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How to Become A Franchise Owner

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What is a Franchise Owner

A franchise owner runs their own business under the name of an existing brand. Think of your favourite fast-food chain, gym, or cleaning service. Someone local owns and runs that outlet. In Australia, there are more than 94,000 franchised businesses across food, fitness, health, education, and more (Franchise Council of Australia, 2023).

As a franchise owner, you are your own boss. You hire the team, manage the money, handle day-to-day operations, and build your customer base. The brand, the product, and the playbook are already there. Your job is to run it well and grow it in your area.

Start-up costs vary a lot. Some service franchises start from under $50,000. Food and retail outlets can cost several hundred thousand dollars. You also pay ongoing royalties to the franchisor. It is a real business with real financial risk, so going in with your eyes open is key.

If you love running a business, managing people, and serving customers, franchise ownership could be a great fit. You get the independence of being your own boss with the support of a proven brand behind you.

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Career Outlook for Franchise Owner

Franchise ownership in Australia is a sizeable career path. The sector supports over 94,000 individual franchise outlets. It adds around $174 billion to the economy (Franchise Council of Australia, 2023). Demand stays strong because consumers keep returning to familiar brands. New industries like fitness and aged care keep entering the franchise model.

Average earnings for franchise owners are around $106,000 a year (Indeed Australia, 2024). The range goes from about $60,000 at entry level to $150,000 and above for skilled owners in high-volume brands. Hours are long. Most owners work 50 or more hours a week, especially in the early years.

The franchise model keeps evolving. The Franchising Code of Conduct was updated in April 2025, giving franchisees stronger rights (ACCC, 2025). If you go in well-prepared and choose the right franchise, this career offers real financial upside. You also get the freedom of running your own business.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Franchise Owner

Step 1: Build your business foundations with formal study

Complete the Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business (BSB40320) at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). This takes around 12 months full-time or up to 18 months part-time. It covers business planning, financial management, marketing, and operational skills. These are all directly useful for running a franchise. If you want a deeper grounding, consider the Diploma of Business (BSB50120). This takes an additional 12 months and covers strategic planning and business development.

Step 2: Research the franchise market and identify your opportunity

Use resources from the Franchise Council of Australia (franchise.org.au) to explore available franchise systems. Compare industries, entry costs, royalty structures, and the level of support each franchisor offers. Talk to existing franchisees in the systems you are considering. The ACCC offers a free online course called ‘Is Franchising for Me’. It takes under 90 minutes and covers the basics of how franchising works.

Step 3: Review the Franchise Disclosure Document with a legal adviser

Under the Franchising Code of Conduct, a franchisor must give you a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). This must be provided at least 14 days before you sign. Have a lawyer review the FDD and franchise agreement thoroughly. This step is a must. The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) offers guidance on franchisee rights and disputes. Allow one to two months for this process.

Step 4: Secure your financing

Franchise start-up costs vary widely. Some service franchises start from under $50,000. Food and retail brands can cost several hundred thousand dollars. You may fund this through personal savings, a business loan, or a combination. Prepare a detailed business plan and financial projections to present to lenders. Most banks and lenders have small business or franchise-specific lending teams who can guide you through the options.

Step 5: Complete franchisor training and launch your business

Once the franchise agreement is signed and your location is set up, complete the franchisor’s initial training program. This covers the brand’s systems, products, service standards, and daily methods. Training typically takes one to six weeks depending on the franchise. After launch, stay connected with the franchisor’s ongoing training and support network to keep improving your performance.

What does a Franchise Owner do?

Franchise owners have busy days from the start. You start the day by checking sales and finances. Then you manage staff, serve customers, and keep the business on track. You handle stock, sort out any issues that come up, and run local marketing to keep customers coming in. You also stay in touch with the franchisor to get support and take part in training. Every day is different, which keeps the role fresh and challenging.

Tasks

Running your own franchise is hands-on and varied. Here are the key things you do each day:

  • Manage daily operations to keep everything running smoothly and to standard.
  • Lead your team by hiring, training, and motivating staff to do their best work.
  • Handle finances by watching the budget, managing costs, and tracking your profit.
  • Serve customers by dealing with questions and issues to keep satisfaction high.
  • Run marketing by planning local promotions to attract new customers and reward loyal ones.
  • Stay compliant by following the franchisor’s rules and all relevant laws.
  • Manage stock by ordering supplies and keeping inventory at the right level.
  • Review performance by checking your sales data and spotting ways to improve.

Skills for Success

To do well as a franchise owner, you need a range of skills across business, people, and marketing. Financial smarts come first. You need to know your numbers, manage a budget, and keep costs under control. Good leadership helps you get the best from your team and create a great place to work.

You also need strong customer service skills to keep people coming back. Being a good problem-solver matters, because issues come up every day. Staying organised, being adaptable, and building strong relationships with your local community will set you apart.

Skills & Attributes

  • Financial management and budgeting
  • Staff leadership and team management
  • Customer service and relationship building
  • Local marketing and sales
  • Problem-solving and decision-making
  • Time management and organisation
  • Compliance and regulatory knowledge
  • Inventory management
  • Adaptability and resilience
  • Networking and community engagement
  • Strategic planning and performance analysis
  • Clear communication and negotiation

Average Salaries

Franchise owners in Australia earn an average of around $106,000 a year (source: Indeed Australia, 2024). Pay varies widely by brand, industry, and location. New owners usually earn from around $60,000 a year. Top earners in high-volume systems can reach $150,000 or more.

min $60 K

max $150 K

av $106 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.