REF Global

REF is a global peer advisory network that brings CEOs, business owners, and executives together in confidential, facilitator-led forums to leverage collective wisdom, enhance decision-making, and accelerate professional and personal growth.

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REF Global Franchise Cost and Requirements for 2026

Background

REF offers a financially- and personally-rewarding experience to our Franchisees. Through our proven and scalable model, we guide and support you in building a vibrant peer advisory community of business leaders.

You and your members will also belong to a collaborative, global community of leaders, enhancing professional development and connection even further.

  1. Low-Cost, High-Return Model - Start a REF franchise with an investment of $66,560-$84,275, minimal overhead, no inventory needs.
  2. Unmatched Recurring Revenue - With members often staying 3 years or more, REF offers one of the strongest recurring revenue models in franchising, ensuring stable, predictable income, and long-term equity value creation.
  3. Build and Scale an Enterprise - REF offers a proven methodology, system, and suggested team needs to support scaling an operation beyond Franchisee-led Forum Groups and allowing Franchisees to be dedicated part-time to REF.
  4. Comprehensive Support - Benefit from in-depth trainings on our curated REF system, digital tools, top-tier App, and personalized support from HQ.
  5. Highly Rewarding Experience - REF elevates Franchisees further into a position of influence and impact in their local business community, in addition to belonging to a diverse & global community of leaders.
  6. Resale and high growth models available - Consider high-performing REF franchises available for resale, offering immediate cash flow and a turnkey business as a jumping off platform to build an enterprise legacy business.
  7. We are a collaborative style franchise. We welcome and seek out the opinion and expertise of our franchisees.
  8. We look for those who have been successful in their careers who now want to "make a difference"

Company Details

Established: 1994
First Unit Franchised: 1994
Franchised Units: 15 Franchisees in the US, 31 Licensees Internationally
Company Owned Units: 0
States Registered In: Alabama - AL, Alaska - AK, Arizona - AZ, Arkansas - AR, Colorado - CO, Connecticut - CT, Delaware - DE, Florida - FL, Georgia - GA, Idaho - ID, Iowa - IA, Kansas - KS, Kentucky - KY, Louisiana - LA, Maine - ME, Massachusetts - MA, Michigan - MI, Mississippi - MS, Missouri - MO, Montana - MT, Nebraska - NE, Nevada - NV, New Hampshire - NH, New Jersey - NJ, New Mexico - NM, North Carolina - NC, Ohio - OH, Oklahoma - OK, Oregon - OR, Pennsylvania - PA, South Carolina - SC, Tennessee - TN, Texas - TX, Utah - UT, Vermont - VT, West Virginia - WV, Wyoming - WY
Canada Franchises: No
International Franchises: No

Support and Training Offered By REF Global

Financial Assistance Provided: No

Site Selection Assistance: No

Lease Negotiation Assistance: No

Recruiting Assistance: Yes
Specify: While we train Franchisees on a recruiting system, we also offer execution of specific outreach services at a fee.

Co-operative Advertising: No

Training:
Initial Certification Training is 3 days in person in Los Angeles or Miami (or another US location to be selected).

Franchisees are trained and mentored on our comprehensive REF System - including but not limited to the below. All of which is found insde our online platform: REF Insider.
  1. GROWTH
    Member lead generation and development.
    Member closing and enrollment.
    Forum Leader recruitment.
    Forum Leader launch mentoring.
  2. MEMBER EXPERIENCE
    Ample library of Forum dynamics, continuously growing and improving.
    Trainings and best practices for Forum Group retreats, community events, and more.
  3. PARTNER SUCCESS
    Trainings supported by our digital learning platform: REF Academy.
    Digital dashboards and KPIs to continuously assess the health of the operation.
    Digital Business Plan to monitor against throughout the year
  4. LOCAL BRAND POSITIONING
    Brand assets, content, marketing tools

Special Instructions/Notes: Other items available to Franchisee:
  • Annual Global Franchisees Meeting in person in September, gathering with the REF executive team, sharing vision ahead, innovations, and best practices across operations.
  • Quarterly virtual Global Franchisees Meetings.
  • Prospecting Outreach Services available for hire from HQ.
  • App connecting the global community of Partners and Members.
  • Membership Accounts Receivable and reporting administered through HQ.

