Those eager to break free from their nine-to-five lifestyle and pursue business ownership will have an opportunity to meet face-to-face with high-level executives of top franchise brands during the International Franchise Expo (IFE), set to take place June 18-20 at the Javits Center in New York City.

Franchising now touches nearly every industry from pet care to home improvement, to cleaning and travel services, with investment levels starting as low as under $10,000 – creating a number of opportunities for anyone looking to be in business for themselves. In addition, there are many groups present who help individuals with the financing of a franchise purchase. Connecting with the right lenders, formulating a business plan, and understanding your financial strengths and weakness are the first steps in getting the funding you need. Many franchisors even offer their own internal programs to assist with financing, making franchise ownership a tangible reality.

“My partner and I were looking to get out of our current business and were searching for new opportunities at the International Franchise Expo. It was then we came across CruiseOne and were truly impressed with the brand’s professionalism and ability to answer our ownership questions,” said Carie Skerritt, CruiseOne franchise owner in Hightstown, NJ. “In the end, I am thrilled with my purchase. The process was simple and painless. Franchise ownership allowed me to pursue my passion and gain control over my career – now I enjoy my role as a travel franchise owner and vacation specialist.”

According to Tom Portesy, President of MFV Expositions, the franchise industry’s premier annual event producer, last year’s IFE attracted more than 19,000 attendees from 96 countries around the world with more than 400 exhibitors. While the franchise economic output is estimated to increase by 5.4 percent to $889 billion this year, Portesy is expecting record-breaking attendance likely to exceed 20,000 visitors and more than 400 exhibitors.

“Thousands come to the IFE with dreams of opening a business and leave knowing what it will take to make those dreams a reality,” said Portesy. “The IFE connects individuals seeking to transform their lives with the ‘big’ names and new emerging brands that hold the keys to a more secure future and better quality of life.”

The IFE provides an ideal platform for thousands of eager prospects to transform their lives, getting in at the ground level with highly reputable franchise concepts. The expo draws in qualified attendees ranging from recent college grads to retirees looking to get back in the business world. The number of brands presented at the IFE – covering all ends of the spectrum from out-of-the-box, niche franchises to well-known, global brands – makes it possible for everyone to examine options that fit their unique lifestyle, including those starting at less than $10,000.

“Attending the International Franchise Expo is a golden opportunity to discover the great variety of franchises available,” said Chuck Eldridge, Signarama franchise owner in Cherry Hill, NJ. “I found Signarama, and within three years built it into one of the highest volume stores in the world. We have built our own financial and job security by paying attention to the systems of the franchise.”

Throughout the weekend, expo-goers will have the opportunity to delve into an event designed to energize their entrepreneurial spirit. Exhibitors featured on the showroom floor will represent a growing number of service franchises ranging from pet care to home improvement, to cleaning and travel services, to new innovative restaurant and hospitality concepts. Attendees can also take advantage of more than 70 free seminars and nine in-depth symposia to learn firsthand from industry leaders what it takes to get into a business of their own. Educational sessions include topics such as The A to Z’s of Buying a Franchise, How to be in Business for yourself but not by yourself, and Getting Ready to Franchise your Business.

The International Franchise Expo is sponsored by the International Franchise Association and supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Published: 14 May 2015

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