Your franchise journey starts here. Join us for a powerful first day of programming designed specifically for prospective franchisees and small business owners. Whether you’re just beginning your research or actively preparing to invest, learn the foundational knowledge you need to make informed, confident decisions. Hear directly from franchisors, legal and financial experts, franchise consultants, and industry specialists as they break down the core elements of evaluating,
financing, and launching a successful franchise. Through expert-led sessions, interactive roundtables, and a high-impact Ask Me Anything panel, you’ll gain practical insights into operations, contracts, marketing, financial planning, location strategy, and more. Walk away with actionable tools, a stronger understanding of the franchising landscape, and clarity on what it truly takes to succeed in Canada’s franchise sector.
| 11:00-11:30 | What Do You Need to Succeed as a Franchisee?Speaker: Shawn Saraga, Franchise Academy; Cailin White, Boston Pizza; Gavin Bajin, Modern Canada; Paul Dean, CEFADiscover what it truly takes to thrive as a franchisee. This session explores the traits, habits, and decision-making skills that support long-term success. Learn what daily life looks like as a franchise owner, how to build productive franchisor relationships, and the role of training, field support, and staffing in your first year. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how to balance entrepreneurial drive with proven systems—and how to position yourself for strong performance from day one. | |||
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| 12:00-12:30 | Financing Your Franchise: How to Secure Funding with ConfidenceSpeaker: Paul daSilva, RBC Explore the financing options available to Canadian franchisees, from traditional bank loans to government programs and alternative funding solutions. Learn what lenders look for, how to prepare a compelling business plan, and the common pitfalls to avoid when seeking financing. | |||
| 12:30-1:00 | Building Wealth Through Franchising in an Uncertain EconomySpeaker: Gary Prenevost,FranNetThis expert-led seminar is designed for serious investors and prospective franchisees evaluating franchising as a disciplined path to long-term wealth creation. You will gain practical insight into how experienced franchise operators work to reduce risk, identify resilient opportunities, and plan for sustainable, scalable growth in today’s volatile economic environment. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of what franchise ownership involves and how to assess whether a franchise opportunity aligns with individual goals. | |||
| 1:30-2:00 | Decoding Franchise Contracts: Legal Essentials for Prospective FranchiseesSpeaker: Julia Sergerie, Dale & LessmannAre you considering buying a franchise in Canada but unsure about the due diligence and legal considerations involved? Get a clear overview of the legal side of franchising, including franchise agreements, disclosure requirements, territory rights, and franchisor obligations. Learn how to conduct due diligence with confidence and what to consider before signing any agreement—including exit strategies, encroachment, and dispute resolution. | |||
| 2:00-2:30 | Building Financial Confidence: Planning and Managing Your Franchise NumbersSpeakers: Brodie Sheahan, MNP A strong financial foundation is essential for franchise success. This session walks through the components of a franchise business plan, financial literacy fundamentals, and the importance of budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and break-even analysis. Learn how accountants who specialise in franchising can support your ongoing success. | |||
| 2:30-3:00 | Location, Location, Location: How to Choose the Best Location for Your BrandSpeaker: Shawn Saraga, Franchise Academy Nothing is more important than your location for a brick and mortar business. Learn some of the insider tips that only come from the experience Shawn Saraga has after signing over 800 leases in Canada and the U.S. We’ll discuss demographics, local initiatives to help test viability and much more. If you are entering a brick and mortar franchise, this seminar is a must watch for you! | |||
| 3:00-3:30 | Ask Me Anything: Inside the World of Franchising Speakers: Sukhdeep Sidhu, KMB Law; James McCannell, Meridian CU; Paul Dean, CEFA Got questions about buying a franchise? Bring them to this rapid-fire Q&A with franchising experts. From financing and operations to staffing, build-out, territory planning, multi-unit ownership, and day-to-day realities, no topic is off the table. | |||
| 11:00-11:30 | Financing Readiness: How Lenders Evaluate Franchise BuyersSpeaker: Sandro Giannini, RBC Before you apply for franchise financing, it’s important to know how lenders assess risk, evaluate your application, and determine whether you’re financially prepared to invest. This session breaks down what banks, government programs, and alternative lenders look for—and what strong franchise buyers do to stand out. Learn how to present a compelling financial picture, avoid common funding errors, and move forward with confidence. | |||
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| 12:00-12:30 | Protecting Your Investment: Legal Essentials for Buying a FranchiseSpeaker: Amy Delisle, KMB Law Make informed decisions by understanding the legal landscape of franchising in Canada. This session focuses on protecting yourself through practical due diligence—spotting red flags, assessing disclosure documents, interpreting franchisor obligations, and knowing what terms can or cannot be negotiated. Learn how to evaluate legal risks before you sign. | |||
| 12:30-1:00 | How to Choose the Right Franchise—Before You InvestSpeaker: Gary Prenevost, FranNetLed by one of Canada’s foremost authorities on franchise ownership success, this educational seminar is designed for serious buyers evaluating franchise opportunities. Drawing on decades of research and real-world outcomes, the session introduces a proven framework to help attendees assess fit, risk, and long-term potential with discipline and clarity. For those actively considering franchising, this session offers practical insight to support confident, well-informed investment decisions. | |||
| 1:30-2:00 | The Three Things You Must Know Before You Invest In a FranchiseSpeaker: Shawn Saraga, Franchise AcademyChoosing the right franchise for you is one of the biggest decisions you are going to make on your journey to becoming a franchisee. Shawn Saraga has successfully opened over 1,000 franchises in Canada and the U.S. Today he’ll share his tips and experiences of what you need to know before you invest, exploring the three core considerations that prospective franchisees should understand to make informed, confident investment decisions.. From validation calls to executive interviews and everything in between. If you are investing in a franchise, this seminar is a must attend for you! | |||
| 2:00-2:30 | In Business for Yourself, Not By Yourself: What Strong Franchisors Provide After You SignSpeakers: Cailin White, Boston Pizza; Gavin Bajin, Modern Canada; Shawn Saraga, Franchise Academy; Paul Dean, CEFA Learn what franchisor support really looks like after you join the system. This session explores onboarding, training, operations support, marketing assistance, and ongoing field coaching. Hear directly from franchisors about how strong support systems are built—and how you can evaluate whether a brand offers the guidance needed for a successful first year and beyond. | |||
| 2:30-3:00 | Understanding the Numbers: How to Evaluate Financial Viability Before You BuySpeaker: Rick Chittley Young, MNP Don't invest without understanding how the numbers work. This session covers how to analyse financial statements, evaluate royalties and fees, and assess the true cost of ownership. Learn how to build a realistic business plan, budget effectively, and determine whether an opportunity can meet your financial goals. | |||
| 3:00-3:30 | Ask the Experts—Franchising Power PanelSpeakers: Jocelyn Attwood, QuickBite Collective; Amy Delisle, KMB Law; James McCannell, Meridian CUBring your questions—big or small—to our expert panel of franchisors, financial specialists, consultants, and legal professionals. This interactive session is designed to give you candid, practical insights into the realities of buying, financing, building, and operating a franchise. | |||
