Education Franchises Offer Start-up Costs from RM15,000

Education franchise opportunities with start-up costs as low as RM15,000 (Malaysian ringgit) are among the options being highlighted for Malaysian entrepreneurs, broadening attention beyond food and beverage businesses. Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh outlined the opportunities when launching Road to FIM2027 Southern Zone in Johor Bahru on 16 October 2026.

An affordable route for small businesses

According to a Bernama report, Fuziah said the programme gives more entrepreneurs, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the opportunity to explore affordable franchise businesses before expanding into international markets.

She also stressed that franchising opportunities are not limited to food and beverages. Education, she said, offers opportunities with start-up costs as low as RM15,000. That figure provides a reference point for prospective entrepreneurs considering options within their budgets.

The emphasis on affordability aligns with the programme’s aim of making the franchise business model more accessible to the public. Fuziah said the initiative also seeks to challenge the perception that franchising is only open to large companies.

For MSMEs, the main message is that there are options to explore beyond the business categories commonly associated with franchising. However, the quoted start-up figure should be treated as a starting point for enquiries, rather than a standard cost for every education franchise on offer.

Education among the alternatives to food and beverages

The roadshow, themed “From Local to Global”, began at Paradigm Mall Convention Centre in Johor Bahru. Alongside education and food and beverages, the sectors featured include services, health and beauty.

This variety gives prospective franchisees scope to assess businesses according to their interests, experience and financial resources. Entrepreneurs seeking opportunities need not limit their comparisons to restaurants or drinks outlets.

For education businesses, the stated entry cost of RM15,000 provides a specific point to discuss with brand owners. Prospective franchisees are advised to ask for details of the packages available, the scope of operations and what is included in that amount.

Comparisons should also take account of the actual type of business to be operated. The starting price alone is not enough to determine whether an offer suits an entrepreneur’s available time, skills and finances. These are practical considerations before making a decision, not a guarantee of returns from any package.

Face-to-face meetings to clarify offers

Fuziah said the roadshow gives prospective entrepreneurs and franchisees the chance to meet brand owners directly and explore business opportunities within their means.

Visitors can also obtain advice, financing information and business guidance from franchise operators and relevant agencies. These discussions should be used to clarify the details of an offer, rather than simply gain a general impression of a brand.

Prospective franchisees interested in education opportunities can prepare a list of questions before meeting brand owners. These might include what the start-up capital covers, which fees will be payable once operations begin, and what guidance the brand owner provides.

It is also worth asking about premises, equipment, training and day-to-day operating responsibilities. These questions are intended to guide prospective entrepreneurs’ assessments; they do not imply that all offers have the same cost structure or requirements.

Financing information should be considered alongside an assessment of repayment affordability. The availability of finance should not replace a review of the business’s suitability and the total financial commitment involved.

Assess affordability against the full commitment

The announcement of lower start-up costs opens up discussion about MSME participation in franchising. The focus is not simply on company size, but also on the business options entrepreneurs can explore within their means.

Although the programme’s objectives include expansion into international markets, the first step for prospective franchisees is to understand the offer in front of them. Before setting expansion targets, entrepreneurs are advised to review operational requirements, contractual responsibilities and the resources needed to run the business.

Where an opportunity is promoted on the strength of its start-up cost, obtain a written cost breakdown and distinguish initial payments from ongoing expenses. Use consultations with brand owners to resolve any uncertainties before making a financial commitment.

Practical guidance: Treat RM15,000 as a starting point for enquiries, not the sole basis for a decision. Compare the scope of each package, the support provided and the full commitment required before choosing an education franchise.