What takes the most time?

Documenting your operations and preparing the legal documents. A business that already has a written operations manual, clean financials, and a registered trademark can move much faster than one starting from scratch.

Do I need audited financials to franchise?

Generally yes. Franchisors typically must include audited financial statements in the FDD. If you don’t have them, factor an audit into your timeline before the document can be finalized.

Can I sell franchises the moment my FDD is ready?

In non-registration states, yes — once the FDD is complete you can disclose and sell, subject to the 14-day waiting period. In registration states, you must register and clear examiner review first, which adds time. Every business franchises on its own timeline, and the fastest way to know yours is to map it before you start. Reidel Law Firm helps owners scope and execute the path to becoming a franchisor. Get a timeline for franchising your business.

FRANCHISE LAW

How Long Does It Take to Franchise a Business?

Q: How long does it take to franchise a business?

For a typical concept, about three to six months to produce a registration-ready FDD and franchise agreement. Add several more weeks if you sell first in states that require pre-sale registration, and expect ongoing time to recruit qualified franchisees after launch.

Schuyler 'Rocky' Reidel July 12, 2023 4 min read

Franchising a business typically takes about three to six months to go from the decision to franchise to a finished, registration-ready Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) — and a bit longer before your first sale if you plan to operate in states that require pre-sale registration. The range is wide because the timeline depends on how well-documented your business already is