The Pathway to Becoming a
Certified Field Coach
(CFC)

Fast-track your team’s growth and confidence with the industry’s leading certification in Strategic Growth Coaching — designed specifically for franchise business coaches, ops teams, and support leaders.

Join the next cohortDownload the program Overview

Why the ACcelerator Program Is Needed

Franchise Business coaches carry one of the hardest jobs in franchising yet most have never received real coaching training.

The ACcelerator builds the foundation they’ve been missing: how to navigate Relationship Dynamics, apply Strategic Growth Coaching, lead structured coaching sessions, and communicate with emotional and social intelligence. This is where franchise business coaches learn to coach with confidence, consistency, and results.

The Only Certification
Program for Franchise Business Coaches

The ACcelerator is a five-month, interactive online certification program that develops franchise franchise business coaches and operations leaders in AC Inc.’s Strategic Growth Coaching Methodology — our proprietary coaching system designed specifically for franchising.

This is a highly collaborative, practical learning environment, combining twice-weekly live sessions with hands-on application. Participants master the structure, tools, coaching frameworks, and mindset needed to drive franchisee growth, accountability, engagement, and satisfaction across their networks.

Key Highlights

  • 5-month online certification program
  • 40 live, 90-minute sessions (meeting twice per week)
  • Action-oriented tools, templates, and resources provided every session
  • 8–12 participants per cohort for personalized learning and strong peer collaboration
  • Led by experienced franchise educators who coach in real systems every day
download the program curriculum

DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM CURRICULUM 

2026 ACcelerator Cohorts — Now Enrolling

September Cohort

Starts September 14

Five months. 40 live sessions. $4,250 per participant.
Choose the cohort that fits your team's schedule and reserve a seat.

LIVE sessions

Monday / Wednesday

1:30 - 3:00 PM EST

STARTS

ENDS

Apply for This Cohort

September Cohort

Starts September 14

Sep 14, 2026

February 2027

October Cohort

Starts October 17

LIVE sessions

Monday / Wednesday

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EST

STARTS

ENDS

Oct 17, 2026

Apply for This Cohort

March 2027

November Cohort

Starts November 2

LIVE sessions

Tuesday / Thursday

9:00 - 10:30 AM EST

STARTS

ENDS

Nov 2, 2026

Apply for This Cohort

April 2027

December Cohort

Starts December 8

LIVE sessions

Tuesday / Thursday

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EST

STARTS

ENDS

Dec 8, 2026

Apply for This Cohort

May 2027

Cohorts are capped at 10 participants. Seats are reserved in the order registrations are received.

Reserve Your SeatNot ready to commit to a date?

Where Franchise Education Turns Into Real Performance

600+

Live hours of franchise education and coaching delivered

150+

Certified Field Coaches (CFC) trained in Strategic Growth Coaching

98%

Approval rating from ACcelerator Program graduates

4.8 / 5

Average rating for the program and learning experiences

Trusted by leading franchise systems across North America

What You’ll Learn in the accelerator program

Our program go beyond operational know-how. We develop confident franchise business coaches who think strategically, communicate effectively, and build strong franchisee relationships.

Click on each focus area to learn more.

What You’ll Learn in the accelerator program

Our program go beyond operational know-how. We develop confident field coaches who think strategically, communicate effectively, and build strong franchisee relationships.

Click on each focus area to learn more.

Build a powerful, trust-driven coaching relationship that accelerates franchisee performance. This focus equips field coaches to establish credibility, lead with influence, and create the partnership dynamic that fuels sustainable growth.

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What You’ll Learn in the accelerator program

Our program go beyond operational know-how. We develop confident field coaches who think strategically, communicate effectively, and build strong franchisee relationships.

Click on each focus area to learn more.

Master the core framework that transforms scattered support into structured, results-driven coaching. Participants learn how to uncover a franchisee’s WHY, diagnose needs and opportunities, set meaningful annual and quarterly goals, build actionable plans, and drive accountability through scorecards and consistent check-ins. This is the backbone of high-performance coaching across a franchise system.

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What You’ll Learn in the accelerator program

Our program go beyond operational know-how. We develop confident field coaches who think strategically, communicate effectively, and build strong franchisee relationships.

Click on each focus area to learn more.

Strengthen the impact of every coaching touchpoint. Coaches learn how to structure effective 1:1 sessions, facilitate transformative small-group conversations, and run high-accountability formats like bootcamps and performance groups. This area builds confidence, consistency, and coaching efficiency across the system.

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What You’ll Learn in the accelerator program

Our program go beyond operational know-how. We develop confident field coaches who think strategically, communicate effectively, and build strong franchisee relationships.

Click on each focus area to learn more.

