Better questions start with better sources.
Official FTC, SBA, and Google resources for franchise research, financial planning, and local business visibility.
Go to the primary source
Use these official public resources alongside the relevant guide. The short descriptions identify why each source is useful; they do not replace reading the original material. Links were reviewed for this collection on September 17, 2026. Policies and program details may change.
FTC: A Consumer’s Guide to Buying a Franchise ↗
A broad starting point for costs, restrictions, franchisee contacts, and questions to investigate.
FTC: Franchise Rule overview ↗
The federal disclosure framework and links to official rule materials.
FTC: Reading the Franchise Disclosure Document ↗
A walkthrough of important FDD items and the questions they raise.
FTC: Considering, calculating, and consulting ↗
Guidance on reviewing documents, financial representations, and professional advice.
FTC: Franchise myths ↗
Cautions about control, owner involvement, and assumptions of guaranteed success.
SBA: Plan your business ↗
Official planning guidance covering business plans, startup costs, and funding questions.
SBA: 7(a) loans ↗
Current program information, potential uses, eligibility, and the lender application process.
Google: Local-ranking guidance ↗
Official information about accurate business profiles and local search factors.
Keep the context with the source
The FTC material uses U.S. franchise terminology. Financing depends on current program and lender requirements. Google guidance concerns its own products and does not establish a guaranteed marketing result. These organizations are not represented as sponsors or endorsers of FranchisingPodcast.com.
For a suggested research sequence, use the Start here reading paths. For a specific purchase, take the actual documents to independent professional advisers.