In March, states across the nation issued emergency orders requiring all non-essential businesses to close their doors in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Many organizations weren't prepared for abrupt shutdowns of unknown length.

Independent Survey Shows Female Franchise Owners Are Highly Satisfied with Supporting Strategies’ Performance 

Beverly, MA – Supporting Strategies was recently named a top franchise by Franchise Business Review in its 2020 Top Franchises for Women Report. This is Supporting Strategies fourth year in a row being named to the list. 

Supporting Strategies provides outsourced bookkeeping services, controller services and operational support to growing businesses. This allows business leaders to focus on their core competency while Supporting Strategies acts as an extension of the team. For over 15 years, Supporting Strategies' locally owned and operated offices have served thousands of companies, helping them free up their time and streamline their business. With a low overhead and variable cost delivery model, franchisees are able to closely match costs to revenues. 

Franchise Business Review, a franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only rankings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes its rankings of top franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as in quarterly reports throughout the year that rank the top franchises in specific sectors.

A Supporting Strategies Franchise is a small business that supports other small businesses through outsourced bookkeeping services. All businesses need bookkeeping services and outsourcing these functions proves to be more cost-effective and time saving – which probably accounts for the boom in this industry. Each franchisee is opening a bookkeeping business that they can draw success from and feel proud of operating.

When you invest in a bookkeeping franchise with the guidance of Supporting Strategies you are not simply building a bookkeeping business. You are taking advantage of the rising demand for outsourced bookkeeping while making use of the resources made available by the Supporting Strategies Franchise team. We proudly provide:

The role of a bookkeeper and that of an accountant are different, but they overlap within the realm of financial management. Both also happen to be essential for a smooth and seamless tax season. Bookkeepers deal with the day-to-day financial flow of a business and this information is then handed off to an accountant to process during tax season.

Every business requires accurate and efficient bookkeeping in order to achieve and maintain success. There is no question about the reliance small businesses continue to place on outsourcing their bookkeeping and/or accounting services. For those considering building a bookkeeping business, this is great news! Explore a few of the top reasons for outsourcing these services:

Beverly, MA – Supporting Strategies, a provider of outsourced bookkeeping services, controller services and operational support, has announced the opening of its 100th location, Greater Cincinnati Ohio owned by Managing Director Craig Feltner.

You’ve made the investment, launched your business, and now it is time to introduce yourself! Marketing can be a tricky endeavor, but we provide you with the tools to succeed.

Everyone survived the stress and chaos of the holidays, but for a lot of businesses the real work is just beginning. Holiday shopping and interacting with extended family is nothing compared to the real work ahead.

Independent Survey Shows Franchise Owners Are Highly Satisfied with Supporting Strategies’ Performance

Beverly, MA – Supporting Strategies was recently named a top franchise for 2020 by Franchise Business Review. This is the 15^th annual ranking of the top 200 award-winning franchise opportunities. The list is available at https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/top-franchises/.

Supporting Strategies is an outsourced bookkeeping provider who enables growing business owners to focus on their core business. Supporting Strategies has developed a proven, scalable business model with highly automated systems and processes to deliver cost-effective bookkeeping services. With a low overhead and variable cost delivery model, franchisees are able to closely match costs to revenues.

Franchise Business Review, a franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only rankings and awards for franchise companies based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes its rankings of the top 200 franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises.

Supporting Strategies was among over 307 franchise brands, representing more than 27,500 franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research. Supporting Strategies’ franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including training & support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity.

You owe it to yourself to experience pride and fulfillment when it comes to your professional life. Whether just starting out or opting to make a change later in life, taking on a franchise could be the right decision that enables structure along with professional autonomy. When you are on the lookout for easy franchise opportunities, this does not imply the opportunity is void of responsibility or hard work. It is integral that you are passionate and committed to the type of industry and to the success of the business.

Once you have made the decision to invest in opening a bookkeeping business through Supporting Strategies, the time has come to start reaping all of the benefits. In addition to operations in an exclusive marketing territory and a cohort assignment, you are also given access to our proprietary workflow management software, WorkPlace™.

You have the skills and you have the will, but what else is there to consider when opening a bookkeeping business? Explore some basics here.

Beverly, MA – Leslie Jorgensen, founder and CEO of Supporting Strategies, has been named to the board of the New England Franchise Association (NEFA). In this role, she will help advance the organization's mission of bringing together franchise executives, franchisees and suppliers to network and share ideas for success.

Since founding Supporting Strategies in 2004, Jorgensen has overseen the company's impressive growth, including the introduction of a franchise model in 2013. As head of Supporting Strategies Partners, she provides coaching and guidance and ensures the successful delivery of support services to franchisees across the United States.

Jorgensen, a regular attendee at NEFA events in recent years, looks forward to making an impact through her board membership. "I've learned a lot about franchising over the past six years, and I'm excited to share these lessons with my fellow NEFA members," she said. "NEFA is an outstanding resource for franchisors and franchisees. It is an honor to serve on the board."

When we work with you to open up your own business through our franchising model, it is not a set it and forget it approach. During the discovery process of starting your franchise, we provide guidance and support every step of the way. Our webinars about bookkeeping franchises are designed with the goal of ensuring each potential franchisee is equipped with the right information about the industry and our model before they begin.

Independent Research Data Shows Franchisees Are Highly Satisfied with Supporting Strategies’ Innovation and Creativity

Beverly, MA – Supporting Strategies was identified by independent franchisee satisfaction research firm, Franchise Business Review, as one of 2019’s Most Innovative Franchises.

Supporting Strategies provides outsourced bookkeeping services and operational support to growing businesses. Supporting Strategies’ skilled, experienced professionals use secure, best-of-breed technology and a proven process to deliver a full suite of services, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bookkeeping, financial reporting, and payroll administration. Supporting Strategies has more than 90 offices across the U.S. and offers opportunities for franchisees to capitalize on the rising demand for outsourced bookkeeping and controller level services among growing businesses.

Franchise Business Review, a market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only ranking of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes rankings of the top franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as guides throughout the year ranking the top franchises in specific sectors.

Independent Research Data Shows 8 Out of 10 Veteran Franchise Owners Would Recommend Their Franchise to Others

Beverly, MA – Supporting Strategies was identified by independent research firm, Franchise Business Review, as being one of just 80 franchises to qualify for its 2019 Top Franchises for Veterans list.

Supporting Strategies provides outsourced bookkeeping services and operational support to growing businesses. Supporting Strategies’ skilled, experienced professionals use secure, best-of-breed technology and a proven process to deliver a full suite of services, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bookkeeping, financial reporting, and payroll administration. Supporting Strategies has more than 90 offices across the U.S. and offers opportunities for franchisees to capitalize on the rising demand for outsourced bookkeeping and controller level services among growing businesses.

Franchise Business Review, a market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only ranking of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes rankings of the top franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as guides throughout the year ranking the top franchises in specific sectors.

Consider Supporting Strategies as one big supportive family that works together to help each member succeed. Upon entering, you will be assigned a cohort group that consists of approximately 8 other franchisees. Consider these your siblings – without the need for any rivalry. This cohort enables encouragement and support throughout the journey so that you continue to grow.

Choosing to leave military services and reenter civilian life can be a difficult decision. While the transition might not be simple or easy, it ultimately has the potential to be highly rewarding on both a personal and professional level. When it comes to embarking on your post-military career, you will find that the bookkeeping business opportunities presented by Supporting Strategies can offer a new environment where you feel at home.

We are proud to announce that we were named a Top 50 Franchise for Women by the Franchise Business Review! As a franchise market research firm, the independent surveys they conduct provide rankings based completely on franchisee satisfaction and performance. This marks the third year in a row that we made this list and we are honored by the recognition. You can visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full list of 2019 Top Franchises.

Since 2004, Supporting Strategies has provided efficient and effective outsourced bookkeeping services and operational support to growing businesses. In 2019 we were named a Top 50 Franchise for Franchisee Satisfaction by the Franchise Business Review. We pride ourselves on not only helping our franchisees start a bookkeeping business but in continuing to provide the support needed to achieve and maintain success.

Before investing in a financial services franchise, you should know exactly what that investment actually means. While opening a new franchise is never easy, or predictable, now is actually the best time to enter the bookkeeping industry with a franchise of your own. With new companies cropping up at a promising rate, and all of them requiring some level of bookkeeping, there will be no shortage of demand for your services. When you make an investment in a Supporting Strategies franchise, you can expect to enter a thriving industry, as part of a sophisticated franchise system that’s constantly evolving.

Once you’ve decided to join our franchise family, you can look forward to the exciting and rewarding process of opening your bookkeeping business. This includes several steps designed to both educate prospective franchisees, and allow them to determine whether the franchise is actually a good fit. Our application process is tailored to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision, and guide you smoothly through the early stages of owning your new franchise.

The apprehension and fear that comes with jumping into franchising is understandable. Deciding to leave behind a corporate job and work for yourself is a huge decision, and it’s certainly not easy. That’s why we make the transition to a financial services business franchise as seamless as we can. We offer a turnkey investment with a proven business model, built-in brand awareness, and a sophisticated training infrastructure. Through our comprehensive education process, training materials, and supportive community, we ensure that you’re both prepared and confident when you open your doors on day one.

We understand that our franchisees don’t always have prior specific industry experience that is an exact match to what you’ll be doing as one of our franchisees, or an extensive franchising resume – and that’s fine. Our goal is to offer an easily-accessible franchise opportunity that suits a wide range of personalities. However, we do look for certain characteristics in our franchise candidates. If you’re looking to start a franchise business with us, you should be prepared to demonstrate a willingness to learn and ask questions, possess outstanding self-discipline, be a good communicator, and quickly adapt to our business model. Furthermore, we look for franchisees that come from a finance industry background. Read on to learn more about the qualities we look for in the ideal franchisee.

Franchisees often fear that they don’t have the necessary experience to run their own business, especially if they don’t have an extensive background in the industry. At Supporting Strategies, we look for franchisees with a finance industry background, and we’ve developed comprehensive resources to get them up-to-speed on our unique business model. With our extensive Discovery Experience (designed to educate you on everything you’ll need to know as a franchisee), our sophisticated pre- and post-opening training program, and established business model, we make it as easy as possible for new franchisees to seamlessly jump into their new role. We pride ourselves on giving you a wide range of tools to run your business. Here’s what you can expect when you franchise with Supporting Strategies.

To truly plan for success when opening a bookkeeping franchise, there are certain items you need to check off your list. Success in the bookkeeping industry means creating a smooth user experience, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in technology. With digital marketing and social media on the rise, it’s more important now than ever to ensure that your online presence is optimized to promote engagement, that you have a robust, accessible social media presence, and that you’re up to the demanding task of opening a bookkeeping franchise. These seemingly simple steps truly go a long way toward taking your bookkeeping business to the next level, and setting your franchise apart from the competition

At Supporting Strategies, we try to offer an easily-accessible franchise opportunity that suits a wide range of personalities. Indeed, many of our franchisees have never worked in the bookkeeping industry before, no less owned a franchise, and we’re confident when we say that prior experience is not necessary to run a successful business. However, there are certain characteristics we look for, which make franchise candidates more likely to succeed. To truly get the most out of your bookkeeping franchise, you should have solid communication skills, be comfortable working within a set of guidelines, self-discipline, and be willing to learn the nuances of a new industry.

If you’re waiting for the perfect time to invest in a bookkeeping services franchise, it’s now. With the thriving economy, new companies are cropping up all over the place and all of them need some level of professional bookkeeping services. When you make an investment in a Supporting Strategies franchise, you’ll be entering an industry very much in-demand, with a franchise system that’s always evolving to suit our clients’ needs.

Before investing in a franchise, you should know exactly what you’re getting for that investment. Now is actually the best time to own your first bookkeeping franchise, with new companies popping up at a promising rate, and all of them requiring some level of bookkeeping services. When you make the investment in a Supporting Strategies franchise, you will be taking advantage of an affordable opportunity, and entering into a franchise system that’s always evolving, and benefit from our thriving industry.

