Preview: figures awaiting verification
Some numbers on this page haven't been checked against their sources yet.
Business Coaching and Consulting Business
A home-based service coaching small-business owners on growth, sales, operations and leadership, one-on-one or in groups, that costs little to start but usually takes a long time to fill with paying clients.
Figures last verified October 31, 2026
$318 – $2,057*Pending verificationSourcesApple Store — Buy 13-inch MacBook Air(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Secretary of State — Business entities fee schedule (Rev. 06/2018)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Squarespace — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026HubSpot — CRM pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Calendly — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 5 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Startup cost
Coming soon
Time to first revenue
High
Difficulty
Low
Physical demand
Yes
Can run solo
Year-round; owners often start programs in January and pull back in downturns
Seasonality
* Startup cost excludes budget lines we haven't sourced yet.
Risk Meter
Eight factors from this guide's own data, each scored 1 (lowest risk) to 5 (highest). Every score shows why.
Overall risk
Moderate
2.5 out of 5
Average of 6 of 8 factors, weighted equally. 1 is the lowest risk and 5 the highest. It measures risk, not how much you'll earn, and it isn't a prediction. How we score risk.
Money at risk
Not scoredAt least $2,057
2 startup lines aren't sourced yet, so the real total is higher. We'll score this once the budget is complete.
Time to earn it back
Not scoredNo data
This guide has no sourced revenue forecast.
Franchise closure rate
5 / 519.3% a yearPending verificationSourcesActionCOACH (Buji LLC, Great Lakes master licensee) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026FocalPoint Coaching (unit franchise) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 10, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026The Growth Coach 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026The Alternative Board (TAB Boards International) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Closures = terminations + non-renewals + outlets that ceased operations, divided by franchised outlets at the start of the year.
Average of 4 brands: ActionCOACH 14.3% (2025); FocalPoint Coaching 20.4% (2025); The Growth Coach 25.0% (2025); The Alternative Board (TAB) 17.7% (2025). Our calculation from each FDD's Item 20.
Loan default rate
4 / 59.9% vs 7.2% for all industriesPending verificationSourceSBA 7(a) FOIA loan-level data, files as of September 30, 2026 (our count by NAICS code)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Charged off = the SBA wrote off the unpaid balance after the borrower stopped paying. An industry code can include businesses unlike this one.
218 of 2,209 SBA 7(a) loans to Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services (NAICS 541611), approved FY2010–2019, were charged off. Our count from the SBA's loan-level data; 159 loans were still open, so the final rate may be slightly higher.
Demand trend
1 / 5Growing much faster than all businessesPending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2019, U.S. file (cbp19us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2023, U.S. file (cbp23us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026
Administrative and general management consulting, which includes business coaching (NAICS 541611), employer establishments +23.7% (84,455 to 104,494) vs +5.1% for all industries, 2019–2023.
Licensing and rules
1 / 5Light
No state license for business coaching; only a city or county business license (see Licensing).
Customer concentration
3 / 5A few large customers or referral partners
A solo coach usually carries a small roster of owner clients on monthly fees, so losing one or two is a noticeable share of income.
Physical demand
1 / 5Low
From the guide's at-a-glance rating; see the risks section for details.
Franchise vs. Independent
Same type of business. Two very different paths.
| Franchise (4 brands) | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $39,900 – $45,000Pending verificationSourcesActionCOACH (Buji LLC, Great Lakes master licensee) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026FocalPoint Coaching (unit franchise) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 10, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026The Growth Coach 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026The Alternative Board (TAB Boards International) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands. | $0 |
| Initial investment | $37,350 – $139,000Pending verificationSourcesActionCOACH (Buji LLC, Great Lakes master licensee) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026FocalPoint Coaching (unit franchise) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 10, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026The Growth Coach 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026The Alternative Board (TAB Boards International) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands. | $318 – $2,057*Pending verificationSourcesApple Store — Buy 13-inch MacBook Air(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Secretary of State — Business entities fee schedule (Rev. 06/2018)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Squarespace — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026HubSpot — CRM pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Calendly — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 5 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded. |
| Ongoing royalties | 6% – 20% of revenue; flat monthly fee (FocalPoint Coaching)Pending verificationSourcesActionCOACH (Buji LLC, Great Lakes master licensee) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026FocalPoint Coaching (unit franchise) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 10, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026The Growth Coach 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026The Alternative Board (TAB Boards International) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands. | None |
| Operating costs (5 years) | $10,914Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — Management consultant insurance cost (updated July 8, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Zoom — plans and pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522 (LLC tax voucher)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths. | $10,914 |
| Brand, training, and support | Included | You build your own |
Franchise fee
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $39,900 – $45,000Pending verificationSourcesActionCOACH (Buji LLC, Great Lakes master licensee) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026FocalPoint Coaching (unit franchise) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 10, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026The Growth Coach 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026The Alternative Board (TAB Boards International) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands.
