Opinions expressed by business partners are their own.
The key path
- More young entrepreneurs are pursuing franchise ownership earlier in their career than previous generations. This increase is driven by a number of factors.
- Franchisors who modernize training, streamline operations and provide clear development paths can attract and empower this next generation of leaders.
Franchising has always been an avenue for people looking for a proven business model, an established brand and long-term financial opportunity. However, in recent years, we’ve seen a dramatic shift in who gets that opportunity. More young entrepreneurs — especially Gen Z and younger millennials — are pursuing franchise ownership later in their careers than generations before them. What was once considered a step-by-step career move has become a launch pad for ambitious young business owners.
I have seen firsthand how quickly people enter the industry with their motivations, skills and expectations in franchising. Every brand needs to be ready for this change in ownership as smaller franchises seek out business ventures. In fact, in a 2020 survey by WP Engine and the Center for Generational Kinetics, nearly two-thirds of Gen Z (62%) said they have started or want to start their own business.
Here’s what’s driving the youth surge in franchising and what both franchise brands and young entrepreneurs should know.
RELATED: Gen Z is leaving corporate for a different kind of business opportunity: ‘The W-2 world doesn’t hold the same appeal’
Why Young Entrepreneurs Are Choosing Franchising
A safe ramp to business ownership
Starting a business from scratch can be overwhelming, especially in one’s 20s or early 30s. Young entrepreneurs are increasingly attracted to franchising because it provides a structured, low-risk path to business ownership with pre-established systems—such as marketing, operational frameworks, training and support—already built into the model.
For those without decades of industry experience, franchising offers a roadmap by eliminating guesswork, shortening the learning curve and giving younger owners confidence that they are not just traveling on their own journey.
Desire for flexibility and autonomy
Younger generations have redefined what they want from their work lives. Flexibility and independence matter more than ever. Many people want to create something of their own, not at the expense of their lifestyle goals.
Franchising offers a unique balance: the stability and support of an established brand, combined with the freedom to own and operate a business on their terms. In service-based industries like commercial cleaning, franchise owners can control their schedules, scale at their own pace and manage teams with a high degree of freedom.
Better access to the capital
Historically, funding was a major hurdle for young entrepreneurs, but today, this challenge has been minimized. Small business loans, SBA programs and franchise-friendly financing options are making it easier for first-time business owners to access capital.
As financing becomes more accessible, we’re seeing more franchise candidates in their 20s and 30s making the leap—especially in lower-cost franchise systems where the initial investment is higher.
Digital natives are built for today’s franchise landscape
Today, technology touches every part of the franchising experience, from marketing, scheduling, staffing and operations, communications, customer experience and more. Young entrepreneurs, who have grown up with much of this technology, are uniquely equipped to thrive in this environment.
Technology as a competitive advantage
Young franchise owners embrace operational software, automation tools, CRM platforms and digital marketing at a pace that often outpaces traditional owners. Their experience and familiarity with technology inspires them to leverage data and trends to improve performance and customer satisfaction.
At ImageOne USA, we’ve seen young franchisees quickly adopt our technology system. Their comfort with digital tools helps them hit the ground running.
Purpose and society matter more than ever
For many young entrepreneurs, owning a business isn’t just about income. It’s about alignment with values.
Young business owners want to feel connected to their operations. They care about sustainability, ethical practices and meaningful impact. Franchises that demonstrate strong values and community involvement will have a major advantage in attracting young talent.
Built-in mentor and help
Young entrepreneurs actively seek guidance and mentorship. Franchising provides a built-in support network, from training and operations to peer groups and ongoing coaching.
A collaborative collaborative model can resonate strongly with young owners who are looking for transparency, open communication and strong leadership from their franchisor – and they do better because of it.
Related: Think You’re Too Young to Own a Franchise? Think again.
What this change means for franchise brands
The growing youth movement in franchising is exciting, but it also requires franchisors to prepare. Young entrepreneurs learn differently, expecting digital resources, multimedia modules and clear, accessible documentation. Franchise systems that still rely entirely on in-person instruction or paper manuals risk alienating this demographic.
Technology should also be streamlined, as brands with outdated operational systems will be quickly noticed by smaller candidates. Franchisors should prioritize regular audits of their tech stack to ensure that communication, data management and operational tools are intuitive and effective for those who will use them.
Equally important is communication. Young owners value transparency and authenticity, and they expect real-time access to information. Brands that use digital message boards, shared workspaces and franchise portals will gain their trust to maintain open lines of communication.
Finally, franchisors must recognize clear paths to growth. Many young franchisees are thinking beyond single-unit ownership, looking for opportunities to scale, take on leadership roles and build long-term business portfolios. Brands that highlight and support these pathways will stand out more easily in a competitive market.
RELATED: Franchising: The younger generation takes the plunge
The future of franchising is being built by young people
Young entrepreneurs are bringing innovation, passion and a fresh approach to franchising. Their comfort with technology, desire for meaningful work and willingness to embrace structured business models make them a powerful force shaping the future of the industry.
For franchisors, this generational shift is an opportunity—not a challenge. Brands that modernize their systems, invest in support and align with the values of younger owners.
As someone who has spent decades in franchising, I am more inspired than ever by the next generation. They are determined, capable and ready to lead. The rise of youth in franchising is not just a trend. This is the beginning of a new era of entrepreneurship.
The key path
- More young entrepreneurs are pursuing franchise ownership earlier in their career than previous generations. This increase is driven by a number of factors.
- Franchisors who modernize training, streamline operations and provide clear development paths can attract and empower this next generation of leaders.
Franchising has always been an avenue for people looking for a proven business model, an established brand and long-term financial opportunity. However, in recent years, we’ve seen a dramatic shift in who gets that opportunity. More young entrepreneurs — especially Gen Z and younger millennials — are pursuing franchise ownership later in their careers than generations before them. What was once considered a step-by-step career move has become a launch pad for ambitious young business owners.
I have seen firsthand how quickly people enter the industry with their motivations, skills and expectations in franchising. Every brand needs to be ready for this change in ownership as smaller franchises seek out business ventures. In fact, in a 2020 survey by WP Engine and the Center for Generational Kinetics, nearly two-thirds of Gen Z (62%) said they have started or want to start their own business.
