchise is a business model where an individual (the franchisee) pays to operate a business using the branding, systems, and support of an established company (the franchisor). It’s a partnership that allows you to run a business for yourself—but not by yourself.

Franchisees benefit from brand recognition, training, marketing systems, a proven business model, and ongoing support, while franchisors are able to grow their footprint without taking on all the risk.

Steps to Buying a Franchise

  1. Initial Consultation – We get to know your goals, interests, and investment level.
  2. Franchise Matching – We present curated opportunities that align with your profile.
  3. Research & Discovery – You dig into franchise materials, attend Discovery Days, and speak with current franchisees.
  4. Due Diligence – Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with legal and financial experts.
  5. Financing – Explore funding options such as SBA loans, 401(k) rollovers, or alternative lenders.
  6. Signing the Agreement – Finalize your decision and become a franchisee!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Rushing the process without proper research
  • ❌ Ignoring financial realities or underestimating total costs
  • ❌ Skipping Discovery Day or avoiding conversations with current franchisees
  • ❌ Not reading the FDD carefully or overlooking legal terms
  • ❌ Choosing a brand based on hype, not alignment with your goals

We help you avoid these pitfalls by providing guidance every step of the way.

Is Franchising Right for Me?

Franchising offers a proven model—but it’s not for everyone. Ask yourself:

  • Am I comfortable following a system?
  • Do I prefer collaboration over independence?
  • Can I meet the financial requirements?
  • Am I willing to manage people and operations?

If you answered “yes” to most of these, franchising could be a great fit for you. We’ll help you figure it out with honest, one-on-one guidance.