Who This Is For
- First-time franchise buyers - Corporate professionals leaving their jobs - Investors looking into multi-unit ownership
What You’ll Learn
- How to evaluate franchise opportunities - How to avoid bad deals and bad brands - How to choose the right industry for you - How to choose your first and second location
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Choosing the wrong brand - Overpaying for buildout - Picking bad locations - Trusting the wrong franchisor This course helps prevent those mistakes.
About the Course
Most people spend more time researching a car than they do a $500,000 franchise investment. They trust the sales pitch, skip the hard questions, and find out too late that the numbers don't work, the territory is wrong, or the franchisor doesn't deliver on their promises. This course exists because that doesn't have to be you. Built from two decades of real-world franchise experience, not theory, not textbooks. This course walks you through exactly how industry insiders evaluate opportunities. You'll learn to read a Franchise Disclosure Document, stress-test the financials, validate with existing franchisees, assess territory viability, and spot the red flags that franchisors hope you never notice. Whether you're just starting to explore or already deep in a discovery process, this is the most important 10 hours you'll invest before making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. No fluff. No filler. Just the framework.
About the Creator
Hi, I'm Shawn Saraga My nickname across the industry is Mr. Franchise. I've spent more than 20 years on the inside of franchising. Not as a buyer, not as a broker, but as the person brands trusted to open locations, negotiate leases, and build systems that actually work. Over that time I've helped launch more than 1,000 franchise businesses and completed over 800 lease transactions across Canada. I've worked with brands across every major franchise category, from Burger King, Tahini's, barBURRITO, Freshii, and Foodtastic in food and QSR, to Mr. Lube in automotive, Kumon and Willowbrae Childcare in education, Trade Secrets in retail, PostNet, Print Three, and Intelligent Office in business services, and Attics in home services. If there's a franchise category you're considering, chances are I've been inside it. I'm also a registered real estate broker, which means I understand not just the franchise agreement, but the real estate deal behind it, the part most buyers never think about until it's too late. I built this course because I got tired of watching smart, motivated people not know what questions to ask or process to follow. You deserve to walk into this decision with the same knowledge I bring to the table and that's exactly what this course delivers.
Student Reviews
Don't take our word for it, see what our students are saying!
★★★★★ I already owned one franchise, but I knew I had left a lot to chance the first time around. Shawn’s course completely changed how I evaluate opportunities, from territory to unit economics to franchisor support. I’ve since added a second location with a much stronger foundation. If you’re serious about scaling, this is a must.
Multi-Unit Owner, Saskatoon, SK
Shawn, I'm a little more than half way through your course and wanted to touch base on it. All I can say is W O W !!! Well laid out. Detailed and thought provoking. A must read and work through for anyone considering a franchise, and any business venture for that matter ! It drives people into the right mindset. Eye opening and enlightening even for the most experienced of individuals. With metrics, analysis and useful formulas and worksheets. Great questions leading the reader inwards to help in achieving a high level of confidence towards the right answers to best suit them personally. At the same time ensuring they also get the best outsourced advice from professionals. Balance and transparency!! I'm really impressed and I don't say that lightly. Well done !! Talk soon, ★★★★★
Realtor - Toronto, ON
★★★★★ This program takes the guesswork out of one of the biggest investments some people will ever make. It helps them determine if franchising is right for them, understand the risks, and make informed, confident decisions grounded in a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed. Without this level of preparation, people risk making a major investment without seeing the full picture.
Franchise Owner - Toronto, ON
Thank you again for such an excellent course, it’s been extremely well thought out and very practical. I truly appreciate the depth of experience you’ve built into it.Thanks again for putting such strong content out into the market. It’s incredibly valuable, and I’m really enjoying the learning. ★★★★★
Realtor - Toronto, ON
★★★★ After 20 years in corporate, I had capital but no roadmap. Shawn’s course broke down franchise ownership in a way that actually made sense, especially around validation and financials. I realized quickly which brands weren’t worth my time. I’ve now invested in a concept I believe in, with a plan to scale to multiple units. This course paid for itself instantly.
