In this uncertain economy, many talented professionals find themselves contemplating a career move. Whether it’s the federal government’s recent cuts to the workforce or those exploring a change from corporate America, changing circumstances can open the door for experienced employees to consider a new path.

Whatever the reason, if you’re thinking about putting your skills and expertise to work for yourself as a business owner, but don’t know where to start, franchising might be the winning path – and the International Franchise Association (IFA) can help you begin your journey.

We’ve put together five key upsides and five resources to help you get started, including an opportunity to keep in touch as you consider reaching your goals through franchising.

As one of the most important business growth strategies in American history with roots dating back to our country’s founding, franchise ownership offers a proven business model that allows individuals to leverage their skills, experience, and leadership abilities in a new and rewarding way. Simply put, franchising is a way to go into business for yourself, but not by yourself.

While the upsides to franchising are many, here are five of the top reasons:

1. Franchising Is a Proven Business Model: With a tested and refined business system, franchising reduces much of the trial and error associated with starting a business from scratch. According to data from Oxford Economics, franchising uniquely helps break down barriers for business ownership, especially for underrepresented groups.
2. Franchising Offers Comprehensive Training and Support: By providing training, operational guidelines, and ongoing support, franchisors set their new franchisees up with important knowledge and tools – even if they have no prior business ownership.
3. Franchising Brings Strong Brand Recognition: Joining an established franchise means benefiting from an existing brand’s reputation and customer base. This can reduce the time and effort required to build credibility in the marketplace.
4. Franchising Offers Access to Financing: With borrowing availability and interest rates remaining high, many franchise brands offer financing options, and lenders are often more willing to fund franchisees due to the lower risk usually associated with experienced franchise models.
5. Franchising Provides a Built-in Community and Networking: Franchise ownership comes with a network of fellow franchisees who provide valuable advice, mentorship, and shared experiences that can be especially reassuring for those transitioning from established businesses.

If all this wasn’t enough, franchising continues to outperform the broader economy. According to IFA’s 2025 Franchising Economic Outlook, franchises will grow an additional 2.4% in 2025, a faster rate than the 1.9% projected for the broader economy by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). In other words, 2025 is poised to be a great year, and franchising remains a major driver of growth and upward economic mobility for people from all walks of life.

The options for owning a franchise business are as broad your imagination, covering over 300 industries from restaurants to fitness to home services to business-to-business and more. To learn how to get started in franchising and begin researching brands, here are five resources:

1. Explore “What is Franchising”: IFA has assembled 10 guides for those looking to get started with franchising, including an Introduction to the Franchise Model, Diligence in Franchising, FranchisingPros and Cons and Making Your Franchise Decision. Check out IFA’s What is Franchising resource center.
2. IFA Franchise Opportunities Guide: With thousands of franchise options available, it can be hard to know where to find the right opportunity to match your goals and IFA’s Franchise Opportunities Guide is designed to help you find the best franchise that aligns with your qualifications, interests, and personal goals—featuring only IFA member companies that meet our high standards and adhere to our Code of Ethics.
3. Take Your Research from Online to In-Person: When you’re ready to start a conversation with franchise brand representatives face-to-face, check out franchising events such as the IFA World Franchise Show in Miami Beach, May 9-10. Here you can learn about franchising, meet with established brands, network and learn from fellow franchisees, and have access to premier educational resources.
4. Find Yourself in Franchising: As part of the resources and experience that franchising offers, there’s tremendous benefit in being part of the franchising community – over 830,000 establishments providing 8 million jobs in the US. IFA has put together two important resources to help you learnmore and find yourself in franchising. The Impact of Franchising illustrates the positive effects of franchising from economic growth to workforce development to veterans’ resources. IFA also has many ways to get involved through our calendar of events, advocacy and ways to meet up with local franchising leaders.
5. Expand Your Learning: IFA believes that education is the cornerstone to success in franchising. That’s why we offer a range of learning topics and options designed for every stage of a franchising journey – including just getting started. IFA offers on-demand courses, online live sessions, in-person events and much more. Explore IFA’s learning options to find the right fit for your goals and interests.

Beginning a franchise journey is exciting, and having expert information can make your path go more smoothly. IFA is here to be your partner every step of the way.

Let’s Stay Connected! As you begin your franchising journey, we’d love to keep you updated with resources and insights. Sign up here to stay informed.