Franchise Training and Support: What Can Franchisees Expect?

Franchise ownership is an excellent way for new entrepreneurs to start their own business with guidance and support.

Franchisors rarely hand over the franchise agreement and leave you on your own—they provide thorough operational training before you even open.

So, how much training and support can you expect? A lot!

Here’s what most franchisors offer when you join their franchise system.

Training Programs For New Franchisees

The good news is that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own when buying a franchise business.

Most franchise owners provide an initial training program for new franchisees. The training is usually divided into modules focused on specific areas of the business to help you get up to speed.

Training sessions can be in different formats, including:

• Classroom training
• eLearning (online training)
• On-site training at franchise location

Training typically lasts a few days to a few weeks and covers important areas like:

• Managing daily operations
• Employee training and financial management
• Following franchise system brand standards to keep things consistent

This initial training provides the knowledge you need to run your franchise business smoothly from day one.

Ongoing Support and Development Systems

A good franchisor won’t leave you on your own after initial training. In fact, most provide ongoing training to help your franchise business succeed.

As a franchisee, you can generally expect continued support, such as:

• Regular check-ins. These might be phone calls, video meetings, or in-person visits to review your progress.
• Continuing education. Workshops or new training courses can help you build skills and stay updated on new products or changes to the business model.
• Access to support teams and resources. Many franchises have a Learning Management System (LMS) where you can access franchise training programs and resources any time. You may also be assigned a team or contact person for questions or help.

Technology and Online Resources

In addition to hands-on training, franchise brands often provide technology and online resources to make running your business easier.

Some of the tools your franchisor might provide include:

• Proprietary software to manage the business efficiently
• A point-of-sale (POS) system for processing sales and tracking inventory
• Data and reporting tools to help you understand business performance and profitability

Marketing and Advertising Assistance

Getting customers is critical to the success of any business, so most franchise systems provide marketing and advertising support.

Typically, you’ll receive a database of marketing assets and national and local marketing strategies, including:

• TV ads and online campaigns like social media promotions
• Seasonal promotions and other marketing materials that help build brand awareness

Your franchisor will often tailor assets to your local demographic to attract customers in your area more effectively.

Operational and Financial Guidance

One of the great things about franchise opportunities is the predictability it offers. While nothing is guaranteed, solid operational and financial guidance can help you build a stable and profitable business.

Here’s what franchises usually help with:

• Site selection and store setup. Most franchisors will help you choose an accessible location with good foot traffic.
• Inventory management and supplier relationships. They’ll guide you on efficient inventory management and introduce you to suppliers with better prices because you’re part of a larger franchise network.
• Financial planning and performance benchmarks. They’ll help you understand how to manage your money, set budgets, and track your expenses.

Evaluating a Franchise’s Training and Support

When buying a franchise, it is essential to review the training and support offered to see if it’s a good fit for you. Here’s how to evaluate it:

1. Talk to current franchisees to get honest feedback. Ask them questions like:
• How helpful was onboarding and initial training?
• Do you get support when you have questions or challenges?
• How often do you receive ongoing support or check-ins?
• What tools or resources are provided to help run the business?

Their answers will give you a clearer idea of how the franchise supports its franchisees beyond what’s in the franchise disclosure document (FDD).

2. Review the FDD for information about training or ongoing support. If details are missing, that could be a red flag.
3. Consider if support aligns with your needs. If you’re a new business owner, you might need more hands-on training. On the other hand, if you have a lot of experience, you might want more flexibility instead of constant check-ins. Either way, the support should match your needs and support your success.

Evaluating these points will help you choose a franchise that fits your goals and provides the right support to help you thrive.

Visit BizQuest's Franchise Directory to find the right franchise for you.