Most prospective franchise buyers want a straight answer to this question, and most franchise websites bury it in vague language about “your journey” and “individual timelines.” So here it is: for a RedKnight franchise, plan for the process from first inquiry to grand opening to take several months, and how long depends largely on how consistently you move through each phase. Some people get there faster. Others take longer. What drives the difference isn’t urgency — it’s preparation, financial readiness, and how deliberately you engage with each step.
A home-based service franchise can often move faster than a retail or restaurant concept. According to FranNet and franchise industry data (2024), service-based franchises without a physical storefront can typically be operational within two to four months of signing, compared to eight to eighteen months for restaurant and retail concepts that require site selection and construction. That speed is one of the structural advantages of home-based models in general, and understanding the phases helps you plan for your specific situation.
Phase 1: Discovery and Application
The process begins with a single inquiry. You reach out at redknightfranchising.com, and someone from the team schedules a first call. That first conversation is a mutual evaluation — you’re assessing whether RedKnight is the right fit for you, and RedKnight is assessing whether you’re the right candidate for the system.
If both sides want to go deeper, you move into the formal application phase. Plan on a few weeks if you engage consistently, completing materials promptly, asking real questions, and being honest about your background Candidates who take extended pauses between steps stretch this timeline considerably. The pace of this phase is largely in your hands.
Phase 2: FDD Review and Due Diligence
After application approval, you receive the Franchise Disclosure Document. Federal law — enforced by the FTC — requires a minimum 14-day review period between receiving the FDD and signing the franchise agreement. That’s a legal floor, not a recommended timeline. Give this phase real time if you want to do your due diligence properly.
Use this time well. Read the FDD carefully — all of it, not just the sections that feel immediately relevant. Hire a franchise attorney to review the agreement. Ask the RedKnight team direct, substantive questions. Confirm that your financing is in place. This is the phase where you convert a promising opportunity into a fully informed decision. Don’t rush it. The investment you make here directly determines the quality of what you’re stepping into.
Phase 3: Signing and Training Scheduling
Once the franchise agreement is signed, the next major milestone is training Training is scheduled after signing, and the timing depends on scheduling.
The window between signing and training is not downtime. It’s preparation time. Use it to get your home office set up, your technology in place, and your thinking oriented toward your specific market. If you arrive at training fully operational and mentally engaged, you will get significantly more from training than if you show up still managing logistics.
Phase 4: Training
Training is a core part of onboarding. Format, length and location are part of the discovery conversation and the FDD.
Whatever the format turns out to be, come prepared and come curious. Everything you absorb in training compounds in the months that follow.
Phase 5: Post-Training Launch Preparation
After training, you’re preparing for your grand opening. This phase involves setting up your business development calendar, finalizing your initial outreach list, and working with the RedKnight team on your launch plan. The goal is to open with real momentum — not just a symbolic date on the calendar.
The RedKnight team will talk you through timing for your formal grand opening. The total time from signing to open depends on your preparation and scheduling.
What Affects Your Specific Timeline
Several factors determine how quickly you move through the full process.
Financial readiness is the biggest one. Candidates who have their financing arranged during the discovery phase move faster than those who need to arrange it afterward. If you’re planning to use an SBA loan, FranNet data indicates those typically take 60 to 90 days from application to approval — factor that in early if it’s part of your plan.
Your existing network also matters. If you enter your market with warm relationships and a list of conversations already scheduled, you will build momentum faster after opening. You can begin building that network during your evaluation phase — there’s no reason to wait.
Personal circumstances play a role too. Transitioning from full-time employment adds complexity that a more flexible situation doesn’t. Being honest about your timeline and what you need to be truly ready is more valuable than trying to move faster than your situation allows.
Using the Process Time Wisely
The months between your first inquiry and your grand opening are not waiting time — they’re building time. Research your territory. Identify the local business networking organizations you’ll want to join in month one. Review training materials early if they’re available.
The more you build during the preparation phase, the stronger your start on opening day. If you launch with warm relationships and an active pipeline already forming, you will build momentum faster than if you treat day one as the true starting point.
The Bigger Picture on Timing
Speed matters, but quality of entry matters more. According to the International Franchise Association (IFA 2025), franchise businesses now support more than 9 million jobs and generate $936.4 billion in economic output. The infrastructure for franchise success is well-established. What determines individual outcomes is how well-prepared the franchisee is when they open — not how quickly they got there.
The U.S. SBA reports that roughly 50% of independent businesses fail within five years. That is an industry-wide figure, not a prediction for any one system, and RedKnight is a new system with no operating history. Preparation still matters: due diligence, training, and onboarding are where you build your own odds. Moving through that process thoughtfully is not slow. It’s smart.
Ready to Understand Your Specific Timeline?
Every candidate’s path looks a little different depending on financial readiness, personal circumstances, and how quickly they move through each phase. RedKnight’s discovery process is designed to give you a clear picture of what your specific timeline looks like. Visit redknightfranchising.com to start the conversation.