Franchise Canada Show Toronto - Fall 2026
About this Event
Saturday October 24th 11:00am-4:00pm
Sunday October 25th 11:00am-4:00pm
Join us at the Franchise Canada Show Toronto, the ultimate destination for aspiring entrepreneurs ready to embark on a successful small business ownership journey! This event will take place at the Toronto Congress Centre, where dreams become reality and possibilities are boundless.
Are you ready to unlock a world of opportunities? Here's why you can't miss the Franchise Canada Show:
Explore a Diverse Franchise Showcase: featuring a wide range of franchise opportunities from various industries, discover cutting-edge concepts, well-established brands, and innovative business models that are ready to be embraced. Find the perfect fit for your entrepreneurial aspirations at the show!
Engage with Industry Experts: Interact with seasoned franchise professionals and industry experts who possess extensive knowledge and expertise. Gain valuable insights, ask burning questions, and receive personalized guidance to make informed decisions about your franchising journey.
Attend Informative Seminars: Get inspired and equipped with essential tools for success through our series of informative seminars and workshops. Industry leaders will share their experiences, strategies, and insider tips, empowering you to navigate the franchising landscape with confidence. From financing and legal considerations to marketing and operations, our sessions cover all aspects of franchising.
Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to ignite your entrepreneurial journey and step into the exciting world of franchising. Register now for the Franchise Canada Show Toronto and unlock endless possibilities!
ABOUT THE FRANCHISE CANADA SHOW:
The Franchise Canada Show is a free franchise exhibition for individuals looking to start, own, and operate their own local small businesses. Since 1996, the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) has helped thousands of Canadians realize their dreams of building successful businesses and taking control of their financial situations. As Canada's ultimate franchise exhibition and the official show of the CFA, it's the place to meet leading national brands and franchisors face-to-face, connect with industry experts, attend free seminars, and explore franchise business opportunities in every industry and at all investment levels!
The franchise industry encompasses over 60+ sectors, including food, beauty, construction, and more. Begin your franchising journey at the Franchise Canada Show! Start your search now and make your dreams of starting your own business a reality. Get into business for yourself, but not by yourself, with the support of a credible franchise system!
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Get ready for the show—these outstanding Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) brands and successful franchisees will inspire your franchise journey!
Day 1
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
How To Franchise Your Business
Info: Session Description:
For established business owners considering franchising as a growth strategy, this session introduces what it takes to build a franchise system. Learn about the foundations that should be in place before expanding, the responsibilities that come with becoming a franchisor, and some of the common challenges businesses face as they move from operating one business to supporting a network of franchisees.
What Will Be Covered
• Assessing whether the business is ready to franchise
• Building repeatable systems and processes
• The shift from business owner to franchisor
• Supporting franchisees effectively
• Professional, financial and operational considerations
• Common early-stage challenges
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
So You Want to Own a Franchise? Start Here.
Info: Franchising can offer a path to business ownership with the systems, brand and support of an established organization, but it is not right for everyone. Hear from experienced franchisors about what ownership really involves, how franchise models differ, and the personal, professional and financial considerations prospective owners should think about before deciding whether franchising fits their goals.
What Will Be Covered
• What franchise ownership really involves
• Owner-operator, semi-absentee and multi-unit models
• Independence versus following a proven system
• Who tends to be well suited to franchising
• Common misconceptions about becoming a franchisee
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
What Successful Franchisees Do Differently
Info: Franchisors work with franchisees at every stage of ownership and see first-hand the behaviours and approaches that contribute to stronger performance. This session explores what successful franchisees tend to do differently, from following the system and managing people to staying engaged with their business, responding to challenges and making effective use of the support available to them.
What Will Be Covered
• Traits strong franchisees tend to share
• The importance of following the system
• Coachability and communication
• Leadership and people management
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
The Price Tag Behind the Promise: What Franchise Ownership Really Costs
Info: The franchise fee is only one part of the investment required to open and operate a franchise. This practical session looks at startup costs, working capital, ongoing expenses and cash-flow needs, and helps prospective owners understand what financial readiness really means.
