

FocusCFO is a nationally recognized fractional CFO franchise brand launched in 2001. Founded by Brad Martyn in Columbus, Ohio, the firm introduced its fractional CFO system in September 2001, offering seasoned financial executives a path to embedded, part-time CFO roles. The company formalized its franchise model in March 2018 under Focus CFO Group, LLC, headquartered in Westerville, Ohio.
The franchise empowers local "Sherpa Teams"—a combination of fractional CFOs and Area Presidents—to deliver high-level financial leadership to small and mid-sized businesses. These teams provide embedded CFO services like budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow optimization, strategic planning, and exit readiness.
The franchise opportunity launched in April 2018, requiring prospective Area Presidents to invest via a franchise agreement and fee, granting access to FocusCFO’s proprietary system, training, marketing, and community resources.
FocusCFO sets itself apart by embedding CFOs into client leadership teams, rather than acting as an external consulting service. Its Sherpa Teams combine deep C-suite experience with a collaborative model that pairs CFOs and Area Presidents on each engagement.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Focus CFO provides a robust and multi-phase training program to ensure franchisees are well-prepared to operate their business within its system:
Focus CFO does not provide exclusive territory rights to its franchisees. Instead, each franchisee is assigned a specific non-exclusive geographic territory, generally defined as a 75-mile radius around the franchised business address.
Despite having this defined area, multiple franchisees may be permitted to operate within the same geographic region.
Franchisees are expected to collaborate with others who share their territory, reinforcing a cooperative rather than competitive model. However, they are restricted from engaging in direct marketing, solicitation, or networking activities outside their assigned area without prior authorization.
Below are some of
Focus CFO
key competitors in the
Other Financial Services
sector.

59
$35,000
$36,000
$64,000
n.a.
$0
$xxx,xxx
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.

United Check Cashing is a financial services franchise offering check cashing, bill payment, money transfers, and related services, serving underbanked and convenience-focused consumers, and known for community bank–like storefronts, extended hours, and streamlined alternatives to traditional bank accounts.
?
?

WCH Service Bureau is a business-services franchise offering medical-billing, credentialing and revenue-cycle-management solutions, serving healthcare providers and practices, and known for proven software, low-cost startup package, and strong remote-model support.
?
?

Lendio is a financial services franchise that operates as a small business loan marketplace, connecting entrepreneurs with a network of lenders to secure funding. Franchisees assist local businesses in obtaining loans, leveraging Lendio's technology and lender partnerships to streamline the financing process.
?
?

Family Financial Centers is a financial services franchise providing check cashing, bill payment, and small business banking solutions.
?
?

Booxkeeping is a bookkeeping franchise offering outsourced financial management, tax services, and business consulting for entrepreneurs and startups.
?
?

TAB (The Alternative Board) is a business coaching franchise offering peer advisory boards and executive coaching, helping business owners achieve their personal and professional goals.
?
?
Choosing a franchise goes beyond reviewing fees and financials — it requires an honest assessment of your goals, skills, and risk tolerance. This article outlines the key questions prospective owners should ask before committing. It helps clarify whether the opportunity aligns with your lifestyle, long-term plans, and operational preferences.
Speaking with current and former franchisees is one of the most reliable ways to understand how a franchise really operates. This guide explains how to conduct validation calls, what questions to ask, and how to identify patterns in feedback. It provides a practical framework for uncovering real performance expectations and support quality.
Not all franchise opportunities offer the same potential. This article breaks down how to evaluate a brand’s industry, financial health, support systems, and competitive positioning. It helps prospective buyers compare options and identify franchises with strong long-term viability.
A clear, well-structured business plan is essential for securing financing and preparing for the realities of franchise ownership. This article explains how to build a plan that covers market analysis, operations, staffing, and local marketing. It also outlines how to create realistic pro forma financials, including revenue projections, startup costs, and break-even analysis. Readers gain a practical framework they can use when applying for loans or planning their first years of operations.