Beverly, MA – Supporting Strategies was recently ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Fastest-Growing Franchises list. This highly competitive list recognizes the 150 companies with the greatest franchise unit growth in North America, based on data submitted for Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500^® ranking. Thanks to its exceptional growth, Supporting Strategies was ranked #146.

"Supporting Strategies is honored to be included on the Entrepreneur magazine Fastest-Growing Franchises list. Our growth and inclusion on this list speaks to the need for reliable, professional outsourced bookkeeping services for small businesses nationwide," said Supporting Strategies Founder and CEO Leslie Jorgensen. "By partnering with franchisees who have deep experience in their local business communities, we've hit upon a formula that really resonates."

“Franchising trends are always changing, and our ranking of the fastest-growing franchises offers crisp insight into what’s hot right now,” says Jason Feifer, Entrepreneur's editor in chief. “And through this list, we’re also able to see the strategies that help newer brands ramp up quickly and that enable older ones to maintain their momentum."

Entrepreneur’s 2019 Fastest-Growing Franchises ranking is based on each company’s net franchise-unit growth in the U.S. and Canada from July 31, 2017 to July 31, 2018, with ties broken based on percentage growth. Supporting Strategies’ position on the ranking demonstrates the brand’s rising popularity with both franchisees and customers.

To view Supporting Strategies in the full ranking, visit entrepreneur.com/franchises/fastestgrowing. Results can also be seen in the March issue of Entrepreneur, available now on newsstands.

When doing your research on potential franchisors, you’ll want to choose one that gives you a solid foundation for success. A franchisor and franchisee share a special bond, as they have a common vision for the business, with the franchisor giving the franchisee constant support to make that vision a reality. With a Supporting Strategies franchise opportunity, you’ll find that our proven business model and comprehensive suite of resources are great facilitators of success.

Most of our franchisees decide to move into a franchise career because they enjoy the flexibility of working from home, and the ability to have a personal hand in every aspect of the business. Hiring a great team allows franchisees to build out their business, allowing them to take on more clients and expand quickly. You’ll need the perfect bookkeeping franchise staff, who are a good fit both personality and experience-wise. The right staff can often determine whether or not your franchise successful. As with many fields, communication, transparency, professionalism, and the ability to build relationships are incredibly important to ensuring your business gets off to a solid start.

The uncertainty that comes with transitioning into franchising from a corporate job can be overwhelming, but it’s well worth it. Working for yourself is a huge step in your career, and we try to make that career change as seamless as possible. When you embark on a Supporting Strategies franchise, you’ll reap the rewards of a turnkey investment with a proven business model, built-in brand awareness, and a sophisticated training infrastructure. Through our comprehensive franchisee education process, training materials, and supportive community, our franchisees are prepared and confident when they open their doors. 

When it comes to choosing a bookkeeping franchise, there are many factors to consider. Every franchisor has its advantages, and it can sometimes be difficult to determine which opportunity is right for you. You should be as informed as possible about this important decision, so we want you to understand exactly what makes Supporting Strategies a unique franchise opportunity. Our cutting-edge proprietary bookkeeping software, level of franchisee autonomy, and suite of benefits that come with your investment really put us in a league of our own in the bookkeeping franchise space.

While you don’t need to possess extensive industry experience to run a successful bookkeeping business, there are certain skills you should demonstrate if you’re thinking of entering the franchising industry for the first time. To truly take advantage of your small business bookkeeping franchise, you should feel comfortable working within a set of clearly-defined guidelines, be willing to learn those aspects of the business that are unfamiliar to you (and ask questions!) possess excellent communication skills, and be adept at time-management.

Independent Survey Shows Franchise Owners Are Highly Satisfied with Supporting Strategies’ Performance

Beverly, MA – Supporting Strategies was recently named a top franchise for 2019 by Franchise Business Review. This is the 14^th annual ranking of the top 200 award-winning franchise opportunities. The list is available at https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/top-franchises/.

Supporting Strategies is an outsourced bookkeeping provider who enables growing business owners to focus on their core business. Supporting Strategies has developed a proven, scalable business model with highly automated systems and processes to deliver cost-effective bookkeeping services. With a low overhead and variable cost delivery model, franchisees are able to closely match costs to revenues.

Franchise Business Review, a franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only rankings and awards for franchise companies based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes its rankings of the top 200 franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises.

Supporting Strategies was among 310 franchise brands, representing over 30,000 franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research. Supporting Strategies’ franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including training & support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity.

A truly successful franchise doesn’t simply open a franchise and cross his fingers. Success requires refining the user experience, and staying abreast of the latest trends in technology. With the rise of digital marketing and social media, it’s more important now than ever to ensure that your online presence is optimized to promote engagement, that your user experience is smooth, and that clients easily can find the information they’re looking for. These seemingly simple steps can go a long way toward taking your bookkeeping business to the next level, and setting your franchise apart from the competition.

You might have a general idea about what it takes to open your own franchise, but a bookkeeping franchise is a truly unique opportunity. As a prospective franchisee, you should understand exactly what you’ll be signing up for, including the nuances of our industry, the investment costs involved, the benefits of that investment, and the qualities that make a good franchisee. There are tons of franchise opportunities, but the flexibility and growth opportunity of Supporting Strategies make it stand out among our competitors. Here are some bookkeeping basics you should understand before embarking upon the franchise process.

More than many other industries, the bookkeeping industry is heavily reliant upon newly-emerging technology to stay ahead of your competitors. When choosing a small business bookkeeping franchise, you want to make sure your franchisor understands the importance of cutting edge technology. That’s why we’ve developed WorkPlace, our proprietary workflow management software, designed to help our franchisees with every aspect of running their business. Precision, organization, and transparency are incredibly important in our industry, and we understand the value of having your clients’ data at your fingertips at all times. WorkPlace ensures that our franchisees are capable of delivering accurate payroll and financial information with no unnecessary delay.

Bookkeeping vs. Accounting? What’s the Difference?

