WBN News Vancouver
By Robert Skinner | VancouverNews.digital | February 2, 2026
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If you’ve lived through a few business cycles, you know the pattern: when the economy feels shaky, people stop gambling on “brand new” ideas and start looking for proven systems. That’s exactly why franchising still has traction — and why Vancouver remains one of Canada’s most active franchise markets.
Nationally, franchising is not a fringe business category. The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) says franchised businesses contribute over $120B+ annually to the Canadian economy and support almost 2 million jobs. More importantly, recent reporting tied to CFA projections suggests the industry has continued growing post-pandemic, with forecasts around $133B in franchise-related economic contribution.
So what about Vancouver specifically? Two “street-level” indicators matter:
- There are still major franchise events being hosted here, which only happen when exhibitor demand is real. Vancouver continues to host large franchise shows at the Vancouver Convention Centre, including the Franchise Canada Show and the Vancouver Franchise Show (scheduled for late March 2026).
- Retail space is still being leased, even with some vacancy pressure — meaning operators are still expanding and re-positioning. Vancouver retail market reporting shows active leasing in late 2025 alongside rising vacancy in some categories (a mixed but normal cycle signal).
Is franchising a viable career shift from employment?
Yes — but only for the right person, and only with eyes open.
A franchise can be a practical “middle path” between staying employed and starting from scratch: you get a brand, operating playbook, training, and a supply chain. In a volatile climate, that structure matters. But it’s not a job replacement — it’s business ownership. You’re trading the illusion of security for control, and you’ll earn that control through execution.
The straight talk checklist before you jump:
- Capital & runway: Don’t rely on optimism. Stress-test the numbers for slower sales and higher costs.
- Local market fit: In Vancouver, “need-based” categories often hold up better (home services, repair, personal care, senior support).
- Disclosure discipline: In B.C., franchisors must provide a disclosure document and follow specific disclosure requirements — read it like a contract, not a brochure, and get professional advice.
- Talk to franchisees (current and former): If you can’t reach real operators, walk away.
Bottom line: the Vancouver franchise market still looks active, and franchising can absolutely be a viable career pivot — but the winners are the ones who pick stable categories, do real diligence, and run it like a business, not a “job with a logo.”
Robert is an experienced 'AI Assisted' business systems developer and Franchise/Licensing coach. Give him a call at +1 604-220-4750 or connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlskinner/
Tags: #WBN Vancouver #Robert Skinner #Vancouver Business #Franchise Opportunities #Career Change # #Entrepreneurship #Business Ownership