What to know
- The National Franchise Show returns to Toronto Jan. 17–18, offering a no-pressure space to explore franchising and meet industry experts in person.
- Franchising offers higher success rates through proven business models and built-in operational support.
- 6ixtyWings demonstrates franchise potential, highlighting structured systems that help owners scale successfully.
- Attendees can explore fit and financing, including funding options and a seminar on turning businesses into franchises.
The National Franchise Show is returning to Toronto this month, offering information and opportunities for entrepreneurs of all levels, from novice to expert.
Over 25 years ago, National Event Management (NEM) began showcasing investment opportunities. Over the years, it has grown into an annual event hosted in 25 cities across North America, twice a year in some.
“We realized that people who were coming [to the investment event] with income to invest were also looking, potentially, to invest in businesses,” NEM President Fred Cox tells Now Toronto.
Cox says the expansion was received with enthusiasm, so much so that it eventually became the focal point of the show.
The show is open to all – not only those in the market for a franchise but also those who have no prior experience in business whatsoever.
“It’s a completely no-pressure environment where people can get all the information on the franchises, meet current franchisees,” Cox says.
“You really have to do your homework, and you have to get out there and get face-to-face with people and meet people – people who can support you in your journey of owning a successful business and creating a structure to make your business successful.”
This year, the event is presented by 6ixtyWings, a Toronto-based franchise that began in Brampton and has grown to 20 operating locations in Canada. Now Toronto spoke with one of its franchise owners and its expansion director for a sneak peek at what to expect at this year’s show.
Is franchise ownership the right choice for you?
Starting your own business is no easy task. You may have the drive and a topic of expertise, but the truth is, business ventures are multidisciplinary endeavours – from product design and customer support to marketing and finances. Joining a franchise offers entrepreneurs the insight earned through trial and error, without having to go through the wringer themselves.
“When you join a franchise system versus starting your own business, there is a much higher chance of success,” Cox says.
“A lot of it comes down to having proven opportunities and proven concepts that work elsewhere.”
Another way in which a franchise model could be the right fit: back-end support.
“You have the support of the head office, who knows how to market a product, who can help you with sales techniques, who can help you with pricing, who can help you with accounting,” Cox says.
“When you’re just starting, you need all the help that you can get. … [There is] a great opportunity to take advantage of the resources that are available.”
The resources and support offered by 6ixtyWings are what have helped Prashana Vijay, one of the franchise’s owners. Prior to opening his first location, Vijay had worked in sales for seven years.
“I never thought I would be going into the restaurant business,” Vijay tells Now Toronto.
Today, Vijay owns and operates five locations in the GTA.
“The way [the owners] set it up, almost anyone can do it,” Vijay says. “It’s set up in a way that if you follow the steps, you can succeed.”
6ixtyWings’ Expansion Director Janahan Kulendran says the steps its franchisees follow is something the head office has put a lot of time and thought into.
“When we deal with franchisees, it’s not just about, ‘Here’s a location, have a good day,’” Kulendran tells Now Toronto.
“We have the recipe, the formula for success. All you have to do is follow the instructions.”
Kulendran says it’s also about meeting the franchisees where they are in their entrepreneurial journey.
“Everybody learns differently. So, we come up with custom-tailored programs for each franchisee. … We really dive into things with each franchisee. We walk them step-by-step, and give them the support that they need.”
Finding the right fit
In operating a franchise, chances are, there will be a continuous stream of communication between an owner and the head office, which is why it’s crucial that their relationship is based on mutual respect and trust.
Once you decide to embark on your franchising journey, the next step is to find a franchise that’s the right fit for you.
Cox says that’s where the National Franchise Show comes in.
“Going booth to booth and meeting the different people who could be in an industry that you’re interested in and realizing where you have the connection [is important]. … Do you feel like you can communicate with them? Can they implement the kinds of things you’re good at?”
Finding the right fit doesn’t only apply to aspiring franchisees. It’s also something that is top of mind for franchisors.
“The number one red flag is, if there are any signs of unwillingness to listen, to learn, to show up,” Kulendran says.
“If you show up and put in the hard work – and I’m talking 15, 16, 18 hours [a day] – you’re going to see the results down the line.”
Financing your franchise journey
Starting a franchise is not a cheap venture. In the case of 6ixtyWings, franchisees are expected to invest anywhere between $250,000 to $500,000 depending on the location and the model.
For those interested in franchising, Cox says, “Don’t let the money scare you.”
At the National Franchise Show, attendees have a chance to speak with independent consultants and representatives from financial institutions who can go over the various avenues to which franchisees can raise capital – whether it be through private investors, in-house financing, or bank loans.
“It’s really a two-way street,” Cox says. “Franchisors will meet somebody and say, ‘Wow, I can see this person is going to be perfect for our franchise. … And they will work very closely and really fight for their franchisees to make sure that they’ll get the financing [they need].”
6ixtyWings is a franchise that wants to fight for its franchisees.
“We run into quite a few [candidates] that meet all the requirements to be an excellent franchisee but unfortunately unable to qualify due to funding,” he says.
Though they don’t offer in-house financing yet, Kulendran says it’s just a matter of time. “We’re going to get there very soon. … It’s definitely something we would be happy to be a part of. It’s definitely on our agenda.”
Expanding your existing business into a franchise
While the primary objective of the National Franchise Show is to connect aspiring franchisees with franchisors and advisors, it also offers an hour-long pre-show seminar on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 10:00 a.m. where current business owners can learn the nuts and bolts of turning their businesses into franchises.
Over 150 people have signed up for the seminar, tickets for which could be purchased on the show’s website. It includes admission to the full exhibit.
When all of the online research is said and done, Cox says nothing beats an in-person interaction.
“Nobody’s hiding behind anything on the internet, which is where you have to be very careful. [At the National Franchise Show] you’re face-to-face when you decide whether this is someone you can be in business with. That’s how you really give yourself the best chance of success.”
The show runs Jan. 17 and 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre’s North Building. You can head to the website to purchase tickets, find a list of participating franchises, and other helpful information ahead of the show.
