If you lost your job and you've always wanted to start your own business, this story is for you. Across the country, more people are doing just that after being laid off, to create new jobs for themselves and for others. What you may not know is that a local company can help you get started at no cost to you.
If you lost your job and you've always
wanted to start your own business, this story is for you. Across the
country, more people are doing just that after being laid off, to
create new jobs for themselves and for others. What you may not know
is that a local company can help you get started at no cost to you.
Rather than look for a new job, more people are looking to create
them, utilizing a company called Franchise Mart in Spartanburg. Said
Michael White, regional manager with Franchise Mart, "We'll ask you,
What are you interested in? What's your previous business
background? What type of investment level do you have?"
Franchise Mart connects people who want their own business with companies looking to open franchises.
Said White, "We represent over 100 different franchises, all
different investment levels, home-based businesses, retail
opportunities, things in the food service industry."
And they're names you'll know: Midas, Precision Tune, Lenny's Sub
Shop, EmbroidMe, Signarama. White says you don't necessarily have to
have business experience. "We're going to teach you not only the
specifics on the industry that you're getting into, but we're also
going to teach you how to write a business plan, how to read a profit
and loss statement."
You're investment in the franchise can range from $4000 to more than
$100,000. They say some companies may help you finance that to get
started and some banks may finance an established franchise faster than
a brand new business. Franchise Mart is paid by the companies when a
franchise is established. Their service to you is free.
And they say this bad economy is actually a good time to start a
business. Said White, "You've got the ability to recruit employees
very well qualified employees are out there right now. There are deals
in real estate and locations if its going to be a retail business that
you have the opportunity to get into to."
White says Franchise Mart offers you a way to become your own boss,
utilizing businesses that are already proven to be successful.
If you'd like to learn more about operating a franchise, Franchise
Mart holds free seminars every month. The next one is Tuesday, January
20th at 6:30 p.m. at the Franchise Mart at 111 East Blackstock Road in
Spartanburg. Call 641-0036 to register.
You can find more information at http://www.nowthatssmart.com or http://www.franchisemart.com/
