Meet the Franchisors - An Educational & Interactive Expo

Have you ever thought about owning your own business? A group of Chattanooga organizations led by Jerry Bird, a Chattanooga businessman who heads FranNet of Alabama and East Tennessee, are offering a one day event for those wanting the freedom and control of owning their own business. Presentations will be made by franchisors looking to expand into the Chattanooga area, as well as business experts who can assist in buying and growing a business.

Meet the Franchisors will be held at the Marriott Residence Inn near Hamilton Place on Wednesday, May 15, from 12:00-4:00 p.m. It is a great opportunity to learn about different franchise business models including: Semi-Absentee Models, Business to Consumer Models (B2C), Executive Models, Business to Business Models (B2B), as well as the latest developments in Franchise Financing, and Single, Multiple and Master Territory Options.

Mr. Bird helps individuals determine potential franchise opportunities and is responsible for bringing the expo to Chattanooga. We want it to be fun and educational said Bird. There are over 3,200 franchises out there in more than 80 industries. What is a great match for one person might be the worst choice for another. This event will allow those people who have always had a desire to own their own business but fear the unknown the opportunity to take a look at several franchises at one time while having access to funding options and legal guidelines concluded Bird.

Presentations will be given on: making the transition to your own business through franchise ownership; traditional and alternative forms of business financing in a tight credit market; legal considerations and options for starting and buying a business; and several fast growing, affordable, scalable and highly ranked franchise companies looking to expand into east Tennessee and the surrounding areas.

Featured franchises include leaders in the categories of senior care, retail, marketing services/advertising, auto care/maintenance, staffing, private education/tutoring, flooring/interior decorations and funding options.

Registration and raffle sign up begin at 11:30 a.m. Informative presentations provided by leading franchisors and business experts begin at 12:00 p.m. At 2:00 p.m., travel from table to table and meet the franchise companies that interest you. American Express Gift Cards, restaurant gift cards and more will be raffled at 3:50. You must be present to win.

FranNet of Alabama & East Tennessee will also be raffling an iPad Mini. For all the details on that, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JBirdFranNet.

There is no cost to attend the event for those that pre-register. Admission will be $10 at the door. For additional information, email Jerry Bird at jbird@FranNet.com. To pre-register for this exciting event, visit www.chattfranchiseexpo.eventbrite.com.

The event is hosted by FranNet of Alabama & East Tennessee and co-hosted by the TSBDC (Tennessee Small Business Development Center), SCORE, the Cleveland Bradley Chamber of Commerce, Ed Nanney, Attorney at Law and the Brainerd/East Brainerd Council of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.