There’s a lot of common misconceptions when it comes to the differences between bookkeeping and accounting and, frankly, a lot of overlap in the two fields. At Supporting Strategies, we specifically provide bookkeeping and controllership services. Although there’s no denying that bookkeeping and accounting are similar, there are some key differences it’s important to know and fully understand.

To understand a company—especially one you may be interested in becoming part of—it’s essential to understand that company’s history, and how it arrived to where it is today. Stephen Schultz has a better grasp on Supporting Strategies’ past than nearly anyone, and he spoke in detail to 1851 Magazine about the company’s journey since its inception in 2004.

When you’re searching for potential franchisors, you want to make sure you choose one that really gives you a solid foundation for success. A franchisor should always allow franchisees the independence to run their bookkeeping franchise according to their personal vision, give them all the benefits of a proven business model, and facilitate success with a comprehensive suite of resources. We take pride in offering a bookkeeping franchise opportunity that not only sets our franchisees up to succeed, but also creates a smooth process and easy learning curve.

Independent Research Data Shows Franchisees Are Highly Satisfied with Supporting Strategies’ Innovation and Creativity

Beverly, MA – Supporting Strategies was identified by independent franchisee satisfaction research firm, Franchise Business Review, as one of 2018’s Top Innovative Franchises.

Supporting Strategies has provided efficient and effective outsourced bookkeeping services and operational support to growing businesses since 2004. Supporting Strategies’ skilled, experienced professionals use secure, best-of-breed technology and a proven process to deliver a full suite of services, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bookkeeping, financial reporting, and payroll administration. Supporting Strategies has more than 70 offices across 29 states and offers opportunities for franchisees to capitalize on the rising demand for outsourced bookkeeping and controller level services among growing businesses.

Franchise Business Review, a market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only ranking of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes rankings of the top franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as guides throughout the year ranking the top franchises in specific sectors.

To select the companies on the list, Franchise Business Review analyzed 18 months’ worth of data from approximately 24,000 franchisees representing more than 280 brands. Franchise owners were asked about their brands’ innovation and creativity as well as their overall satisfaction with their brands and their likelihood to recommend them to others.

Independent Research Data Shows Veteran Franchise Owners Are Highly Satisfied with Supporting Strategies’ Performance

Beverly, MA – Supporting Strategies was identified by independent franchisee satisfaction research firm, Franchise Business Review, as being just one of 80 franchises to qualify for its 2018 Top Franchises for Veterans list.

Supporting Strategies has provided efficient and effective outsourced bookkeeping services and operational support to growing businesses since 2004. Supporting Strategies’ skilled, experienced professionals use secure, best-of-breed technology and a proven process to deliver a full suite of services, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bookkeeping, financial reporting, and payroll administration. Supporting Strategies has more than 70 offices across 29 states and offers opportunities for franchisees to capitalize on the rising demand for outsourced bookkeeping and controller level services among growing businesses.

Franchise Business Review, a market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only ranking of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes rankings of the top franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as guides throughout the year ranking the top franchises in specific sectors.

To identify the companies on the list, Franchise Business Review analyzed 18 months of data from over 26,000 veteran franchise owners representing over 250 brands regarding their overall satisfaction with their brands and their likelihood to recommend them to others.

One of the most important aspects to running a bookkeeping services franchise is building and sustaining long-lasting relationships with customers. Without a sustained, consistent client base, your franchise will suffer immensely. While Supporting Strategies is in the business of bookkeeping services, being able to foster and develop relationships with clients is just as important. There are a lot of ways to maintain and cultivate those relationships which will hopefully be fruitful for you and your franchise for years to come.

Finding the most ideal franchise opportunity for you is imperative to a rewarding career. This is why, at Supporting Strategies, we have created a franchise survey catered to determine if you a good fit for our outsourced bookkeeping services brand. In order to be successful with a Supporting Strategies franchise, we need to be compatible. This means having an ideal background that has transferable skills and knowledge to a business services franchise such as industry expertise, a related education, or other factors. Your experience shows us that your values align with ours and that you are dedicated to executing our outsourced bookkeeping services to the fullest.

Starting a bookkeeping franchise can help open numerous doors for you. You would be in control of your work and use the skills you’ve acquired from years in the financial sector to work for yourself and not just be employed by a corporation. Supporting Strategies has the programs and methods in place that will show you how to start a bookkeeping franchise. Thanks to our knowledgeable team of experts, Supporting Strategies can show you how to start a bookkeeping franchise that you can be proud of.

Taking the leap and working towards running your own Supporting Strategies franchise is an amazing way to take control of your career and work for yourself. Now, you may be wondering what exactly do Supporting Strategies franchises do, and what bookkeeping services would you and your franchise offer?

Investing in a bookkeeping franchise can be a lucrative career choice when you choose the right brand to help you get started and provide the best opportunity for you. There is a lot to learn about successfully running a bookkeeping franchise, with a strong brand behind you that you will be proud of. Here at Supporting Strategies, we are here to help. Through our virtual discovery experience, as well as several other resources, we strive to educate franchisees on everything they want or need to know about bookkeeping and what is expected of them with a Supporting Strategies franchise.

The finance industry is constantly changing and evolving as new technology develops and businesses emerge. It can seem hard to keep up with all the current trends, and that’s why a bookkeeping franchise opportunity may be exactly what you’re looking for. By investing in a franchise like Supporting Strategies, you can enjoy a career in the finance field without the stress and hardships that can potentially come with a small business. Running your own franchise is an incredibly rewarding experience, and Supporting Strategies is here to help make the process as straightforward as possible.

Once you’ve taken the important step of deciding to join the Supporting Strategies team you can look forward to a seamless process that both educates the prospective franchisee and allows you to see if the franchise is a good fit for you. Our application process is designed to supply you with the information you need to make an informed decision and guide you through the early stages of franchising.

Whether you’ve never owned your own business before, or you’re a bookkeeping veteran, all new franchise owners will need some level of support. Our bookkeeping franchise training and support is designed to give you the tools you need to run a successful bookkeeping franchise.

