Why franchising is a smart move for a young business owner

There is no shortage of ambition in the UK. Access to support is the gap.

Since 2012, the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme has issued more than 15,000 loans worth over £100m to founders aged 18 to 24. At the same time, research linked to the Federation of Small Businesses found that nearly 60% of young people dream of starting a business, but only 16% actually take the leap. And only around a third say they received business start-up guidance at secondary school.

So when you see endless lists of business ideas for young adults, it is not the ideas that people lack. It is the guidance.

That is why franchising can be a smart move for a young business owner. You still build something that is yours, but you do it with structure, training, and a proven model. You become part of a recognised brand, with a support team behind you, so you are not building every system from scratch. That often means faster progress in the areas that matter, like recruiting, winning customers, and building a reputation.

Why home care is a strong sector for a young business owner

Home care is a long-term need in every part of the UK. It is also local by nature. You build trust in your town or city, form partnerships with people who support older and vulnerable residents and become known for quality.

For a young business owner, that stability matters. It means you can build a service that grows year on year, with a reputation that strengthens over time. You are not chasing the next big thing. You are building something that stays valuable because it is needed.

This is also where purpose becomes a real business advantage. When the work matters, people feel it. Customers feel it. Your team feels it. It helps you retain good people and build a culture you are proud of, which is essential in care.

For many people comparing business ideas, that combination of demand and purpose is what makes care stand out.

What experience do you need

You do not need a care background to run a Caremark franchise. You do need strong standards, people skills, and the ability to lead.

Many Caremark franchise owners come from commercial and leadership roles. Business development, operations, HR, project delivery, and senior management experience can translate well.

It is also normal to have questions about regulation and quality if you have not worked in care before. With Caremark, you are not expected to know everything on day one. You are expected to be willing to learn, follow a proven framework, and build a great team around you.

A real franchise owner’s perspective on starting younger

Kawan Mirzayi, franchise owner of Caremark North Norfolk and Great Yarmouth, is 27 years old. He shares why he chose franchising and Caremark.

“I went into franchising at a younger age because I wanted to build something long-term and meaningful, rather than waiting until later in life. My time in the Army gave me discipline, structure, and confidence to take responsibility early on. I chose Caremark because its values aligned with mine, the support from head office is strong, and there’s a genuine focus on delivering high-quality care while building a sustainable business.”

Young does not always mean early 20s

A lot of “young entrepreneur” content assumes you are 19 with a side hustle and a laptop.

If you are in your 30s or 40s, you can still be a young business owner. You can build an asset over the next 10 to 15 years, grow a reputation, develop leaders, and create something you can pass on or sell later.

For many people, the decision is not “Am I too young?”. It is “Am I ready to build properly?”

Who tends to do well as a young entrepreneur in franchising

If you want to become a young business owner through franchising, focus on fit.

You are likely to do well if you:

• Enjoy leading people and setting standards
• Can make decisions with logic
• Like building relationships in your community
• Are comfortable with targets and basic finances
• Want to build a business that reflects your values
• Prefer a proven system over constant reinvention

Business ownership is not about being the loudest person in the room. It is about being consistent, dependable, and willing to take responsibility. Those traits build trust fast, and trust is everything in care.

Bank funding routes, and how young business owners approach finance

One of the biggest fears for a young business owner is leaving a secure salary and putting savings at risk.

That fear is sensible and should be taken seriously.

Some franchise owners fund their investment through a mix of personal funds and bank lending. Funding is always subject to status and lender criteria, but there are clear steps you can take to strengthen your position.

Banks often want to see:

• A clear business plan with realistic projections
• Evidence of relevant leadership experience
• Sensible personal investment into the business
• Understanding of risk and how you will manage it
• A clear view of the local market and your plan to grow

If you are exploring bank funding routes, treat it like a professional proposal. Keep your assumptions grounded. Know your numbers. Be clear on the support you will receive and how you will use it.

A good franchisor will help you gather the right information for your planning and due diligence. At Caremark, we can introduce you to lenders who understand franchising and may fund up to 70% of the investment, subject to status. We will also help you prepare properly for due diligence, so you go into finance conversations with confidence.

The network effect and why franchising helps you grow faster

One of the hardest parts of starting a business is the early build phase. You are making decisions fast, while still building confidence.

This is another huge advantage in franchising as a young entrepreneur.

A strong franchise network should give you:

• Training that helps you learn the model step by step
• Operational and compliance support as you grow
• Marketing support that helps you build local visibility
• A community of franchise owners who share what works
• Ongoing development as your business scales

A better question than “What business should I start?”

If you are still exploring business ideas for young adults, it is worth asking a bigger question.

Do you want a side project, or do you want a long-term asset you are proud to own?

Franchising is not the only route. But for a young business owner who wants purpose, structure, and a proven path, it can be one of the strongest.

If that sounds like you, Caremark could be a strong fit. The next step is to speak to the team, learn how the model works, and see whether this is the right business for you and your goals.