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Key Takeaways More young entrepreneurs are pursuing franchise ownership earlier in their careers compared to generations before them. This surge is driven by a number of factors.
Franchisors that modernize training, streamline operations and provide clear growth paths can attract and empower this next generation of leaders.
Franchising has always been a pathway for people seeking a proven business model, an established brand and a long-term financial opportunity. However, in recent years, we’ve seen a dramatic shift in who is seizing this opportunity. More young entrepreneurs — particularly Gen Z and younger millennials — are pursuing franchise ownership earlier in their careers compared to generations before them. What was once considered a late-stage career move has become a launchpad for ambitious young business owners.
I’ve seen firsthand just how quickly younger owners are entering and excelling in this industry, with their motivations, skillsets and expectations reshaping franchising. Every brand needs to be ready for this shift in ownership as younger franchisees are seeking entrepreneurial endeavors. 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 surge of youth in franchising and what franchise brands and young entrepreneurs should both know.
Related: Gen Z Is Quitting Corporate for a Different Kind of Business Opportunity: ‘The W-2 World Doesn’t Hold the Same Allure’
Why younger entrepreneurs are choosing franchising
A safer on-ramp to business ownership
Starting a business from scratch can be overwhelming, especially for someone in their 20s or early 30s. Younger entrepreneurs are increasingly drawn to franchising because it provides a structured, lower-risk pathway into business ownership through pre-established systems — like marketing, operational frameworks, training and support — already built into the model.
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