Independent Research Data Shows Franchisees Are Highly Satisfied with Their Investment in Supporting Strategies

Independent Survey Shows Female Franchise Owners Are Highly Satisfied with Supporting Strategies’ Performance

Prospective franchisees are often motivated by the attractive prospect of striking out on their own and experiencing the thrill of running their own business, but there’s no single, clear-cut way of doing that. When you become an independent business owner you’re also signing up for the many uncertainties that come with it. With franchising, however, there are many distinct benefits. Most importantly, you’ll be settling into an established system with support mechanisms already in place. An entrepreneur often deals with a higher investment, the struggle of making connections in an unfamiliar industry, and coming up with a viable business model. Investing in a bookkeeping franchise with Supporting Strategies, however, will allow you to avoid many of these hurdles.

With any new business venture, there’s a long education and familiarization process involved, including financial risk, and it’s natural to be skeptical. We always encourage our franchisees to exercise due diligence, and have all the information they need before signing on with us. All too often, however, prospective franchisees are frightened off by misconceptions and misinformation. We’ve been in the franchising business for many years, worked with franchisees of all backgrounds, and helped them work through a variety of obstacles. If you think investing in a bookkeeping franchise might be right for you, here are a few common myths you shouldn’t let stand in your way.

When considering potential franchise opportunities, you want to be able to choose one that really looks out for its franchisees and has their best interest at heart. A good franchisor should give franchisees the independence to run their bookkeeping franchise their way, give them all the benefits of a proven, established business model, and facilitate their success with a comprehensive suite of resources. At Supporting Strategies, we take pride in offering a bookkeeping franchise opportunity that does all of those things and makes life easier for our franchisees.

You should never invest in a franchise unless you have a thorough understanding of the market’s strength, and an optimistic projection for your financial future. That’s part of what we’re aiming to walk you through today: details on the strength of the bookkeeping industry, and why there’s reason for optimism that our industry will continue to not just thrive, but also grow moving forward.

While there are many reasons to get excited about franchising, one of the main benefits of a bookkeeping franchise opportunity is the degree of flexibility and independence that comes with it. As a franchise owner, you are your own boss. Compared with working for a big corporation, where you must answer to someone else and you aren’t always recognized for your good work, you will have the freedom to craft your own schedule according to your desired lifestyle, and enjoy the benefits that come with independent business-ownership. Entrepreneurs also often gravitate toward the stability of franchising. You’re not starting from scratch, or building your own business from square one. You have the benefit of a proven business model behind you, a stable industry, and a sound infrastructure of support.   

The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a document drafted for the purpose of providing a prospective franchisee with the information they need to make an informed decision about franchise ownership. While the contents of each document may vary, each FDD is required to contain the certain key sections, which are considered standard to the franchise ownership process.

Many entrepreneurs want to go into business for themselves because of the freedom that comes with being their own boss. While this may be true of some independent businesses, it applies especially to a remote bookkeeping franchise. Virtual franchising is the cornerstone of the Supporting Strategies business model. It allows our franchisees to have the lifestyle they want—whether it’s being able to pick their kids up from school, or go golfing on a nice day—as long as their work is getting done. 

We understand the apprehension that comes with jumping into franchising from a corporate job. Deciding to work for yourself is a huge decision, and it’s not always easy. That’s why we endeavor to make the transition to a bookkeeping franchise opportunity as seamless as possible. We offer a turnkey investment with a proven business model, built-in brand awareness, and a sophisticated training infrastructure, designed to make the transition as easy as possible. Through our comprehensive franchisee education process, training materials, and supportive community, our franchisees are prepared and confident when they open their doors.

Thanks to recent economic growth, a bookkeeping franchise investment has more potential now than ever before. New companies have been cropping up at a promising rate, existing companies have been expanding, and all of them require some level of bookkeeping services. Efficient, professional bookkeeping is more crucial now than ever to a company’s success, and our clients know this. They understand the vital functions performed by our qualified bookkeepers, and recognize the importance of accurate, transparent bookkeeping to the success of their company.

When choosing a bookkeeping services franchise, you want to partner with a company that makes the bookkeeping process as easy as possible, and gives you the tools to succeed. With WorkPlace, our proprietary workflow management software, we equip our franchisees with the latest technology to make every aspect of running your business smoother. In the bookkeeping industry, precision, organization, and transparency are incredibly important. You need to have your clients’ data at your fingertips at all times, and be capable of delivering accurate payroll and financial information with little delay. WorkPlace allows you to do that.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2018

Independent Research Data Shows Franchisees Are Highly Satisfied with Supporting Strategies’ Performance

Beverly, MA – Supporting Strategies was identified by independent franchisee satisfaction research firm, Franchise Business Review, as being a Top Emerging Franchise for 2018.

FBR surveyed over 4,000 franchisees from 70 leading brands that started franchising in the past decade. Supporting Strategies’ franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including training & support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity.

“Bigger isn’t always better,” says Eric Stites, CEO and Founder of Franchise Business Review. “Size certainly gives you scale, and other advantages like higher brand awareness and greater purchasing power. But just because a franchise company is large, it doesn’t automatically mean that the franchisees are happy and successful. The companies that we’ve identified in our research on the Top Emerging Brands have shown that their franchisees are indeed satisfied with the structure, leadership, and support provided by the franchisor.”

Supporting Strategies recently placed 19th on Entrepreneur magazine's Top New Franchises list. The list — which is based on data submitted for Entrepreneur's overall Franchise 500^® ranking (which also includes Supporting Strategies) — recognizes the top 100 companies that have been franchising for five years or less.

For Supporting Strategies Founder and CEO Leslie Jorgensen, this recognition illustrates both the demand for her company's services, and the portability of the business model she formulated in 2004 and began franchising in 2013.

"By partnering with franchisees who have deep experience in their local business communities, we've hit upon a formula that really resonates," Jorgensen said. "Many of our clients are small-business owners just like us."

One of the first and most difficult questions new franchisees must ask themselves is: “where do I base my new franchise?” It’s one thing to start a new franchise, but another to truly maximize the potential of your bookkeeping franchise opportunity in the perfect territory. Supporting Strategies has franchises in over 25 states, from Arizona to Tennessee to New Hampshire, and we’re always looking to establish a presence in new locations. Because our bookkeeping franchises are fairly location-independent, the options are truly limitless, but that doesn’t exactly help you narrow it down. When choosing a home for your franchise, there are a few key considerations you should keep in mind.