- Independent
- $0
Initial investment
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $37,350 – $139,000Pending verificationSourcesActionCOACH (Buji LLC, Great Lakes master licensee) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026FocalPoint Coaching (unit franchise) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 10, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026The Growth Coach 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026The Alternative Board (TAB Boards International) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands.
- Independent
- $318 – $2,057*Pending verificationSourcesApple Store — Buy 13-inch MacBook Air(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Secretary of State — Business entities fee schedule (Rev. 06/2018)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Squarespace — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026HubSpot — CRM pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Calendly — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 5 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Ongoing royalties
- Franchise (4 brands)
- 6% – 20% of revenue; flat monthly fee (FocalPoint Coaching)Pending verificationSourcesActionCOACH (Buji LLC, Great Lakes master licensee) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026FocalPoint Coaching (unit franchise) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 10, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026The Growth Coach 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026The Alternative Board (TAB Boards International) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands.
- Independent
- None
Operating costs (5 years)
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $10,914Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — Management consultant insurance cost (updated July 8, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Zoom — plans and pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522 (LLC tax voucher)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths.
- Independent
- $10,914
Brand, training, and support
- Franchise (4 brands)
- Included
- Independent
- You build your own
We don't have a sourced revenue forecast for this business, so royalties and 5-year totals depend on your own numbers. Enter your expected revenue on the comparison page. Franchise investment figures come from each brand's disclosure (FDD Item 7) and already include the franchise fee. * Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet. Adjust the assumptions.
What franchisees report taking in
From each brand's own disclosure (FDD Item 19), copied exactly. These are gross sales before royalties and costs, not profit, and not a promise of what you will earn.
ActionCOACH
Item 19 reports 2025 gross revenue for 23 ActionCOACH outlets in the Great Lakes region only, overall and split into high, middle and low thirds; it gives no profit figures.
- Average 2025 gross revenue, 23 Great Lakes outlets open all of 2025 (gross sales, not profit)$264,066 a yearPending verificationSourceActionCOACH (Buji LLC, Great Lakes master licensee) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 20268 of the 23 outlets (25% as stated in the FDD) reached or beat this average. FDD Item 19: unaudited gross revenues self-reported by 23 of the 26 outlets in ActionCOACH's Great Lakes region (Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin) that operated all of 2025; 2 semi-retired outlets and 1 opened in 2025 were left out. 6 of the 23 had more than one coach, and 1 was owned by an affiliate of the master licensee. Gross revenue before royalties, marketing fees and all expenses — not profit. Some outlets have earned this amount; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross revenue, 23 Great Lakes outlets open all of 2025 (gross sales, not profit)$199,725 a yearPending verificationSourceActionCOACH (Buji LLC, Great Lakes master licensee) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19: unaudited gross revenues self-reported by 23 of the 26 outlets in ActionCOACH's Great Lakes region (Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin) that operated all of 2025; 2 semi-retired outlets and 1 opened in 2025 were left out. 6 of the 23 had more than one coach, and 1 was owned by an affiliate of the master licensee. Gross revenue before royalties, marketing fees and all expenses — not profit. Some outlets have earned this amount; your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross revenue, top tier (7 of 23 Great Lakes outlets; gross sales, not profit)$560,640 a yearPending verificationSourceActionCOACH (Buji LLC, Great Lakes master licensee) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range $333,132–$799,019; 4 of these 7 had more than one coach. FDD Item 19: unaudited gross revenues self-reported by 23 of the 26 outlets in ActionCOACH's Great Lakes region (Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin) that operated all of 2025; 2 semi-retired outlets and 1 opened in 2025 were left out. 6 of the 23 had more than one coach, and 1 was owned by an affiliate of the master licensee. Gross revenue before royalties, marketing fees and all expenses — not profit. Some outlets have earned this amount; your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross revenue, bottom tier (7 of 23 Great Lakes outlets; gross sales, not profit)$63,116 a yearPending verificationSourceActionCOACH (Buji LLC, Great Lakes master licensee) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range $24,000–$101,214; median $51,900. Some included outlets were on a semi-retired, reduced-hours program. FDD Item 19: unaudited gross revenues self-reported by 23 of the 26 outlets in ActionCOACH's Great Lakes region (Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin) that operated all of 2025; 2 semi-retired outlets and 1 opened in 2025 were left out. 6 of the 23 had more than one coach, and 1 was owned by an affiliate of the master licensee. Gross revenue before royalties, marketing fees and all expenses — not profit. Some outlets have earned this amount; your results may differ.
