1851

As businesses across the country were forced closed in compliance with state-issued social-distancing orders in March, a new classification of business was introduced and quickly became a household term describing the select businesses allowed to stay open while others were closed. The “essential business” designation is largely associated with grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies, but there has been a wide range of businesses from virtually every sector given essential status during the coronavirus outbreak. Moving companies, tree-removal services, pet supply stores, flooring companies and a variety of other businesses were all deemed essential, making the designation a coveted lifeline for businesses in virtually every industry.&nbsp;Now, as states across the U.S. begin to relax social-distancing orders and non-essential businesses are allowed to re-open, essential status is becoming less, well, essential, at the store level. Still, for franchisors who know how to leverage the designation, it can be a major boon for development.Unemployment has skyrocketed since March, reaching levels not seen since the Great Depression. Many laid-off workers are going to be looking for a new path forward — one that offers more control over their own career — <a href="https://1851franchise.com/why-a-turbulent-economy-is-good-news-for-franchise-development-2713212">and that means a massive new class of franchisees</a>. For the majority of new prospective franchisees, the current economic crisis is the second financial meltdown they’ve had to endure in their adult lives. They are under no illusion that the economy will remain stable even if it rebounds, and they are looking for a professional opportunity that will provide stability even in a tumultuous economic climate.Businesses that were deemed essential during the coronavirus crisis are uniquely well-equipped to assure nervous prospects of their long-term viability, “but they need to start telling that story now,” says Mainland* CEO and 1851 Franchise publisher Nick Powills. It’s not enough to tell your franchisee prospects that, because you were an essential business, your stores were allowed to stay open throughout the coronavirus pandemic. “You’ve got to show your leads what that means for franchisees,” Powills continued. “How were sales? How was staffing? What kind of issues did franchisees run into and how did your team help them overcome those issues?”<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm0eMsmIhc0&amp;feature=youtu.be"></oembed></figure>Beyond the financial viability of the opportunity, prospective franchisees are looking for an opportunity to play an active role in their community. Franchisors should highlight how their brands were able to leverage the essential business designation to support communities throughout the crisis.Shirley Duehring has been a franchisee with <a href="https://www.batteriesplus.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-essential-business-franchises-can-continue-to-grow-after-covid-19-2713237" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Batteries Plus</a> for 25 years. The franchise was deemed essential during the coronavirus, but <a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchising-coronavirus-batteries-plus-bulbs-shirley-duehring-2712858">Duehring says it’s far from the first crisis her store has survived</a>.&nbsp;“One thing we have noted over time is that every experience with a disaster situation informs the public that we are not just a battery store,” Duehring said. “We are always here in times of crisis, working with organizations like FEMA during events like a hurricane. After the decline of this pandemic, people will realize we are a partner both in crisis and in normal life. It’s something we have tried to drive home for 25 years, and hopefully that message will come across that we are in a position to help.”The support and infrastructure of a multi-unit system has allowed franchise businesses to weather a crisis that many independent businesses were unable to survive. As the remaining businesses begin to reopen, franchising may very well emerge as the dominant business model of the new landscape. Some brands are going to make better use of that positioning than others, and it’s those that were deemed essential that have an immediate head start. That’s an opportunity that should be leveraged strategically and aggressively, and essential-business franchisors should do everything they can to start telling that story in a way that will resonate with new franchisee prospects.

How “Essential Business” Franchises Can Continue to Grow After COVID-19

1851 Franchise

Franchises deemed “essential” have a lucrative new selling point for development, even as other businesses begin to reopen.

how-essential-business-franchises-can-continue-to-grow-after-covid-19

Fresh Coat

Photo of Fresh Coat vehicle with ladders on top

The Rise of Home Improvement Franchises: Why Now Is the Time to Invest

why-invest-home-improvement-franchise-fresh-coat

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Photo of HomeTeam inspector in red polo and khaki pants, walking by branded vehicle

Real Estate Today: Behind the Drywall: The Truth About Home Inspections

purpose-of-home-inspection

Dog Training Elite

Dog Training Elite Franchise - DTE - National Service Dog Month - 1851 Franchise

Celebrating Service Dogs: Why Proper Training Changes Lives — And How Dog Training Elite Is Leading the Way

dog-training-elite-national-service-dog-month

Senior Care Authority

How This Senior Care Authority Franchisee Turned Love for His Grandparents Into a Lifelong Calling

how-this-senior-care-authority-franchisee-turned-love-for-his-grandparents-into-a-lifelong-calling

Hometown News: Like Father, Like Son — Family-Run Inspection Business Blends Generations of Expertise and a Keen Eye for Detail

father-son-home-inspection-franchise-florida

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Design with American and Federal Reserve flags against light blue background

Federal Reserve Expected To Cut Rates by Quarter Point, a Move That Could Boost Franchise Growth

fed-rate-cut-boosts-franchise-growth

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

McDonald’s Launches New Extra Value Meals as Consumer Demand for Value Continues to Climb

mcdonalds-launches-extra-value-meals

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Friendly’s Parent Company Acquired by Multi-Unit Franchisee as More Owners Take the Lead in Brand Acquisitions 

friendlys-parent-company-acquired-by-multi-unit-franchisee-as-more-owners-take-the-lead-in-brand-acquisitions

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

How “Essential Business” Franchises Can Continue to Grow After COVID-19

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS