Unlimited Access

One year subscription to our small business video library

Flexible

Learn at your own pace anywhere, anytime, on any device

Expert Instructors

Our engaging instructors cover more than 100 vital small business subjects

Users

GoForth has trained over 10,000 entrepreneurs and counting

Educating, Engaging and Inspiring Entrepreneurs

GoForth offers Canada's leading small business training program, helping entrepreneurs across the country run better businesses, become better leaders, embrace change and face the future with more confidence. Learn more about our training and get inspired.

"GoForth is a paradigm-shifter. They’ve figured out how to deliver fast, affordable, really effective and convenient entrepreneurship education. This is a game changer in Canada."

Patrick Lor - Co-founder of iStockphoto and CEO of Dissolve

"This course informed me of aspects of business that I had never thought about before, such as how to take legal action, managing accounting and finance, and how crucial it is to have your business down on paper before launching into it."

Erin Ignatio - Fine Artist and Milliner

"I’ve run a small business for over 10 years and thought I knew what I was doing – until I took GoForth’s course. Wow, where was this 10 years ago?"

Maritza Leach, Owner, Kantera - Elegance in Stone

Expert Entrepreneurs and Resources at Your Fingertips

Our small business experts have answered over 1,000 entrepreneurship questions in the Ask an Expert section. And if you’re looking for getting-started guides, calculators, templates, checklists, or small business articles, search our comprehensive Resources section.

Have a burning business question? Just looking for a little advice? Maybe you want to see what a cashflow forecast should look like, or what a successful business plan should include. Our resource library has all this and more. No problem.

Ask an Expert Access Free Resources

Visit GoForth Institute's Blog for Trending Business Topics

How to spot franchise fraud

20 October 2018, 10:00 am by Samantha Garner

Franchising can be a relatively low-risk pathway into entrepreneurship – they get support and direction from the franchisor, and follow the structures laid out by the franchisor. However, sometimes, a franchise opportunity can seem too good to be true. Not all franchises are created equal, and you can’t necessarily buy into any franchise and wait for your riches to roll in.

How to spot a franchise scam

If you spot the following franchise scam warning signs, look elsewhere:

Overdressed salesperson trying to pitch a fast sale
Pressure for franchisees to sign gag orders
Insistence on cash transactions only
Exaggerated earnings
Promising a proven business model or proprietary technology that doesn’t exist
Promising training that never materializes
Forcing franchisees to spend money on so-called improvements
Failure to provide disclosure

How do you avoid franchise fraud?

To help you avoid franchise scam, you can choose to work only with a franchisor who is a member of the Canadian Franchise Association. Do your research. Be thorough, double-check everything, and get advice from trusted colleagues or professional advisors. And listen to your instincts!

Buying into a franchise can be a proven and relatively secure pathway to entrepreneurship, but it’s an investment in your future that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Visit the GoForth Blog