2026 Franchise Requirements Needed to Own a REF Global Franchise.

What does a REF Global Franchise Cost?

REF Global franchise fees for 2026:

Cash Investment: $58,000
Total Investment: $66,560 - $84,275
Minimum Net Worth: Net Worth: $750,000 or Annual Income: $350,000 - $500,000
Single Unit Franchise Fee: $58,000
Franchise Fee for Each Additional Unit: $40,600 for units 2 and 3 (each), when all purchased together.
Royalty: 20%
Ad Fee: NA
Other Fees: NA
Average Number of Employees at Start/at Maturity: 0 - 5
Item 19: Yes
SBA Registry: No
Visa Candidates: No
Passive Ownership: No
Semi-Passive Ownership: Yes
Specify: Franchisee may dedicate part-time to REF, awarding a minimum 30% of their time to facilitiate one forum group and oversee the operation/ team.
Home-Based: Yes
B2B: No
Master Franchise Opportunities: No
Veteran Discount: No

Is REF Global a Semi Absentee Franchise with a Passive Ownership Opportunity?

No. REF Global is not a semi absentee franchise. The owner of the franchise (the franchisee) is expected to be involved in all aspects of day-to-day operations.

Is REF Global a Home Based franchise?

Yes. REF Global is a home based franchise opportunity.

What Do REF Global Franchise Owners Make?

Click here to find out how much REF Global franchisees make. REF Global offers an Item 19 in their Franchise Disclosure Document which provides financial information about select franchisees in their franchise system.

Is REF Global a Master Franchise Opportunity?

No. REF Global is not a master franchise opportunity.

Does REF Global Offer a Veteran Discount?

No. REF Global franchise does not offer a veteran discount.

Does REF Global Work with E2 Visa and EB-5 Visa Candidates?

No. REF Global franchise does not work with E2 Visa and EB-5 Visa candidates.

Is REF Global Looking for Franchisees in Canada?

No. REF Global franchise is not looking for Canada franchisees.

Is REF Global Looking for International franchisees?

No. REF Global franchise is not looking for International franchisees.

Where can I see REF Global's FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document)?

Buying a Franchise Guide: What is a Franchise Disclosure Document?

When evaluating a franchise opportunity, reading and understanding the current version of their FDD is a necessity. Considering the benefits of franchising, such as established brand recognition and support from the franchisor, it's important to also take into account franchise fees and franchising royalty fees. Since most franchisors are privately owned companies, the current versions of their FDDs are typically not available unless requested directly from them.

Click here to connect with a Franchise Consultant who can help you obtain a copy quickly and for free. They can also guide you through the essential franchise questions to ask, ensuring you make a well-informed decision about your investment.

Additional Information

Additional Categories

Education, Business Opportunities, Management & Training, Recently Added Franchises, Non Food Franchises

Number of Units Open

20-50 UNITS

Cash Required

$50,000 - $100,000

Master Franchise

No

Passive Franchise

No

Home Based Franchise

Yes

Item 19 Franchise

Yes

Veteran Discount

No

B2B

No

Franchise Opportunities in Canada

No

International Franchise Opportunities

No

E2 Visa Franchise

No

REF Global Franchises for Sale

Click Here to inquire about existing REF Global franchises for sale. We may have REF Global franchise resales. A franchise resale is an already established franchise owned by a franchisee and the franchisee is looking to sell their franchise.

The International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG) is an internationally recognized membership-based franchise organization. IFPG Franchise Consultants guide aspiring business owners through the process of identifying and investing in franchise businesses. The IFPG represents more than 550 franchises. We do not represent all franchises listed here. By clicking on "Request a Consultation," you are agreeing to be contacted by one of our Certified Franchise Consultants to discuss franchise ownership.

About our rankings: The IFPG uses its internal data collected from our membership portal to identify which franchises had the most activity in the past week. This ranking system is not based on franchise sales, franchisee success rates or number of units open. Our ranking system should not be used to make a decision on which franchise to buy it was solely created for internal purposes and for our IFPG Members.