FocalPoint Coaching
FocalPoint's 2026 unit FDD makes no financial performance representation: Item 19 gives no sales or earnings figures.
The Growth Coach
Item 19 reports 2025 gross revenue for the 20 Growth Coach franchises open a year before 2025, overall and in thirds, and lists suggested program prices; it gives no profit figures.
- Average 2025 gross revenue, 20 franchises open before 2025 (gross sales, not profit)$103,940 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Growth Coach 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 202637% of the 20 reached or beat this average. FDD Item 19: from royalty reports and franchisee-prepared income statements; only the 20 of 29 franchises open a year before 2025 that reported for the whole year are included. Gross revenue before royalties, branding fees and all expenses — not profit. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross revenue, 20 franchises open before 2025 (gross sales, not profit)$64,611 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Growth Coach 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19: from royalty reports and franchisee-prepared income statements; only the 20 of 29 franchises open a year before 2025 that reported for the whole year are included. Gross revenue before royalties, branding fees and all expenses — not profit. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross revenue, top third (7 franchises; gross sales, not profit)$204,158 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Growth Coach 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range $117,824–$421,935; median $147,371. FDD Item 19: from royalty reports and franchisee-prepared income statements; only the 20 of 29 franchises open a year before 2025 that reported for the whole year are included. Gross revenue before royalties, branding fees and all expenses — not profit. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross revenue, bottom third (7 franchises; gross sales, not profit)$12,456 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Growth Coach 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range $2,325–$18,734. The middle third averaged $52,308. FDD Item 19: from royalty reports and franchisee-prepared income statements; only the 20 of 29 franchises open a year before 2025 that reported for the whole year are included. Gross revenue before royalties, branding fees and all expenses — not profit. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
The Alternative Board (TAB)
Item 19 reports 2025 member fees, member counts per franchisee, hours per board and franchisees' extra revenue from workshops and programs; it does not give each franchisee's total sales or profit.
- Average monthly fee per standard member (board plus coaching), 934 members at end of 2025$696.80 a monthPending verificationSourceThe Alternative Board (TAB Boards International) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Median $700; 51% met or beat the average. FDD Item 19, voluntarily reported and unaudited. Excludes 'scholarship' members paying $100 a month or less. These are fees paid by each member business owner, not a franchisee's total revenue. Your results may differ.
- Average monthly fee per coaching-only member, 96 members at end of 2025$611.75 a monthPending verificationSourceThe Alternative Board (TAB Boards International) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Median $650. FDD Item 19, voluntarily reported and unaudited. Excludes 'scholarship' members paying $100 a month or less. These are fees paid by each member business owner, not a franchisee's total revenue. Your results may differ.
- Average number of members per TAB franchisee, December 31, 202518Pending verificationSourceThe Alternative Board (TAB Boards International) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, all domestic members who had not resigned. The median was 14. Voluntarily reported and unaudited.
- Average 2025 extra revenue beyond member dues (workshops and programs), 32 reporting franchisees$86,039.39 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Alternative Board (TAB Boards International) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Median $15,398; range $0–$1,200,000; only 6 of 31 qualifying franchisees (19%) reached the average. From an unaudited annual survey of franchisees operating at least 12 months. Gross revenue, not profit, and not including member dues. Your results may differ.
