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Feature Stories

Financing Options for Franchise Expansion
June 13, 2011
As the economy starts to turn around, franchisees often find themselves in need of funds to expand. As consumer demand increases and expansion makes more sense, the challenge of how to finance growth can create new dilemmas.
Child Services Franchising: Study finds demand and opportunities remain strong
June 10, 2011
Hot business opportunities come and go in franchising but one that's currently providing a sizzling opportunity is child services franchises, according to a new study by Franchise Business Review. The report examines a number of franchise models within the child services sector to assess the franchise investment opportunity. The businesses evaluated encompass many different offerings, including tutoring and education, sports and physical development, child care, retail/resale stores, and niche services like photography and event hosting.
From Supermarket Owner To Franchisee, Mark Davis Speaks With Us About The Transition
May 19, 2011
Today Franchising.com sits down with Mark Davis, a franchisee for the past 18 months with LaVida Massage in Canton, Michigan. Davis discusses his transition from the grocery and supermarket business to his present life as a successful franchisee – now looking to open a second LaVida Massage center.
Exploring Franchise Opportunities: Get the Answers YOU Need!
May 13, 2011
Transitioning corporate executives and other individuals that may be exploring franchising as a career alternative often ask me to help them outline questions to ask franchisees and franchisors as they're doing their due diligence. Here's how I advise them...
Senior Care Franchises: Opportunities Abound
May 9, 2011
Senior care is one of the hottest growth segments in franchising today. The demand for senior care services, both medical and non-medical, has been growing by leaps and bounds, in tandem with the growth of the country's aging population, who are living longer, staying healthier, and remaining more active than any seniors in history.
Startup or Franchise: The Choice is Yours!
May 3, 2011
Owning and operating a small business was once the exclusive domain of the risk takers of the business world. The true entrepreneur had a distinct flair for creativity, innovation and vision. He, and I emphasize "he", knew how to operate outside-the-box. He knew how to make things happen. Many times, this individual had little choice as he knew from an early age he would be responsible for shaping his future and for making it on his own. Formal education was usually limited and often just a far-fetched dream. Corporate life was not even an option. Besides, he couldn't be told what to do, how to do it and when to do it. No way. No how.
50,000 pages of Franchising Information Now Available for Interested Consumers
April 25, 2011
Franchising is the champion of small business expansion, and Franchising.com is the official home page of the industry, offering 50,000 pages of information for interested consumers. The site is the most comprehensive intelligence and information resource for more than 2,400 franchises worldwide, covering 24 franchise industries, and more than 250 sub-industries.
Fast Food Franchising Flourishes
April 18, 2011
There's nothing more American than fast food restaurants - and some of them even serve apple pie! Fast food franchises have been meeting the growing needs of the country's on-the-go car culture and diverse life styles, complete with late-night hours and 24-hour service. For decades, hamburgers, tacos, chicken, pizza, and subs were the mainstay of the fast food sector. In recent years, as customers began seeking healthier options, these standbys have been joined by wraps, smoothies, salads, frozen yogurt, and more. In 2010, one franchisor began offering vending machines containing fresh fruits and vegetables, protein drinks, and other health-oriented snacks.
Finding Good Vendors: What to look for when building vendor relationships
April 1, 2011
Last time we discussed the fundamental role of vendors in running a franchise business. They're essential partners to your success. You will need all kinds of supplies of products and services to keep the doors open, customers coming and going, and cash registers ringing. Finding the right vendors is critical. Depending on how your franchisor handles vendor relationships, you may be able to choose some (or all) of your own partners as you open and grow your franchise business. These are critical relationships - usually under contract - and you want to make wise choices. You should make finding good vendors and developing relationships with them a priority as your business goes forward.
Meet the Vendors: An overview of vendors as business partners
March 24, 2011
Every business operation that's ever manufactured or sold a widget has relied on vendors. The people and companies that supply everything from paper and office supplies to mushrooms and cheese - and everything in between - are an integral part of a successful business operation.