When it comes to choosing a bookkeeping business, it’s never cut and dry. There are always several options with different advantages and disadvantages, and making the right decision can seem difficult. We want you to be able to make an informed decision about your future by showing you what makes Supporting Strategies a unique franchise opportunity. Our cutting-edge bookkeeping technology, level of franchisee independence, and suite of benefits that come with your investment really set us apart from the rest of the pack.

When considering potential franchise opportunities, you want to be certain that you choose one that looks out for its franchisees and delivers on its promises. A good franchisor should allow franchisees the autonomy to run their bookkeeping franchise their way, give them all the guidelines and benefits of a proven, established business model, and facilitate their success within a thriving industry. 

We understand that most prospective franchisees have never owned a bookkeeping franchise. We certainly don’t expect you to be an expert to join our franchise team, but we do want franchisees with some form of financial background, and who are prepared to take initiative when it comes to the business ownership process. Not everyone is cut out to own their own bookkeeping franchise. To have the highest chance of success in our industry, you should demonstrate certain personal traits that will help you get the most out of your franchise experience. These include having an interest and enthusiasm for the industry, being able to follow our proven business model, staying abreast of industry trends, and demonstrating excellent communication skills. 

The bookkeeping industry has seen tremendous growth recently. Thanks to economic growth, new companies have been cropping up in recent years, and existing companies have expanded—all of them requiring some form of bookkeeping services. Accurate, efficient bookkeeping is more crucial now than ever to a company’s success, and our clients recognize this. They appreciate not only our qualified bookkeepers, but also the enthusiasm and attentiveness of our franchisees. Our franchisees are enthusiastic about helping our clients’ business be as successful and well-run as possible.

The prospect of striking out on your own and opening your own business might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. You may be asking yourself: is it better to strike out on my own and build a new business from the ground up, or to take advantage of an already-existing model? You can still experience the thrill of owning your own business with a Supporting Strategies franchise, and take advantage of the many benefits associated with franchising. Opening your own business means dealing with a higher investment cost, making connections in an unfamiliar industry, and formulating a brand new business model. The luxury of settling into an established system, where all of these obstacles are already solved, can’t be overstated.

One of the most common fears of potential franchisees is that they don’t have the necessary experience to run their own business. Whether you’ve never held a management position before, or never worked specifically in the bookkeeping services industry before, it’s natural to worry about your resume when it comes to taking that next career step into franchising. However, while many of our franchisees do have some kind of financial background, it often comes as a surprise that most come from diverse industries and professional backgrounds. Having run your own business before is certainly not a requirement, and indeed, for most of our franchisees, this is their first experience in business ownership. While jumping into relatively unfamiliar territory might sound like a frightening career prospect, Supporting Strategies makes the transition smooth, and gives you the tools you’ll need to be successful.

When it comes to owning a franchise, you doubtless have many questions running through your head. You want to know if this investment is right for you, what the industry is like, how much it will cost, and what obstacles you might encounter. We’re big believers in our franchisees being as informed as possible before they embark on a career in franchise ownership. Part of that educational process is hearing what common questions and challenges are usually front-of-mind for new franchisees, and getting comfortable addressing them. There are a few important questions to answer before taking the franchising plunge.

To run a truly strong franchise requires that customers have a consistent awareness of your brand and what you offer. With the rise of digital marketing and social media, it’s increasingly important to ensure that your online presence is solid, and optimized to promote engagement. This is essential to crafting a professional image for your business, educating your target demographic about what services you provide, and distinguishing yourself from the competition. The value of a sophisticated web presence can’t be underestimated. Here are four franchising tips to increase your online presence and give yourself an edge. 

At Supporting Strategies, we like to think we offer an easily-accessible franchise opportunity, that even those with no industry experience will find exciting and profitable. Indeed, many of our franchisees have never worked in the bookkeeping industry before, no less owned a franchise, and we’re confident when we say that prior experience is not necessary to run a successful business. However, we do look for certain qualities in our franchisees, which indicate their potential for making the most of our business model. To truly take advantage of your small business bookkeeping franchise, you should be able to work within a set of guidelines, possess excellent communication skills, self-discipline, and be willing to learn the nuances of a new industry.

While you might have done some research about what it takes to open your own business, a bookkeeping franchise is a truly unique opportunity. We want our franchisees to understand the nuances of our thriving industry, as well as the investment costs involved, benefits of that investment, and what qualities make an ideal franchisee. There are no shortage of franchise opportunities out there, but at Supporting Strategies we believe that operating your own remote bookkeeping franchise provides unparalleled flexibility, fantastic growth opportunity, and all the tools you need to thrive in this exciting industry.

There are several franchise awards out there, but those that take into account the actual opinions and feedback of franchisees are especially important to us. Franchisee satisfaction and performance are paramount to how we measure our own success. We pride ourselves on providing an exceptional experience for our franchisees. We offer a scalable business model with highly automated systems and processes, to deliver cost-effective bookkeeping to business owners, and new franchisees quickly see the return on their investment. Our low overhead and variable cost delivery model enables franchisees to closely match costs to revenues, and is only one of the many reasons we are considered a Top 50 franchise opportunity according to Franchise Business Review.

When you’re looking to invest in a franchise, you want to invest in one that helps clients solve real problems, and operates on a proven, well-established business model. Supporting Strategies understands that every moment is valuable to business owners, and that time spent on extraneous tasks is time that could be otherwise dedicated to growing the business. Accurate, efficient bookkeeping is crucial to any company’s success, but without a qualified CFO, these companies often struggle to maintain their efficiency, and see their growth stunted. Clients praise Supporting Strategies for our ability to provide real-time financial information, keep their data safe, and save them time and unnecessary expense. It’s this proven business model and consistent record of client satisfaction that makes Supporting Strategies a great franchise opportunity. 

