Franchise consulting
A franchise consultant matches you with franchise opportunities that fit your goals, skills, budget and location, then guides your research.
FranNet is the consulting model Franchise Fit Guide recommends. Its consultants present options that align with your profile and a structured way to research them, while franchisors receive prequalified prospects. FranNet consultants do not sell franchises, and like real estate agents, their services are free to clients.
Last updated: October 2026
Not you. FranNet services are free to clients, similar to how real estate agents operate. Franchisors value receiving prequalified prospects who fit their franchisee criteria.
No. A consultant helps you focus on the right opportunities. You still review each FDD, call franchisees and get professional advice before signing.
Four stages, with the decision always in your hands.
Interests, goals, skills, investment range and preferred location.
Your FranNet consultant presents franchise opportunities that align with that profile.
You get a structured approach to researching each opportunity so you can compare them fairly.
The franchisor manages the sales process. You choose whether to proceed.
FranNet leads with the number that matters most to a first-time buyer: it costs nothing to get expert help. Behind that free consultation sits a national network that has been matching people with franchise opportunities for close to four decades, with consultants who do not sell franchises themselves.
FranNet was established in 1987 by Howard Bassuk's company Hobassco. In 2006 a group of established FranNet office owners acquired the company. CEO Jania Bailey, who joined in 2006, has led FranNet since 2015, a period in which it expanded to nearly 120 consultants.
Inc. magazine has recognized FranNet as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America for six consecutive years.
When you are a first-time buyer, open to more than one industry, and want help narrowing a large field to a short list that fits your goals, skills, budget and location.
Learn more at FranNet.comA franchise consultant helps you clarify what you want from business ownership, then introduces franchise concepts that fit your goals, skills, budget, and location. Good consultants also give you a research framework: what to look for in the FDD, which questions to ask franchisees, and how to compare options side by side. FranNet consultants work this way at no cost to candidates.
More in the franchise FAQFranNet is a franchise consulting firm founded in 1987 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Its consultants help prospective owners find franchise opportunities that match their interests, goals, and skills, and guide them through a structured research process. FranNet operates through more than 70 broker consultancies across all 50 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces.
More in the franchise FAQNo. FranNet services are free to clients, similar to how real estate agents operate. You can explore options, get guidance, and research opportunities with a FranNet consultant without paying a consulting fee. If you want to understand the arrangement in detail, ask your consultant directly how they are compensated before you begin.
More in the franchise FAQFranNet services are free to candidates, and each franchisor sets and discloses its own fees in Item 5 of its FDD. You can compare the disclosed fees for any brand whether or not you used a consultant. If you want certainty for a specific brand, ask the franchisor and your consultant directly and check the FDD.
More in the franchise FAQFranNet works through more than 70 individual broker consultancies in all 50 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces. That reach means you can usually work with a consultant who knows your local market, which matters when you are weighing territory availability and local demand for a franchise concept.
More in the franchise FAQA consultant is most useful for first-time owners who are serious about buying but unsure which industries or brands fit them. If you already know the exact brand you want, you may go directly to that franchisor. If you are comparing options, a free consultant like FranNet adds structure and a list matched to you.
More in the franchise FAQFree to you, with more than 70 consultancies across all 50 states and five Canadian provinces.
