Padgett Business Services is a trusted franchise that provides bookkeeping, tax, payroll, and business consulting services to small businesses. The company was founded in 1965 by Walter Padgett in Athens, Georgia.

Its headquarters remain in Athens, with a secondary office in Burlington, Ontario. Padgett began offering franchise opportunities in 1975, starting with its first franchise location in Augusta, Georgia.

The franchise serves small business clients across North America by offering a consistent, proven system. Padgett offers a wide range of essential financial services. These include tax preparation and planning, accounting, payroll processing, financial reporting, and business consulting.

What differentiates Padgett from competitors is its strong focus on small business advocacy. Franchisees develop long-term relationships with local clients, acting as trusted advisors.

Training

Padgett Business Services provides a comprehensive and phased training program to franchisees, designed to equip them with operational, technical, and client service capabilities essential for success. The training includes both virtual/classroom and on-the-job components and must be completed prior to and shortly after launch. Periodic continuing education and specialized sessions are also required annually.

1. Initial Training for Start-ups
   Covers operations, computer systems, client acquisition, and service offerings.
   Up to 80 hours delivered virtually or in-class.
2. Local Operations and Marketing Training
   Focuses on daily business management and local marketing strategies.
   Training hours included within the overall 106-hour estimate.
3. Tax Training
   Involves annual attendance at a tax seminar or similar event offering CE credits.
   Travel and related expenses are the responsibility of the franchisee.

Territory Protection

Padgett Business Services grants its franchisees a non-exclusive right to operate within a defined territory, usually outlined by specific zip codes. Franchisees may offer services to clients outside their territory and advertise in broader media, including online channels.

However, Padgett retains the right to allow other franchisees or channels of distribution, including company-owned outlets or other brands it controls, to operate within the same area without restriction.

This means franchisees do not receive exclusive or protected territories under the franchise agreement. Padgett also makes it clear that overlapping services by other franchisees or the franchisor itself within a territory is possible, especially due to the nature of its service-based model.