One of the first questions new franchisees ask themselves is: “Where do I set up shop?” It’s a hard question, but it’s also a fun one. Supporting Strategies has franchises in over 25 states, from Arizona to Tennessee to New Hampshire, and we’re always looking to establish a presence in new locations. The good thing about a bookkeeping services franchise is that it’s fairly location-independent, so the options are truly limitless. That said, there are a few factors to consider when choosing a home for your franchise. We call them: “the three C’s”. 

While the profession itself may be as old as the abacus, bookkeeping is an ever-changing industry as exciting as it is dynamic. It is heavily reliant on new technologies and the most efficient processes to stay up-to-date, and these days, staying current is more important than ever. The integration of industry-altering tech, like cloud bookkeeping, sets Supporting Strategies apart from bookkeepers mired in less efficient systems, and makes ours a particularly rich franchising opportunity.

It’s natural to be wary when considering opening your own franchise; there’s a long education process involved, financial risk, and the uncertainty that comes with any business venture. Due diligence is important. However, all too often, prospective franchisees are scared off by unfounded fears, and misinformation regarding the process. We’ve been in the franchising business for many years, worked with franchisees of all backgrounds, and helped them work through a variety of obstacles. If you think a bookkeeping franchise opportunity might be right for you, here are a few common myths you shouldn’t let get in the way of your career goals.

In determining your next career move, there are several factors that come into play. If you’ve never worked in the bookkeeping industry before, you want to be confident that it’s the right industry for you, and that the investment will yield a profitable return. You also need to understand the costs associated with opening a franchise, and do your due diligence on the franchisor. The franchisor-franchisee partnership is extremely close and symbiotic, and it’s important that it’s a good fit on both ends. By asking yourself these three questions, you’ll be able to decide if opening a franchise in the bookkeeping industry is right for you.

One of the main reasons people are drawn to bookkeeping franchise opportunities is the degree of flexibility and independence that comes with the job description. As a franchise owner, you are your own boss. Compared with working for a big corporation, you are easily able to craft your own lifestyle according to your needs, and enjoy the benefits that come with independent business-ownership. Entrepreneurs also gravitate toward the stability of franchising. You’re not starting from scratch, or building your own business from square one; you’ve got the benefit of a proven business model behind you, as well as a network of support and training.

Business owners need accurate and reliable financial reporting to ensure the health of their business. Among other bookkeeping services, most businesses rely on three important financial statements: the balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and cash flow statement, and dependable bookkeepers are essential to keep these processes running smoothly.

Succeeding as a franchise owner takes skill. Apart from being a fearless maverick who isn’t afraid to take risks, the most successful franchisees are team players who take franchisor procedures to heart. After all, the best players in the franchising industry are often the people who live by the rules of a proven system.

Bookkeeping has come a long way and has undergone many innovations and changes to the business. Individuals aspiring to become bookkeeping franchise owners should take the time to learn about the bookkeeping industry. These facts can help hopeful individuals become familiar with the trends and changes in the industry.

If you’re thinking about leaving your corporate job to work for yourself, congratulations! It’s a big but rewarding step. However, if you still need that little push, Franchise Business laid out all of the reasons that you should consider leaving your job and invest in a franchise location. 

There are many great reasons to begin your franchising journey or to enhance your business portfolio by teaming up with Supporting Strategies. Not only do you get top-notch training and support, but you’ll be teaming up with a well known and trusted brand. Continue reading to learn more about why franchising with Supporting Strategies is such a great investment.

Now that you know franchising is a great option for you, it’s important to invest in a franchise that you not only are interested in, but one that will give you all the resources and support you need to get started and throughout the life of your franchise. At Supporting Strategies, we provide just that for our franchisees and we even provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Business owners have a lot on their plates: They have to act as human resources manager, sales expert, marketing exec, and so much more. When it comes time to handle bookkeeping, accounts payable, payroll administration, and any other financial tasks, many business owners are so over it all that they put it off, making the task more daunting and difficult.

Supporting Strategies bookkeeping franchise opportunities are expanding all over the nation! The process to open a Supporting Strategies franchise is streamlined and straightforward, so you can follow a predictable set of steps to open your business.

If you have started thinking about how great it would be to own your own business and be in control of your career, you should consider becoming a franchise owner. Investing in a franchise comes with a lot of perks that you won’t get from starting your own business from scratch. Take a look at these 4 perks of owning a franchise to see what we’re talking about.

In the franchise industry, it is important to be aware of certain terms that you may hear. Whether you own a franchise or are considering investing, knowing keywords in the industry you are pursuing can make a huge difference. Here are terms to understand in the bookkeeping franchise industry:

Supporting Strategies and other business service franchises have seen a lot of growth and demand over the years. More and more businesses are looking to outsource certain services that allow them to pursue other matters for growing and being successful. These services include bookkeeping, budgeting, expense management, payroll, and more that can be very time consuming for a business owner. With franchises like Supporting Strategies, business owners are at ease with outsourcing these services to address other business matters.

There are thousands of franchise opportunities in America alone, and finding the right one for you could be like finding a needle in a haystack. However, there are tips and tricks to help you narrow the search and figure out what may be the best franchise for you. Here are steps to take when choosing the right franchise.

Have you ever wondered what the day in the life of a Supporting Strategies franchisee looks like? For starters, most of our franchisees work from home with all the resources and support that they need to run the business. Not to mention they have a turn-key scalable business model that Supporting Strategies has customized just for our franchisees, with a clearly marked territory and a minimum of 20,000 small businesses. Supporting Strategies has set you up with all you need from the very beginning.

The bookkeeping industry is growing rapidly. As technology becomes more available and more adaptive, more business owners are outsourcing their bookkeeping to keep up-to-date and consistent with their needs such as payroll, finances, taxes, and more.

Opening a franchise is a big deal. It’s not only a major career shift, but it’s also a pivotal moment in your personal life.

You’ll be investing a tremendous amount of time, energy, and money into this business venture. And while we know you’re mentally prepared to be your boss and start your own business, doing so won’t come without a transition period. 

If you’re a new business owner or franchisee, you’re bound to have a lot of questions about what you’ve gotten yourself into and how to get over the hump when facing your challenges.

Female franchise owners are highly satisfied with Supporting Strategies’ performance, according to a recent independent study.

