The franchise world isn’t just thriving—it’s shifting. And in that shift lies your chance to find a business opportunity that fits your goals, not someone else’s.

Franchise ownership is one of the most powerful paths to building long-term wealth and gaining control over your time—but not every franchise is the right fit for every person. So how do you know which opportunity aligns with your lifestyle, strengths, and financial goals? Before you invest, it’s critical to ask the right questions and evaluate the business model that works best for you.

Heads up, franchise fans—noncompete clauses just got kicked in the teeth. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) just dropped a legal bomb: a final rule banning most noncompete agreements for employees nationwide. If you’ve ever relied on these clauses to protect your business—or worried they might come back to haunt you—here’s everything you need to know. And yes, franchising is in the crosshairs, but not exactly how you’d think.