Franchise Education Center
“The more you learn, the less you know.”
- Anonymous
2026 Franchise Development Market Update: A Look Back at Q1 Through Q3
Three quarters into 2026, the franchise development market looks different than it did a year ago. Budgets are still climbing. But the bigger story is how the rules of winning a franchisee changed. This franchise development market update looks back at January through September and what it means for the rest of your year.
SBA Financing Changes and The Impacts on Franchise Development
Over the next 12 to 18 months, the SBA is rolling out some of the most consequential franchise financing changes in years, reshaping who qualifies for SBA-backed loans and how those loans are underwritten. For franchisors and development teams that rely on 7(a) and 504 financing to support growth, these are not minor compliance updates. They affect candidate eligibility, lender review, capital requirements, approval timelines, and ultimately how scalable a franchise model is when prospective owners need outside financing.