Guide to Starting a Training Business: Franchise vs Freelance Models and Business Potential

Dear members,

This forum is doing an excellent job in exchanging ideas. Thanks to all for being so generous in sharing ideas and resources.

I am working in the Middle East and am planning to return to India by early next year. I am not a training professional (I am into IT). I am very passionate about training. I am very keen to establish a training institute in India. The options I am considering are:

1. Be a franchise of an established training company:
- Set up own training rooms and other infrastructure.
- Trainers to be employed full-time.

2. Start a training center that can provide hundreds of training programs:
- Mainly corporate programs.
- Programs to be conducted in a hotel or at client premises.
- Bring freelance trainers for various programs depending on need.

3. Be a freelance trainer:
- Myself to conduct a few training programs.
- Conduct programs in a hotel or through schools/colleges.

I have ZERO experience in running a business and have only limited experience in conducting training programs.

Which of the above would be a good model? What is the scope of such a business? What are the risks/challenges?

I would really appreciate any ideas/suggestions/advice you can share.

Thanks in advance,

- Mathew Jacob

Dear Mathew,

Please monitor my following reply to one of the earlier posts: https://www.citehr.com/260478-starti...ml#post1181231.

Thanks,

Dinesh V Divekar

Great decision... But learn something and work with an organization or institute for at least 1 year. Start on your own with experience, ready to make mistakes, work with people, and have knowledge of cross-platform education like sales, business development, content, etc.

Thanks,

Abhishek Dhotre
Manager - Training & Development
ICPL-Mumbai

Take a franchise. It will give you a low-risk learning opportunity to earn revenues and see actual business action while you learn a lot of valuable stuff.

After 2-4 years running a franchise, you may decide to go on your own or open more franchise centers.

Dear Matthew and all,

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I am going through a similar situation and am interested in starting a training business.

I have over 7 years of telecom experience with leading vendors. However, the employment market has become less promising, and personally, I am looking to transition to something new. I want to work for myself and stop relying on a job in an unstable market.

I recognize the significant business potential in training, irrespective of the subject matter. All the models suggested by Matthew are viable and sustainable, but they may not be feasible at the same level of experience:

The freelance model, the last one mentioned, can be initiated at any time. However, it is limited in activity and suitable for small-scale endeavors.

The second model, following the freelance option, involves having a clear business idea and operational model. With specific target customers in mind, you can offer a variety of training programs with a team of trainers. This model is efficient, particularly for clients seeking cost-effective training solutions at the corporate or individual level. To succeed, though, a robust marketing strategy is crucial.

Regarding the first model, establishing a franchised training center requires more experience in the training industry. Your institute must be well-established and reputable to gain the trust of major players. This model offers a broader working scope, regular registrations from companies, and the potential to employ full-time trainers in your franchised institute.

Please feel free to contact me via email at rzco at msn dot com.

I would like to connect with Matthew after more than 2 years to seek his advice.

Thank you.

Hi All,

I wanted to know the progress of Mathew's plan, his observations, and experiences. However, I would also like to know how to start a professional certification center offering courses like ITIL, PMP, CBAP, etc.

Is this venture profitable, and what level of expertise and investment is required?

Cheers!

Bronze