Of all the different franchise concepts available today one category continues to be a top performer. I’m talking about pet-related business opportunities. Many of my clients ask about different FranNet-verified business models some of which have landed in coveted spots on this year’s Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list, a prestigious honor.But what do I know about dogs? I never grew up around dogs. Now, it’s not that I have anything against dogs – far from it. I just lacked any experience in owning or being around one. But that all changed for me in the past year – and it’s a story worth telling ..read more

The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a legal document that offers key information to help potential franchisees make an informed decision. While this document is exceedingly helpful for a prospective franchisee in choosing which franchise opportunity to pursue, it is not required in every Canadian province. Whether it’s required or not, it is recommended as best practice in Canada’s thirteen provinces for a franchisor to provide future franchisees with an FDD before they make any commitments. After all, it’s in the best interest of everyone involved if the franchisor is able to set the ..read more

Part of the process of starting a new business or buying into a franchise is figuring out your financing options. When it comes to franchise ownership, it is common for potential franchisees to get their business loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). While it is known as an SBA loan, it is actually a process in which the federal government provides a guarantee to a private lender making it easier for the borrower to obtain a loan. Pre-COVID-19, SBA loans were more difficult to acquire due to the requirements and documents needed. However, in an effort to get small businesses ..read more

  If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area and happen to be interested in an entrepreneurial future, we’ve got some good news for you. You’re not alone – not by a long shot. North Texas is literally teeming with resources, interest groups, and startup development organizations where you can find plenty of like-minded individuals. At FranNet of DFW & Oklahoma, we specialize in consulting for franchise ownership opportunities – the majority of which are considered small businesses. But there are still lots of similarities in launching a new business, whether you go the fra ..read more

Matthew Relyea was born into entrepreneurship, as his family owned a multi-generational business in Columbus, Ohio that began with his grandfather. However, Matthew was determined to see what Corporate America held for him and embarked on a very successful management career for a blue chip customer service brand. Eventually, circumstances changed, and Relyea began a new chapter – this time as the owner of his own business. His inspirational story is why FranNet of Michigan chose to feature him in our series of client success stories. Assisted by FranNet Consultant Mark Cory, Relyea was able to ..read more

It is notoriously difficult to be a successful standalone restaurant, particularly when the economy is bad. According to Nima Samadi, senior analyst at IBISWorld, full-service restaurants back in 2009 were “the first to feel the pinch and the last to feel the recovery.” However, for those who run a franchise restaurant,   having the support of a major brand can be the key to succeeding in the industry.  Anyone looking to own a franchise restaurant will quickly learn that there are categories that different restaurants fall into. Initially, the various restaurant terms seem complicate ..read more

If you’re looking into franchise ownership, it’s likely that one of the top questions you have pertains to  financing. After all, you can’t own a business if you don’t have the necessary funds to start it. While there are various financing options available, a common way to obtain a loan is through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  If you’ve started the process of researching which franchise might be the best fit, you’ve probably seen that some use the term “SBA-approved”. Understanding what this means is key to evaluating your financing options for buying a franchise.&n ..read more

At FranNet of DFW & Oklahoma, we felt like it was long overdue for our audience to hear more about the economic outlook in the Sooner State. After all, this is an area that got its nickname from quite a few overzealous entrepreneurs, anxious to stake their claim to land grants slightly ahead of schedule. It’s befitting that this legacy lives on today, as Oklahoma works to maintain its prosperity and a pro-business environment for entrepreneurship that’s thriving once again.     In this edition of FranNet of DFW & Oklahoma’s blog, we’re going to provide a current snapshot of ..read more

A business plan is a document that outlines the goals, strategies, and operational plans of a business. In short, it is a roadmap to success. Not only is it an essential tool for an aspiring business owner to get started, but it serves as a benchmark for measuring progress and making adjustments as needed down the road.   If you are planning to purchase a franchise, creating a thorough and effective business plan is essential to your success. Not only will it help you prepare for what lies ahead, but it is also a requirement if you are looking to secure financing. In fact, a well-wri ..read more

In case you hadn’t yet heard, March is a big month for female empowerment. It’s Women’s History Month and, last week on March 8, the world celebrated International Women’s Day. FranNet of DFW & Oklahoma is a female-owned business and we wholeheartedly support these initiatives that celebrate the accomplishments and impact of women in the workplace. After all, we’re in the business of helping other females (and males, of course) find business ownership success through franchising.     Speaking of franchising, it’s an industry that provides a perfect illustration of female empower ..read more