2. What is a Franchise? Small business owner with large corporation connection – Owner must follow rules and guidelines in place by big company – Owner must pay big company up-front one-time fee AND ongoing royalty fee

3. Franchise vs. Chain Franchise: owned by individual, but connected to larger corporation – Fast food restaurants, hotels, gas stations, etc. Chain: a company that has branches managed by individuals, as an employee of larger corporation. – Think TGI Friday’s, Walmart, Barnes N Noble, etc.

4. Why Franchise? High success rate Help with start up and beyond Buying power Name recognition Profits

5. Why Not Franchise? Rules Ongoing fees Poor support, strict rules Start-up cost

6. How do I get one? Application – Experience, background, and finances scrutinized Interview – Meet with Franchisor Contract – You’d need a lawyer’s help!

8. Did you know: This year Hampton is launching in the U.K., Mexico, India, Romania and Trinidad. Number of franchises: 1,753 Franchising since: 1984 2010 rank: #4 Startup costs: $3,716,000 - $13,148,800

9. Did you know: In 2010, ampm launched a "secret menu" of snack bar recipes available only via Facebook. Number of franchises: 3,177 Franchising since: 1979 2010 rank: #10 Startup costs: $1,786,929 - $7,596,688

10. Did you know: This year GPS enthusiasts calculated the furthest you could get from a McDonald's in the Lower 48: 115 miles away in a deserted area of northwest Nevada. Number of franchises: 26,209 Franchising since: 1955 2010 rank: #2 Startup costs: $1,057,200 - $1,885,000

11. Did you know: A new 7-11 opens every 6.5 hours Number of franchises: 37,039 Franchising since: 1964 2010 rank: #3 Startup costs: $30,800 - $604,500

12. Did you know: A Supercuts franchisee in Houston set a new Guinness world record in 2009 by giving 349 haircuts in 24 hours. Number of franchises: 1,035 Franchising since: 1979 2010 rank: #5 Startup costs: $112,550 - $243,200

13. Did you know: In recent years, Days Inn has opened hotels in China, the U.K., Costa Rica and Russia. Number of franchises: 1,857 Franchising since: 1972 2010 rank: #21 Startup costs: $192,291 - $6,479,764

14. Did you know: Vanguard has benefited from the recession as companies have scrapped their janitorial department to cut costs. Number of franchises: 1,847 Franchising since: 1984 2010 rank: #30 Startup costs: $8,200 - $38,100

15. Did you know: After 40 years in business, Servpro opened its first international location in 2010. Number of franchises: 1,526 Franchising since: 1969 2010 rank: #9 Startup costs: $127,300 - $174,700

16. Did you know: Subway claims there are more than 2 million sandwich varieties available in their stores Number of franchises: 33,188 Franchising since: 1974 2010 rank: #1 Startup costs: $84,300 - $258,300

17. Did you know: Denny's started out in 1953 as Danny's Donuts, becoming Denny's in 1959 Number of franchises: 1,374 Franchising since: 1963 2010 rank: #1 Startup costs: $1,125,609 - $2,396,419