As the year (2026) moves along and unemployment rates in Australia are on the rise, (the Australian national unemployment rate stands at 4.5% up 0.2%, bringing the jobless rate to its highest level since late 2021), more than ever franchising becomes a viable and reliable choice for people looking for there next more or opportunity or to get into business for themselves.
Franchising provides an enormous opportunity for would be people looking for something other than their next job. And it is clear from the volume of people who have attended the Franchise Expo’s in Sydney and Brisbane over the past few months that interest levels are at an all-time high. ( I note the Melbourne Franchise Expo is running over 1st – 2nd August).
The franchise expo is a live exhibition of franchisors all in one place looking to talk to potential franchisees and to explore if there is a possible interest of fit between the two parties. This is a clear sign of interest, the two expos have had record numbers of visitors. This means more people are looking for an opportunity in franchising and its clear the interest level is on the rise. People have found that franchising is fantastic solution to forge a pathway into their own business. It is also clear that people from all works of life, all demographics, skill levels and backgrounds can find a path to owning their own business in franchising.
What has also become apparent is the group of people who are new to Australia, recently immigrated or planning to immigrate are all candidates and welcomed candidates to franchising. People with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds who have come to Australia looking for their new path to life and success are finding a welcomed home in franchising. But in real terms nobody is excluded, the opportunities for anyone sit firmly in franchising. It is just a matter of finding the right format and business that meets the individuals needs, budget, skills and plans.
It is a truism that franchising is open to everyone and this has become more evident by the visitors to the Franchise Expo. The Indian population of Australia is now the largest cohort by nationality with around 1 million Indians calling Australia home. Franchising continues to also embrace this group of people as it does for all groups who want to go into business for themselves and use both their academic knowledge and life skills to forge a future in Australia. What has also become more and more apparent is that while would be and potential franchisees have done their research, investigated potential franchises of interest via social media and the internet, the ability to meet, shake hands and talk live and in real time with a person has not lost it’s attraction to would be franchisees looking to invest in a business.
The other thing that has been highlighted by the recent Franchise Expo’s is the diversity of choice and format in business franchising offers. It is again a truism that there is genuinely something in franchising for everyone. Franchising covers a wide range of sector categories including; Retail, Food and beverage, Home and professional services, Healthcare, NDIS and wellness, Education, Automotive, Real estate, Financial services, Transport and logistics, Accommodation and hospitality and these are a generalisation. The deeper you go the more options present themselves as franchising is into almost everything in the economy.
As established franchise networks continue to grow and seek out new people to join so to do new networks and brands who bring a different dimension to franchising. There are over 1300 franchise networks or brands operating in Australia as a franchise and this number continues to grow as new concepts and ideas join the world of franchising. The Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) supports everyone in franchising including franchisors and franchisees, along with the suppliers and service providers who make up the franchising eco-system. The FCA continues to back brands and people who comply, adhere to the franchising code of conduct which is mandated by the federal government and who embrace the success of the franchisee.
The relationship between the franchisor and franchisee is a true hand in glove approach and when the two parts to the business are working together greater success is achieved for both parties in the agreement. So, if you are looking for your next big move, or want to jump into business for yourself, franchising might just be the place for you. Franchising continues to offer people a proven business model, brand, product, marketing and business support and a faster path to success than going it alone. Franchising is the powerhouse of small business and you might be surprised what you can get yourself into when you explore the many opportunities that exist in franchising.
Jay Westbury
Jay brings over two decades of experience in leading peak industry bodies as CEO and has previously been Chair and Vice chair of industry groups both in Australia and globally. The sectors he has previously worked across have close ties to franchising, giving Jay a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the franchise industry.
With an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business and a deep background and understanding of achieving public policy outcomes across the Australian political landscape, Jay leads the FCA across all of the member and stakeholder engagements, policy and FCA governance.
