Target Audience: MSME owners in India who have a successful local business (like a shop, café, service or product) and are considering expansion via franchising.
Why MSMEs Are Exploring Franchising ?
Franchising used to be a model for large brands only. But today, Indian MSMEs from cities like Surat, Udaipur, Bhopal, Kochi, Lucknow and others are exploring this route to scale quickly—without huge investment.
The model allows others to run a business using your brand name, process, and product—while you earn through fees, supplies, or revenue share.
But is it worth it?
How Franchising Works (in Simple Words)
You = Franchisor: Own the original business, set systems
Other = Franchisee: Pays to open/use your brand in their area
You provide training, branding, vendor info, or raw materials
They run operations & share profits or pay fees
When Franchising Makes Sense for a Small Business
YES – If you have:
Proven business model with steady profits
Unique brand name, recipes, or systems others can replicate
Capacity to train and support new branches
Demand in other cities or states
NO – If you:
Still figuring out your product or operations
Depend heavily on your personal involvement
Cannot ensure brand consistency in other cities
Don’t want to deal with legal complexities
Pros of Franchising for MSMEs
Cons of Franchising for MSMEs
Franchise Models You Can Choose
Costs Involved in Franchising
How to Legally Start Franchising in India
Register your brand/trademark
Draft a Franchise Agreement (fees, duration, territory, brand terms)
Prepare training SOPs, manuals, menus, branding
Find franchisees through:
Sumvaad Bazaar or B2B networks
Your own customer base
Franchise listing sites
Onboard with proper checks, payments & launch plan
Geo-Tip: Franchising in Tier 2/3 Cities
Franchising often works better in smaller towns for categories like:
Local food/snack brands (like Bikaneri Namkeen, Indori Poha)
Beauty parlours, mobile repair, or coaching centers
Budget fashion brands or tailoring services
Cities like Nagpur, Mysore, Madurai, Siliguri, Raipur, Dehradun are prime for affordable franchising in 2025.
Checklist: Ready to Franchise?
You have stable profits & demand
Brand name/logo registered
Clear systems for training + service
Willing to invest in documentation
Can handle franchise support remotely
Franchising is Growth with Responsibility
Franchising can turn your small business into a national brand—but only if your systems are strong. It’s not passive income. It’s partnership at scale.