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Only 25 exclusive territories available globally in 2026. Territories are granted on first-come, first-qualified basis — not first to apply. Applications reviewed within 5 business days.Â
Start a Cybersecurity & Compliance Consulting Franchise — Proven Frameworks, Exclusive Territories, Global Brand
The Seven Step Franchise Programme enables GRC consultants, ISO practitioners, cybersecurity professionals, and boutique advisory firms to launch or scale a compliance consulting business using ready-made frameworks, audit-ready toolkits, certified training, lead generation support, and the credibility of a brand that has delivered 200+ implementations across 20+ countries with a 100% certification success rate over two decades.
Start a Cybersecurity & Compliance Consulting Franchise — Proven Frameworks, Exclusive Territories, Global Brand
What Is the Seven Step Cybersecurity & Compliance Consulting Franchise?
The Seven Step Partner Programme is a global franchise and enablement model built for professionals and firms looking to start or scale a compliance consulting business in areas like ISO certification, cybersecurity governance, risk management, and data privacy.
With over 200+ successful implementations across 20+ countries and a 100% certification success track record, Seven Step provides a proven, structured pathway to build a profitable GRC consulting practice in just 60–90 days.
Who Is This Programme For ?
This programme is ideal for:
- GRC Consultants looking to scale beyond hourly billing
- ISO Consultants specializing in ISO 27001, ISO 9001, ISO 27701, ISO 42001
- Cybersecurity Professionals (CISOs, Security Leaders, Risk Heads) expanding into advisory
- IT Service Management Experts (ITIL practitioners, service delivery leaders)
- Audit & Assurance Professionals (SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA, internal auditors)
- Boutique Consulting Firms & MSPs aiming to add compliance and governance services
What You Get as a Seven Step Partner
The programme provides a complete business-in-a-box model to launch and grow your consulting firm:
- Ready-to-use ISO & GRC frameworks (audit-ready templates, policies, risk registers)
- Access to the TCF Solutions Suite an AI based GRC platform Â
- End-to-end toolkits for implementation, audit, and certification readiness
- Certified training & onboarding to ensure delivery consistency
- Lead generation & sales support (SEO, GEO, AEO-ready assets included)
- Brand credibility & market positioning backed by global delivery success
- Delivery playbooks to standardize execution and reduce dependency on individual expertise
Global Use Cases
Whether you are:
- An ISO 27001 consultant in London looking to scale revenue without increasing effort
- A cybersecurity firm in Dubai adding GRC and compliance services
- An ex-Big4 consultant in New York building an independent advisory practice
- An MSP in Bangalore or Delhi NCR upselling compliance services to SMB clients
The Seven Step Partner Programme adapts to your local market, pricing, and regulatory environment while giving you a globally validated framework.
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Explore the opportunity
Overview
Three Divisions, One Integrated Platform for Franchise Partners
Seven Step Consulting — Strategic Advisory: Deliver tailored cybersecurity, privacy, and risk management consulting. Guide clients from initial readiness assessment through to certification, ongoing posture management, and business continuity. Frameworks covered include ISO 27001, ISO 22301, ISO 27701, ISO 42001, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA, DPDP Act, PCI DSS, CMMI, and NIST.
The Compliance First — GRC Automation Platform: An AI-powered SaaS suite that simplifies certification management through smart workflows, compliance dashboards, evidence rooms, and automated monitoring. Franchise partners earn recurring revenue through platform resale and client subscriptions.
Wisdom Code Series — Knowledge & Publishing: Whitepapers, books, training programmes, and thought leadership content that partners can co-create, co-brand, and monetise. Build authority in your market as a published expert in cybersecurity and compliance.
Who Is This For — Ideal Franchise Partner Profiles
Built for GRC Consultants, ISO Practitioners, Cybersecurity Professionals & Boutique Firms
- The Independent ISO Consultant: You’re already delivering ISO 27001 or ISO 9001 projects manually, building every template from scratch. You want structured toolkits, a recognised brand, and the ability to scale beyond individual billable hours without hiring a large team. The franchise gives you ready-made documentation packs, pricing calculators, and a proven delivery methodology so you can serve more clients at higher margins.
