Not always. Many franchisees come from a different career, and the franchisor's training is designed to fill the gap. Lenders look at your wider skills and background, not only at experience in that industry.
What lenders look for instead
- Transferable skills: managing people, sales, customer service or running a budget.
- The franchisor's training and support: what it covers, and how long it lasts.
- A credible plan: realistic numbers that show you understand the business. See Does the franchisor's forecast replace my own business plan?.
- Your commitment: including what you're putting in yourself. See How much of my own money do I need for a franchise?.
When experience matters more
- Larger investments, such as premises-based or multi-unit franchises.
- Specialist or regulated trades, where qualifications may be required.
- Buying an existing franchise, where lenders want confidence that you can keep it trading. See Can I get finance to buy an existing franchise?.
Tell your story well
A short summary of your experience is on our document checklist. Explain what you've done that's relevant, even if it's from a different sector. See What documents do I need for franchise finance?.
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026