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An Entrepreneur Tour Coming To a Town Near You

Startup Canada initiative embraces Canadian franchising during coast-to-coast campaign

Startup Canada co-founder Victoria Lennox.

From St. John’s to Whitehorse, the word is spreading: Entrepreneurship is a great way for Canadians to secure their futures and boost their country’s economy. There’s a new grassroots organization that’s traveling coast to coast this year, seeking to educate Canadians about the importance of self-employment — and we’re thrilled that it’s spreading the word about entrepreneurship opportunities. The organization and initiative is called Startup Canada, and it’s the nation’s first ... Read more

Carla Falcone and Romy Taormina Turn Morning Sickness Into a Business Empire

Carla Falcone and Romy Taormina met at an award-winning advertising agency on California’s Central Coast and became fast friends many years ago. Carla has an extensive background in public relations and advertising and earned degrees in journalism and industrial arts. Romy has an in-depth knowledge of marketing and earned a business degree. These women have extensive experience strategizing, creating, and executing multimedia campaigns for myriad clients in a variety of industries. But their entrepreneurial spirit blossomed after both women experienced ongoing morning sickness during their respective pregnancies. ... Read more

Leung Sisters Create Designer Shoe Empire

The Leung twins, Emily and Jessica grew up as a perfect pair so it makes great sense that this dynamic duo launched a designer shoe company which features glamorous footwear that is both chic and comfortable. These ladies speak my language – show me the shoes! In college, Emily was on a pre-med track and even took the MCAT exam before changing to a Business major. Jessica studied Mass Communications and Fashion and both sisters ended up with jobs in their respective industries that made them solvent but left them wanting more. Solvent But Looking for More Hey Lady Shoes was an idea that kept coming back to them repeatedly, like fate prodding them ... Read more

Claire Chew, Grief Recovery Specialist

At 19, Claire Chew went for a check-up to diagnose and treat what she thought was tennis elbow. It turned out to be Stage 4 cancer in her Humerus bone and her parents and doctors determined her every move for the next year and a half. Claire was in the hospital every 3 weeks for 18 months with immediate surgery, aggressive chemo therapy, and radiation. Her hair fell out and she lost the use of her right arm. Defining Moment At a time when most teens are feeling their way into adulthood and grappling with independence and social acceptance, Claire was ... Read more

An Inteview with FranNet Franchise Matchmaker, Chris Coleman

Coleman helps corporate executives and outplaced workers transition into franchising

Chris Coleman

Chris Phillips can’t imagine working for someone else ever again. The former banker now runs a personal electronics repair business in St. Louis, and it was FranNet consultant Chris Coleman who helped make it possible. In a segment shown recently on KPLR-TV in St. Louis, Phillips showed off his new business, CPR, which stands for Cell Phone Repair. ... Read more

What Is the Best Franchise Consultant Network for Franchise Expansion?

Local clients, high-trust recruiting process puts clients’ needs first

Over the past decade, much of the growth in the franchise industry has come from franchise consultant and broker networks. These networks help individuals research and select franchises that best fit their skills and budgets. ... Read more

My #1 App Recommendation, By Far Is ….

Fact: I'm a long-time early adoptor and seeker of the latest and greatest -- gadgets, software tools, social media tools and iPhone/iPad apps, etc.  I've literally tried HUNDREDS of technology tools, gadgets and apps.  Some "stick" and (many) others get dropped or set aside for better solutions or "the newest thing." One in particular, however, HAS stuck, and it's become one of my all time favorites -- maybe even THE all time favorite.  I've become a raving fan .... I'm telling everyone about it these days -- clients, colleagues, friends, vendors, even strangers.
... Read more

FranNet To Help Disabled Veterans Through Wounded Warrior Project

Franchise continues to support veterans seeking employment
If you’re a veteran injured in the Iraq or Afghanistan wars and looking for job opportunities, FranNet is prepared to help you out. FranNet, an international network of franchise consultants, is joining forces with a veterans’ organization to donate money to disabled veterans in need of career opportunities. How? Starting this month, FranNet will donate money to the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit with locations in eight cities and a mission to help veterans injured in combat adjust to civilian life. FranNet also has arranged to help injured veterans needing work in cities with FranNet offices find local franchise opportunities or franchises that are committed to hiring returning veterans.
... Read more

FranNet’s Gary Prenevost Featured in Financial Post

Gary Prenevost, president of FranNet of Southern Ontario, gives his insight on successful franchises. “Franchising a business model successfully really comes down to systems, systems, systems,” says Prenevost. Owners and operators of Massage Addict, Lori MacKenzie and Chris Harker explain the reasoning behind the success of their recession-proof business model.

Massaging the deal to build a franchise by Mary Teresa Bitti  Jan 23, 2012 – 12:53 PM ET

The pitch: Accessible, affordable massage therapy. That is the concept behind Halifax-based Massage Addict, the latest venture for Lori MacKenzie, owner and president of the company. ... Read more

New Bill Offers Steep Tax Breaks for Veterans to Open a Franchise

Tax rebate would make franchise ownership possible for a larger number of returning veterans

“The AGREE Act is a meaningful step to find common ground and create a better environment for job creators to start businesses or expand existing ones,” Rubio said in announcing the legislation.The American Growth, Recovery, Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Act is cosponsored by Sens. Marco Rubio, R-Fla, and Chris Coons, D-Del., who introduced the legislation in November. The bill proposes to give veterans a 25 percent tax rebate on the cost of franchise fees, up to $100,000. ... Read more