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.
To access the seminar calendar, click the boxes below.
| 10:30-11:00 | How to Franchise Your BusinessSpeaker: TBDFor established business owners considering franchising as a growth strategy, this session introduces what it takes to build a franchise system. Learn about the foundations that should be in place before expanding, the responsibilities that come with becoming a franchisor, and some of the common challenges businesses face as they move from operating one business to supporting a network of franchisees. | |||
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| 11:00-11:30 | So You Want to Own a Franchise? Start Here.TBD Franchising can offer a path to business ownership with the systems, brand and support of an established organization, but it is not right for everyone. Hear from experienced franchisors about what ownership really involves, how franchise models differ, and the personal, professional and financial considerations prospective owners should think about before deciding whether franchising fits their goals. | |||
| 11:30-12:00 | What Successful Franchisees Do DifferentlySpeaker: Gary Prenevost,FranNetFranchisors work with franchisees at every stage of ownership and see first-hand the behaviours and approaches that contribute to stronger performance. This session explores what successful franchisees tend to do differently, from following the system and managing people to staying engaged with their business, responding to challenges and making effective use of the support available to them. | |||
| 12:00-12:30 | The Price Tag Behind the Promise: What Franchise Ownership Really CostsSpeaker:The franchise fee is only one part of the investment required to open and operate a franchise. This practical session looks at startup costs, working capital, ongoing expenses and cash-flow needs, and helps prospective owners understand what financial readiness really means. | |||
| 12:30-1:00 | Traits of a Successful Franchisee (and Franchisor)Speakers: Choosing a franchise is a two-way decision. While prospective franchisees evaluate brands and opportunities, franchisors are also deciding who is likely to be a good fit for their system. Hear directly from franchisors about what they look for, what makes candidates stand out, and why some applicants are not accepted. | |||
| 1:00-1:30 | Read Before You Sign: The Franchise Agreement, DecodedSpeaker: Yixian Chen, Dipchang Disclosure documents and franchise agreements can be unfamiliar territory for first-time buyers. This practical session explains the purpose of these documents, introduces some of the terminology prospective franchisees are likely to encounter, and explores what it means to operate your own business within someone else’s franchise system and brand.! | |||
| 2:00-2:30 | Money Talks: Are You Financially Ready to Buy a Franchise? Speakers: Before asking a lender for financing, prospective franchisees need to understand their own financial position and what lenders will expect. This session explains how to prepare financially for franchise ownership and the factors that can affect how much financing may be available. | |||
| 2:30-3:00 | Franchise SpotlightSpeakers: Curious what it’s really like to run a franchise? Join us for the Franchise Spotlight and hear from a UPS Store franchisee who’s been in your shoes. From navigating the surprises of the first year to sharing practical tips for day-to-day success, this fireside-style chat offers real-world insights, lessons learned, and the inside scoop on franchisor support. Perfect for anyone thinking about taking the leap into franchise ownership! | |||
| 3:00-3:30 | Location, Location, Location: What Makes a Great Franchise Site?Speakers: Shawn Saraga, The Franchise Academy For many franchise concepts, the right location can have a significant impact on performance. This session explores how markets and sites are evaluated, what factors influence location potential, and what prospective franchisees should understand before becoming committed to a particular site. | |||
| 3:30-4:00 | Top Mistakes New Franchisees Make and How to Avoid Them Speakers: Many problems that arise after opening can be traced back to decisions made before the franchise was purchased. Experienced franchise professionals share some of the most common mistakes they see and what prospective franchisees can do to make better-informed decisions. | |||
| 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. | |||
