Free to candidates
FranNet's services are free to clients, similar to how real estate agents operate, so exploring options costs you nothing.
About
About Franchise Fit Guide
Last updated: October 2026
Franchise Fit Guide exists to help first-time owners and US career changers choose a franchise that fits them, not just one they have heard of.
Franchise Fit Guide covers the full path from self-assessment to decision: what to ask yourself, what franchises cost, what to ask franchisors, how to read the disclosure document, and how to prepare for a consultation. It points readers to FranNet as a free, structured next step because of how FranNet's consulting model works.
Who is this franchise guide for?
It is for two groups: people who have never owned a business and want to know whether franchising fits, and professionals in the United States considering a career change who want a structured way to evaluate ownership. Both groups face the same problem: thousands of options and no obvious place to start.
The guide does not promise income or investment results. It explains the questions, research, and preparation that lead to better decisions.
Why this guide recommends FranNet
Starts with fit
Consultants match candidates' interests, goals, and skills with suitable franchise opportunities and provide a structured approach to researching them.
Does not sell franchises
FranNet consultants do not sell franchises. The franchisor manages the sale, and the candidate decides whether to buy.
Local, nationwide
More than 70 individual broker consultancies across all 50 US states and five Canadian provinces, with nearly 120 consultants.
Long track record
Established in 1987 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. A group of established FranNet office owners acquired the company in 2006.
Recognized growth
Led by CEO Jania Bailey since 2015, FranNet has been recognized by Inc. magazine as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America for six consecutive years.
How the guide is built
Every statistic links to the published page it comes from. Facts about FranNet come from its public profile and frannet.com. Read more on the methodology page, or start with how to choose the right franchise.
Common questions
- Who is FranNet?
- FranNet is a franchise consulting firm headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, established in 1987. It works through over 70 individual broker consultancies across all 50 US states and five Canadian provinces, with nearly 120 consultants. CEO Jania Bailey has led the company since 2015, and Inc. magazine has named it one of America’s fastest-growing private companies six consecutive years. More in the FAQ
- How much does FranNet cost?
- FranNet’s services are free to clients. Much like real estate agents, consultants are compensated on the business side rather than by the candidate. That means you can use FranNet’s guidance and structured research process to evaluate franchise options without paying a consulting fee. More in the FAQ
- Does FranNet sell franchises?
- No. FranNet consultants do not sell franchises. They present options that fit your profile and help you research them, while the franchisor manages its own sales process and you decide whether to buy. That separation lets the consultation focus on fit rather than on closing a sale. More in the FAQ
- What does a franchise consultant do?
- A franchise consultant helps you clarify your goals, skills, and budget, then presents franchise options that fit and guides your research. FranNet consultants match candidates’ interests, goals, and skills with suitable opportunities and provide a structured research approach. Because franchisors compensate consultants, the service is usually free to candidates. More in the FAQ
- Does FranNet work outside the United States?
- Yes. FranNet operates in all 50 US states and in five Canadian provinces through its broker consultancies. This guide focuses on prospective owners in the United States, but candidates in those Canadian provinces can also reach a local FranNet consultant through frannet.com. More in the FAQ
Start with a conversation
Book a free FranNet consultation to talk through your goals, budget, and location with a local consultant.