Elevate the interpersonal skills that move franchisees into action. From creating buy-in and shifting mindset to fostering accountability and using persuasion ethically and effectively, this area builds the communication and influence toolkit every field coach needs to spark real change.

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What You’ll Learn in the accelerator program

Our program go beyond operational know-how. We develop confident field coaches who think strategically, communicate effectively, and build strong franchisee relationships.

Click on each focus area to learn more.

Develop the self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation that differentiate good coaches from exceptional ones. Coaches learn how EI/SI strengthens leadership presence, deepens trust, and improves decision-making — all while identifying their own patterns and growth opportunities.

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What You’ll Learn in the accelerator program

Our program go beyond operational know-how. We develop confident field coaches who think strategically, communicate effectively, and build strong franchisee relationships.

Click on each focus area to learn more.

Become a master communicator who drives clarity, alignment, and confident action. This focus builds advanced skills in impactful communication, active listening, motivational questioning, and tailoring coaching approaches to different personalities and situations.

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What You’ll Learn in the accelerator program

Our program go beyond operational know-how. We develop confident field coaches who think strategically, communicate effectively, and build strong franchisee relationships.

Click on each focus area to learn more.

Equip field coaches with a practical understanding of the core obstacles franchisees face and the strategies to help them regain control. Coaches learn to guide operators from “working IN the business” to “working ON the business,” unlocking scalable systems, stronger decision-making, and long-term growth.

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What You’ll Learn in the accelerator program

Our program go beyond operational know-how. We develop confident field coaches who think strategically, communicate effectively, and build strong franchisee relationships.

Click on each focus area to learn more.

Strengthen a coach’s ability to guide franchisees through every stage of their leadership journey—from managing staff and navigating change to elevating business ownership capabilities. This area ensures field coaches can support franchisees not just operationally, but as leaders of thriving teams and communities.

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What You’ll Learn in the accelerator program

Click on each focus area to learn more.

Our program go beyond operational know-how. We develop confident field coaches who think strategically, communicate effectively, and build strong franchisee relationships.

Build confidence in navigating the toughest coaching moments—conflict, resistance, complacency, low performance, or even maximizing the potential of top performers. Coaches learn frameworks to turn difficult situations into opportunities for progress, alignment, and breakthrough outcomes.

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What You’ll Learn in the accelerator program

Our program go beyond operational know-how. We develop confident field coaches who think strategically, communicate effectively, and build strong franchisee relationships.

Click on each focus area to learn more.

Bring it all together. Participants analyze real scenarios, collaborate on solutions, and present personal action plans that demonstrate their ability to apply Strategic Growth Coaching in practice. Certification ensures every graduate is ready to coach with clarity, confidence, and impact.

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Flexible Enrollment Options

Mixed Cohorts

10 participants from multiple franchise systems

We offer both private and mixed-system cohorts so you can choose the format that best fits your goals, your team, and your timeline.

New cohorts launch every month. Programs are structured to accommodate multiple international time zones—making it easy to participate from anywhere.

Click to learn more about each option.

Private Cohorts

10 participants from your franchise

Flexible Enrollment Options

Private Cohorts

10 participants from your franchise

Mixed Cohorts

10 participants from multiple franchise systems

We offer both private and mixed-system cohorts so you can choose the format that best fits your goals, your team, and your timeline.

New cohorts launch every month. Programs are structured to accommodate multiple international time zones—making it easy to participate from anywhere.

Click to learn more about each option.

A dedicated cohort built exclusively for your system. Your team moves through the program together with content, discussions, and examples tailored directly to your brand’s realities, priorities, and coaching culture.

Flexible Enrollment Options

Private Cohorts

10 participants from your franchise

Mixed Cohorts

10 participants from multiple franchise systems

We offer both private and mixed-system cohorts so you can choose the format that best fits your goals, your team, and your timeline.

New cohorts launch every month. Programs are structured to accommodate multiple international time zones—making it easy to participate from anywhere.

Click to learn more about each option.

Join a scheduled cohort alongside peers from other franchise brands. Participants gain fresh perspectives, alternative approaches, and practical insights from leaders facing similar challenges across the franchise landscape.

For the Franchisor

For the Franchisee

For the Franchise business Coach

The ACcelerator Strengthens Your Coaches, Your Franchisees, and Your System.

  • Strengthened coaching structure and field team consistency
  • Improved franchisee satisfaction and validation
  • Increased Average Unit Volume (AUV) and brand performance

  • Clear, actionable growth plans
  • Improved profitability and confidence
  • More strategic, collaborative relationships with franchise business coaches

  • Structured coaching approach and confidence
  • Stronger franchisee engagement and trust
  • Professional development and certification

What Our Graduates Say

Not Ready to Pick a Date?

