She’d Never Owned a Business. Now She Runs Two Venues and Trains Other Franchisees’ Coaches.

Carla is the franchise owner of Little Boomers Basketball Schofields.

She had no business background when she signed on. No prior experience running a company. Nothing.

Now she manages two venues in Western Sydney — and on weekends, she’s training coaches for the next Little Boomers Basketball franchise opening nearby.

This is her story.

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Before Little Boomers Basketball

Twenty years across finance and early childhood education.

Her husband Eddie had spent years as a basketball coach.

Between them — the passion, the patience, and the desire to build something together. Something that was actually theirs.

What they didn’t have was a business.

Starting from scratch felt like too much to take on without a map. Then one night, a Facebook ad changed everything.

The Moment She Found It

“I found it. I found what we’ve been looking for.”

She booked a discovery call. She had questions she didn’t even know how to ask.

“When I got on that discovery call — I think it was answered within 15 minutes.”

Why They Chose Franchise Over Starting Their Own

They had a choice. Start from zero, or buy into a structure that already works.

They chose the structure.

“The reason why we chose the franchise model as opposed to starting our own company is because the structure is there. There’s already built-in playbooks, things that we just had to execute, and there was guidance there.”

Then the part that matters most.

“This is our first business. This is my first business. So, it really helped that there was a foundation that was already built, a brand that was already out there. I could focus and concentrate on giving the community and the children the best programs that we can.”

First-time business owner. No guesswork. Just a proven system — with real support behind it.

It’s a question a lot of people sit with — and this post answers it well: Franchise vs Starting From Scratch (Most People Get This Wrong).

Finding Their Home Court

Finding a venue wasn’t quick.

“It took many, many months to find space to open our Little Boomers classes.”

Riverstone Sports Center eventually said yes. That became their home court.

They opened four classes there first. Coaches trained. Parents settled in. Kids knew the routine.

Once that location was stable enough to run without them there every Saturday, they opened a second venue at Game Day ANZ.

That’s the order that worked. Stabilize first. Scale second.

Curious about what that early period actually looks like? This post walks you through it — What Happens After You Sign a Franchise Agreement?

What the Business Looks Like Now

Two venues across Schofields.

A senior coach, Dom, who’s been with them from the beginning.

And on weekends — training coaches for the Castle Hill franchise opening next term.

“It’s giving back. We were given the same opportunity. We’re more than happy to support them.”

Why She Keeps Doing It

It’s not the numbers that come up first when Carla talks about the business.

“The reward we get after each class — even at the beginning — is seeing the joy in the kids’ faces.”

She talks about watching kids develop across a term. Fine motor skills. Gross motor skills. Confidence.

“They just shine. They shine every day because of what they learn — not only on our courts, but also outside our courts.”

And then there’s the network.

“There’s no other feeling of being part of a network which feels like family — that you can share your worries and your joys with. They totally understand how you feel because they’re going through the same emotions as you are on a weekly basis.”

You’re not doing this alone. That part matters more than most people expect.

Common Mistakes People Make

“Thinking You Need Business Experience Before You Start”

Most Little Boomers Basketball franchisees have never owned a business before. The system is designed to support first-time business owners with training, processes, and ongoing guidance.

“Waiting Until Everything Feels Certain”

There is rarely a perfect moment to start a business. Many franchisees say their biggest regret was waiting too long to have the initial conversation and explore the opportunity.

“Expecting the Franchise to Do the Work for You”

The franchise provides the framework, support, and proven systems, but success still requires effort. The most successful franchisees take ownership, lead their team, and actively build relationships within their community.

“Underestimating How Long It Takes to Find a Venue”

Securing the right venue is often one of the first major challenges. Starting the search early gives you more options and helps avoid delays when launching your territory.

“Trying to Scale Too Quickly”

Opening multiple locations sounds exciting, but strong foundations matter. The best approach is usually to establish one successful location first before expanding into additional venues or territories.

“Trying to Solve Every Problem Alone”

One of the biggest advantages of a franchise is access to a network of people who have faced similar challenges. Successful franchisees ask questions, seek advice, and learn from others in the system.

“Treating the Discovery Call Like a Big Commitment”

A discovery call is simply a conversation. It is an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the business, and decide whether it aligns with your goals—without any obligation to move forward.

Key Takeaways

• You don’t need a business background. You need the right structure and the willingness to follow a system that works.
• Choosing a franchise over starting your own isn’t settling. It’s building on something already tested.
• Finding your first venue takes time. That’s normal.
• Stabilise one location before you think about scaling. That’s the pattern that works.
• The network is one of the most underrated parts of the whole thing. It’s real, and it matters.
• Watching kids develop — term by term — is what keeps franchisees going for the long haul.
• The inquiry costs nothing. That’s always the first step.

FAQ: Common Questions People Ask

Do I need to have run a business before?

No. Carla’s first business was this one. The playbooks, the training, and the support are built specifically for people who are new to business ownership.

What if my partner isn’t fully convinced yet?

That’s normal. Most couples work through this decision together over time. The discovery call is a good first step for both of you — it’s a conversation, not a commitment.

How long before a second venue becomes realistic?

Carla and Eddie moved to a second location once the first was stable enough to run without them every Saturday. There’s no fixed timeline. Stabilise first, then scale.

Is the network actually supportive — or is that just marketing?

Carla calls it a family. She’s now training coaches for a nearby franchisee because the same was done for her when she started. That says more than any brochure could.

What if I have questions I don’t even know how to ask?

That’s exactly what the discovery call is for. Carla said the things she didn’t understand going in were answered within 15 minutes. Just show up.

Keen to Learn More?

Emile shares real franchisee stories and honest breakdowns of how the business works every week on his YouTube channel.

Or start with the Little Boomers Basketball franchise page — an overview of the model, what’s included, and what the process looks like from inquiry through to opening day.

The discovery call is free. No pressure. If Carla’s story sounds familiar — book a free Discovery Call with Emile.

It’s a straightforward conversation. No pressure. Just a chance to find out whether a Little Boomers Basketball franchise fits where you’re headed.