Childcare Owner - Brampton, ON
Wanted to comment on the franchising seminar I just finished with Franchise Academy. I really enjoyed the calm, professional delivery of the presenter, and he went through each slide with clear instruction that made everything easy to understand. The information about the different franchise models was especially useful to me, since I came into the seminar without much focus or direction. There were also a lot of insightful and practical questions discussed throughout. Even though there was a ton of information, I liked how it was broken up into different sections, which made it much easier to absorb. I walked away with a much more confident understanding of how to move forward. Definitely worth attending if you’re curious about franchising.
Social Worker - Thornhill, ON
★★★★★ I was deep into a discovery process and ready to sign when I took Shawn’s course. It completely changed my perspective. The validation process alone opened my eyes to risks I hadn’t considered. I walked away from that deal and I’m incredibly grateful I did. This course doesn’t just help you choose the right franchise, it helps you avoid the wrong one.
Restaurant Owner - Chicago, IL
I found The Franchise Academy course to be an incredibly robust and well-organized deep dive into the world of franchising. What sets it apart is Shawn Saraga’s actual track record—you can tell the advice comes from someone who has opened over 1,000 stores. It isn't just theory; it gives you the actual tools and negotiation tactics needed to navigate the industry without making rookie mistakes ★★★★★
Psychotherapist - Toronto, ON
★★★★★ Congratulations again on publishing your book and your course The course has been extremely valuable. It’s clear, practical, and really helpful for anyone trying to properly evaluate and choose the right franchise. It also does a great job explaining real due diligence before committing to a brand, which a lot of people usually overlook. I’d also recommend it to business owners thinking about franchising their concept, because it gives strong foundational knowledge from someone who clearly understands the industry at a high level. Having been in franchising for over five years myself, I can honestly say this is solid, real-world knowledge that’s not easy to find.
Franchisor - London, ON
★★★★ I came to this country knowing I wanted to own a business, but I had no idea where to start. Shawn’s course gave me a clear framework to evaluate franchises instead of just trusting sales pitches. I ended up choosing a QSR brand that actually fit my budget and lifestyle and I felt confident every step of the way. This course saved me from making a very expensive mistake.
Franchise Owner - Toronto, ON
We were looking for a way to take control of our future, but didn’t want to gamble on the wrong business. Shawn’s course helped us understand not just the numbers, but the day-to-day reality of ownership. We chose a franchise that fits our family life, not one that would consume it. That clarity was everything. ★★★★★
Salon Owner - Las Vegas, NV
Course Curriculum
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1
Module 1: Why Franchising?
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(Included in full purchase)
Module 1 Slides
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Module 1 Knowledge Check - Recommended Completion Time: 20–25 Minutes
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(Included in full purchase)
Personality Assessment: Franchise Screening Questionnaire
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(Included in full purchase)
© 2026 The Franchise Academy. All rights reserved.
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(Included in full purchase)
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2
Module 2: The Different Types of Franchises and Business Models
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(Included in full purchase)
Module 2 Slides
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Module 2 Knowledge Check - Recommended Completion Time: 20–25 Minutes
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(Included in full purchase)
© 2026 The Franchise Academy. All rights reserved.
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(Included in full purchase)
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3
Module 3: Ownership Models and Due Diligence
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(Included in full purchase)
Module 3 Slides
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Module 3 Knowledge Check - Recommended Completion Time: 20–25 Minutes
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(Included in full purchase)
Reminder: Please Complete the Worksheet
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Module 3 Worksheet
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(Included in full purchase)
© 2026 The Franchise Academy. All rights reserved.
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(Included in full purchase)
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4
Module 4: Franchise Agreement, Scaling, Revenue Streams, and Creating Your Shortlist
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(Included in full purchase)
Module 4 Slides
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Module 4 Knowledge Check - Recommended Completion Time: 20–25 Minutes
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(Included in full purchase)
© 2026 The Franchise Academy. All rights reserved.
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(Included in full purchase)
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5
Module 5: Financial Due Diligence & Legal Review
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(Included in full purchase)
Module 5 Slides
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Module 5 Knowledge Check - Recommended Completion Time: 20–25 Minutes
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(Included in full purchase)
© 2026 The Franchise Academy. All rights reserved.
