The Great $84 Trillion Opportunity: How America’s Wealth Transfer Will Shape the Franchise Industry
Over the next two decades, the United States will experience the largest transfer of wealth in history. Economists estimate that Baby Boomers - the wealthiest generation to ever live - will pass down over $84 trillion to their heirs by 2045. Roughly $16 trillion of that is expected to be transferred in just the next decade.
While these numbers grab headlines, they also raise a question for entrepreneurs and investors alike: Where will that money go? For a growing number of inheritors, the answer will be franchising - a path that blends financial stability, proven systems, and the chance to build a lasting legacy.
Why This Transfer Is Different
The coming wealth shift is unlike anything seen before. Boomers hold more than half of America’s wealth - much of it in real estate, investments, and businesses they built over decades. Unlike previous generational handovers, this transfer will happen in an economy shaped by high living costs, evolving job markets, and a cultural shift toward entrepreneurship over traditional employment.
For many Gen X, Millennial, and even Gen Z heirs, an inheritance won’t just be a windfall - it will be the capital that makes self-employment possible for the first time.
Franchising offers something that resonates strongly with this mindset:
- Lower startup risk compared to starting from scratch.
- Brand recognition and established systems.
- Scalable ownership for long-term wealth building.
- A
community of support from franchisors and other owners.
The Franchise Sector’s Sweet Spot
Not all industries will capture this influx of capital equally. The most attractive opportunities for incoming heirs and new investors will be those that meet two criteria:
- Stable or growing demand, regardless of economic cycles.
- Proven franchise models with strong ROI potential.
Senior care and medical-related franchises check both boxes. As America ages - with 10,000 people turning 65 every day - demand for home healthcare, mobility products, in-home support, and wellness services is skyrocketing.
Other sectors likely to benefit include:
- Essential services (plumbing, cleaning, automotive).
- Education and tutoring (especially with increased remote learning).
- Pet care (a high-growth emotional spending category).
- Food service (with delivery and convenience models leading the way).
How to Capture This Once-in-a-Generation Chance
The size of the wealth transfer is staggering, but opportunity doesn’t automatically translate into success. For those inheriting capital - and for franchise brands hoping to attract them - timing, preparation, and strategy are key.
1. Start with Education
Receiving a large sum can be overwhelming. Many heirs have never run a business, let alone evaluated a franchise. Franchisors and consultants who provide accessible education on the franchise process will build trust and stand out.
2. Build a Legacy Plan
For families, franchising can be an ideal bridge between generations. Parents can provide capital, while younger family members bring energy and operational involvement. This creates a business that serves both as an investment and a shared legacy.
3. Target Multi-Unit and Area Development
With greater access to capital, new investors can think beyond a single location. Multi-unit ownership accelerates growth, spreads risk, and builds enterprise value faster - key for those aiming to turn inherited wealth into generational wealth.
4. Leverage Financing Options
Even with inheritance funds, smart investors will blend cash with SBA loans, 401(k) rollovers, or portfolio-backed financing. This preserves liquidity for marketing, expansion, or diversification into multiple brands.
5. Partner with Proven Advisors
Navigating franchise selection, legal agreements, and operational ramp-up is complex. Partnering with experienced franchise consultants, attorneys, and accountants can prevent costly missteps.
For Franchisors: Positioning to Attract the New Capital
Franchise brands also have a rare opportunity to capture a share of this capital influx. To do so, they should:
- Highlight stability and demand in marketing materials.
- Showcase
success stories of multi-generational owners.
- Offer succession-friendly structures that make it easy for ownership to pass between family members.
- Develop discovery processes tailored to first-time business owners.
The Emotional Component
While the $84 trillion figure makes headlines, wealth transfer isn’t purely financial - it’s deeply personal. For many heirs, investing in a franchise is about more than profit. It’s about honoring the values and sacrifices of the generation that came before them.
Franchising allows inheritors to create something tangible: a business that employs people, serves a community, and grows over time. In many cases, this will be the most visible and lasting result of their inheritance.
Final Thought
Opportunities of this scale rarely come twice. The Great Wealth Transfer will reshape industries, fuel entrepreneurship, and open doors for those ready to act. For aspiring business owners with new capital, franchising offers a powerful blend of proven systems, community impact, and the potential to turn inherited wealth into enduring prosperity.
Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end of this shift, the message is the same: The time to prepare is now.
5 Quick Tips for Turning Inheritance into a Franchise Empire
- Pause Before You Pounce – Take time to assess your skills, lifestyle goals, and risk tolerance before committing to a franchise.
- Do Your Homework – Research multiple brands, talk to existing franchisees, and compare financial performance data (Item 19 in the FDD).
- Think Big, Start Smart – Consider multi-unit opportunities, but begin with a manageable number of locations to learn the ropes.
- Preserve Your Capital – Use smart financing tools (SBA loans, 401(k) rollovers, portfolio loans) to keep extra cash for marketing and growth.
- Surround Yourself with Pros – Work with franchise consultants, attorneys, and accountants who understand the industry and can help you avoid pitfalls.
About the Author
Jack Tiwari is a seasoned business consultant, community leader, and cultural advocate. With a deep understanding of the franchise industry, he helps entrepreneurs achieve success in franchise sales and acquisitions, business development, and social impact. Contact Jack at
jack@thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.





