Franchise Opportunities Continue to Abound in the Upstate of South Carolina

Feb. 2, 2010 - PRLog -- Curtis Harper of Franchisemart and Biz1Brokers has a message for anyone who has ever considered starting a business: If you have the passion, drive and energy, you can succeed.  
The shelves of his new showroom, located at 1268 Woodruff Road (near Arizona Steak House) are filled with brochures featuring hundreds of franchise opportunities, from home based-businesses to large retail, many with financing available.  
The company provides three distinct services, aimed at people who want to be in business for themselves, or are already in business. As franchise matchmakers, they help people find the right franchise business. As business brokers, they assist people in selling their business. They also offer turnkey franchising, helping entrepreneurs who want to grow their business by franchising it.
Franchising is ideal for those who have always wanted to start a business but don’t know how, Harper said. Resources like brand recognition, marketing and advertising assistance, mass purchasing power, research and development, technical support, training, and ongoing business and financial advice make it easier for franchises to succeed.
“After 10 years, 90 percent of franchised businesses are still operating, compared to less than 20 percent of independent businesses,” he said. “You’re in business for yourself, but not by yourself.”
Opportunities include tax preparation, catering, cleaning, mold prevention, disaster planning, internet marketing and outdoor advertising, executive coaching, senior services, event planning, fabrics and furniture restoration and so much more: there’s something for every interest.
“We can put someone in a franchised business for as little as $1000 down,” Harper said, “and our consultative services to buyers are free with no obligation.
Franchisemart offers monthly free seminars with speakers from the Small Business Administration, the Clemson University Small Business Development Center, and Enterprise Launch.
Those interested can find out more by calling or e-mailing to arrange a store tour or phone consultation. This helps narrow down business choices based on background, interests, and investment range, Harper said.
“We provide information that allows you to evaluate the strongest matches in detail,” he said. “Then we will facilitate an introductory phone call to top-level executives of the companies that you are most interested in. After that initial contact, you can determine whether you wish to go further in the evaluation process.”
Franchisemart’s services are free to the buyer.
“It won’t cost you any more to go through us than going directly to the seller,” he said. “You are under no obligation to use our services.”
Franchisemart can also assist with financing, Harper said. In many cases, 401K and IRA funds can be used to start a business.
“Many of our franchises offer some financing and are already registered with the SBA, which expedites the SBA loan process,” he said.
Patrick Spadafora, who recently purchased a Billboard Connection franchise through Franchisemart found the services offered invaluable.
“My experience working with Franchisemart was fantastic. They have so many great businesses to choose from and all the resources you need to go into business for yourself. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to be their own boss.”
Harper said owners of existing businesses can also benefit from their Biz1Broker services.
“A seller is 10 times more likely to sell their business using someone like Biz1Brokers than by trying to do it themselves,” he said.

Franchisemart’s next free “Own Your Own Business” seminar will be held  from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9. Refreshments will be served and all attendees will be entered in a drawing for a valuable business-related gift. For more information, or to register, visit www.franchisemart-upstatesc.com, or call 864.991.8400

# # #

Franchisemart matches people with the right business opportunity. Our consultative services are free to buyers with no obligation. Biz1Brokers assists in the confidential buying and selling of businesses.