Starting a franchise is a big decision—here are some of the most common questions we get from aspiring entrepreneurs.
Frequently asked questions
1. What does Helios Franchise Advisors do?
We help individuals explore and invest in the right franchise opportunities based on their goals, experience, and budget. We also support businesses looking to expand through franchising. Our services are free to individuals considering franchise ownership.
2. How much does it cost to work with Helios?
Our services are at no cost for individuals exploring franchise ownership. We are compensated by the franchise companies (the ‘franchisor’) if a client becomes a franchisee, but there is no obligation to buy a franchise.
3. I thought franchises were just fast food. Are there other options?
That is a common misconception. While food franchises are well known, we work with hundreds of franchise brands across industries—including home services, education, fitness, senior care, pet care, automotive, and B2B services. Many offer lower overhead, flexible hours, and no retail footprint. We help you find the right fit, even in industries you may not have considered.
4. Why choose a franchise instead of starting my own business from scratch?
Franchising gives you the advantage of a proven business model, brand recognition, and ongoing support. You’re not building alone—you get training, marketing, technology, and operational guidance from day one. While starting your own business can be fulfilling, it often involves higher risk and more trial and error.
5. Do I need prior business experience to own a franchise?
Not necessarily. Many franchises are designed for first-time business owners. We match you with opportunities that align with your background and goals.
6. What types of franchises do you work with?
We partner with a wide range of established and emerging franchise brands across various investment levels and industries. Our goal is to introduce you to opportunities with strong support systems, solid unit economics, and a track record of franchisee success.
7. How long does the franchise discovery process take?
Most clients take 6–10 weeks from initial conversation to a decision, but we move at your pace. We’ll guide you through each step, from clarifying your goals to evaluating brands and speaking with existing franchisees.
8. I’m not sure what kind of business I want. Can I still work with you?
Absolutely. Most of our clients start with an open mind. We help you identify the role you want to play, your ideal work-life balance, and your income goals—then present options that align with your vision.
9. How much does it cost to start a franchise?
Startup costs vary depending on the concept. Some home-based or service franchises start under $100,000, while retail or restaurant franchises can be substantially more. We will help you understand the full financial picture and explore funding options if needed.
10. Do you work with international clients or those pursuing an E-2 visa?
Yes. We specialize in helping international clients—especially those pursuing E-2 visas—find franchises that meet visa eligibility requirements. We also coordinate with immigration attorneys and relocation partners to support a smooth transition to U.S. business ownership.
11. I’ve already started exploring franchises on my own. Can you still help?
Yes. If you haven’t yet submitted an application or signed an agreement with a franchise, we can typically assist. We’ll help you assess fit, ask the right questions, and ensure you have a full picture before making a decision.
12. Are franchises just glorified jobs, or real business opportunities?
Most franchise owners start hands-on, involved in hiring, training, daily operations, and understanding the system. This stage demands time and effort, so it may initially feel like a job.
After the initial hands-on phase, as your franchise becomes established and your team gains experience with its systems, you can gradually step back from daily operations. This transition moves you from the role of hands-on manager to business leader, offering the freedom and flexibility to focus on the business’s long-term growth, advantages that a traditional job typically does not provide.
13. Do franchise owners have to work 70–80 hours a week?
No, franchise owners don’t necessarily have to work 70–80 hours a week. However, many owners do spend more time in the business during the early stages as they launch operations, hire staff, and learn the franchise system.
As the franchise grows and the team is established, your daily involvement will decrease, with the goal of a leading role rather than managing the business.
14. Does franchising kill entrepreneurship?
No, franchising does not kill entrepreneurship. It gives you a proven business model so you can focus less on creating systems from scratch and more on growing the business.
As a franchise owner, your success still depends on leadership, decision-making, hiring the right people, delivering a great customer experience, and building your local reputation.
The difference is that you’re operating within an established framework rather than creating one yourself. Franchising doesn’t eliminate entrepreneurship—it provides a structured path to building and growing a business.
15. Do you need prior industry experience to buy a franchise?
No, prior industry experience is not required for many franchise opportunities.
Most franchise systems provide training, processes, and ongoing support to help owners learn the business. As a result, many successful franchise owners start with little or no experience in the industry.
16. Are most franchises just fast-food businesses?
Franchising is not limited to fast-food restaurants.
Food brands are the most visible franchises, but many exist in home services, senior care, education, fitness, and business services.
Focus on a franchise model that matches your interests, strengths, budget, and goals.
17. Are franchises too expensive for most people?
Franchise costs differ by industry, model, and brand.
While some well-known franchises require a significant investment, many opportunities are available at lower investment levels. In some cases, financing options may also be available to qualified buyers.
The key is not whether franchising is expensive, but whether a particular opportunity aligns with your budget, goals, and long-term plans. That’s why exploring different franchise models is an important part of the research process.
18. Does the franchisor do all the work in a franchise business?
A franchisor offers a brand, training, and support, but doesn’t run your business.
As the franchise owner, you’re responsible for managing operations, leading your team, serving customers, and growing the business in your local market.
The franchisor gives the plan; your effort drives success.
19. If one franchise location fails, does that mean the franchise model doesn’t work?
No. A single franchise location’s performance does not determine the success of the entire franchise model.
Results vary within a franchise due to leadership, execution, team management, and local market conditions. Two owners under the same brand can have different outcomes.
When assessing a franchise, focus on patterns behind success or struggle. Often, issues stem from execution rather than the model itself.
20. Do franchise owners have to run the business forever?
No. Most franchise owners are heavily involved in the beginning as they learn the business, build a team, and establish systems.
Over time, many owners shift from managing daily operations to overseeing the business at a higher level. The goal is to build a business that can operate through systems and people rather than relying on the owner’s constant involvement.
A well-run franchise can provide greater flexibility over time while still allowing the owner to maintain oversight and control.
21. Do franchises provide passive income?
Not typically. While some franchise models can reduce the owner’s day-to-day involvement, they still require oversight, decision-making, and leadership.
Even in a manager-run franchise, the owner remains responsible for the business’s performance and long-term success.
The goal of franchising is not passive income but building a business that can operate without your constant day-to-day presence.