- The Boutique Cybersecurity Firm (1–25 employees): Your firm offers VAPT, penetration testing, or SOC services but lacks GRC depth. You want to add ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, and HIPAA compliance consulting quickly — without building the capability from zero. The franchise gives you cross-sell opportunities and a complete GRC service portfolio overnight.
- The Ex-Big4 / Ex-Enterprise Professional: You have deep expertise from years at Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG, or large enterprises, but no brand, no platform, and no ready-made service portfolio. You want to start your own consulting practice with credibility from day one. The franchise gives you a 20-year-old brand, proven frameworks, and operational infrastructure so you can focus on delivery, not setup.
- The IT / Managed Service Provider (MSP): You have an existing SME client base that trusts you for IT infrastructure and support. You want to upsell compliance and security services but lack the domain knowledge, toolkits, and certifications. The franchise provides packaged compliance services, training, and mentoring so your team can start delivering GRC engagements within 90 days.
- The Entrepreneur in an Emerging Market: You are in a high-growth market — India (Tier 1 or Tier 2 cities), UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Kenya, South Africa, or Nigeria — where compliance demand is surging but qualified consultants are scarce. The franchise gives you first-mover advantage with a global brand and structured support in underserved territories.
Partner Success Stories
From Consultant to Business Owner — Partner Stories
These are illustrative profiles based on the franchise model and typical partner journeys. Real partner names and stories will be added as the network grows. Names changed for privacy.
Story 1 — Independent Consultant Scales Beyond Billable Hours
| Profile | Detail |
| Background | ISO 27001 Lead Auditor with 9 years of independent consulting experience |
| Location | Bangalore, India |
| Franchise Investment | USD 500 – USD 5,500 (₹50 K – ₹5.25 L approx.) depending on territory tier |
| Time to first client | 42 days after onboarding — existing network converted faster than expected |
| Month 6 revenue | ₹28L across 3 ISO 27001 engagements and 1 SOC 2 readiness project |
| Key win | The GRC toolkits saved an estimated 80 hours per engagement vs building from scratch |
| What changed | “I stopped selling my time and started selling a system. Clients see Seven Step as a firm — not just me as a freelancer.” |
Story 2 — IT Services Firm Adds GRC Practice Overnight
| Profile | Detail |
| Background | Boutique IT services firm (12 staff) serving mid-market clients in Delhi-NCR |
| Franchise Investment | USD 500 – USD 5,500 (₹50 K – ₹5.25 L approx.) depending on territory tier |
| Time to first client | 67 days — sold ISO 27001 compliance consulting to an existing infrastructure client |
| Year 1 revenue | USD 140,000 — 60% consulting, 25% training, 15% SaaS resale |
| Key win | Added GRC without hiring a compliance specialist — used the toolkits and HQ delivery support on first two engagements |
| What changed | “Our clients used to refer us to other consultants for compliance. Now we own that relationship end-to-end.” |
Story 3 — Ex-Big4 Professional Launches Independent Practice
| Profile | Detail |
| Background | 8 years at a Big4 risk advisory practice — left to build independent consultancy |
| Location | London, UK |
| Franchise Investment | USD 500 – USD 5,500 (₹50 K – ₹5.25 L approx.) depending on territory tier |
| Time to first client | 31 days — converted a contact from previous employer |
| Month 8 revenue | GBP 85,000 across ISO 27001, UK GDPR, and a managed compliance retainer |
| Key win | Brand credibility eliminated the 12-month credibility-building period typical for new practices |
| What changed | “At Big4 I did the work but the brand got the credit. Now both are mine.” |
Illustrative profiles. Individual results vary. Full disclosure: revenue figures represent achievable outcomes based on model design, not guarantees. Verified partner testimonials will be published on this page as the network grows. Prospects can request a reference call during the discovery process.
Could this be your story?
What Franchise Partners Receive
Turnkey Business Model — Everything You Need to Launch in 60–90 Days
Brand & Market Positioning
Operate under the Seven Step Consulting brand with exclusive territory rights. Co-branded website presence, marketing collateral, and digital assets. No internal competition in your region.
