BNI
BNI Franchising, LLC grants franchises to operate territories with business networking referral groups called Chapters, composed of non-competing business professionals who meet weekly to exchange qualified referrals using BNI's proprietary structure, format, and training. Franchisees train and support Chapter Members to grow their businesses through these referrals, collecting annual subscription fees from Members while paying royalties to the franchisor based on gross revenues. The target market includes small to medium-sized business owners and professionals seeking structured networking opportunities.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
20% royalty + $720/mo brand compliance fee (only if non-compliant) + $36 annual R&D per new/renewing member
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 99 Operational Franchise Outlets for 2024 Calendar Year
* Average Gross Revenue ($343,922) and Median Gross Revenue ($262,018) are taken directly from the '100%' percentile row of Table 1 for Operational Franchise Outlets. Revenue for the top quartile ($772,247) is the 'Average Gross Revenue' for the 'Top 25%' percentile. Revenue for the bottom quartile ($85,027) is the 'Average Gross Revenue' for the 'Bottom 25%' percentile. No information on gross profit, net income, net profit, EBITDA, or expense data was provided.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How BNI Compares to Other Business Services Franchises
Key Insights
- Lower investment than 75% of Business Services franchises
- Higher than average SBA loan default rate in Business Services
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BNI Current | $53K - $194K | $35K | 20.0% | 99 |
| Bimbo Foods Bakeries Distribution, LLC | $14K - $607K | N/A | N/A | 6,454 |
| THE UPS STORE (TRADITIONAL) | $216K - $609K | $30K | 5.0% | 4,500 |
| JACKSON HEWITT TAX SERVICE | $71K - $105K | $25K | 15.0% | 2,744 |
| CRUISE PLANNERS | $2K - $21K | $11K | 3.0% | 2,655 |
| SERVPRO (UNIT) | $259K - $380K | $100K | 10.0% | 2,286 |
Business Services Average 187 franchises | $118K - $285K | $46K | 10.4% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 187 Business Services franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+22 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for BNI franchisees (2020 - 2020)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Primarily non-renewal disputes, breach of contract claims, and violations of franchise laws by former master franchisees (India, China) and U.S. franchisees, resolved via settlement, withdrawal, or ongoing negotiations.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a BNI franchise?
The total initial investment to open a BNI franchise ranges from $53,395 to $193,645. This includes a franchise fee of $35,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 20.0% of gross sales.
How much revenue does a BNI franchise make?
According to the 2025 FDD, the average gross revenue for a BNI franchise is $343,922. The median revenue is $262,018.
How many BNI franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, BNI has 99 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 1991.
Can you get an SBA loan for a BNI franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for BNI franchises. Historical data shows 4 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for BNI franchisees, with an average loan amount of $773,700. The historical default rate is 0.0%.
Is BNI a good franchise to buy?
BNI shows several positive indicators: transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in BNI?
Talk to a franchise advisor to get personalized guidance and learn if BNI is the right fit for you.
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