StartupNation Blogs

I’m a big fan of Fast Company (both online and off). When I travel, the magazine is always in my briefcase.  If they offered an App for my iPhone (like The New York Times App) I would be a faithful subscriber. You get my drift …
So I was catching up on my Fast Company news [...]

Tough news in Charlotte, NC earlier this week. Wachovia Corp, one of the largest companies in Charlotte and the 6th largest bank in the United States, was purchased by Citigroup (Stock ticker C). 5,000 people were let go on Tuesday and I’m sure more will be before the end of the year.
When the unemployment rate [...]

It’s travel season … last week Washington, DC for Franchise Appreciation Day and this week Franchise Update’s annual Franchise Development Conference at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, IL. The conference agenda is helping owners of franchise organizations (in a peer to peer environment) understand the present franchise sales environment and gain valuable insight for improving [...]

Earlier this week I attended the International Franchise Association’s 9th annual Franchise Appreciation Day in Washington, DC. Over 500 people, franchisors, franchisees and industry suppliers, gathered together to discuss the current economic and political picture and visit Congressional men and women to present their views and stances on the major political issues facing small businesses [...]

We interrupt our regularly scheduled “How to research and buy a franchise” with this update …

Within the last week, two large restaurant franchise systems have declared bankruptcy, Bennigan’s and Steak & Ale. Most of the major news sites did a nice job covering the story - you can read about it here:Â
Google News
Newsweek
Â
There have even [...]

As you start deciding which franchise is for you, there are dozens of sources to reference to gain valuable information about available opportunities. If you are searching for a retail opportunity in your own town, take some time to drive around and see what’s there. Use other helpful resources like YellowPages.com and Google to see [...]

Good evening Startup Nation visitors! Today we begin a 15-part, five week crash course that will help you decide whether or not franchising is the right thing for you. Starting your own business can be extremely daunting.

What is the right business for me?
How do I get financing (or do I even need financing)?
Home based? Retail? [...]

I recently attended the annual International Franchise Expo in Washington, DC. It’s arguably the largest consumer trade show for franchise opportunities, attracts around 10,000 - 15,000 attendees from around the globe (I remember hearing there were 19 delegations this year) and showcases around 250 different types of franchises. However, it amazes me how many people [...]