I AM keen to start a business from home and have a few good ideas but have been putting it off for years as I don't know how to make that first step. I am meticulous but work better to guidelines than from scratch. I am also looking for flexibility as I have a young family. Would a franchise suit me better? What are the pros and cons for franchising as opposed to pursuing my own idea for a business? And, if I go down the franchising path, are there mentors to guide me?
Running your own business, be it a franchise or a start-up, takes a massive commitment.
I understand you have a young family and are looking for flexibility but the reality of the situation is that starting a business is a 24-hour job. So you need to be ready for that regardless of which way you decide to go.
My first question is: What kind of capital do you have to invest in this business? Starting up is capital-intensive and you need a way to support yourself and your family while the business is in that initial growth phase. Even if you're engaging in a franchise structure, you'll still be required to put your own money in, and it can get quite expensive.
Franchising is a good option if you're looking for a structure in which you can be your own boss without having to deal with many of the start-up hurdles.
Joining a franchise can make it easier to hit the ground running, and your best bet would be to look for one that has an induction and training process that will get you moving as soon as possible. Franchises come with the support of a network, but they can also be quite strict in their processes. So you need to be comfortable with giving up some control, as well as some revenue, to be successful in a franchise environment.
No matter what you decide to do, start with a plan, research all the options and make sure you understand the capital requirements necessary to get off the ground.
I am a mortgage broker and my company contracts to the bank to sell home loans and related products. I have the chance to purchase an existing loan book but all the major banks are reluctant to lend against this type of security. Are there other ways to finance or invest in this purchase?
The reality of the lending situation today is that the big banks are hesitant to give small businesses a crack. The residential mortgage market is profitable for the banks, so they are concentrating their lending in that market. Because business lending is riskier and more expensive, the banks are pumping funds into home loans and side-stepping small business looking to break into the market.
The hard truth is that you'll probably have to borrow against your home or have the person who's selling you the loan book provide the funding and you can pay it off over time.
The loan book will provide you with a database of customers, so if you can get the business off the ground and start making some revenue, it would be a good option to look at vendor funding that you can pay off.
Mark Bouris is executive chairman of Yellow Brick Road, a wealth-management company and small business adviser that sells products and services for home loans, financial planning, insurance, superannuation, investments, accounting and tax. His advice here is intended as guidance only. Go to ybr.com.au.
If you have a question for Mark Bouris email it to Max Mason at max.mason@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Should I choose a franchise or start my own business if I want flexibility while raising a young family?
Franchising can provide structure and support that helps you hit the ground running, but starting any business—franchise or independent—is still a huge time commitment. The article warns that running a business is often a 24-hour job, so you should be prepared for that reality. Franchises may offer more processes and training, which can help with consistency and time management, but they can also be strict and require you to give up some control and a portion of revenue.
What are the pros and cons of franchising versus pursuing my own business idea?
Pros of franchising include an established structure, induction and training programs, and a support network that can reduce start-up hurdles and speed early progress. Cons include less control over business processes, sharing revenue with the franchisor, and potentially strict operational rules. Starting your own business gives more control and creativity but usually requires more work creating systems from scratch and may involve greater early risk and uncertainty.
How much capital will I need to start a business or buy into a franchise?
The article emphasises that starting up is capital‑intensive. You need enough capital to cover startup costs and a way to support yourself and your family while the business grows. Even in a franchise, you must invest your own money and costs can add up, so research the specific capital requirements carefully before deciding.
Are there mentors or training programs available if I join a franchise?
Yes — many franchises offer induction and training processes and a broader support network to help new franchisees get moving quickly. The article suggests looking for franchises with solid training and onboarding, which can act like mentorship to guide you through early operations.
As a mortgage broker, how can I finance the purchase of an existing loan book if major banks won’t lend?
The article notes that big banks are reluctant to lend against loan‑books. Practical alternatives include borrowing against your home or arranging vendor financing where the seller funds the purchase and you pay them back over time. Vendor funding can make sense if the loan book gives you a customer database and you can generate revenue to service the repayment.
Why are major banks hesitant to lend to small businesses buying assets like loan books?
According to the article, big banks are focusing their lending on the residential mortgage market because it's more profitable. Business lending is seen as riskier and more expensive, so banks are prioritising home loans and often sidestepping small business lending opportunities.
What first steps should I take before launching a franchise or start‑up?
Start with a clear plan and thorough research. Understand the capital requirements, evaluate how much personal financial support you’ll need during the growth phase, compare franchise induction/training and support, and weigh the operational constraints versus the benefits. The article emphasises planning and researching all options before committing.
Who provided the advice in the article and how can I ask a follow‑up question?
The advice comes from Mark Bouris, executive chairman of Yellow Brick Road, a wealth‑management and small business advisory company. His guidance is intended as general guidance only. The article says you can send questions for Mark Bouris to Max Mason at max.mason@fairfaxmedia.com.au and refers to ybr.com.au for more information.
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