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(Included in full purchase)
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6
Module 6: Interview and Validation Coaching Tools
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(Included in full purchase)
Module 6 Slides
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Module 6 Knowledge Check - Recommended Completion Time: 20–25 Minutes
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(Included in full purchase)
Reminder: Please Complete the Worksheet
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(Included in full purchase)
Module 6 Worksheet
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(Included in full purchase)
© 2026 The Franchise Academy. All rights reserved.
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(Included in full purchase)
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7
Module 7: Franchise Fundamentals and System Economics
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(Included in full purchase)
Module 7 Slides
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Module 7 Knowledge Check - Recommended Completion Time: 20–25 Minutes
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(Included in full purchase)
© 2026 The Franchise Academy. All rights reserved.
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(Included in full purchase)
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8
Module 8: Preparing for Franchise Ownership
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(Included in full purchase)
Module 8 Slides
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Module 8 Knowledge Check - Recommended Completion Time: 20–25 Minutes
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(Included in full purchase)
Reminder: Please Complete the Worksheet
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(Included in full purchase)
Module 8 Worksheet
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(Included in full purchase)
© 2026 The Franchise Academy. All rights reserved.
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(Included in full purchase)
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9
Module 9: Operational & Growth Planning
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(Included in full purchase)
Module 9 Slides
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Module 9 Knowledge Check - Recommended Completion Time: 20–25 Minutes
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(Included in full purchase)
Reminder: Please Complete the Worksheet
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(Included in full purchase)
Module 9 Worksheet
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(Included in full purchase)
© 2026 The Franchise Academy. All rights reserved.
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(Included in full purchase)
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10
Module 10: Conclusion
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(Included in full purchase)
Module 10 Slides
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(Included in full purchase)
© 2026 The Franchise Academy. All rights reserved.
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(Included in full purchase)
Have Questions? Join the Community for Support and Discussion
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(Included in full purchase)
Unlock the Secrets to Franchise Success
The franchise you choose will shape the next 5 to 10 years of your life. Most people make that decision based on a sales presentation and a gut feeling. This course gives you something better, a proven framework built from 20 years and 1,000+ locations, so you can make the most important business decision of your life with complete confidence. For $195 you get access to 10 modules, 39 lessons, worksheets, knowledge checks, and the exact due diligence process I use with private clients, all self-paced, all on demand. Enroll now. Your future self will thank you. © 2026 The Franchise Academy. All rights reserved. This course and its contents are protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or sharing is strictly prohibited.
$195.00
FAQ
How long will this take? The course is 10 modules and designed to be completed in approximately 10 hours. Everything is self-paced with lifetime access, so you can move as fast or as slow as your schedule allows. I'm already talking to a franchisor, is it too late? It's actually the best time to take this course. If you're in an active discovery process, the validation frameworks and financial due diligence modules will be immediately applicable to the conversations you're already having. Several students have taken this course mid-discovery and completely changed their approach or walked away from a bad deal entirely. Is this just for North American franchises? The core frameworks FDD analysis, financial due diligence, territory assessment, franchisee validation, apply to any franchise system anywhere. The course is built from North American experience but the methodology is universal and is applied throughout the Globe. I already own a franchise. Is this relevant to me? Absolutely. Several students are existing franchisees evaluating a second location or a new brand. The unit economics, territory, and scaling modules are directly applicable to multi-unit decisions. How is this different from free content on YouTube? YouTube gives you surface-level tips. This gives you a complete, structured due diligence framework, including worksheets, knowledge checks, a franchise screening questionnaire, and real-world case studies built from 20 years and 1,000+ locations. There's nothing comparable available at this price point. Is there a guarantee? Yes. If you complete the first module and don't feel it delivered value, contact us within 7 days of purchase for a full refund no questions asked. What if I have questions after completing the course? Enrolled students get access to the course community where you can post questions and connect with other franchise buyers. Shawn also periodically hosts live Q&A sessions announced to course members first.