Franchise Expert Sees Opportunity for Business Expansion

Leading Franchise Consultant to Speak at the Education Industry Association's 20th Annual EDVentures Conference in Chicago

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iFranchise Group

Jul 06, 2010, 11:30 ET

HOMEWOOD, Ill., July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Executives at iFranchise Group, the nation's leading franchise consulting firm, believe that now is the right time for business owners to consider expanding their businesses.

After facing immense challenges over the last two years or so, including slipping home values, rising unemployment rates, and slumping spending levels, many believe the U.S. economy is finally turning the corner and improving. Numerous industry sources and media outlets now report that in 2010, most industry sectors see improved consumer confidence and spending – though still not where it was prior to the recession – appears to be making a comeback. There are even signs of business lending loosening, after a months-long credit crunch.

"Traditionally, franchising thrives in a recession economy," said Mark Siebert, CEO of iFranchise Group. "The sustained high level of unemployment that we are seeing in today's marketplace is already creating huge opportunities for franchisors, and as credit begins to ease further we expect to see a real boom time in franchise sales."

The months of economic recession and resulting unemployment and sub-employment also mean there are a greater number of potential franchise owners in the marketplace, as more people contemplate independent business ownership as an option over corporate employment.

All of these factors lead franchising experts to believe that this is a perfect time for many business owners to consider developing their own franchise programs.

Siebert will be presenting his views on how business concepts can expand during this economic recovery period at dual seminars entitled, "Business Expansion in a Recession? Your Best Move!" and "The 12 Criteria of Franchisability." The seminars will be held at EDVentures 20th Annual Conference sponsored by the Education Industry Association at the Westin on Michigan Avenue – Chicago on Saturday, July 24, 2010 from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The seminars will include an overview of franchising in today's market, as well as discussions on why businesses franchise, how to determine if a concept is franchisable, and the proper steps to take.

"A lot of companies are cautious about making any plans for growth and expansion when the economic times are tough," observes Siebert. "Many are focused merely on surviving the downturn. But for some companies, intelligently preparing for expansion during even the most challenging times can be the smartest move they can make."

"Franchising a business requires a completely different focus by the business owner," adds Siebert. "But when done right, franchising can be one of the most powerful means of expansion available."

Business owners and other professionals interested in learning about whether franchising is a viable option and how to franchise their businesses can find out more by contacting the iFranchise Group at (708) 957-2300, or by registering for the EDVentures Conference, including the franchising seminars, directly with the Education Industry Association at www.educationindustry.org. Early Bird Discounts for Conference registration fee and Westin Hotel rate end July 7, 2010.

About iFranchise Group: The iFranchise Group (www.ifranchisegroup.com), a division of Siebert Hood Consulting, Inc., is a leading franchise consulting firm that offers the skills of the nation's top professionals in franchise strategic planning, operations training and documentation, franchise marketing and sales, advertising fund management, franchise recruitment, and development of Internet-based applications for emerging and established franchise companies worldwide. The iFranchise Group's more than 25 consultants have over 450 years of combined experience in franchising and have worked with or for 98 of the nation's top 200 franchisors.

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Mark Siebert