The deal
The Framework deal
We invest up to $25,000. We take 7%.
- We put up to $25,000 into customer acquisition for each business we back.
- Framework also covers year-one setup and software costs where applicable, and works alongside you on systems, hiring, and growth.
- You own and control the company.
- Our standard stake is 7%. There is no franchise fee.
- If your business becomes more valuable, our 7% becomes more valuable too.
Some regulated professions, including law practices, require a different legal structure with similar economics. We review the exact terms with you, in writing, before anyone commits.
Terms
FAQs
It's your company. Framework participates as a minority investor with a 7% stake. We bring our knowledge and resources to help you be successful. How it works
01 / 07
What does Framework take?
Our standard structure is a 7% ownership stake in the business we help launch. You keep control of the company and the upside. Some regulated professions may require a different legal structure with similar economics.
02 / 07
Why 7%?
We invest our own capital and work alongside you because we want our incentives tied to yours. Our 7% ownership stake ties us to the value of your business. If your business grows in value, so does our stake.
03 / 07
Who owns the business?
You do. You own and control the company. Under our standard structure, Framework owns a minority stake.
04 / 07
What are you providing?
We're seasoned operators. We contribute our time, resources, software, and playbooks to set your business up for success. We also invest up to $25k to help you get your first customers. We only do well if your business does, and we try to be as helpful as possible.
05 / 07
Is this a franchise?
No. There is no franchise fee and no territory you buy. The business carries your name, and you own it.
06 / 07
What if it doesn't work?
We plan for that up front. Before you launch we'll have a conversation about your goals, the different scenarios, and plan around it.
07 / 07
Do I have to quit my job first?
No. Most setup work happens while you keep working, where your employment agreement allows it. You choose when to make the switch.
Questions
Questions
Straight answers. If yours isn't here, email us.
01 / 10
What is Framework?
Framework partners with talented professionals and tradespeople who want to build growing businesses. We help with the parts that make starting a company hard, from setup and customer acquisition to operations and the back office. We operate in the Bay Area, Sacramento and the Central Valley, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
02 / 10
Do I need to already own a business?
No. Most people we talk to have not started a business before. We care more about your ability, reputation, and ambition than your history as an owner.
03 / 10
Do I need to quit my job?
Not to apply, and often not to start. Participants may be able to begin while keeping their existing job where legally, professionally, and contractually permitted. We'll talk through your situation individually.
04 / 10
Does it cost anything to apply?
No. Applying is free.
05 / 10
What kinds of support do you provide?
Four things. Setup: entity formation, licensing coordination, insurance, and bookkeeping. Software and playbooks: the systems and the written process for running the business. Finding customers: up to $25,000 per business we back, run with you. Hiring: recruiting and onboarding when it is time to grow. The specifics are worked out with each person we select.
06 / 10
Are you offering funding?
Yes, in a specific form. We put up to $25,000 into demand generation for each business we back, and we run it together. Additional startup capital may be available where it makes sense. The details are worked out with the people we select.
07 / 10
How does Framework make money?
Our standard structure is a 7% ownership stake in each business we help launch. There is no fee to apply and no franchise fee. We do well only when the businesses we back do well. Some regulated professions may require a different legal structure with similar economics.
08 / 10
Who owns the business?
You do. You own and control the company. Under our standard structure, Framework owns a minority stake.
09 / 10
Where is the program available?
We operate in the Bay Area, Sacramento and the Central Valley, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
10 / 10
What happens after I apply?
We review every application individually and you'll hear from us within 10 business days, either way. If it looks like there may be a strong fit, we'll reach out to schedule a short conversation. Applying does not guarantee acceptance. If the timing isn't right, apply again later; many of our conversations start on the second try.
Not ready to apply?
Stay in touch.
Leave your email and we'll let you know when we're taking applications for your business and when we open in your county.
Apply
Questions about the terms? Talk to us.
Tell us about your experience. If it looks like a fit, we'll set up a conversation and walk through the terms in writing.
Apply nowNo fee to apply. About 5 to 8 minutes.