Is Business Ownership Your Next Big Move? Join the Business Ownership Research Cohort!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own your own business? Maybe you’ve thought about franchise ownership but don’t know where to start. Or maybe you’ve been laid off recently and are considering what’s next.

What if #OpenToWork also meant #OpenToOpportunity and #OpenToOwnership?

Now is the perfect time to explore your options. Knabb Consulting regularly works with people transitioning from the military or from a job. This often happens while they are actively searching for another job. Isn’t it better to be fully informed about options rather than to wonder “What if…”? Some people choose to establish a manager-run business as a side revenue stream before leaving a job. This gives them a chance to create their own exit plan.

If you’re serious about creating financial stability, increasing your personal economy, and having more control over your future, join our upcoming Business Ownership Research Cohort—a 5-week guided journey into franchise and business ownership research.

Dates: March 10 – April 7, 2025
Time: Mondays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM CST
Location: Online via Zoom
Seats Available: Limited to 12 participants
Investment: $250 per participant (or couple) – credited $500 off franchise fees if you sign with a brand
Registration: Complete this short Google Form and receive the payment link sent at the end. A Zoom link, calendar blocks, and working folder will be provided upon registration.

Why Join a Cohort Instead of Figuring It Out Alone?

Most people who start researching business ownership make common mistakes:
✅ They go directly to a franchise brand without knowing what to ask ❌
✅ They overlook industries that might fit them better ❌
✅ They underestimate financials, funding options, and legal considerations ❌

A cohort-based approach lets you learn together, compare notes, and ask better questions—so when it’s time to interview with brands, you are prepared and empowered to make a great decision! Some people determine that the research leads to “Not for me” or “Not right now”. That is a good result because it is an informed result!

What Will You Learn?

Each week, we will break down the business ownership journey in a way that’s structured, interactive, and engaging. Each week, we will perform assessments, learn about franchise ownership concepts, use conversation to stimulate learning across the group, and update factors captured along the way that, as it is accumulated, will help with matching you to best-fit brands and opportunities.

Private questions from any cohort participant will be noted and taken offline. Note also that for married couples or people that plan to invest as partners, all parties should be involved in the research work (or at least give approval along the way). For married couples, only one course application is required.

Week 1: What Do You Want from Business Ownership?

Week 2: Variations Across Industries & Brands

Week 3: Financials, Funding & Legal Considerations

Week 4: Interviewing Franchise Brands

Week 5: Validating with Existing Franchisees

Next Steps: Private Matching & Brand Interviews!

After the cohort, you’ll move to private franchise matching and start talking to brands that fit your needs, goals, and budget. For married couples, both people should be in alignment before matching and interviews steps begin. For groups that plan to invest as partners, the same goes for all of them (and their spouses). In other words, any critical disagreements should come to light in the private sessions before it is time to talk with Brands.

What You Get When You Sign Up

• A structured approach to learning about franchise ownership
• A private Google Drive workspace for your assessments, matching process & research
• Weekly learning materials, industry comparisons & financial tools
• Group discussions that help you ask better questions & avoid pitfalls
• A $500 credit toward franchise fees if you move forward with a brand

Spots are limited! Ready to invest in yourself?

Register Now [Google Form Link]

Knabb Consulting is the first business established by Knabb Consulting, Network in Action Memphis. Owner Catherine Knabb is a Certified Franchise Consultant with over 500 brands in the portfolio across more than 35 industries. Because Franchise might not be for everyone, some other options may be recommended to some cohort members based on matching information that may be revealed through the research work.