What a franchise does give you
Franchises cost more, but the fees buy real things. Weigh them honestly.
- Large, long-running business coaching brand with an established coaching system and programs
- Initial certification training plus master-licensee launch support
- CRM and ActionCOACH website, email and hosting provided
- Regional and national conferences and a network of other coaches
- Coaching brand that grew from 161 to 229 franchised outlets between 2023 and 2025 (FDD Item 20)
- Flat monthly royalty instead of a percentage of sales
- Initial training with lodging and food covered, plus a CRM and intranet
- Franchisor-run direct marketing paid for by the initial marketing fee
- Focused on coaching small-business owners, managers and sales teams
- Ready-made group and one-on-one programs with suggested prices
- Initial training with no separate training fee (you pay travel)
- Lowest Item 7 range of the brands shown here; runs from home
- Peer advisory board model: owners meet monthly as a group, plus one-on-one coaching
- TAB bills and collects member fees for you
- Proprietary planning tools (StratPro, HI-MAP) to sell as extra programs
- Initial training of up to eight days, plus mentor support during your first marketing campaign
Going independent means
- You keep 100% of what you earn after costs — no royalties.
- You build your own brand, systems, and customer base.
- You need more self-reliance, especially in the first year.
Startup Budget
One-time costs to launch, from cited sources. Totals are added up from the lines below.
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| California LLC filing (Articles of Organization plus first Statement of Information)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia Secretary of State — Business entities fee schedule (Rev. 06/2018)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026$70 for Form LLC-1 plus $20 for Form LLC-12, from the Secretary of State fee schedule dated June 2018. Confirm current fees at bizfile Online. | $90 | $90 | $90 |
| City or county business license | Data coming soon | ||
| Website with your own domain, first year (Squarespace Basic or Core)Pending verificationSourceSquarespace — Pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026One year paid annually: Basic $19 a month ($228) to Core $29 a month ($348). Squarespace says annual plans include one year of free domain registration. Paying monthly costs $25–$39 a month. | $228 | $288 | $348 |
| Client list and follow-up software (HubSpot free CRM)Pending verificationSourceHubSpot — CRM pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026HubSpot lists its free tools at $0 for up to 2 users. Its paid Starter plan is $20 a seat a month at the standard price (with a new-customer discount shown at the time we checked). | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Marketing launch (business cards, networking dues, launch workshop) | Data coming soon | ||
| Total (sourced lines only) | $318 | $378 | $438 |
Share of mid estimate
- California LLC filing (Articles of Organization plus first Statement of Information)24%
- Website with your own domain, first year (Squarespace Basic or Core)76%
- Client list and follow-up software (HubSpot free CRM)0%
Budget spreadsheet
Every line with its sources, included in the complete kit.
Mid is the halfway point between low and high where a source gives only a range.
The total leaves out 2 lines we haven't sourced yet. We don't guess.
24-Month Forecast
An example to plan with. Every assumption is yours to change.
Data coming soon
The forecast isn't published yet. We only show numbers we can source.
Pricing
What customers typically pay, from large-sample cost data.
What customers pay
- Average fee for a one-hour coaching session, North America$272Pending verificationSourceInternational Coaching Federation — 2023 ICF Global Coaching Study, Executive Summary (2022 survey data)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Per one-hour session, from coaches' own survey answers for 2022 (14,591 responses worldwide; the North America sample size is not stated). Covers all coaching, not only small-business coaching. ICF's newer 2025 study is behind a sign-up form, so we have not used it.
- Suggested yearly price, one-on-one coaching for owners (The Growth Coach)$15,000 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Growth Coach 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Per client per year. The franchisor's suggested retail price in its 2026 FDD Item 19, not what clients actually paid on average.
- Suggested yearly price, group coaching program for owners (The Growth Coach)$12,000 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Growth Coach 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 16, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Per participant per year, for its Strategic Business Mindset group program. The franchisor's suggested retail price in its 2026 FDD Item 19, not an average of actual prices. Its manager and sales group programs are listed at $6,000 a year.