Sales & Go-to-Market Kit
Sales brochures, pitch decks, proposal templates, pricing calculators, case study references, and objection-handling guides. Co-branded campaigns, webinars, and lead funnels managed by HQ.
Technology & Automation
Access to The Compliance First GRC platform for client deployment. Compliance SaaS resale as a recurring revenue stream. Smart dashboards, evidence rooms, and AI-driven compliance monitoring.
Training & Certification
Partner onboarding programme covering methodology, tools, and client engagement. Lead Auditor and Lead Implementer training paths. Awareness and vCISO workshop delivery training. Continuous mentoring and quarterly knowledge updates.
Delivery Toolkits & Frameworks
Complete audit-ready documentation toolkits for ISO 27001, ISO 22301, ISO 27701, ISO 42001, SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, DPDP, PCI DSS, and ISO 9001. Risk registers, audit checklists, onboarding kits, and incident response playbooks. The proprietary Seven Step Framework and 9P Model.
Lead Generation & Pipeline Support
HQ-driven corporate campaigns with qualified inbound leads shared to territory partners. Local pipeline building training using co-branded digital assets. Joint webinars, content marketing, and SEO support.
Our Founder
Ajai Kumar Srivastava
Founder & Managing Director, Seven Step Consulting Pvt. Ltd.
I built Seven Step Consulting in 2005 from a single ISO 27001 engagement in Delhi-NCR. Over two decades, I have personally led or overseen more than 200 implementations across banking, healthcare, SaaS, manufacturing, and government sectors in India, the US, UK, Singapore, and APAC.
The Seven Step Franchise Programme is not a licensing arrangement created to generate fee income. It is the structured packaging of the exact methodology, toolkits, and operating model that we have refined through 20 years of actual client delivery — and that we use ourselves every day.
When you join as a franchise partner, you are not buying a brand. You are joining a practitioner network built on a foundation of zero failed certifications, documented repeatable frameworks, and a commitment to quality that our clients have trusted for two decades.
Credentials :
- 20+ years in cybersecurity, GRC, and compliance consulting
- 200+ implementations across 20+ countries — 100% certification success rate
- Creator of the S.T.E.P.S.â„¢ Governance Framework
- Co-author of four books: Digital Dragon and Defenders, Code vs Constitution, Mind Your S.T.E.P.S.™, and Seven Steps to Infosec Nirvana.
- Active practitioner across ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, DPDP, and ISO 42001
- Clients span BFSI, SaaS, healthcare, manufacturing, and government sectors
- Operating entity: Seven Step Consulting Pvt. Ltd. (CIN: U72200DL2009PTC193149)
“When you partner with Seven Step Consulting, you are not starting from zero. You are building on 20 years of proven frameworks, documented delivery methodology, and a client track record that speaks for itself.”
— Ajai Kumar Srivastava, Founder & MD
What This Would Cost You to Build Independently
To replicate what the Seven Step Franchise provides, a consultant building from scratch would need to invest the following — before earning a single rupee in revenue:
| Component | Estimated Independent Build Cost |
|---|---|
| GRC documentation toolkit (60+ frameworks) | ₹5L – ₹12L (custom development or licensing) |
| AI-powered GRC SaaS platform (The Compliance First) | ₹3L – ₹8L / year (SaaS licensing or build cost) |
| Brand identity, website, and positioning | ₹2L – ₹5L (agency development) |
| Lead Auditor and Lead Implementer training paths | ₹1.5L – ₹3L (per person, accredited courses) |
| Sales collateral, proposal templates, pitch decks | ₹80K – ₹2L (professional copywriting and design) |
| Lead generation infrastructure and campaigns | ₹3L – ₹8L / year (SEO, LinkedIn, PPC setup) |
| Methodology development and codification | 12–18 months of time — no monetary shortcut |
| Brand credibility and market trust | 2–5 years to build independently |
The Seven Step Franchise gives you all of the above — operational on Day 1 — for a fraction of the independent build cost, and without the 2–5 years of credibility-building that no amount of money can shortcut.
