It varies a lot by brand, and by whether you need premises. In the bfa/NatWest Franchise Survey 2018, franchisees took about 18 weeks on average from first enquiry to signing the agreement, and then about 10 more weeks to start trading.
Where the time usually goes
- Research and meetings: discovery days, talking to existing franchisees and checking the franchisor. See How do I check a franchisor before I invest?.
- Your business plan and forecast. See Does the franchisor's forecast replace my own business plan?.
- Legal review of the franchise agreement. See What should I check in a franchise agreement?.
- Finance: preparing and progressing your application.
- Set-up: finding and fitting out premises, buying a vehicle or equipment, and training.
What can make it quicker
- a home-based or van-based model with no premises to find
- having your documents ready. See What documents do I need for franchise finance?.
- talking to us about funding early, before you sign
Start Up Loan timings
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026