Franchise Expo South Returns to Houston Feb. 5-7 Featuring World's Top Franchise Brands and Thousands of Entrepreneurs

HOUSTON, Jan. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The largest expo in the South – Franchise Expo South (FES) – will bring together more than 200 of today's leading franchise concepts and thousands of individuals who want to become business owners. The three-day event begins on Thursday, Feb. 5 and concludes on Saturday, Feb. 7 and will be held at Houston's NRG Center.

As the nation's fourth largest city, Houston has attracted widespread attention around the globe including from the franchise industry, which is a major contributor to the U.S. economy. This year, franchise businesses are estimated to add 247,000 U.S. jobs, a growth rate of 2.9 percent, according to the International Franchise Association (IFA), and making 2015 the fifth consecutive year that franchise models outperform other industries.

The franchise industry supports diverse interests including senior care, children's educational services, health and fitness, business and travel services, commercial and residential cleaning, and an array of food sectors. With investments starting as low as $10,000, franchising offers tremendous opportunities for people who want to open their own business backed by a proven system and recognized brand. Among hundreds of exhibitors being showcased this year are Baskin-Robbins, CruiseOne, Huntington Learning Centers, Inc., BrightStar Care, EnVie Fitness for Women, Barkefellers, The Place for Dogs, and Liberty Tax Service.

New this year to the Expo is a small business seminar series hosted in conjunction with the local Houston resources from the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE, Houston Galveston Women's Business Center, and Small Business Development Center. The program is designed to sharpen attendees' skills in social media, sales, marketing, technology, accessing capital, and more – all the aspects of business that new business owners need to get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals.

"We are excited for Franchise Expo South to return to Houston next month after experiencing tremendous success last year," said Mark Winchester, deputy district director at U.S. Small Business Administration – Houston District Office. "We were able to provide valuable guidance and local SBA lenders provided nearly $150 million in small business loan guarantees over the year to several hundred entrepreneurs proving that becoming a business owner can become a reality for all. We know that the Expo will continue to showcase Houston's resources and provide a hub where people are able to go and shop opportunities, educate themselves, and engage with franchisors and other attendees to find their path to business ownership."

"The reception FES received last year - our first at the NRG Center - was overwhelmingly positive, attracting more than 11,000 attendees," said Tom Portesy, president and CEO of MFV Expositions, producer of Franchise Expo South. "We're anticipating an even larger crowd this year, with new franchise opportunities ready to present the advantages of becoming a franchise owner to those eager to be their own boss."

Industry experts will present more than 40 free and informative seminars along with five in-depth symposia covering a wide range of topics such as "The A To Z's of Buying a Franchise," "5 Habits of the Highly Successful Franchisor, "Getting Ready to Franchise Your Business," and "How to "Become a Multi-Unit Franchise Owner."

More information and registration for Franchise Expo South is available at www.FranchiseExpoSouth.com. Registration will be available on-site, but attendees are encouraged to register in advance to ensure their spot to attend the show.

About MFV Expositions
For over 20 years, MFV Expositions produced leading franchise events worldwide that consistently bring together franchise concepts at all investment levels with the most qualified candidates seeking to own their own business. In addition to quality franchise expos in the United States and internationally that offer face-to-face opportunities to acquire a franchise, MFV also offers access to online franchise opportunities through web-based resources.

Media Contact:
Rachel Tabacnic
Fish Consulting
(954) 893-9150
[email protected]

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SOURCE Franchise Expo South

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http://www.franchiseexposouth.com