Franchising
A list of resources on Franchising.
List maintained by librarians at The Seattle Public Library. Last updated 10/2025.
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Buy an existing business or franchise | U.S. Small Business Administration
SBA Guide to buying a business or franchise. Starting a business from scratch can be challenging. Franchising or buying an existing business can simplify the initial planning process.
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FTC: A Consumer’s Guide to Buying a Franchise
The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, has prepared this Guide to help you decide if a franchise is right for you. It suggests ways to shop for a franchise opportunity and highlights key questions you need to ask before you invest. The Guide also explains how to use the disclosure document that franchisors must give you — under the FTC’s Franchise Rule — so you can investigate and evaluate a franchise opportunity.
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DFI: Franchises
Information from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions about registering a franchise and state laws and regulations on franchises.
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Association of Franchisees and Dealers
The AAFD is a national non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout the United States.
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American Franchise Association
The American Franchise Association (AFA) is a national trade association of franchisees and dealers founded in February 1993. The AFA works to improve the industry of franchising while protecting its members’ economic investments in their businesses.
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Franchise Bible
Real-life examples of both service- and product-oriented franchises and useful checklists prevent mistakes and save time and money. Contact information for state and federal franchising regulatory agencies and a listing of useful publications guide new franchisees to the resources they need.
Format: Book
Availability: No Longer Available
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Become A Franchise Owner!
This book offers straightforward, step-by-step tips and advice on how to properly (and carefully) research and select a franchise business. Get tips on how to locate information about franchises, current industry trends, interviews with franchisors, and hot franchise opportunities. Offers a self-evaluation to discover if you are "franchise material."
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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The Educated Franchisee
The Educated Franchisee will show you: how to find a franchise that is right for you; how owning a franchise can create wealth; where to find quality franchisers; what qualities franchisers look for; how to gather information from franchisees; how to make sure the franchise makes money; how to confidently select the best franchise; the five keys to success in owning a franchise.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Franchise Times Guide to Selecting, Buying & Owning A Franchise
The experts of Franchise Times offer their picks of the top 200 franchises and 100 up-and-comers, complete with contact information, financial requirements, fees, and more. There are practical tips on everything from hiring and marketing to financing your franchise, leasing a retail space (or setting up a home office), and deciding if you should buy or run a franchise with your spouse.
Format: Book
Availability: No Longer Available
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Entrepreneur Magazine's Ultimate Book of Franchises
A reference guide bursting with everything you need to know about buying a franchise. It is jam-packed with practical, how-to advice to guide you through every step on the road to franchise ownership.
Format: Book
Availability: No Longer Available