Franchise Fair Stops by NoVa

Owning a restaurant is not for everyone, but owning a different franchise might be. FranNet of Virginia hosted the Capital Area Area Franchise Fair this week in partnership with the Community Business Partnership at the Reston Association Conference Center.

The Fair provided a one-stop education for prospective entrepreneurs interested in learning about franchise options that best fit their financial, professional and personal goals. Experts, lenders and franchisors were on hand at this annual learning event to discuss: the best franchise fit, trends, the franchise business model, local regulations, and funding a franchise.

Speakers included Heather Rosen, President, FranNet of Virginia and DC; Nicole Eikhoff, Director, Women’s Business Center at CBP; Rita Goodroe, Business Coach; and experts from Benetrends and M&T bank. In addition, a variety of franchise representatives exhibited at the Fair that showed the breadth of franchise options.

Franchises are available in over 90 different industries that fit a variety of budgets and interests. Finding the right fit is important for success. Most people equate franchise with “fast food;” but many exist that require fewer hours and far less start-up funds and generate greater profits. That’s why the Capital Area Franchise Fair helps attendees explore different options and learn about navigating the franchise research and ownership process.

FranNet of Virginia is a franchise matchmaking service that provides educational seminars and free individual counseling to entrepreneurs through SCORE and the Virginia Small Business Development Centers; private employers; career counseling agencies; government agencies; and local military bases. For questions, contact Heather Rosen at 703-291-0939 or hrosen@frannet.com.