Franchise Solutions Blog

Here’s a sneak preview of a “soon to be launched” franchise website, US Franchise Opportunities & Small Business Directory. This new franchising site has a separate directory of franchises and business opportunities for each state in the U.S. Have you ever thought you found the perfect franchise opportunity only to learn that it was not available in your home state? My favorite part of the new site is that it brings you local weather, news, links and images from each state. Another great feature is the ability to easily page through each franchise opportunity that meets your criteria.

Of course, it is not unusual for a franchise directory to include a state filter. In fact, Franchise Solutions offers a several methods to filter your franchises by location. Use the first-of-its-kind Franchise Finder to filter your franchise search by industry, investment, and state. There is also the “3 Step Franchise Finder” to guide you through your selection process. Or you can visit our USA Franchise Directory and select the state you are interested searching for your dream business.

The 18th Annual International Franchise Expo opens this week at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. This premiere franchising event will run for 3 days from Friday, March 20th to Sunday, March 22nd. If you are in the franchising industry, this is a must attend event that attracts franchisors and investors from all over the United States and across the globe. Of course, Franchise Solutions will be there - be sure to check out booth 352 - you never know what you might find (included are a couple of photos from previous franchise expos which will definitely bear that out)! Also check out the links and resources at the bottom of this post if you are planning on going to Washington, DC for the event.

IFE Conference Schedule

Washington DC Tourism Info and Attractions

Washington Weather

Washington, DC Interactive Map

Expo Travel Agency

President Clinton

The International Franchise Association will be holding their 49th Annual Franchising Convention at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, California. The 2009 IFA event will run from Saturday, February 14th to Tuesday, February 17th and will feature the premier franchising players including (of course) Franchise Solutions. Over the years we’ve come to expect big things from the IFA’s Annual Franchising Convention but this year there is a really big surprise as former President Bill Clinton will be the keynote speaker. The opening general session will begin on Sunday, February 15, from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, and will feature President Clinton. This is a great event and a “must attend” for anyone in the franchising industry.

Here are some helpful links if you are attending the event:
• IFA 49th Annual Franchise Convention Brochure
• Manchester Grand Hyatt
• San Diego Weather
• San Diego Maps
• California Map
• San Diego Zoo
• The San Diego Air and Space Museum at Balboa Park

Recent Franchise Solutions’ Press Releases

February 4, 2009
The UPS Store, the worlds most recognized postal, shipping, mailbox, and packing services business, joins the franchise directory.

January 29, 2009
Game Truck Party Franchise Offers a Mobile Video Game Theater and is Now Available in the entertainment section of the Franchise Directory.

January 26, 2009
FixRim Mobile Wheel Repair Franchise, has been Added to the Automotive Franchise Directory.

January 22, 2009
College Hunks Hauling Junk, Trash Removal Franchise and Junk Hauling Specialists Join the Franchise Directory.

January 13, 2009
Tutor Doctor, a Childrens Education Franchise Joins the Franchise Solutions Client List.

January 9, 2009
TCBY Yogurt Franchise, The Country’s Best Yogurt is Added to the Food Franchise Category of the Business Directory.

• Franchise Solutions Company Profile on Franchise Wire
• Franchise Solutions Pressroom on PR Log

With a week to go before Super Bowl Sunday, there may be advertising slots still available for the big game. It seems the state of the economy has had more than a few advertisers back off from purchasing an ad. Especially when you consider that the price tag is a record 3 million dollars for a 30 second ad. However, many of the usual advertisers will be there;

Here’s a preview of my early favorite from E*Trade:

The Franchise Expo South exhibit runs this week from Friday, January 9th to Sunday, January 11th in Miami Beach Florida at the Miami Beach Convention Center (directions to the Miami Beach Convention Center). Here are some of the franchise companies that will have an exhibit at the Franchise Expo:

For more information about Franchise Expo South check out this article from the Miami Herald. For more Miami information:
Miami, Florida
Miami Weather
Miami Herald
Official City of Miami Website
Miami Event Planning
South Beach Map

Are you looking for something to bring on Thanksgiving Day? Here are 5 Thanksgiving franchises that will ensure that you don’t show up to Thanksgiving dinner empty handed.

	Edible Arrangements - These high quality, artistically designed fresh fruit arrangements are perfect for any occasion, especially Thankgiving.
	Sonoma Coffee - Bring some of the world’s finest coffee with this award winning coffee roaster.
	Shanes Rib Shack - If the cook for your Thanksgiving dinner is not the greatest chef around, you may consider bringing the freshest ribs, pork, and chicken in the industry!
	Cookies by Design - Specializes in cookie gifts with artful bouquets that can be customized to express any sweet sentiment.
	Scoops and More Ice Cream - Bringing dessert is always a good idea… and everyone loves ice cream!

Even with the current poor economic condition, Business Alliance Franchise Consultant, Mike Reis is running a business that continues to excel.