Not everyone arrives ready to enrol — and that's fine. Tell us what you're weighing and our education team will help you work out the right path.

Your team walks away with powerful credentials, proven coaching skills, and recognition across the franchise community.

Show off your Certification

Join an Elite Community of Franchise Business Coaches

Graduates become part of an exclusive, high-performing group of franchise business coaches committed to leveling up, supporting each other, and living the AC Inc. mantra: “Go Be Awesome.”

ACcelerator Digital Badge

Completion Certificate

LinkedIn Certification

Displayed on internal platforms, email signatures, and professional profiles.

Recognizes mastery of the AC Inc. Strategic Growth Coaching principles and tools.

Official designation to highlight your coaching expertise publicly.

Led by Experts in Franchise Support

Every ACcelerator Cohort is led by the AC Inc. education team — a group of seasoned franchise professionals with deep franchise Business coaching, operations, leadership, and training experience.

stephanie benze

director of education

erica shoop

Field Support Advisor

Chris pace

field support advisor

learn more about our team

 A 15-year franchise operations leader, Erica specializes in turning complexity into clarity and equipping coaches and owners with the tools to lead confidently and sustainably.

With 15+ years in franchise operations, Chris helps franchisors strengthen performance, accountability, and consistency through practical, scalable support.

Stephanie Benze, Director of Education, leverages 10+ years in franchising to lead AC Inc.’s educational programs, including the SGC framework.

Ready to dig into franchisee support
professional development?

Whether you want to enroll in the ACcelerator Program to get fully certified, take some ACademy course at your own-pace, or explore customized workshops, our education team is ready to help you find the right learning path for your franchisee support team.

Let's Chat
JOIN A COHORT

What does AC Inc. do?

Who is ACcelerator for?

What is the ACcelerator Certification?

Frequency Asked Questions

Should Field Coaches be certified?

How do I know if my Field Coaches (FBCs) need training?

What skills does a franchise field coach need?

What does AC Inc. do?

Who is ACcelerator for?

What is the ACcelerator Certification?

Frequency Asked Questions

Should Field Coaches be certified?

How do I know if my Field Coaches (FBCs) need training?

What skills does a franchise field coach need?

The ACcelerator is AC Inc.'s Field Coach Certification program and the franchise industry's first certification built specifically for field support teams. Coaches graduate as a Certified Field Coach (CFC) with a professional certification and a full coaching toolkit they can apply immediately.

What does AC Inc. do?

Who is ACcelerator for?

What is the ACcelerator Certification?

Frequency Asked Questions

Should Field Coaches be certified?

How do I know if my Field Coaches (FBCs) need training?

What skills does a franchise field coach need?

ACcelerator is for field coaches, franchise business coaches, regional directors, area managers, Founders, CEOs, COOs, and anyone in a support role whose job is to coach franchisees. It works for new coaches and experienced coaches who've never had a real coaching framework.

What does AC Inc. do?

Who is ACcelerator for?

What is the ACcelerator Certification?

Frequency Asked Questions

Should Field Coaches be certified?

How do I know if my Field Coaches (FBCs) need training?

What skills does a franchise field coach need?

Yes. There's no industry-wide standardized training for field coaches, so most enter the role with strong operational knowledge but little coaching training. That leads to reactive support and inconsistent franchisee experiences. AC Inc.'s Field Coach Certification solves this by training coaches in the SGC framework for consistent, repeatable coaching conversations.

What does AC Inc. do?

Who is ACcelerator for?

What is the ACcelerator Certification?

Frequency Asked Questions

Should Field Coaches be certified?

How do I know if my Field Coaches (FBCs) need training?

What skills does a franchise field coach need?

Your coaches likely need development if coaching is reactive instead of proactive, franchisees aren't taking action, KPIs aren't used consistently, coaching quality varies across the team, coaches lack confidence and structure, difficult conversations are being avoided, trust and rapport with franchisees is inconsistent, or accountability and compliance are hard to maintain. This is extremely common, even in large, mature brands.

What does AC Inc. do?

Who is ACcelerator for?

What is the ACcelerator Certification?

Frequency Asked Questions

Should Field Coaches be certified?

How do I know if my Field Coaches (FBCs) need training?

What skills does a franchise field coach need?

An effective field coach needs three things working together. First, brand and business knowledge: a deep understanding of the brand itself and how franchisees make money. Second, business acumen: a working knowledge of how all the moving parts of a franchisee's business fit together. Third, human coaching skills: the ability to challenge, foster intrinsic motivation, hold accountability and ownership, and build genuine trust and rapport. The scope of these skills will vary depending on the role, but all three legs of the stool need to be present for a field coach to drive real results.