"Franchising is a good fit for any individual who wants to be in business for himself and is willing to follow the franchisor's proven operating system," says Debbie Smith, the IFA's vice president of public affairs and emerging markets. "The communities outlined in the IFA-SBA partnership have traditionally not been aware of either the concept of franchising or the opportunities that exist for them."
That's about to change. The IFA's Franchise Trade Delegation program will host a national series of half-day workshops to give attendees a brief education on franchising and introductions to lenders. Franchise owners will be on hand to make presentations. The IFA's Regional Educational Conferences explore the challenges to franchise ownership faced by women, minorities, veterans and disabled individuals. Those challenges include financing, writing a business plan, digesting disclosure documents, etc.
The program has earned strong industry support. In addition to the franchisors who will conduct panel discussions and workshops, several have offered financial assistance. Carvel Corp. (www.carvelcorp.com), Marriott Corp. (www.marriot.com) and Tricon Global Restaurants have agreed to invest $10,000 each in the program. The Athlete's Foot (www.theathletesfoot.com) and Church's Chicken (www.churchs.com) plan to donate $5,000, while Ben & Jerry's (www.benjerry.com), The Coffee Beanery (www.coffeebeanery.com), McDonald's Corp. (www.mcdonalds.com) and Motel 6 (www.motel6.com) will kick in $2,500 each. Computertots (www.computertots.com) will give $1,000.
The IFA-SBA partnership came about through their mutual goals. Smith points out that the SBA forms strategic relationships with small-business groups, and the IFA helps spread the word of franchising through strategic partnerships in under served communities.
"It's important," she says, "that all doors to economic success be open to them."
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