Learn steps to consider before becoming a franchisee including key requirements for success, how to evaluate a franchise brand, and completion of a four-question personal audit of money, time, and skills. Jason Quach, franchise owner of ShareTea Bakersfield and ShareTea Delano shares his franchising insights with SBDC director Kelly Bearden on this week’s free webinar.

This marks the 374th episode of the “Webinar Wednesday” business series that provides news and information helpful to employers and business owners.

The CSU Bakersfield SBDC provides free one-on-one help to small business owners. New and existing businesses can go to https://csubsbdc.com/ for more information or to sign up to meet with a business advisor at no cost.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro

00:21 What’s up today March 11, 2026

02:36 Poll #1: “If you were considering a franchise, how much money do you think you would spend? How much money do you think you would need to borrow?”

04:35 Poll #2: “What is the biggest concern you have about buying a franchise?”

06:24 Poll #3: “What is your current relationship with franchising?”

08:05 Capital Corridor: Franchises & SBA Lending

-Why franchises often qualify for SBA loans (proven model, predictable revenue, franchise registry/directory)

11:19 SBA Franchise Registry & Directory SBA Franchise Directory https://www.sba.gov/document/support-sba-franchise-directory

12:33 Why the SBA Franchise Directory Matters

13:12 Economic Corner: Macroeconomic Context & Franchising Impact

-Short economic update (inflation, jobs), and discussion of franchising’s economic benefits (jobs, GDP, local development)

16:05 Federal Reserve Survey: AI Usage Among Small Businesses

-New regional vs. national AI usage stats and SBDC AI support resources.

17:59 Subscribe to our CSUB SBDC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@csubsbdc

19:16 Kelly introduces today’s guest: Jason Quach, franchise owner of ShareTea Bakersfield and ShareTea Delano https://www.facebook.com/Shareteabako/

20:33 Jason begins his presentation

22:58 Top Three Broken Franchising Promises

23:31 Broken Promise 1: Plug, Play, No Risk

24:02 Risk & Financial Liability for Franchisees

-Discussion of start-up costs, loans, leases, and borrower liability

24:42 Market Volatility & Royalties Impact

-How external events (tariffs, reputational risk) and top-line franchise fees/royalties can affect franchisee margins

27:32 Broken Promise 2: It operates itself you just sit back and collect the checks!

-Reality Check: You Run the Business!

29:53 Broken Promise 3: Be in business for yourself, not by yourself

30:03 Franchise Agreements & Franchisor Power

-Discussion of contract terms, territorial issues, and how franchisor rules can limit independence

32:29 Jason’s Personal Story & Why He Chose to become a ShareTea franchisee

-Background, working at Starbucks to learn systems, and identifying market need for boba in Bakersfield

35:48 Systems & Operational Practices Jason Adopted

-Examples: cash drawer checks, promotions, team operations, accountability systems

38:23 Next Steps for Prospective Franchisees

Franchise Business Review https://franchisebusinessreview.com/

38:41 Complete the Mirror Audit (why, money, time, skill gaps)

42:04 Franchise Research (talk to other owners, learn systems)

BizBuySell https://www.bizbuysell.com/

42:53 Prepare for meetings (2–3 target franchises, draft plan, questions)

44:16 Kelly & Jason take questions from attendees