What Will Be Covered
• Franchise fees versus total investment
• Startup and opening costs
• Working capital
• Ongoing operating expenses
• Royalties and other recurring fees
• Cash-flow planning
• Financial readiness
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Traits of a Successful Franchisee (and Franchisor)
Info: Choosing a franchise is a two-way decision. While prospective franchisees evaluate brands and opportunities, franchisors are also deciding who is likely to be a good fit for their system. Hear directly from franchisors about what they look for, what makes candidates stand out, and why some applicants are not accepted.
What Will Be Covered
• Financial qualifications
• Experience versus aptitude
• Culture and values fit
• Coachability
• Communication style
• What makes a candidate stand out
• Common red flags
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Read Before You Sign: The Franchise Agreement, Decoded
Info: Disclosure documents and franchise agreements can be unfamiliar territory for first-time buyers. This practical session explains the purpose of these documents, introduces some of the terminology prospective franchisees are likely to encounter, and explores what it means to operate your own business within someone else’s franchise system and brand.
What Will Be Covered
• The franchise disclosure document
• The franchise agreement
• Initial and ongoing fees
• Territory
• Term and renewal
• Transfer and resale
• Termination
• System standards and operating requirements
• Use of the franchisor’s brand and trademarks
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Ask the Experts: Finding Your Fit
Info: Bring your questions and join CFA-member franchisors and professional advisors for small-group conversations about the issues that matter when considering franchise ownership.
Discussion Topics
• First-Time Business Ownership
• Finding the Right Franchise Fit
• Lifestyle & Ownership Models
• Financing Your Franchise
• Franchise Law
• Ask a Franchisor
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Before You Sign a Lease: What Franchise Buyers Need to Know
Info: For many location-based franchises, the commercial lease can be one of the largest and longest commitments the owner makes. This session explores what prospective franchisees should understand about lease structure, occupancy costs, renewals, guarantees, assignments and the difference between leasing directly from a landlord and subleasing from a franchisor.
What Will Be Covered
• Base rent and additional rent
• Lease term and renewal options
• Personal guarantees
• Tenant obligations
• Head leases and subleases
• Direct lease versus franchisor sublease
• Assignment and resale
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Ask Before You Invest: What Every Franchisor Should Be Ready to Answer
Info: Good franchise candidates ask good questions. Hear directly from experienced franchisors about the questions they believe buyers should ask about support, expectations, system culture, communication, turnover and the future direction of the brand.
What Will Be Covered
• Training and ongoing support
• Franchisee expectations
• System culture
• Communication
• Franchisee turnover, closures and resales
• Growth plans
• Future direction of the brand
• Questions candidates sometimes overlook
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Franchise Spotlight: How I Chose My Franchise
Info: Hear directly from a franchisee about how they moved from exploring business ownership to selecting a franchise, including how they researched opportunities, compared brands, conducted due diligence and ultimately decided which system was right for them.
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What Will Be Covered
• Beginning the franchise search
• Comparing opportunities
• Due diligence
• Speaking with franchisors and existing franchisees
• Key decision factors
• What influenced the final choice
• Lessons learned
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Before You Decide: Your Franchise Buyer’s Checklist
Info: Before making a franchise investment, prospective buyers should be able to answer some fundamental questions about fit, finances, due diligence, legal commitments and the franchise system itself. This closing session brings the day together into a practical roadmap for making an informed decision.
What Will Be Covered
• Personal fit and ownership expectations
• Financial readiness
• Comparing opportunities
• Due diligence
• Speaking with existing franchisees
• Legal review
• Financing
• Building an advisory team
Day 2
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
How to Choose the Right Franchise Fit
Info: With opportunities spanning different industries, investment levels and ownership models, finding the right franchise requires more than choosing a familiar brand. This session explores how prospective owners can narrow their options and determine which opportunities deserve a closer look.
What Will Be Covered
• Goals and motivations
• Lifestyle and time commitment
• Investment level
• Ownership model
• Brand recognition versus system fit
• Culture and values
• Narrowing a long list of opportunities
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
From National Brand to Local Customers: Marketing Your Franchise
Info: An established brand can give franchisees a head start, but local customers still need a reason to choose their business. This session explores how franchisors and franchisees work together to build awareness, what marketing support may come from the system, and what prospective owners should understand about their own role in attracting and retaining customers locally.
