Yes, and in today’s economy, it’s one of the most accessible side businesses for professionals. As remote work, flexible schedules, and the gig economy reshape modern careers, many professionals are actively seeking ways to generate additional income without giving up their primary employment. Becoming a part-time franchise broker stands out as a highly flexible and scalable business opportunity, ideal for executives, corporate employees, managers, and consultants looking to enter the world of entrepreneurship on their own terms.

Franchise brokering allows professionals to work during evenings, weekends, or any available hours, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule. Unlike many traditional businesses, it requires minimal startup costs, no physical inventory, no office space, and no staff. The earning potential is significant, as brokers are compensated by helping aspiring entrepreneurs find and invest in franchise businesses that fit their goals and budgets.

This career path offers a clear transition plan. Many start as part-time franchise consultants and eventually scale into full-time business ownership as their network, experience, and client base grow. For individuals who want to do meaningful work, part-time franchise brokering provides the opportunity to guide others toward business ownership and financial independence.

Franchise brokering is one of the few industries where professionals can test entrepreneurship, earn income, and build a long-term career, all while maintaining the security of their current job.

The Rise of the Part-Time Franchise Broker.

Franchise brokerage, once seen as a niche corner of business consulting, has experienced significant growth over the past decade. More professionals are turning to this model as a low-barrier entry point into entrepreneurship. According to Franchise Business Review, demand for franchise consultants and brokers has risen sharply, fueled by growing interest in business ownership and accelerated by the widespread career shifts that followed the pandemic.

Part-time franchise brokers are taking advantage of this momentum by offering personalized advisory services to individuals exploring franchise ownership. Unlike franchisees who operate physical locations or franchisors who oversee franchise systems, brokers do not manage day-to-day operations, staffing, or inventory. Their role centers on guiding clients through the complex process of discovering, researching, and ultimately investing in the right franchise opportunities.

Because this advisory work is highly flexible, much of it can be performed:

• Remotely, from a home office
• During evenings or weekends
• With modest startup and operational overhead

Franchise brokering fits naturally into a part-time schedule for professionals with the discipline, time management skills, and motivation to learn and grow.

How to Become a Part-Time Franchise Broker.

The path to becoming a part-time franchise broker usually starts with formal training, certification, and access to a comprehensive franchisor inventory platform. Organizations such as the Franchise Brokers Association (FBA), Franchise Training Institute, and other industry leaders offer structured programs specifically designed for both full-time and part-time professionals entering the franchise consulting field.

Through these programs, new brokers receive targeted education in key areas that prepare them for client success. Training often includes:

• Franchise industry fundamentals
• Legal documents, including the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
• Client consultation strategies
• Ethics and compliance standards
• Brand matching techniques

Once training is complete, part-time franchise brokers can begin building their business by working with a select group of clients. Many brokers source their initial clients through personal networks, community events, or lead generation platforms provided by their broker network or parent organization.

What Does It Cost to Start Part-Time?

tarting as a part-time franchise broker requires an initial investment in training and tools—but is far more affordable than launching a traditional business. Here’s a snapshot of typical startup costs:

Franchise Broker Startup Costs

Because these costs are largely one-time or manageable on a monthly basis, many brokers can ease into the role without risking financial overextension—especially while maintaining their current job.

Why This Career Path Appeals to Side Hustlers and Career Explorers.

What makes part-time franchise brokerage so attractive to professionals balancing another job is not just the low cost of entry. It is the combination of flexibility, scalability, and purpose-driven work that allows individuals to build a meaningful business on their own terms.

Key benefits of starting part-time include:

• Scalable time commitment, allowing brokers to start with just one or two clients
• Remote-first operations, with most consultations conducted through Zoom, phone, or email
• No physical inventory, commercial leases, or employees to manage
• Performance-based rewards, where income potential grows with effort, not fixed hours
• An education-focused role, centered on guiding clients rather than using high-pressure sales tactics

In addition, many franchise broker networks offer business-in-a-box solutions that simplify the launch process. These systems often include:

• Professionally designed, done-for-you websites
• CRM platforms and pre-built email templates
• Ongoing mentorship, coaching, and community support

This blend of support and automation makes franchise brokering an ideal business for professionals looking to start small, work evenings or weekends, and scale at their own pace.

Support Systems for Part-Time Franchise Brokers.

The broker’s success often hinges on the support they receive from the network or platform they join. This is especially true for those pursuing the role part-time.

Part-Time Broker Support Options

Brokers working part-time may benefit most from support packages that help maximize time, automate follow-ups, and reduce learning curves.

Challenges of Being a Part-Time Franchise Broker.

While part-time franchise brokering offers flexibility and strong earning potential, it also comes with unique challenges that require discipline and proactive planning. Success in this field—whether part-time or full-time—depends on consistency, client responsiveness, and relationship-building. Part-time brokers should carefully consider the following factors:

• Availability and Responsiveness: Clients may need consultations during regular business hours. Managing expectations and timely follow-ups is critical.
• Delayed Compensation: Commissions are typically paid after deals are finalized, often months later. Cash flow planning is essential.
• Regulatory Compliance: Franchise sales are regulated. Choose a broker network that offers compliance resources.
• Client Trust: Establishing credibility may be harder if your availability is limited.
• Learning Curve: Ongoing education is key, as franchising has a unique industry language and legal framework.

Who Thrives as a Part-Time Franchise Broker?

While franchise brokering offers significant opportunity, it is not the perfect fit for everyone. However, many professionals do excel in this role. Based on industry experience and platform insights, individuals who thrive as part-time franchise brokers often demonstrate the following traits:

• Strong communicators who listen and guide clients
• Self-starters with personal drive and initiative
• Educators at heart who explain complex ideas clearly
• Time managers who plan and schedule effectively
• Relationship-builders who nurture client trust

For professionals who share these qualities, part-time franchise brokering offers a flexible, rewarding career path that can align closely with both personal and financial goals.

Franchise Brokerage: A Smart Next Step for Modern Professionals.

The landscape of business ownership is evolving, and so are the pathways into entrepreneurship. According to FRANdata, thousands of franchise brands across diverse industries are actively seeking qualified franchise candidates. Yet, many prospective franchise owners struggle to navigate the overwhelming number of options. This is where franchise brokers play a pivotal role.

For modern professionals seeking to create a second income stream, explore entrepreneurship, or eventually transition out of a traditional 9-to-5 career, franchise brokering offers a scalable, rewarding, and highly flexible business model. It combines the opportunity to build financial independence with the satisfaction of helping others make life-changing business decisions.

Franchise brokering is not simply a side gig. It is a career path that empowers professionals to guide others toward business ownership while simultaneously building a business of their own.

Charting Your Course Toward Part-Time Brokerage.

Can you be a part-time franchise broker while working another job? The answer is yes. This flexible, modern career path aligns with the realities of today’s workforce. Whether you are gradually entering entrepreneurship, diversifying your income, or testing a new career direction, part-time franchise brokering offers a scalable, low-risk, and rewarding entry point.

By stepping into franchise consulting, you gain valuable industry knowledge, build meaningful client relationships, and play a direct role in helping others achieve business ownership—all while maintaining the stability of your current career. With proper training, the right tools, and a strong support network, part-time franchise brokerage can evolve into a long-term business that grows alongside your professional goals.

If you’re curious, coachable, and committed to ethical client service, franchise brokerage can be an ideal path into entrepreneurship. With the right franchise broker training, expert mentorship, and a growth-focused mindset, you can build a rewarding, flexible, and future-proof career in franchise consulting.

Ready to get started? The Franchise Training Institute offers the resources and support you need to launch your career as a successful franchise broker. Learn more.