- Average monthly fee, coaching-only members (The Alternative Board, 2025)$611.75 a monthPending verificationSourceThe Alternative Board (TAB Boards International) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Average of 96 coaching-only members at the end of 2025 (median $650; range $126.67–$1,320). FDD Item 19, voluntarily reported and unaudited. Excludes 'scholarship' members paying $100 a month or less. These are fees paid by each member business owner, not a franchisee's total revenue. Your results may differ.
- Average monthly fee, peer advisory board plus coaching (The Alternative Board, 2025)$696.80 a monthPending verificationSourceThe Alternative Board (TAB Boards International) 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Average of 934 standard members (monthly board meeting plus coaching) at the end of 2025 (median $700; range $105–$3,016). FDD Item 19, voluntarily reported and unaudited. Excludes 'scholarship' members paying $100 a month or less. These are fees paid by each member business owner, not a franchisee's total revenue. Your results may differ.
What similar businesses take in
Context only, not a promise of what you will earn. Government figures cover every business in the industry; guide figures are rougher. Tap the source icon to see which is which. These are revenue, before costs.
- Average yearly receipts per management consulting establishment at firms with fewer than 5 employees (NAICS 541611, U.S. employer firms, 2022)$344,822 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Statistics of U.S. Businesses 2022, U.S. and states, 6-digit NAICS (us_state_6digitnaics_2022)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Calculated by us from the Census table: $27,587,517,000 in receipts across 80,005 establishments (79,966 firms), rounded to the nearest dollar. Receipts are gross revenue, not profit. NAICS 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services) covers management consulting broadly; there is no separate code for business coaching. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average yearly receipts per management consulting establishment at firms with fewer than 5 employees in California (NAICS 541611, employer firms, 2022)$330,722 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Statistics of U.S. Businesses 2022, U.S. and states, 6-digit NAICS (us_state_6digitnaics_2022)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Calculated by us from the Census table: $4,745,865,000 in receipts across 14,350 California establishments (14,347 firms), rounded to the nearest dollar. Receipts are gross revenue, not profit. NAICS 541611 covers management consulting broadly; there is no separate code for business coaching. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average yearly receipts per nonemployer (solo, no payroll) management, scientific and technical consulting business (NAICS 5416, U.S., 2024)$60,339 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Nonemployer Statistics 2024, U.S. file (nonemp24us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Calculated by us from the Census file: $71,669,766,000 in receipts across 1,187,781 nonemployer businesses, rounded to the nearest dollar. Many are part-time. The nonemployer file only goes to 4 digits, so this includes environmental, scientific and other consulting as well as management consulting. Receipts are gross revenue, not profit. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average yearly revenue from coaching per coach practitioner, North America (ICF survey, 2022)$67,800 a yearPending verificationSourceInternational Coaching Federation — 2023 ICF Global Coaching Study, Executive Summary (2022 survey data)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026From coaches' own survey answers; ICF also reports that more than half of coaches worldwide (53%) took in under $30,000 a year from coaching. Covers all kinds of coaching and includes part-time coaches. Revenue, not profit. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
Key Risks and How to Manage Them
Slow client acquisition and income ramp
This is the main risk. Coaching is a trust sale, and owners rarely sign up after one meeting. Even inside franchise systems the spread is wide: the bottom third of Growth Coach franchises averaged $12,456 in 2025 gross revenue, and ICF says more than half of coaches worldwide take in under $30,000 a year from coaching.
How to manage it: Keep at least a year of living expenses set aside, start with people who already know your work (former colleagues, vendors, local owners), and offer a short paid workshop or assessment that can lead into a monthly program.
Most of the job at first is selling
Managers coming out of corporate jobs are often strong at the coaching itself but have never had to find their own clients. Networking, speaking and follow-up take more hours than coaching in the first year.
How to manage it: Block fixed weekly time for outreach and track it, join one or two local business groups and show up consistently, and use a simple CRM so no lead is forgotten.
Fixed franchise fees before you have clients
If you buy a franchise, minimum royalties start early whether or not you have clients: $1,950 a month at ActionCOACH after training, a flat royalty rising to $1,950 at FocalPoint, and $750–$1,000 at The Growth Coach.
