For Franchisors

Considering Franchising Your Business? Get Ready to SHINE with SMB

In 2024, Shannon Wilburn joined the SMB Franchise Advisors team to provide ongoing support and executive coaching to franchisors and their leadership teams.

Since 2009, SMB has helped over 500 small and medium business founders prepare, launch, and grow their brands in the franchise industry. This top-rated franchise consulting company fosters client growth through connections, proven processes, and industry expertise. Working with small to medium business owners, their mission is to educate, support, and launch emerging brands into the franchise industry.

The SMB Franchise Advisors team gives each new franchisor the head start needed on their franchising journey to compete with established brands. Established franchise brands are able to “re-emerge” with better processes, financial metrics, brand positioning, and the confidence needed to better compete in their category.

Brand founders who are ready to franchise their successful business can leverage expert resources from SMB to navigate the landscape from concept to franchise brand. Each client is guided through the entire process, including essentials of finance, operations, marketing, and franchise sales needed to establish and develop a strong franchise brand.

It’s All About the Relationship™ when you join the SMB Franchise Family of brands.

Franchisor FAQ

  • This depends. SMB Franchise Advisors recommends a no-obligation consultation to evaluate your business, the revenue potential for franchise owners, and the industry you’re in today. When you franchise, you will have two companies: the initial operation(s) you run today and a franchise company. If you have a recognizable brand, a solid operating system, and a passion to help others grow following your lead, now is a great time to consider franchising.

  • No, but during the process this will be a discussion you will have between the SMB Franchise Advisors team and your legal counsel (franchise attorney). It is best to secure your marks, URLs, and other online brand channels as you begin the process to protect your intellectual property and your franchisees' ability to operate anywhere you want to franchise.

  • Typically, you will be legally able to offer your franchise in about 90 days. The SMB Franchise Advisors team believes in building a relationship with each client, as our tagline shares, “With SMB It’s All About the Relationship™,” and our typical engagement is 10 to 12 months long.

  • Yes, and if you do not have one engaged, SMB Franchise Advisors will assist in selecting the right franchise attorney for you and the development of your brand.Yes, and if you do not have one engaged, SMB Franchise Advisors will assist in selecting the right franchise attorney for you and the development of your brand.

  • Yes, eventually – many founders are “solopreneurs” who add team members as they grow in the franchising industry. In the meantime, you will lean on our 17+ member team and over 450 years of cumulative industry experience!

  • The typical investment range is from $95,000 to $125,000.

  • No, our fixed-price packages run for a set duration and are billed on a monthly basis with a timeline to create and provide all deliverables. These typically include the FDD consultation, marketing collateral, sales and compliance training, plus a comprehensive franchise Operations Manual based on your current standards.

  • Franchising is way bigger than just restaurant brands! SMB Franchise Advisors has worked with over 500 brands in hundreds of industries from retail to home and professional services, as well as children’s education and enrichment, pet-related services, and more.

  • No, but this is a best practice as you grow. SMB Franchise Advisors is active in the IFA, sits on leadership committees and task forces. We are a Supplier Forum Advisory Member and an advocate for new members.

  • Yes, we do. As a member of the IFA VetFran program, we offer a discount to U.S. Military Veterans for our services.