Sidekick Earns Recognition on Entrepreneur's 2026 Top Franchise Suppliers List

Omaha, NE (September 22, 2026) – Franchise Sidekick, a leading franchise advisory firm that has helped award 12,000 franchise locations and works with over 1,000 prospective franchisees at any given time, announced it has earned two distinctions on Entrepreneur's 2026 Top Franchise Suppliers list. The company ranked #6 in the Franchise Broker/Referral Networks category, and their Sidekick Important People Events were recognized at #14 in the Franchise Events category.

The dual honor is a rare one in the franchise industry, reflecting recognition not just for how Sidekick helps individuals find and purchase the right franchise, but for how it brings the broader franchise community together for world-class events.

"Getting recognized in two categories on this list means a lot because it validates the two things we care about most: helping people find the right franchise, and building real relationships across our industry," said Ryan Zink, Founder and CEO of Franchise Sidekick. "Our advisors work hard every day guiding people through one of the biggest decisions of their lives, and our events team brings that same spirit of connection to the entire franchise community. Seeing both sides of what we do land on this list tells us we're building something the industry actually needs."

Recognized twice, for two different reasons

Entrepreneur's Top Franchise Suppliers ranking evaluates companies across categories including accounting, financing, legal services, marketing, technology and more, spotlighting the vendors and service providers franchise brands and franchisees rely on most. Sidekick's appearance in two distinct categories underscores the breadth of the company's impact.

Franchise Broker/Referral Networks (#6): This ranking recognizes Sidekick's core advisory business, which pairs prospective franchisees with vetted brand recommendations and hands-on guidance throughout the buying process, which reduces the risk and guesswork that often comes with franchise ownership.

Franchise Events (#14): This recognition honors SKIP Events, including their flagship event SKIP Summit, for delivering franchise leadership, education and destination-based networking experiences that bring advisors, brands and industry leaders together.

A track record built on access and connection

Sidekick's advisory team works to make franchise ownership more approachable, matching aspiring entrepreneurs with opportunities that fit their goals and reducing the risk that comes with going it alone. That same philosophy carries through to the company's events business, where gatherings like SKIP Summit are built around structured, purposeful connection between advisors, brands and industry partners, rather than surface-level networking.

SKIP Summit 2026 will take place Oct. 13-15 in Chicago, featuring the Exclusive Advisor Experience at Wrigley Field, a formal evening at the Field Museum and headline speaker John R. DiJulius, III, chief revolution officer and founder of The DiJulius Group.

Looking ahead

With this recognition, Sidekick continues to strengthen its position as a company that shows up for the franchise community from both sides of the table – helping individuals become franchisees and helping the broader industry connect, learn and grow together.

To learn more about Sidekick's advisory services or upcoming events, visit franchisesidekick.com or franchise.com/skip-events-2026.

About Franchise Sidekick

Franchise Sidekick is on a mission to make franchise ownership easier, smarter and more human. We help aspiring entrepreneurs find the right franchise opportunities and reduce the risk that usually comes with going it alone. Through expert guidance, vetted brand recommendations and real-world education, Sidekick empowers people to take control of their future and build a business that fits their life. Whether you're looking to leave the 9-5, build a portfolio or start a new chapter, Sidekick is here to help you own a franchise – and live life on your terms.

To learn more, visit franchisesidekick.com or follow @franchisesidekick.