Franchises for

Retirees

Franchises for

Retirees

Find that golden business for your golden years.

Discover that franchise business that fits your years of expertise, your goals, and your desire for stability.

Done with the corporate grind? Let's build something bigger.

You’ve got the cash, the know-how, and the drive. Don’t waste it. Turn your energy into owning something that works for you—and keeps you thriving. We'll help you find that golden opportunity.

The problem

Retirement is great, but let’s be honest—it’s not for everyone. You’ve got decades of experience and energy left to spare, but the thought of going back to a traditional job? Hard pass.

Starting a business sounds exciting, but where do you even begin? Which franchise fits your lifestyle? What’s realistic for your finances? And how do you avoid sinking money into the wrong thing?

It’s a maze out there, and without the right guidance, it’s easy to waste time, energy, and money chasing the wrong opportunities.

Our solution

That’s where we come in. We specialize in guiding retirees who want to explore franchise ownership.

Whether you’re looking for a full-time passion project, a semi-absentee business, or a side hustle, we help you find franchises that align with your goals, lifestyle, and budget.

We don’t just throw a list of options at you—we work with you one-on-one to identify what makes sense for your skills, experience, and retirement plans. Our no-fluff, straight-talk approach makes the process clear and stress-free.

Why our guidance is the best way to find the perfect retirement franchise
Why our guidance is the best way to find the perfect retirement franchise
Becoming an owner

Protect your retirement savings

Your retirement is hard-earned, and the last thing you want is to gamble it on the wrong business. Pathway helps you explore franchises that fit your budget and financing options that keep your retirement savings intact. Whether it’s franchisor programs or SBA loans, we make sure your investment is smart and secure.

Lifestyle fit

See opportunities that don't consume your whole life

Retirement should be about flexibility, not trading one grind for another. We focus on finding franchises that align with your desired lifestyle—whether that’s semi-absentee ownership, flexible hours, or work you genuinely enjoy. With Pathway’s help, you’ll get the best of both worlds: meaningful work and plenty of time to enjoy your golden years.

Industry selection

Skip the guesswork & get straight to the details you need

Franchising is a maze of options, contracts, and details. We cut through the noise, guiding you toward opportunities that make sense for your skills, finances, and local market. No overwhelming research, no dead ends—just clear, actionable advice to help you succeed.

Brand selection

Find businesses that harness your experience

After decades of work, you’ve built knowledge, connections, and drive. Franchising lets you turn those assets into a business you can grow, enjoy, and potentially pass down. Pathway identifies franchise opportunities where your experience shines, helping you create something lasting.

No cost, no equity guidance

30+ years experience

Fully independent

300+ brand contacts

We've got you covered coast-to-coast

From Alaska to Maine, we’ll help you find the right franchise opportunity for your local market.

Hawaii and territories not included - sorry!

United States map

How our guidance services work.
The most direct path to your own business.

01 Readiness check

Are you ready to own a franchise, or just dreaming? Let’s find out with a personal  assessment.

02 Meet the brands

We connect you with the decision makers at franchises that fit your goals, not someone else’s.

03 Funding & legal

Smart funding & legal strategies to fuel your franchise—no guesswork, no wasted time.

Your retirement deserves a business that works for your life—not the other way around. Ready to take the first step?

Get started

Meet Eli, your compass to navigating the franchise world

In a world full of franchise brokers who’ll tell you anything to close a deal, Eli Bookman stands out as a beacon of honesty and integrity.

With over 25 years of experience across dozens of industries, Eli has seen every trick in the book. As Pathway's president, he's not here to push you into a deal for a quick buck.

He’s here to give you the blunt truth about what it takes to succeed in the franchise world, and the connections to make that success happen.

Pathway president Eli Bookman

Retiree franchise ownership FAQs

See more FAQs
Will I have time to enjoy retirement?
What if I don’t have business experience?
Can I leave this to my kids or grandkids?
Can I avoid risking my entire retirement savings?

Explore franchise categories to narrow your search

Construction & Maintenance
Consumer Services
Health & Wellness
Professional Services
Transportation & Logistics