Franchise Ownership Research Cohort, 5-Week Series

Have you or a loved one considered starting a franchise—but didn’t know where to begin?

Some people go straight to a franchise brand website and get caught in a whirlwind of sales calls. But what if you could shop smarter, ask better questions, and avoid costly mistakes and regrets?

That’s why Knabb Consulting created the Franchise Ownership Research Cohort—a 5-session group experience designed to help professionals, couples, and investors research franchise ownership the right way: with assessments, education, and clarity before speaking to any brands. 
After the cohort, you can choose when to go forward with Matching to a best-fit short list from over 500 franchise brands, followed by interviews with the Brands.

Tuesdays, January 20 to February 17, 2026
6:30–8:00 PM Central via Zoom
Camera encouraged – this is a live, interactive group (arrange for exception in advance)
Cost: $0, Click HERE to register via Eventbrite to receive the Calendar invite and Zoom information.

Led by Catherine Knabb (CLICK HERE for eCard for your phone), Certified Franchise Consultant and owner of Knabb Consulting, each session builds on the last to guide participants through:

• Self-assessment of values, goals, and lifestyle priorities

• Overview of business models, industries, and service types

• Deep dive into industry categories and emerging trends

• Funding and legal prep (with expert referrals available)

• Interview prep, validation strategies, and final legal steps

Book a Meeting: Have a meeting in advance with the Certified Franchise Consultant to see how to arrange for a $1000 savings on franchise fees you pay when ultimately signing a contract with a matched brand. Discover how you can also arrange for a private cohort series for you and family or friends who intend to start a business together. Click HERE to book the meeting.

2026 Cohort Dates (these may be adjusted thru the year):
Series 2026A - January 20 to February 17, 2026 from 6:30 to 8 pm Central via Zoom
Series 2026B - March 17 to April 14, 2026 from 6:30 to 8 pm Central via Zoom
Series 2026C - May 19 to June 16, 2026 from 6:30 to 8 pm Central via Zoom
Series 2026D - July 21 to August 18, 2026 from 6:30 to 8 pm Central via Zoom
Series 2026E - September 15 to October 13, 2026 from 6:30 to 8 pm Central via Zoom
Series 2026F - October 27 to November 11, 2026 from 6:30 to 8 pm Central via Zoom

Question: Why participate in a Cohort when I can work directly with the certified franchise consultant for free?
Answer: Experiencing a Co-learning with others interested in franchise provides you an opportunity to learn from questions asked by others. Everyone is usually interested in different industries, so it opens up the chance for insights from multiple perspectives. The result is that you are prepared to be more objective and ask better questions when it comes time to interview with brands. Click Here to see more about Franchise Research.

Perfect for people located in: Oklahoma City, OK; Tulsa, OK; Norman, OK; Wichita, KS; Kansas City, KS; Dallas, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Arlington, TX; Houston, TX; Austin, TX; San Antonio, TX; New Orleans, LA; Baton Rouge, LA; Shreveport, LA; Jackson, MS; Meridian, MS; Hattiesburg, MS; Gulfport, MS; Biloxi, MS; Memphis, TN; Nashville, TN; Knoxville, TN; Chattanooga, TN; Clarksville, TN; Little Rock, AR; Fayetteville, AR; Fort Smith, AR; Springfield, MO; St. Louis, MO; Kansas City, MO; Louisville, KY; Lexington, KY; Bowling Green, KY; Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Cleveland, OH; Dayton, OH; Indianapolis, IN; Fort Wayne, IN; Evansville, IN; Virginia Beach, VA; Richmond, VA; Norfolk, VA; Charleston, SC; Columbia, SC; Greenville, SC; Charlotte, NC; Raleigh, NC; Durham, NC; Savannah, GA; Atlanta, GA; Augusta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Montgomery, AL; Mobile, AL; Huntsville, AL; Jacksonville, FL; Tampa, FL; Orlando, FL; Miami, FL; Naples, FL; Lincoln, NE; Omaha, NE; and many other places as well.

Perfect for people interested in owning businesses in the following industries: Advertising & Marketing, Automotive, Building & Storage, Business Opportunities (not a franchise), Business Services, Business to Business, Canada Franchises, Child-Related, Cleaning & Maid Services, Coffee - Drinks, Computer & Internet, Dry Cleaning & Laundry, Education, Employment & Personnel, Expense Reduction, Financial and/or Insurance Services, Fitness, Food & Restaurants, Frozen Yogurt or Ice Cream, Games/Experience Venues, Green & Eco Friendly, Hair Care & Beauty Salons, Health, Beauty & Nutrition, Home-Based Businesses, Home Buying Brands, Home Services, International Franchises, Licensing Agreements, Maintenance, Management & Training, Master Franchises, Miscellaneous & Unique, Online Stores, Network Marketing Brands (Build Revenue Levels), Packaging & Mailing, Pest Control, Pet Related, Printing & Copying, Real Estate / Property Management, Repair & Restoration, Restaurants, Retail, Sales Training Services, Senior Care, Sports, Tanning Salons, Travel, Vending