Commercial Investors Group is the first franchise model in commercial real estate investing. Founded in 2005 by Mike Sowers in New Hope, Minnesota, the business originally focused on residential property flips before transitioning to commercial assets and launching its franchise arm in 2021.

Headquartered in New Hope, MN, Commercial Investors Group operates under CIG Franchise Systems, LLC. It began franchising its proprietary investing system in August 2021, offering a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to enter the commercial real estate space with structured support.

The franchise offers a full commercial real estate investment platform. It sells franchise licenses that provide access to a private equity fund, proprietary deal-analysis software, structured training, and ongoing support—including deal coaching, due-diligence tools, and capital-raising systems.

It differentiates itself with a tech-driven, equity-based model and comprehensive support. Unlike traditional franchisors, CIG uses custom software that handles marketing, underwriting, construction, leasing, and asset management—all while employing an equity-based royalty rather than a fee-only structure.

Training

Commercial Investors Group provides a structured and comprehensive training program for its franchisees, designed to prepare them for successful business operation. Here are the key components of their training:

1. Initial Training Program
   The initial training is mandatory for the Principal Executive and may be attended by other team members. It includes onboarding meetings, franchise setup, virtual training sessions through CRETools, and the Sandler Sales Mastery Foundations Course. The training also includes sessions on funding, due diligence, and business launch preparation, totaling 189.5 hours of classroom content with additional weekly mastery sessions post-launch.
2. Self-Directed and Video-Based Learning
   Franchisees engage with instructional materials like checklists, videos, and knowledge review quizzes. These are structured in a comprehensive onboarding platform accessible online. Some modules are self-led but remain aligned with corporate standards through provided materials.
3. Ongoing Post-Opening Training
   After launch, the franchisor may require the Principal Executive or staff to attend further training sessions. These can be in-person or virtual and may involve additional fees. Franchisees are responsible for covering associated travel and living costs.

Territory Protection

Commercial Investors Group does not offer exclusive territorial protection to its franchisees. While each franchisee operates within a designated market area defined by counties, cities, or zip codes, the franchisor retains the right to compete in the same area.

Franchisees may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, and alternative distribution channels, even within their own assigned territory.

Franchisees are limited to marketing and purchasing properties within their designated areas but are allowed to attract investors and tenants nationwide. The franchisor may make slight adjustments to the designated territory, although it does not reserve the right to eliminate a franchisee’s territory entirely.