Calculate your Territory Investment
Franchise Revenue Model
Multi-Channel Revenue Streams for Consulting Franchise Partners
Multi-Channel Revenue Streams for Consulting Franchise Partners
The Seven Step Partner Programme enables consulting franchise partners to build a diversified, high-margin revenue model across six scalable channels—combining project-based income, recurring retainers, and SaaS revenue streams.
| Revenue Channel | Description |
| Consulting Projects | ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, DPDP, BCMS, CMMI, and privacy certifications. Per-project fees. Per-project fees (high-margin consulting engagements) |
| Internal Audit & Readiness | Pre-certification readiness assessments, gap analysis, and mock audits. Recurring annual engagements. |
| Training Programmes | Lead Auditor, Lead Implementer, awareness, vCISO workshops. Per-seat or per-cohort pricing. |
| Compliance SaaS Resale | The Compliance First platform subscriptions. Subscription-based monthly recurring revenue (MRR) per client |
| Managed Compliance Retainers | vCISO, DPO-as-a-Service, ongoing audit support. Monthly retainer model. (high LTV clients) |
| Thought Leadership | Co-branded publications, webinars, and events via the Wisdom Code Series. Sponsorships, speaking fees, IP licensing |
How much can a Seven Step Franchise Partner earn?
Franchise partners typically achieve USD 100K–500K annual revenue within 12–24 months, depending on geography, execution capability, and market focus. Revenue is generated through a mix of consulting projects, recurring retainers, training, and SaaS subscriptions.
Why This Model WorksÂ
- Multi-channel income reduces dependency on single revenue streams
- Recurring revenue ensures predictable cash flow
- SaaS + consulting hybrid increases margins
- Global frameworks allow easy cross-border scalability
- Strong demand across ISO, cybersecurity, and data privacy markets
Partner Economics — What You Can Realistically Expect
We believe in full transparency before you invest your time in a discovery call. Here is a realistic picture of what franchise partners experience in their first 12–24 months.
| Franchise Investment | USD 500 – USD 5,500 (₹50 K – ₹5.25 L approx.) depending on territory tier |
| Time to First Revenue | 60–90 days from onboarding sign-off for most partners |
| Year 1 Revenue Potential | USD 100,000 – USD 500,000 across consulting, training, SaaS resale, and retainers |
| Gross Margins | 40%–70% depending on service mix — highest on training and SaaS resale |
| Break-even Timeline | Typically, 4–8 months for partners with an existing client network |
| Recurring Revenue Share | 30%–50% of Year 2 revenue from retainers and SaaS subscriptions once base is built |
Revenue mix across the six channels:
| Revenue Channel | Typical Contribution in Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Compliance Consulting Projects | 40%–50% — ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, DPDP engagements |
| Internal Audits & Readiness | 15%–20% — pre-certification gap assessments and mock audits |
| Training & Workshops | 10%–15% — Lead Auditor, awareness, vCISO delivery |
| Compliance SaaS Resale | 10%–15% — MRR from The Compliance First subscriptions |
| Managed Compliance Retainers | 10%–15% — vCISO-as-a-Service, DPO, ongoing audit support |
| Thought Leadership | 5%–10% — webinars, co-branded events, IP monetisation |
These are illustrative ranges based on franchise model design and comparable professional services businesses. Individual results depend on territory, execution, prior client relationships, and investment of effort. Full financial projections are shared during the discovery call.
The convergence of cybersecurity + privacy + compliance is creating a USD 500B+ opportunity by 2030, where localized consulting partners with global frameworks expertise will dominate. High-performing partners with existing client networks have achieved USD 200,000+ in Year 1 revenue. Partners entering new markets typically reach break-even in months 5–8.
Geographic Territories & Market Opportunity
Exclusive Franchise Territories Across High-Growth Compliance Markets
Global cybersecurity and compliance spending has surpassed USD 300–350 billion annually, with sustained growth of 12–15% CAGR, driven by rising cyber threats, stricter data protection laws, and accelerated digital transformation across industries.
