Use franchise websites for information before buying

10 Great Franchise Websites

Franchise websites have become an essential tool for prospective franchisees seeking information on opportunities and wanting to learn more about franchising. The following websites offer a variety of information for the smart franchise investor.

10 best franchise websites

1. Franchise.org

Franchise.org is the website of the International Franchise Association, and contains valuable information for both the beginning franchisee and seasoned franchise consultant. Visitors can tap into a variety of helpful resources, such as FAQs about franchising, research on the franchise industry, and a directory of franchise opportunities.

2. VetFran

VetFran is a strategic initiative of the International Franchise Association and the IFA Foundation, which provides resources on franchising and a listing of franchise systems that offer special discounts and incentives to honorably discharged U.S. military veterans. Click on the participating systems’ logos, and you’ll be directed to their sites.

3. FRANdata

FRANdata is a franchise advisory firm that sells a variety of information to help prospective franchisees make decisions, including Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) and a variety of reports and benchmarking data that let you compare one franchise system to another, including company profiles, industry reports, and financial performance assessments.

4. Franchise Registry

The Franchise Registry is a clearinghouse providing information about franchise brands to 9,000 franchise lenders, to improve and streamline the lending process to franchisees. The Franchise Registry is a part of FRANdata.

5. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

At the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), you’ll find A Consumer's Guide to Buying a Franchise, with a variety of information, including how to decide on an opportunity, how to determine whether franchising is right for you, and an explanation of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and how it protects the franchise buyer.

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6. SBA Franchise Directory

The SBA Franchise Directory lists franchise companies whose franchisees enjoy a streamlined review process when applying for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. Loan applications for these franchises can be reviewed and processed more quickly because the SBA has already reviewed these companies’ franchise agreements.

7. Franchise Business Review

Franchise Business Review is a market research firm in the franchise industry specializing in franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review’s annual Top 200 Franchises ranking highlights the best franchise opportunities based on owner satisfaction.

8. California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation

The state of California offers online access to securities offerings and franchise offerings information for companies selling franchises in California. This means you can search companies by name to find online versions of their FDDs and related documents for free.

9. Franchise Times

Franchise Times.com offers franchise news and information on franchise opportunities. Regular columnists provide updates and insights on the world of franchising. FranchiseTimes.com also has a professional services directory for prospective franchisors and franchisees.

10. Franchise Gator

FranchiseGator.com's franchise directory has a Franchise Selector search engine that lets you search by industry type, area of interest, and budget. There are also articles on how to choose a franchise opportunity and an annual ranking of the top 100 franchise opportunities.