It's good that you're considering professional advice at the beginning of the startup process. As a professional advisor myself, I'm often consulted only after a business has launched and... (more)

Many franchise companies are using a "Discovery Day" approach to ending the franchise sales process. This type of event typically allows the prospective franchisee to meet and interact... (more)

If you want to buy a franchise you'll need to have three things. First, you'll need to have the money to get the operation up and running successfully. You can use a combination of your own... (more)

Start by contacting a local shipper or a local franchisee of a larger shipping company. Ask if they might like to partner with you. Another option would be to contact an individual donor and ask... (more)

Benchmarking based on available information about similar companies in other markets can be a useful way to add granularity and credibility to your business plan. Depending on how much information... (more)

There is risk associated with any business startup so the obvious answer to your question is yes. You're looking at a franchise system that has only one operating unit and wondering if that is... (more)

It sounds as though you're being asked to sell a controlling interest in your business for $1,000. Is that all you're worth? That sounds like a no-brainer. I wouldn't give away a 55 percent... (more)

Of course you can start some kinds of businesses with no capital. Service businesses tend to need a lot less capital than product businesses. Professional service businesses such as graphic arts,... (more)

International franchising can be a huge growth opportunity for American companies. But you need to be careful, especially with food concepts. Some food products translate well into new markets but... (more)

A limited liability company (LLC) is a flexible form of business entity that blends elements of partnership and corporate structures. Because you're not bound to the usual type of corporate... (more)

Compensation information for professionals who specialize in this field is very expensive and is produced by major companies like Aon Hewitt, (more)

Your question shows that you are focused on exactly the right thing to make your search a success. Anytime you're investigating franchise businesses, you want to be looking at the factors that will... (more)

Certification or license requirements vary by region, so you'll have to check with your local and state regulations offices to find out. In the meantime, I recommend that you visit a local hardware... (more)

It's a tough call, but my advice it to just pick one and get started. You simply won't know what works or what doesn't until you start working with your ideas and seeing if they are useful and of... (more)

Actually, any economic downturn is a great time to think about starting a business, because everything is less expensive and customers are looking for better deals and new suppliers. However, if... (more)

Being a veteran is a huge advantage if you're thinking of getting into the franchise business. Franchise companies have learned that veterans can make excellent franchisees. They are typically... (more)

You're looking for the best of both worlds -- to keep the security and safety of your current job while building a business of your own at the same time. The answer is, yes, it is possible to do... (more)

A number of people might argue that a college education isn't necessary, but I think it is important to get a college degree before becoming an entrepreneur. The education you receive may or may... (more)

First remember that you'll need information to help you make the right business decisions, not information for information's sake. The website at cens (more)

Your first objective should be to make sure you have an investment opportunity that will be of interest to venture capital firms. If your startup isn't scalable, defensible, have high growth... (more)