Franchise Expo Coming to Knoxville

KNOXVILLE -- If you have ever thought about owning your own business, a franchise expo will be in Knoxville in April, 2012.

A group of Knoxville organizations led by Jerry Bird, who heads FranNet of Alabama and East Tennessee, are offering a Meet the Franchisors event at the Rothchild Catering & Conference Center on Tuesday, April 17, from 1:00-4:30 p.m.

This one-day event will offer presentations made by franchisors looking to expand into Knoxville and the surrounding areas, as well as business experts who can assist in buying and growing a business.

It is a great opportunity to learn about various 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 Knoxville. "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."

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 personal care, senior care, staffing B2B, pest control/home services, restoration & preservation of exterior wood, residential and commercial repair, digital imaging/signage & graphics, professional interior/exterior painting, cleaning/restoration and indoor air quality, B2B coaching, auto repair & maintenance and funding options.

Registration and raffle sign up begin at 12:30 p.m. Informative presentations provided by leading franchisors and business experts begin at 1:00 p.m. At 3:00, travel from table to table and meet the franchise companies that interest you. A HD Flip Video Camera, American Express Gift Card, and more will be raffled at 4:20.

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.knoxfranchiseexpo.eventbrite.com.

The event is hosted by FranNet of Alabama & East Tennessee and co-hosted by the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, TSBDC (Tennessee Small Business Development Centers), Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, and Sibert Law.

Published March 8, 2012