If you’re considering moving away from corporate life and want to be your own boss, there’s a lot of thought and consideration that should come before that decision.

As the owner of an accountancy franchise, you know that you can’t do everything on your own. You probably also know that the difference between having a quality staff and having one that is sub-par can make or break your company.

Working for somebody else can make waking up each morning, making coffee, and commuting to work feel like you’re wasting your valuable time. The fact is, though, that it may not be your job that you dislike, but the idea that you’ve got to punch a clock and answer to somebody who gets to keep the profits you work so hard to create.

If you're thinking about going into business for yourself as an accountant, you might want to consider investing in a small business accounting franchise, such as our Supporting Strategies franchise, instead of starting your own company from scratch.

Most people who end up starting a franchise are coming from more corporate jobs where they worked under broad infrastructures and a handful of bosses. For many people, starting a franchise is a leap toward freedom that offers them the ability to finally be the one steering the ship.

Starting a franchise is something many people have considered at one time or another. Whether you’re thinking about leaving the corporate world or you’re just trying to find a new niche as an entrepreneur, attractive franchise opportunities are out there.

Franchising is a popular business model because it allows you to capitalize on the brand recognition of an established brand, rather than having to generate all of the new customers yourself. However, many people overlook this exciting type of opportunity because they do not fully understand how it all works. Here are a few of the most common reasons why entrepreneurs choose to ignore this route and why you shouldn't count yourself among them: 

Like many people, you may be uneasy about self-assessments. After all, it can be uncomfortable to place yourself under a psychological microscope and ask yourself probing questions.

But if you’re considering making a franchise investment, some introspection is more than wise; it’s necessary as you place your happiness, peace of mind, sense of fulfillment and financial security at stake.

Bookkeeping is one of the fundamental processes that enable businesses, non-profits, and other organizations to run in a smooth and uninterrupted manner. This is because it involves recording transactions and then compiling the recorded information into an accessible format for the use of decision-makers, thus ensuring that said individuals have the fair and accurate information needed to make the right financial decisions for their organizations. As a result, there is a constant demand for bookkeeping services from a wide range of businesses in a wide range of industries, which in turn, means that there are plenty of bookkeeping franchise opportunities available for those who want them.

Technology is everywhere these days, and our computers, smart phones, and tablets have become necessary parts of everyday life. Evolving with the technology is imperative for a business to succeed, and at Supporting Strategies, we strive to do just that, using cloud based programs to allow our franchisees and their employees to work remotely.

Let's say you have already made the decision to go into franchising and may even have already selected the particular franchise that will be the best match for your talents, experience, and future aspirations. What is the next step? Well, one of the very next steps is to secure the financing that will fund your new entrepreneurial project so you can get it up and running in as little time as possible.

If you've been thinking about opening up your own bookkeeping service business and starting from the ground up, you might want to think again. The bookkeeping industry is certainly booming, but there might be a better option than building your own business from scratch. That option is to invest in a bookkeeping franchise, such as Supporting Strategies, instead.

Investing in a franchise is generally considered to be much less of a risk than starting a business from the ground up, especially if it's in an established franchise business that boasts a stellar reputation.

It’s been on your mind a lot lately. In fact, it is becoming all you can think about. The prospect of leaving your current job to go into business for yourself continues to look more and more attractive with each passing week.

That is not to say that you don’t have misgivings. Let me reassure you that is perfectly normal! The prospect of starting a new life by investing in a franchise and leaving corporate life behind can cause a range of emotions. Let’s try to turn most of those emotions into excitement rather than apprehension or fear by dispelling some common misconceptions. 

It can be awfully tempting to view employees solely as financial liabilities, especially around payday. Obviously, the individuals cashing those paychecks are what make your business hum.

In today’s crowded marketplace, employees are often spoiled with options as to where to spend their time in exchange for a salary. Gone are the halcyon days where employees worked at the same company for their entire career.

With the high cost of training and onboarding, how can you ensure that employees not only stay but also stay engaged? Below are some things to consider to help retain your most valuable assets.

Franchise ownership has grown steadily over the last five years and it’s no wonder, considering that the total franchise monetary output in the US has increased over $200 billion over the last decade. Franchises are popular because you are buying into a tried-and-true system, which allows you the freedom to be your own boss without having to completely reinvent the wheel.

Choosing the Right Franchise

Running a bookkeeping franchise can be profitable, but it is important to remember that no business can succeed without a great deal of support. This is why most franchises provide their franchisees with a wide range of support to maximize their chances of overcoming the barriers that even the most prepared start-ups can expect to encounter.

However, some franchises provide better support than others. Supporting Strategies is an excellent example of a supportive franchise when it comes to bookkeeping franchise opportunities.

Many people who want to leave their present line of work to become their own boss and build and grow a business are unsure of which path they should follow: buying a franchise or starting a new business from scratch.

Which is the better option will depend on the individual and his or her situation, but it is unfortunate that there are many widespread myths about franchising. These myths can cause businesspeople to err in either of two directions: thinking too negatively about franchising or thinking of franchising as an easy “get rich quick” scheme.

Franchising is a popular business model right now because it works and consistently produces results.

One of the immediate perks of franchising for potential investors is that it provides independence and autonomy without sacrificing a proven business model, training assistance, and all of the marketing benefits that come from working with an established brand. 

If you’re thinking about investing in bookkeeping franchise opportunities, then you may consider yourself an entrepreneur. However, entrepreneurship is different from franchising. Entrepreneurs are typically people who invest in and start new businesses, and according to that basic definition, it’s easy to see the similarities to starting a franchise. However, when you look more closely, you’ll see that franchising requires a different skillset than entrepreneurship, making it something that’s not only easier to do, but also less risky. 

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are more than 28 million small businesses located across the country. 

Opening your own accounting franchise with Supporting Strategies can be one of the smartest financial investments you ever make. As a franchisee, you can own your own business while taking advantage of the reputation, tools, knowledge, and resources of your franchisor. However, access to those benefits comes with a variety of costs you should understand before making the move to invest. These costs include royalties, initial fees, and many other items that may or may not be unique to specific franchises.