How to manage it: Read Items 6 and 19 of any FDD closely, call several current and former franchisees, and model your first 18 months assuming slow sales before signing.
Credibility with business owners
No license is needed, so anyone can call themselves a coach. Owners may doubt someone with no track record running a small business, and ICF reports that most coaches believe clients expect a credential.
How to manage it: Lead with your real management results, collect written permission to use client outcomes, and consider an ICF credential once you have the required paid coaching hours.
Drifting into licensed advice
Owners will ask about taxes, contracts, employment law and personal struggles. Giving legal, tax or mental-health advice can expose you to claims and to licensing rules.
How to manage it: Use a written coaching agreement that defines what you do and don't do, refer clients to lawyers, CPAs and licensed therapists, and carry professional liability insurance.
Clients cancel when times are hard
Coaching is easy for an owner to cut when cash is tight. Some franchise systems have shrunk: TAB went from 126 to 98 outlets between 2023 and 2025, and The Growth Coach from 36 to 28 during 2024 (FDD Item 20).
How to manage it: Use 6- or 12-month agreements, spread your clients across industries, and add group programs that cost each owner less.
Licensing by State
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction.
More states are coming.
A general guide only. Rules change and vary by city and county — confirm with your local government before you start.
No state license for business coaching
Pending verificationCalifornia has no state license for business coaching or general management consulting. You still need the usual business registrations, and some of your clients' questions (law, taxes, mental health) belong to licensed professionals.
Verify with the CalGold permit finder(opens in a new tab)City or county business license
Pending verificationMost California cities require a business license or tax certificate, even for a home-based business. Check with the city where you work from.
Verify with the CalGold permit finder(opens in a new tab)Coaching is not therapy, legal or tax advice
Pending verificationPsychotherapy and counseling are licensed professions in California, as are law and public accounting. Keep your coaching to business goals and refer clients to licensed professionals when issues go beyond that.
Verify with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences(opens in a new tab)LLC annual tax (if you form an LLC)
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCalifornia Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522 (LLC tax voucher)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Every LLC registered in California owes an $800 annual tax to the Franchise Tax Board, paid with Form FTB 3522, until the LLC is formally cancelled.
Verify with the California Franchise Tax Board(opens in a new tab)
The Playbook
A step-by-step guide from setup to growth.
Phase 1
Setup
- Choose the owners you'll serve and the problems you solve
- Choose your business structure and get a city license
- Write your coaching agreement and what you won't advise on
- Get professional liability insurance
- Set up a simple website, booking link and CRM
Phase 2
Offer and pricing
Included in the complete kit
Phase 3
First clients
Included in the complete kit
Phase 4
Referral network
Included in the complete kit
Phase 5
Delivering programs
Included in the complete kit
Phase 6
Group programs
Included in the complete kit
Phase 7
Growth
Included in the complete kit
Suppliers and Tools
Vendors independent operators use.
No supplier pays to be listed. If we ever earn a referral fee from a link, it will say “Affiliate link” right next to it.
Coaching credentials
Optional coaching credentials and accredited training programs.
Software
Website, client list, booking and video tools for a one-person practice.
Insurance
Professional liability and general liability coverage for consultants.
The Kit Is Coming
Everything on this page is free. The downloadable kit (playbook, spreadsheets, templates) is in the works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a franchise?
No. The Open Franchise is not a franchise and does not sell franchises. You start and own your business yourself, with no franchise fee, royalties, or territory rules. We sell guides and kits; that's all.
Do I need a license or certification to be a business coach?
California has no license for business coaching. Credentials such as ICF's ACC are optional; the application fee is $175–$625, but you also need 60 hours of coaching education and 100 hours of coaching experience first.
How long until I have steady income?
Plan for it to take a long time. Franchise disclosure documents show a wide range: in 2025 the bottom third of Growth Coach franchises averaged about $12,000 in gross revenue while the top third averaged about $204,000. Keep savings to cover your living costs while you build a client base.
Are these numbers guaranteed?
No. Every cost and price is an estimate from a cited source, shown as a range where possible, with the date we last checked it. Your costs and results will depend on your market and choices.
Figures last verified October 31, 2026. Every number links to its source. See all sources for this page.