Cybercrime damages alone are projected to exceed USD 10.5 trillion annually, making cybersecurity one of the fastest-growing segments in the global economy. Simultaneously, regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, DPDP Act 2023, HIPAA, and SOC 2 are increasing compliance complexity—fuelling demand for specialized consulting services. Regulatory complexity is increasing in every market, creating sustained demand for qualified local consulting partners.
| Region | Key Markets | Demand Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| North America | USA (SF, NYC, Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Seattle, Boston), Canada (Toronto, Vancouver) • Market size: USD 140–160 billion • Growth rate: 10–12% CAGR | SOC 2, HIPAA, NIST, CMMC, state privacy laws Trend: Shift toward continuous compliance + automation platforms |
| UK & Europe | London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin, Frankfurt, Amsterdam • Market size: USD 90–110 billion • Growth rate: 12–14% CAGR | UK GDPR, DORA, NIS2, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Trend: Heavy demand for privacy engineering and DPO-as-a-service models |
| Middle East | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Doha, Muscat • Market size: USD 15–25 billion • Growth rate: 13–17% CAGR | National cybersecurity strategies, ISO mandates, data localisation Trend: Increasing need for government and enterprise compliance frameworks |
| Australia & NZ | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Auckland • Market size: USD 50–70 billion • Growth rate: 14–18% CAGR | Privacy Act, Essential Eight, ISO 27001, APRA CPS 234 Trend: Demand for multi-jurisdiction compliance expertise |
| India | Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Ahmedabad • Market size: USD 25–35 billion • Growth rate: 15–20% CAGR | DPDP Act, ISO 27001, SOC 2, SEBI/RBI/IRDAI mandates Trend: Surge in ISO 27001, SOC 2, and privacy compliance consulting |
| Southeast Asia | Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok • Market size: USD 15–25 billion • Growth rate: 14–18% CAGR | PDPA, ISO 27001, fintech regulation Trend: Rapid expansion of fintech, e-commerce, and digital banking ecosystems |
| Africa | Nairobi, Johannesburg, Lagos, Cape Town • Market size: USD 15–25 billion • Growth rate: 13–17% CAGR | POPIA, emerging data protection laws, digital transformation Trend: Demand for multi-jurisdiction compliance expertise |
Key Takeaways for Consulting Opportunity
- Global cybersecurity and compliance spending exceeds USD 300 billion annually and continues to grow at 12–15% year-on-year..
- Regulation-driven demand is non-cyclical → compliance is mandatory, not optional
- SMBs & SaaS startups are underserved globally → massive partner opportunity
- Talent shortage (3.5M+ cybersecurity professionals globally) creates a gap filled by consulting firms
- Shift to recurring revenue models (vCISO, managed compliance, continuous audits)
Scarcity + Urgency
Territory Availability — Why We Limit Franchise Partners
The Seven Step Franchise Programme is not designed for volume. It is designed for quality.
We limit franchise partners per territory for three reasons:
- Exclusivity is only meaningful when it is real — no partner should compete with another Seven Step partner for the same client
- Our quality delivery model depends on the partner team being adequately supported by HQ — too many partners means diluted mentoring and support
- Our 100% certification success rate is non-negotiable — we only onboard partners we are confident can maintain this standard
| Territory Status | Detail |
| India (Tier 1 cities) | Bangalore — OPEN | Mumbai — OPEN | Delhi-NCR — OPEN | Hyderabad — OPEN |
| India (Tier 2 cities) | Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai — OPEN | Jaipur, Kochi — ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS |
| UK & Europe | London — 1 slot remaining | Manchester, Edinburgh — OPEN | Frankfurt, Amsterdam — OPEN |
| North America | New York, Austin, Chicago — OPEN | Toronto — OPEN | Seattle — ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS |
| Middle East | Dubai — ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS | Abu Dhabi, Riyadh — OPEN |
| Australia | Sydney, Melbourne — OPEN | Brisbane, Perth — OPEN |
| Africa & Southeast Asia | Singapore, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Lagos — OPEN |
Territory status is updated monthly. Availability cannot be held without submitting an Expression of Interest. Territories are granted on a first-come, first-qualified basis — not first-applied basis.
Why the Seven Step Franchise Model Wins
What Makes the Seven Step Franchise Different from Starting on Your Own
The Seven Step Franchise Advantage is designed to eliminate the traditional barriers of building a consulting business—time, credibility, tools, and consistent lead flow. Instead of spending 12–18 months struggling to establish market presence, partners can launch within 60–90 days with a proven, end-to-end business model.