Business Alliance provides franchise consultations that assist potential business owners in finding the franchise that matches their interests, business skills, investment level and personal and career goals.

“One of the most important benefits of franchise consulting is that it is recession-proof. Franchise consulting is not negatively affected by a down economy…This is also one of the businesses that actually performs even better in a down economy, because among other factors, downsizing drives people to franchise ownership,” he said.

The Leading Company in a Growing Business

While franchise consulting businesses (overall) are experiencing high growth, Business Alliance is the largest and most successful franchise consultant business in this sector. The company has been in operation since 1991 and currently boasts over 240 franchise consultants in North America and Europe.

“Business Alliance has had tremendous success in the franchise consulting industry because the company has relationships with the best franchise companies in the industry…and only works with the franchises that have the best success rates and the best training and support systems”. “We work with more of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 500 franchises than anyone else.,” Reis went on to explain.

A Tried and Proven Business Plan

Business Alliance franchise consultants have the additional advantage of a business that is very flexible when it comes to the owners personal lifestyle. Business Alliance is a home based business allowing their consultants to work directly from their home office.
In addition, consultants can work part-time or full-time, adding even greater flexibility. Consultants do not need a retail location and the proven system requires no employees, no inventory and no travel.

Business Alliance offers a complete training program, which is the best in the industry. If you are well organized, have good analytical skills, are a good communicator and have a strong desire to help others, you would make an ideal candidate for Business Alliance ownership. Join the leader in the growing franchise consulting field, while helping others meet their goals of business ownership.

Here are a couple of videos detailing the steps to franchising your business. There are advantages and disadvantages to a franchise business, these informational videos try to explaing the benefits and drawbacks to franchising.

Franchisors may offer their own financing programs, or they may have a partnership agreement with a lending company. The lender is familiar with the franchise concept and would be familiar with the brand, which makes it easier to get funding from their partner company. If a franchisor doesn’t offer financing, you can research a wide range of financing options, including:

• Traditional Financing
In order to get a loan from many banks you must have a good credit rating. This includes available liquid capital, as well as a having a good business plan (banks are conservative in whom they award business loans to). Bank interest rates, however, are usually very competitive. Some franchisors will aide you in preparing your business plan so that it will impress the lending companies.

• SBA Approved Financing
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers SBA approved loans. These business loans can be obtained by many hopeful business owners who do not qualify for traditional financing. These loans are very much in demand, especially in today’s economy.

• Investing Your Retirement Funds in a Business
Some companies will allow you to roll your 401K or other retirement funds into a business loan. There are no penalties assessed with this kind of retirement fund conversion. It enables you to invest in a franchise business without using your home or property as collateral.

• Home Equity Lines or 2nd Mortgages
If you own a large enough percentage of your home, you can take out a home equity line of credit or second mortgage. This option can be the easiest way to get the necessary cash to finance a business. A business plan is not necessary to be approved for this type of funding.

• Other Non-Traditional Financing Options
With good credit, you may be able to get a loan online. Also, some of the smaller private money lenders and business brokers will work with you if you need more personalized services.

Do you need help finding the right franchise business for your to start? A franchise consultation from an industry expert at Franchoice will cover the following topics:

What are Your Goals?

The Franchoice experts have the experience to understand your business needs and objectives as a franchise owner.

Understand Your Franchise Options & Receive Expert Opinion

Franchoice consultants have researched thousands of franchise concepts and industries and will recommend only the franchises that match your goals and requirements.

Experienced in Many Franchise Industries

Franchoice experts have over two-thousand combined years of experience as franchisees and franchisors.

There is no Cost or Obligation for the Consultation

The Franchoice consulting service is a free service. The service costs no more than talking with the franchisor directly, and there is no conflict of interest. You will not be pushed and pressured to purchase one franchise company over another.

What work from home business offers a higher growth opportunity than internet consulting with AIS Media? Every business, large or small, needs a website for promotion and customer convenience. This business seems to include many, very appealing factors; it’s enjoyable work, you can work full-time or part-time, and you can work from home.

Here are just some of the services that AIS Media provides:
• Internet consulting
• Professional web site development
• E-commerce storefront development
• E-mail marketing services
• Search engine optimization & registration
• Custom programming services
• Web hosting, domain registration & email
• Secure credit card processing
• And more!

I would be remiss not to mention opportunities that are available to veterans, ex-military, and military families. There can be special financing options offered to veterans when starting a business or buying a franchise. Learn more about the franchises that are available under these programs at Veteran Franchises.

There are other veteran loans available for purchasing a home. Here’s a great resource for home loans from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Or try the Veterans Administration for home loan options. You may also want to contact your state government to find out if they have programs available to veterans.

Here’s the front page of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Career Center.

If you need more help or informaton when searching for a franchise opportunity, you may want to talk to a franchise consultant. They have the experience and knowledge to facilitate your search. Oh, and it’s free!

SFranChoice is a company that specializes in matching franchise buyers with the right opportunity for them.