As a franchise consultant, I get this question regularly from candidates trying to decide if they should explore entrepreneurship through franchising or try opening an independent business. Traditionally, franchises have been considered safer bets than startups because franchise businesses offer unmatched levels of support along with proven business models of success.

However, do a search of success rates for franchise business vs. independent startups and you’ll get a wide range of answers, none of which can be considered conclusive. However, a recent study posted on entrepreneur.com revealing why small businesses generally fail confirms what I’ve believed all along:

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