What Will Be Covered
• National and system-wide marketing
• Local marketing responsibilities
• Marketing funds
• Grand-opening marketing
• Social media and digital marketing
• Community involvement
• Local partnerships
• Franchisor support versus franchisee responsibility
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Show Me the Money: What Lenders Want from Franchise Buyers
Info: Once you have identified a franchise opportunity, how will a lender assess the investment and your application? This session looks at financing from the lender’s perspective, including the franchise system, borrower qualifications, equity contribution, business plan and supporting documentation.
What Will Be Covered
• How lenders assess the franchise opportunity
• Borrower qualifications
• Equity contribution
• Business plans
• Financial projections
• Supporting documentation
• Common financing challenges
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Fine Print, Big Decisions: What’s Really in a Franchise Agreement?
Info: Once a prospective franchisee becomes serious about an opportunity, it is important to understand the commitments contained in the franchise agreement. Building on the fundamentals covered on Saturday, this session takes a closer look at provisions that can affect the relationship throughout the life of the franchise and the questions buyers should discuss with independent legal counsel before signing.
What Will Be Covered
• Fees and ongoing financial obligations
• Territory rights
• Renewal
• Transfer and resale
• Termination
• Restrictive covenants
• Personal guarantees
• Default provisions
• System changes
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Know the Numbers Before You Buy
Info: You do not need to be an accountant to own a franchise, but you do need to understand the financial fundamentals. This practical session looks at revenue, expenses, profit, cash flow, working capital and break-even, and the questions prospective owners should ask when evaluating the financial side of an opportunity.
What Will Be Covered
• Revenue and sales
• Gross versus net profit
• Cash flow
• Fixed and variable costs
• Working capital
• Break-even
• Financial information to review
• Questions for an accountant
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Ask the Experts: Due Diligence & Choosing Well
Info: Bring your questions and join CFA-member franchisors and professional advisors for small-group conversations focused on evaluating opportunities and preparing to make an informed decision.
Discussion Topics
• Due Diligence & Validation
• Franchise Agreements
• Banking & Financing
• Accounting & Business Planning
• Commercial Leasing
• Ask a Franchisor
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Money Talks: Are You Financially Ready to Buy a Franchise?
Info: Before asking a lender for financing, prospective franchisees need to understand their own financial position and what lenders will expect. This session explains how to prepare financially for franchise ownership and the factors that can affect how much financing may be available.
What Will Be Covered
• Personal investment and equity expectations
• Net worth and liquidity
• Credit history
• Documentation lenders may request
• Preparing before approaching a lender
• Common financing misconceptions
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Franchise Spotlight
Info: Curious what it’s really like to run a franchise? Join us for the Franchise Spotlight and hear from a UPS Store franchisee who’s been in your shoes. From navigating the surprises of the first year to sharing practical tips for day-to-day success, this fireside-style chat offers real-world insights, lessons learned, and the inside scoop on franchisor support. Perfect for anyone thinking about taking the leap into franchise ownership!
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Location, Location, Location: What Makes a Great Franchise Site?
Info: For many franchise concepts, the right location can have a significant impact on performance. This session explores how markets and sites are evaluated, what factors influence location potential, and what prospective franchisees should understand before becoming committed to a particular site.
What Will Be Covered
• Market and trade-area analysis
• Demographics
• Traffic and accessibility
• Visibility and exposure
• Competition
• Site characteristics
• Common site-selection mistakes
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Top Mistakes New Franchisees Make and How to Avoid Them
Info: Many problems that arise after opening can be traced back to decisions made before the franchise was purchased. Experienced franchise professionals share some of the most common mistakes they see and what prospective franchisees can do to make better-informed decisions.
What Will Be Covered
• Inadequate due diligence
• Underestimating capital needs
• Choosing for the wrong reasons
• Unrealistic expectations
• Misunderstanding the franchise relationship
• Ignoring warning signs
• Failing to seek professional advice
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