Backed by a 20+ year track record, 200+ successful implementations, and a 100% certification success rate, the model combines deep domain expertise, ready-to-use IP, and a proprietary GRC platform to accelerate revenue from day one. With multi-framework capability (ISO, SOC, privacy, AI governance) and six diversified revenue streams, partners are not limited to one-off consulting—they build predictable, scalable, recurring income businesses.
Most importantly, the model is built for long-term growth: from territory ownership with exclusivity to scaling into Master Franchise or Regional Leadership roles, creating both income and enterprise value.
| Factor | Seven Step Franchise Advantage |
| Time to Launch | 60–90 days with turnkey model vs 12–18 months building from scratch |
| Brand Credibility | 20-year-old brand with 200+ implementations and 100% certification success |
| Toolkits & IP | 60+ audit-ready documentation packs, gap analysis tools, and playbooks included |
| Training & Mentoring | Structured onboarding, certification training paths, and quarterly knowledge updates |
| Technology | The Compliance First GRC platform for client delivery and SaaS revenue |
| Lead Generation | HQ-driven campaigns, qualified leads, and co-branded marketing support |
| Territory Exclusivity | Sole franchise partner in your region — no internal competition |
| Revenue Diversification | 6 revenue channels vs single-stream consulting model |
| Framework Depth | ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, DPDP, ISO 42001, CMMI, PCI DSS, ISO 9001, ISO 22301 |
| Scalability Path | Start as territory partner; grow to Master Franchise or Regional Director |
This is not just a franchise—it’s a plug-and-play consulting business ecosystem designed for speed, scale, and sustainability in a $300B+ growing global market.
Support
We Don't Leave You Alone
We understand that starting a new business — even with a proven system — carries risk. That is why the Seven Step Franchise Programme includes structured support that de-risks your first 12 months.
| Our Commitment to You | What This Means in Practice |
|---|---|
| First client co-sell support | HQ participates in your first discovery and proposal meeting to ensure you convert your first engagement confidently |
| Proposal review before submission | Every proposal you draft in your first 6 months is reviewed by the Seven Step delivery team before you send it to a client |
| Delivery backup on complex projects | If you win a project that stretches your current capability, HQ provides a senior consultant to support delivery — no client is turned away |
| Quarterly mentoring sessions | Structured quarterly calls covering pipeline review, pricing strategy, service expansion, and operational challenges |
| Territory exclusivity | You are the only Seven Step franchise partner in your region — no internal competition, ever |
| Framework updates included | As regulatory frameworks evolve, your documentation toolkits and training content are updated at no additional cost |
We succeed when our partners succeed. Our business model depends on your results — not just your franchise fee.
How to Get Started
Three Steps to Launch Your Compliance Consulting Franchise
Ready to build your own cybersecurity & compliance consulting business—without starting from scratch?
Step 01
Apply Online
Submit your Expression of Interest using the Franchise Application Form. Tell us about your professional background, target territory, existing client base, and growth ambitions. Applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
Discover Call
We’ll schedule a call to discuss your experience, market opportunity, territory availability, and how the Seven Step model aligns with your goals. This is a two-way evaluation — we’re looking for partners who share our commitment to quality and trust.
Step 02
Step 03
Review the Franchise Kit
Receive the detailed Franchise Operations Manual covering financial projections, territory definitions, brand guidelines, onboarding timeline, and commercial terms. Investment ranges from USD 5,000 to USD 25,000 depending on territory tier and team size.
Franchise Partner Qualification Criteria
Who Qualifies for the Seven Step Consulting Franchise Programme
We evaluate prospective franchise partners across five criteria. A minimum score of 18/25 is required to proceed:
| Criterion | What We Look For |
| Domain Expertise (GRC / Cyber / ISO) | Understanding of compliance frameworks, security operations, or audit processes. Certifications like ISO Lead Auditor, CISSP, CISA, or equivalent are a plus. |
| Existing Client Base or Network | Access to SME decision-makers (CISOs, CTOs, founders, compliance heads). An existing consulting book of business is ideal but not mandatory. |
| Sales & Business Development Capability | Ability to sell consulting services, manage client relationships, and drive pipeline. Comfort with target-based performance metrics. |
| Investment Readiness | Capacity to invest USD 5K–25K depending on franchise tier. Comfortable with revenue sharing models. |
| Growth Mindset | Ambition to build a scalable practice, not just freelance work. Interest in recurring revenue, productised services, and long-term brand building. |
Not a fit:Â Individuals with no consulting or sales experience, pure resellers without domain knowledge, under-capitalised freelancers seeking quick income, or large enterprises not aligned with the franchise agility model.
