The Educated Franchisee Insider Newsletter
The Educated Franchisee
The How-To Book for Choosing a Winning FranchiseMay 2010
Author ImageGreetings!

As a result of conversations with a number of readers, I am currently considering a new publication.  The title of the publication would be
The Educated Franchisee - Opportunities Alert.  This new publication would complement this Newsletter and be published when I find a truly significant franchise opportunity.

Unlike this newsletter which is completely dedicated to sharing information on business ownership on a monthly basis, the Opportunity Alert would be dedicated to one specific opportunity that has impressed me.  The Opportunity Alert would be published irregularly - about 4 times per year dependent, of course, on the identification of exceptional opportunities.  

What do you think about this idea?  Would you be interested in learning about fast growing franchises that have exhibited an exceptional franchisee success?  Let me know your thoughts.
 
By the way, my wife and I had a great time at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala.  If you are looking for a great low cost destination with outstanding scenery and some of the nicest people you could meet, consider Lake Atitlan. Truly exceptional in every way.

Best Wishes,
Apple Image
Rick Bisio
Apple ImageEntrepreneurs Find Success With Specialty Lenders

Marla Litchenberger found a location and commissioned architecture plans for an emergency animal clinic in Glendale, Wis. But then she was turned down by six banks and the landlord was threatening to find another tenant unless she could open soon.

"As a start-up, no one wanted to finance us," she says of her struggles in February 2008. "The economy was very bad."

Dr. Litchenberger's lawyer suggested she try Live Oak Bank in Wilmington, N.C. Within months, the paperwork was finalized for a $2 million loan and construction was underway. The Milwaukee Emergency Center for Animals and Specialty Services opened for business last June.
Link ImageNow is The Ideal Time For Deals in Commercial Real Estate
 
Q: We are looking to move into a new office and I have been given the assignment of coming up with
our options. I hear it is a buyer's market out there,
but what does that mean? What should I expect?

A:  It certainly is true that this is one of the best times in a long time to rent commercial space due to high vacancy rates.

The sort of location you want of course depends upon the type of business you are in; some businesses need to be in high traffic areas and must pay the corresponding higher rents, while others can afford to be in quieter areas and pay less. My dad used to love to put his carpet stores across from malls, figuring he could benefit from the mall traffic. Conversely, an e-commerce business does not need a high drive-by location and need not pay those high rents.

Go to USA Today, Click Here
Link ImageBusinesses Wait for Green Energy Payback.
 
Small-business owners are increasingly looking to get green for going green - but they may grow some grey hairs in the process.

In recent years, several federal and state programs have emerged to help owners cover part of the cost of pricey alternative-energy investments such as solar panels and wind turbines. Owners who've tapped those incentives say they expect to make up the balance - and possibly come out ahead - by spending less on utility bills and selling renewable energy credits or any excess energy they produce to power-supply companies.
Apple ImageThe New Face of Startups is a Senior Citizen.
 
The face of the typical startup entrepreneur these days is a bit wrinkly, sporting some gray hair, and having the wisdom that comes with age. But is it a good financial move to start a business late in life?

According to recent research, these days those 55 and over are more likely than young people to be starting businesses, says Professor Scott Shane, writing in BusinessWeek.

He cites research by Dane Stangler of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation that showed in every year from 1996 to 2007, Americans aged 55 to 64 had a higher rate of entrepreneurial activity than those aged 20 to 34.
The Book
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There is a reality in life.  Greater knowledge drives better decisions and better decisions reduce business risk.  Franchising is all about risk reduction but not all franchises are low risk.  The Educated Franchisee is designed to empower you.  By following the advice and guidance presented in this book you will recognize high quality franchises and confidently pass over those that are not.

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Thanks for your interest in business ownership.  If there is anything we can do to improve this newsletter or any articles that you think would be valuable to our membership, please let us know.  Some of our best ideas come from our members.
 
Contact Information
 
Author - Rick Bisio,  rbisio@educatedfranchisee.com