No to franchise, if you're serious you will do the time to find your own clients and market. 50 is indeed the magic number and I hear 50-70 weeks of unemployment too on average.

One thing to investigate is (and I forget the acronym) but you can start a business and get the dole for one year. It is not means tested in that you could make $1m+ and still get paid the dole. This can at least act as a little security blanket for you and if you are eligible, take it as there plenty of unworthy people stealing from the gov't. I was going to use this scheme if starting another business.