Can I Get a Qualification in Franchising?

Study to be a franchisee? Yes, you can! An increasingly popular field of study overseas, educational institutes are teaching eager wannabe or existing franchisees all they need to know about owning and operating a franchise. Time to give yourself the edge and bump up your life experience and on-the-job training with a formal franchise course…

Do I need a tertiary qualification to be a franchisor?

While every franchise has its own particular criteria, having a tertiary qualification is not necessarily one of them. Often, franchisors emphasise experience, industry skills and character over formal qualifications, although they do add that having a tertiary qualification in Business Management or Franchise Management may be an advantage.

What will I learn on a franchise course?

Franchise courses typically cover aspects of owning and operating a franchise, including:

• The franchise model and how it works
• Legal aspects – including the Competitions Act, the Consumer Protection Act, the National Credit Act and the legal requirements for franchising
• Marketing and promoting a franchise
• Franchise relations and quality control
• Franchise business planning and strategy
• Franchise management
• Financial management.

Who runs franchising courses in South Africa?

Although many credible international institutions offer courses in franchising up to a postgraduate degree level – for example, Georgetown University’s Certificate in Franchise Management – South African higher education institutes have been slow to offer courses focusing specifically on franchising. Here’s a small selection of what’s on offer locally:

• The Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) offers one-day workshops and longer courses in franchising.
• The Da Vinci Institute offers a South African Qualification Authority (SAQA)-approved Professional Qualification in Franchising, aimed at senior and middle franchise management, new and existing franchisees and small business owners who are considering franchising their business.
• Franchise consultancy FranchisingPlus offers franchise training courses accredited by the Institute for Marketing Management (IMM).
• College Campus’ Entrepreneurship for Small Business course covers all aspects of running a small business, including understanding the franchise market.

Author: Franchise Finder, Online Directory of Franchises and Business Opportunities in South Africa