FAQ'S
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cybersecurity Consulting Franchise
How much does it cost to start a cybersecurity consulting franchise with Seven Step?
Investment ranges from USD 5,000 to USD 25,000 depending on territory size, team composition, and franchise tier. This covers brand licensing, toolkit access, onboarding, training, and initial marketing support. The model is designed to be accessible for independent consultants and boutique firms, not just large investors.
How quickly can I launch after joining the franchise programme?
With our turnkey model, most franchise partners launch within 60–90 days of signing. This includes partner onboarding, methodology training, toolkit customisation, territory setup, and first go-to-market campaigns. Some partners with existing client bases have started generating revenue within the first 30 days.
Do I need to be a certified ISO auditor or cybersecurity professional to qualify?
Not necessarily. We welcome professionals and entrepreneurs with strong execution skills and domain understanding. We provide structured training and mentoring to develop your team’s technical capabilities, including paths to ISO Lead Auditor, Lead Implementer, and other certifications. However, prior experience in consulting, audit, or technology sales is strongly preferred.
What territories are available for franchise partners?
We offer exclusive geographic territories based on market size and demand. Priority regions include the USA, UK, UAE, Australia, India, Singapore, and emerging markets in Africa and Southeast Asia. Territory availability is confirmed during the discovery call and is granted on a first-come, first-qualified basis.
Does Seven Step provide leads and marketing support to franchise partners?
Yes. HQ runs corporate digital campaigns and shares qualified inbound leads with territory partners. Partners also receive co-branded marketing assets, proposal templates, pitch decks, webinar support, and training on local pipeline building. Lead generation is a shared responsibility between HQ and the franchise partner.
What revenue can I expect as a franchise partner?
Revenue depends on territory, execution, and team size. The programme is designed for franchise partners to achieve USD 100,000 to USD 500,000 in annual revenue within 12–24 months across consulting projects, training, SaaS resale, and managed compliance retainers. High-performing partners can expand into Master Franchise or Regional Director roles.
Can I add the franchise to my existing consulting or MSP business?
Absolutely. Many franchise partners are existing IT service providers, audit firms, or boutique consultancies who add Seven Step’s GRC and compliance offerings to their existing portfolio. The franchise model is designed to complement and expand your current service offerings, not replace them.
What compliance frameworks can I deliver through the franchise?
Franchise partners can deliver consulting, audit, and certification support across ISO 27001, ISO 22301, ISO 27701, ISO 42001, ISO 9001, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA, DPDP Act, PCI DSS, DORA, CMMI, and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The toolkit library and training cover all of these frameworks.
Is there a path to become a Master Franchise or Regional Director?
Yes. High-performing franchise partners with strong territory performance can be elevated to Master Franchise or Regional Director roles, overseeing sub-franchisees in their region and earning additional revenue through management fees and regional performance bonuses.
How is this different from just buying the toolkits from the Seven Step Shop?
The shop provides self-service toolkits and templates for organisations implementing compliance internally. The franchise programme provides a complete business model: brand licensing, exclusive territory, sales and marketing support, training, technology platform access, lead generation, ongoing mentoring, and the right to deliver Seven Step consulting services to clients under the brand. It’s the difference between buying ingredients and owning the restaurant.
Build Your Compliance Consulting Business — Without Starting from Scratch
Join a global network of GRC professionals backed by 20 years of cybersecurity and compliance expertise, proven frameworks, and a brand trusted across 20+ countries. Your expertise is the foundation — we provide everything else.
“Together, we don’t just meet compliance requirements — we build resilient, future-ready organisations.”
