Eve Tahmincioglu from MSNBC.com had an interesting article concerning the growing number of laid off workers who are buying franchises to continue their career. In When Career Turns Down, Franchising is Option she reports, “more and more laid off workers are considering franchising as an alternative to working for someone else, according to experts in the industry”. How do you know if franchising is right for you? One factor that is often misunderstood is that the ideal franchise owner should not be too entrepreneurial. Although all franchise companies vary in their requirements, a franchise owner has a proven business plan in place that the franchisor will want followed. If in previous employment you found yourself constantly debating the best way to operate the business, franchising may not be for you. Of course there are many advantages to getting a working franchise concept, and you may consider employing a franchise broker to find the right franchise for you. In any case, whether you turn to franchising, open your own business, or take the more conventional employment route, one thing remains the same - your success will depend on your common sense and hard work.
The list of the top 10 franchise opportunities for January, 2009 is calculated from the franchise web pages that attract the most interest on the Franchise Solutions directory. This top ten list is not suggesting that these are the best franchises or most profitable franchises, but I will say these are ten of the hottest franchises available today.
Here is the top ten franchises list for January 2009:
Subway - Fast and casualfoods, sandwiches, and healthy deli sandwich franchise
Many laid-off executives and managers that have found themselves the victims of ‘downsizing‘ are turning to franchising to find stability in an uncertain economy. This is especially true of older, more experienced workers who are afraid that they won’t be able to find a comparable job because of their age and the current down economy.
When you buy into a franchise business, you get marketing, advertising and training support you typically do not get with an independent business, said Alisa Harrison, spokeswoman at the International Franchise Association in Washington.
She said a franchised business allows an entrepreneur to take advantage of a proven business model and a proven brand.
“In good times and bad, a franchise allows you to go into business for yourself but not by yourself,” Harrison said.
As the new year approaches, let’s take a look at the business trends and growing industries that potential franchisees should consider before buying a franchise. Many of these trends are being fueled by the aging baby boomer generation while others are driven by the movement towards environmentally friendly products and healthier lifestyles. Here are a few of the franchise industries that should continue to grow in 2009 and beyond.
Whether we are talking environmentally-friendly, earth-friendly or energy efficient, Americans are trying to lower their carbon footprint and recycle as the ‘go green’ movement takes hold.
As the baby boomer generation moves into retirement and reach their senior years, they will fuel health care, in-home care, and fitness franchises for the next decade.
After having already banned smoking in public places, now local governments are passing laws to ban trans fats in restaurants from fast food to high end restaurants.
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.
Start a business that offers the latest GPS anti-theft technology products with a Millenium Plus distributorship business from CyberAutoTrack. With this GPS technology product you will know where your car is at all times. You will know whenever your car is moved, whether it is by a car thief, a member of your family, or by your local car repair shop. Soon, GPS units will be in every car sold in America. Why not take advantage of this growing industry? This is a home based business opportunity that will allow you to set your own hours, and set your own weekly schedule. Offer you clients peace of mind and enhanced safety with a CyberAutoTrack GPS business.
Franchise companies are offering potential franchisees a variety of incentives to buy a franchise. Pointing to the current economic climate, franchisors are offering two for one specials, lower franchise fees, and help with franchise financing to help lure new investors. Some franchise companies are also offering their current successful owners bonuses for recommending potential franchise buyers. Franchisors are also becoming more creative in helping potential business owners buy a franchise because the competition among franchise concepts has grown in recent years. The International Franchise Association estimates that there are over 3000 franchise concepts currently available for sale. So if you are looking to invest in a business, be sure to do your research and be aware of the creative incentives being offered by the franchise companies.
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.
FiltaFry Franchises specialize in the micro-filtration of restaurant cooking oils that results in the longer life of the oil and better taste of the food. This is a win-win proposition. Use of the FiltaFry service results in reduced frying costs, longer life of the oil, improved food quality and taste, hygienically clean fryers, reduced frying odors, and improved health for customers, as well as staff. Check out this video to learn more about FiltaFry Franchises.
Franchise Solutions has announced the re-launch of its website devoted to women business owners (and those women that want to start their own business). Franchise Solutions for Women provides a franchise directory of businesses that are geared towards women. The site takes a lifestyle oriented approach to finding the right franchise or starting a business. You’ll gain insight into the requirements and lifestyle issues of running a franchise through testimonials from current women franchise owners. Other sections of the site include a Q&A section, She-zine Newsletter, and helpful, lifestyle-focused search tools. Click here to visit Franchise Solutions for Women.
Are you an entrepreneur seeking to leverage your leadership abilities to take advantage of the thriving $65 billion dollar flooring industry? If so, we welcome the opportunity to provide you information on the franchise opportunities available at Floor Coverings International. It is projected that by the year 2010 the flooring sector will continue to increase to an estimated 34% growth. Take advantage of this high demand for home improvement franchises and flooring products with a Floor Coverings International franchise.
PostNet Business Centers are a full service, diversified franchise concept that are situated in convenient retail locations and compete directly and effectively with The UPS Store, FedEx, Kinkos and other copying, printing, packaging and shipping centers.
PostNet Business Centers provide digital services such as graphic design, computer time rentals and scanning services. They also offer copying and printing including digital, black & white, color copying, and document finishing services. Their packaging and shipping services include UPS, Federal Express, DHL and U.S Postal Services. PostNet also provides passport photos, notary public services, faxing services, signs, banners and office supplies too!
AIS Media is an internet consulting business that offers an interesting alternative to the typical internet consulting business. The company has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNN, CNBC, MSNand scores of other published articles and newspapers for our industry expertise. AIS Media was created for entrepreneurs and current businesses owners that want to capitalize on the growing demand for Internet services – without the high costs, hassles and restrictions associated with owning a franchise.
NO franchise fee (your up-front licensing fee serves as a performance deposit only, which you can earn back over time)
NO royalty fees (you keep 100% of your profits)
NO middlemen (work directly with AIS Media)
NO restricted territory (enjoy the freedom to do business with any customer)
NO minimum sales quotas (enjoy the freedom to work full or part-time)
One of the most common questions I hear is, “How do I start a Starbucks franchise?”. Sorry to disappoint you, but Starbucks Coffee is not a franchise. Personally, I love Starbucks, and wish it were available to be franchised. But the best we can do is enjoy their coffee. Here is a Starbucks Coffeehouse locator. Follow this link if you are interested in researching other available coffee franchises.
Eve Tahmincioglu from MSNBC.com had an interesting article concerning the growing number of laid off workers who are buying franchises to continue their career. In When Career Turns Down, Franchising is Option she reports, “more and more laid off workers are considering franchising as an alternative to working for someone else, according to experts in the industry”. How do you know if franchising is right for you? One factor that is often misunderstood is that the ideal franchise owner should not be too entrepreneurial. Although all franchise companies vary in their requirements, a franchise owner has a proven business plan in place that the franchisor will want followed. If in previous employment you found yourself constantly debating the best way to operate the business, franchising may not be for you. Of course there are many advantages to getting a working franchise concept, and you may consider employing a franchise broker to find the right franchise for you. In any case, whether you turn to franchising, open your own business, or take the more conventional employment route, one thing remains the same - your success will depend on your common sense and hard work.
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.
consultants to work directly from their home office.
Franchise companies are offering potential franchisees a variety of incentives to buy a franchise. Pointing to the 
Franchisors may offer their own 
AIS Media
you can earn back over time)
