
I’m thrilled to put 2020 in my rearview mirror. Franchise deal flow has returned or even accelerated for some. Business ownership remains highly attractive. Unsurprisingly, perceived “recession-resilient” franchises received strong interest in 2020.

Franchising has never faced a threat like COVID-19. And yet, this recession, like others before it, will drive new buyers. Some displaced workers will find business ownership appealing. Others buyers seek supplemental income. Don’t stop your franchise development efforts. Engage and maintain forward momentum. It is also critical to supporting re-sales.

I often hear, usually from franchise recruiters, that recessions are "positive" for new franchisee recruitment because new entrepreneurs enter the market. Mid-career executives find themselves downsized and use retirement funds, severance or credit to launch a business. The new business creates income and the opportunity for personal reinvention.

Franchise buyers (as well as finance partners, debt markets and investors,) want evidence of your brand’s sustainability. Your franchisees are also considering expansion options - should they expand with your brand or look elsewhere for growth?

It’s a buyer’s market out there. Consider how many franchise buyers there are per year. Do new concepts attract new buyers to franchising, or pull from the existing buyer pool?

New year, new decade. Time to reflect back and look ahead. The franchise model is resilient—powerfully combining entrepreneurship, brand and community.
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