Under the scheme, any 7-Eleven franchisee unfairly impacted by the actions of 7-Eleven Australia and its owner, 7-Eleven International, will be given a Jim's Group franchise at no cost.
Jim's Group will cover franchise fees and establishment costs. Franchisees would only need to supply their own tools, equipment and vehicle where required, and could choose from more than 50 Jim's divisions - from lawn mowing to dog washing , or create a new division if none suited them.
Penman said he can't stand by and watch hardworking Australians lose everything after investing hundreds of thousands, sometimes millions, of dollars into franchises they believed would secure their financial future. He said franchisees would receive Jim's systems, training and ongoing support to start again.
The Jim's Group founder was also critical of government inaction, accusing authorities of collecting taxes from franchisees, including GST, company tax, payroll tax and capital gains tax, while failing to protect them when their businesses collapse.
He said the current Franchising Code protects paperwork better than it protects people, despite numerous inquiries and reviews into the sector.
Penman emphasised the human cost of franchise failures, noting that affected owners are often families who have mortgaged homes and emptied superannuation savings in pursuit of a better future, only to suffer lasting financial and emotional damage when businesses fail.
To address systemic issues, Penman proposed an independent annual Australian Franchisee Feedback Survey and a public National Franchise Transparency Register, allowing prospective franchisees to review brands before investing — comparing it to being able to read hotel reviews before booking a room.
He suggested the register be funded through a "transparency levy" paid by franchisors themselves, arguing reputable operators have nothing to fear while poor performers would be forced to improve or exit the market.
Penman has called on politicians to disclose political donations from franchisors and related entities, saying Australians deserve confidence that policy is shaped in the interests of small business owners rather than donors.
He urged any affected 7-Eleven franchisees to contact Jim's Group directly, saying the company could not undo what had happened but could help people start again. Contact Jims HERE.
Jim's Group was founded by Penman in 1989 and now has around 5,700 franchisees across more than 50 divisions, making it the largest franchise chain in the Southern Hemisphere.
