FranNet
FranNet is a franchise consulting network that matches prospective owners to franchise brands through a free, profile-based consultative process — free to candidates because FranNet is paid a broker fee by the franchisor if you buy.
Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Louisville, KY, FranNet is one of the oldest franchise consulting networks in the US and Canada, with locally owned-and-operated consultants nationwide. Consultants use a structured profiling process to understand a candidate's goals, skills, and financial position, then match them against a curated inventory of franchise brands rather than pushing a single client's own concepts. The service is free to candidates — FranNet is compensated by the franchisor if a match results in a signed franchise agreement, the standard model across franchise broker networks.
Why we recommend it
35+ years of operating history and a structured, profile-first process rather than a one-brand sales pitch — useful for owners who haven't picked a franchise yet.
Pros
- +Free to candidates
- +Nationwide network of local consultants
- +Structured profiling process before brand recommendations
- +Long operating history (since 1987)
Watch-outs
- –Only recommends franchisors already in FranNet's network, not the full market
- –Broker is compensated by the franchisor, not the candidate — a standard but real conflict to keep in mind