6 Best Franchise Training Programs (And How to Pick One)

All well-respected franchises aim to bring a consistent and useful experience to their customers across their franchise ecosystem. This means that franchisees need the proper skills and knowledge to deliver on a franchise’s promise. To equip franchisees with these tools for success, franchise training is a must.

If you’re a potential franchisee, it’s important for you to consider the types of training that your franchise will provide. Not all franchise training programs are created equal and it serves you well to work with a franchise that is known for providing high-quality training to all of its franchisees.

In this article, we will explore what exactly a franchise training program is, the types of training that are typically offered, and share some examples of the best franchise training programs available today.

What Is a Franchise Training Program?

Franchise training programs are used to help franchisees understand a franchise’s business model, develop the skills needed to run a specific franchise, and learn any necessary information about operating a successful franchise. Most franchise training programs include initial training for new franchisees and also ongoing training which is provided periodically throughout a franchisee’s career. Though many franchise training programs are similar in certain ways, they typically provide proprietary skill-building techniques and education that are unique to their specific franchise.

Depending on the type of franchise you want to become a franchisee with, the duration and intensity of your training will vary. Generally speaking, most initial training programs can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. In some cases, training could take a few months depending on the complexity of a franchise’s operations.

Types of Training Franchises Provide

Every franchise will have its own training methods and tactics, depending on the skills and knowledge their franchisees need to develop. Some franchises will exclusively offer in-person training while others may hold all their training remotely. In most cases though, franchises will use a combination of training styles to ensure that their franchisees are ready to launch their own franchise.

These training styles typically include:

• Self-guided learning modules: These can include different types of online courses that franchisees complete before moving on to the more hands-on portion of their training. Oftentimes, franchises will give their franchisees resources such as operational manuals or policy/procedure handbooks that franchisees are required to get acquainted with before moving on with their training.
• In-person workshops: These can be held at a franchise’s headquarters or other location where franchisees and franchise trainers can work through interactive types of training. In many cases, these workshops are held periodically throughout the year to onboard a number of new franchisees at the same time.
• On-site training: For franchises that require a physical location, franchisees will receive hands-on training at their prospective franchise location or shadow a current franchise owner at their location.
• Continuing education modules: All major franchises offer their franchisees ongoing training to stay up to date on the latest technology, procedures, and brand developments.

Topics a Great Franchise Training Program Should Cover

There are many things franchisees must learn and be familiar with to find success with their franchise. The subject matter will vary from franchise to franchise, but the most common topics covered during franchise training include:

• Marketing strategy and brand positioning: Franchisees will be educated on the franchise’s available marketing resources, how to leverage them, and how they fit into the overall brand image.
• Sales systems: Training will be provided on how to effectively generate leads, nurture leads, and close deals in your given industry.
• How to utilize the right technology and business systems: Every franchise has its own types of technology and business systems that keep operations functional. Understanding these systems will be crucial for daily operations.
• Customer relationship management: Franchisees will be trained on the best practices and principles when interacting with clients in a variety of different situations.
• How to maintain books and records: All franchisees need to have a strong understanding of what it takes to maintain clean books and manage business records in a professional manner.
• Compliance requirements: Different franchises will have different compliance and regulatory requirements that franchisees need to be aware of in order to stay in business.
• How to select a business location and negotiate a lease: For franchises that require a physical location, franchisees will need to understand how to choose a location that will be profitable. They also will need to understand the basics of renting property.
• Employee recruitment and management: For franchises that require employees, franchisees will need to learn best practices when hiring employees and how to retain them.
• How to purchase the right equipment and maintain supplies: Franchisees need to know the types of equipment they need to run their business and also who to work with when buying supplies.
• Operational fundamentals: All franchises will have best practices when it comes to daily operations and management. Franchisees need to master these systems in order to maximize profitability.
• Financial best practices: All Franchisees need to understand how to properly budget and spend their money in order to get the best ROI.

The Best Franchise Training Programs

1. P3 Cost Analysts: Best for Cost Reduction Consulting

• Minimum cash required: $59,500
• Work from home: Yes
• Financing assistance: Available through a third party

During the P3 Cost Analysts franchise training program, franchisees are taught by an elite team of cost consulting industry experts. Franchisees learn about P3’s proprietary marketing systems, customer relationships, administrative and financial management, and other details during their start-up training. After this initial training, franchisees will be provided with ongoing coaching and mentoring to increase their effectiveness as a franchisee.

3. The UPS Store: Best for Shipping and Packaging Services

• Minimum cash required: $75,000
• Work from home: Part-time
• Financing assistance: Available from the company

The UPS Store franchisees complete a four-phase training program to start their franchise. This program includes web-based training, in-store training, and interactive workshops. In-person training is held at local training centers and in San Diego, CA.

4. 7-Eleven: Best for Food and Beverage

• Minimum cash required: $50,000–$150,000 (location dependent)
• Work from home: Part-time
• Financing assistance: Available from the company

7-Eleven is committed to providing its franchisees with the appropriate initial and ongoing training they’ll need to find success. Franchisees start at 7-Eleven’s Store Support Center in Dallas, Texas, in order to complete their LAUNCH training program. Franchisees will also spend time training at a 7-Eleven location and have access to online training resources.

5. Great Clips: Best for Hair Salons

• Minimum cash required: $75,000–$250,000
• Work from home: Part-time
• Financing assistance: Available through a third party

Great Clips offers their franchisees a combination of online and in-person training throughout a franchisee’s career. The Great Clips University digital platform teaches franchisees all the best practices around marketing, choosing a location, employee recruitment, technology usage, and more. They also host a three-day in-person training with the Great Clips corporate team in Minneapolis, MN.

6. Anytime Fitness: Best for Gym and Fitness

• Minimum cash required: $100,000
• Work from home: Part-time
• Financing assistance: Available through a third party

Anytime Fitness provides an initial two-week training at its corporate headquarters in Minnesota. After completion, franchisees engage in weekly training via onsite visits, online education, and email/phone correspondence.

7. The Growth Coach: Best for Business Growth Coaching

• Minimum cash required: $60,000
• Work from home: Yes
• Financing assistance: Available through a third party

The Growth Coach’s comprehensive training gives new franchisees all the tools and resources they need to effectively run a coaching franchise in this growing industry. During training, franchisees are provided with all the marketing content, education materials, and technology needed to scale their business and start generating profit.

Your Franchise Journey Awaits

When choosing between franchise opportunities, it’s important for you to thoroughly research the training programs that various franchises offer. Without adequate training and support, many franchisees won’t succeed in building a profitable business.

When comparing training programs, look for ones that offer engaging training styles and cover the key topics discussed above. It’s also important to choose a franchise that offers ongoing training so you can continue to develop your skills and knowledge as you grow as a business owner.

At P3 Cost Analysts, we emphasize training and support because we understand how important it is for the success of our franchisees. Between our comprehensive start-up training, continuing coaching and mentorship, and access to top-notch marketing and technology assistance, our franchisees can build profitable businesses quickly and effectively.

To learn more about our franchise opportunities at P3 Cost Analysts, visit our franchising page today!