Group Effort

Finding a franchisor who's truly interested in working with minorities takes a little legwork. Marcel Portmann of the International Franchising Association's Emerging Markets program suggests you find out whether a franchise:

• has a diversity office or section (a growing number of companies are creating these).

• offers any special financing programs, incentives or rebates on franchising fees to make it easier on prospective franchisees.

• is part of the SBA franchise registry.

• includes any associations or minority advisory councils within its system. This is common with larger companies.

In addition, Jim Olson and Adela Ortega of Novus Franchising Windshield Repair suggest that you talk to as many other minority franchisees as possible. But be aware that asking the franchisor for a minority franchisee to talk to can be a delicate issue; instead, ask whether they have a diversity program, then ask that department for the referral.

This article was originally published in the November 2000 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: Group Effort.