Franchising vs starting from scratch - which is the right path for you?

More people than ever are exploring self-employment – whether it’s about finding purpose, improving work-life balance or simply taking control of their future. But when it comes to launching a business, do you start from scratch, or should you look at alternative options – such as investing in a franchise?

It’s a big choice and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both paths come with their own rewards – and risks. That’s why it’s so important to think carefully about what kind of support, structure and flexibility you really want.

Here, Frank Milner, president of global tutoring franchise Tutor Doctor, (pictured) shares his thoughts on the pros and cons of each route – and why franchising is ultimately a smart, purpose-driven choice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The case for starting from scratch

Starting your own business is undeniably empowering. You have complete creative freedom – from brand identity and pricing strategy to how you deliver your services. For entrepreneurs with strong personal vision, a blank canvas can be exhilarating.

However, that freedom comes with significant responsibility. Without the backing of an established brand or operational support, everything rests on your shoulders – marketing, logistics, recruitment compliance – the lot. There’s also the risk that your idea may not resonate in the market or that reaching profitability takes far longer than expected.

For experienced business minds or innovators with a truly unique offering, the rewards can be worth it. But it’s a high-stakes game, especially in sectors with tight regulations or high upfront demands.

The franchise route

In contrast, franchising offers a blend of entrepreneurship and structure. You still own and run your business, but you’re doing so under the umbrella of a tried-and-tested model. That means you’re not figuring everything out on your own.

From day one, you benefit from brand recognition, operational systems, marketing tools and ongoing training. These elements significantly reduce the risk of common startup pitfalls and often allow franchisees to achieve profitability faster.

It’s particularly advantageous for those entering complex or tightly regulated industries. Rather than worrying about compliance or reinventing operational workflows, franchisees can focus on customer relationships, growth and impact.

Why expertise matters

Take education, for example – a sector where regulations, safeguarding and accountability are non-negotiable. Going it alone would mean mastering these responsibilities from scratch, which can be overwhelming.

With Tutor Doctor, franchisees have access to a network of experts who guide them through essential areas like safeguarding and inspections, safer recruitment practices and child protection. That kind of specialist support reduces stress alongside building a stronger, safer business from the ground up.

Purpose-driven business, built your way

Franchising has evolved beyond the traditional, uniform model. Today, many modern franchises, like Tutor Doctor, offer a framework that allows franchisees to build meaningful, community-focused businesses with a clear sense of purpose.

At Tutor Doctor, franchisees are empowered to shape their operations around their goals—whether that means partnering with local authorities, designing educational programmes that reflect their values, or addressing specific needs in their communities. This isn’t about fitting work around your life; it’s about building a business that reflects what you stand for and the change you want to create.

Investment vs independence

One of the main deterrents to franchising is the upfront cost. It’s true that starting solo can seem cheaper at the beginning – no franchise fees, fewer commitments and complete control over how you spend. But those initial savings can be quickly outweighed by the hidden costs of trial and error, missed opportunities and the slower pace of building everything from scratch.

Without an established network, solo founders often find themselves investing large portions of time and money into developing basic systems – from marketing and recruitment to compliance and customer service – before they can even think about scaling. The journey can be isolating, uncertain and expensive.

Franchise fees, on the other hand, don’t just buy you a name – they provide access to refined systems, hands-on support and proven strategies that would take years to develop independently. You’re not paying for a shortcut, but for a head start – and for the confidence you’re not navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship alone.

Choose what’s right for you

Whether you build from scratch or step into a franchise, the most important thing is that your business journey aligns with your values, lifestyle and long-term vision.

If you’re looking to combine autonomy with external support and make a meaningful difference in your community without sacrificing income or structure, franchising could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.

Get in touch today and discover more about the Tutor Doctor franchise