Ready Set Own Course
A guided journey from curiosity to confident ownership.
Each lesson unlocks the next as you take real action. No shortcuts — just a clear, intentional path from "thinking about it" to opening day.
The curriculum
9 lessons. Real action items. Honest progress.
Every lesson teaches the concept, then hands you a clear checklist of action items. Lessons unlock progressively — mark each one complete only after you've actually done the work.
Assessment/Survey/Advisor Match
Walk through the Compass — a guided set of questions about where you are today, what you want this business to give you, your financial picture, how you work best, and the life you're building toward.
Franchise 101
Get grounded in what franchising actually is, how it compares to other ownership paths, the language you'll hear throughout discovery, and the roadmap your advisor will walk with you.
Think Like a Business Owner
Shift your mindset and begin organizing your life around ownership. Evaluate your schedule, reduce distractions, have conversations with your family, and build routines that support business success.
Meet with a Funding Strategist
Have a conversation with a funding expert to understand how you will finance the investment, how much capital you will need out of pocket, and what your estimated monthly obligations may look like.
Conduct Market Research
Study your local market to validate demand and opportunity. Focus on demographics, competition, territory viability, customer behavior, and local economic trends.
Build a Pro Forma Spreadsheet
Start building your financial model early using available disclosures, conversations with operators, and your market research assumptions. Include startup costs, monthly expenses, revenue projections, break-even analysis, and cash reserves.
Interview Attorneys & Advisors
Speak with 2–3 qualified attorneys or advisors who understand this type of business. Ask about their experience, what they look for in a contract or disclosure review, and their timeline and cost.
Set Up Your Business Entity
Plan your entity structure and tax setup. You don't always need to form it immediately, but you should know what structure you'll use and be ready when it's time to sign agreements or apply for funding.
Prepare for Discovery Day
Plan logistics — travel, time off, family responsibilities — and prepare the questions you want answered during your visit or final review.