Franchises reduce risk because you buy a tested model, supplier network and brand playbook. In Nigeria the value is SOPs: recipes, pricing, staff training and marketing that already work. The trade off is upfront fees, ongoing royalties and less flexibility. Starting from scratch gives freedom but mistakes are costly: packaging, menu, QA and inventory will stress you. If cash is tight and you are a first time owner, a small local franchise in food, laundry or logistics can be a good bridge. Ask for unit economics from existing franchisees, not only the franchisor. Check rent to revenue ratio, cost of diesel and break even time. Where you have a unique product, start small, document your own SOPs and consider franchising others later.