Business opportunities abound at FranchiseMart and Biz1 Brokers
Published: 05/02/2010
Curtis Harper of Franchise-mart and Biz1Brokers has a message for anyonewho has ever considered starting a business: If you have thepassion, drive and energy, you cansucceed. The shelves of his new showroom,located at 1268 Woodruff Road (near Arizona Steak House) arefilled with brochures featuringhundreds of franchise opportuni-ties, from home based-businessesto large retail, many with financingavailable. The company provides three dis-tinct services, aimed at people whowant to be in business for them-selves, or are already in business.As franchise matchmakers, theyhelp people find the right franchisebusiness. As business brokers,they assist people in selling theirbusiness. They also offer turnkeyfranchising, helping entrepreneurswho want to grow their business byfranchising it.Franchising is ideal for those whohave always wanted to start a busi-ness but don’t know how, Harpersaid. Resources like brand recog-nition, marketing and advertisingassistance, mass purchasing power,research and development, techni-cal support, training, and ongoingbusiness and financial advice make it easier for franchises to succeed. “After 10 years, 90 percent of fran-chised businesses are still operating,compared to less than 20 percent ofindependent businesses,” he said.“You’re in business for yourself,but not by yourself.”Opportunities include tax prepara-tion, catering, cleaning, mold pre-vention, disaster planning, internetmarketing and outdoor advertising,executive coaching, senior services,event planning, fabrics and furni-0100539504 Advertising Feature of The Greenville News Business opportunities abound at FranchiseMart and Biz1 Brokers Curtis Harper congratulates Patrick Spadafora on the purchase of his Billboard Connection franchise through Franchisemart. ture restoration and so much more: there’s something forevery interest.“We can putsomeone in a franchised business for as little as $1000 down,” Harpersaid, “and ourconsultative services to buyers are freewith no obliga-tion. Franchisemart offers monthlyfree seminars with speakersfrom the Small Business Ad-ministration,the Clemson UniversitySmall Business DevelopmentCenter, and Enterprise Launch.Those interested can find out more by calling or e-mailing to arrangea store tour or phone consultation.This helps narrow down businesschoices based on background, inter-ests, and investment range, Harpersaid. “We provide information that al-lows you to evaluate the strongestmatches in detail,” he said. “Thenwe will facilitate an introductoryphone call to top-level executivesof the companies that you are mostinterested in. After that initial con-tact, you can determine whether youwish to go further in the evaluationprocess.”Franchisemart’s services are free to the buyer.“It won’t cost you any more to go through us than going directly to theseller,” he said. “You are under noobligation to use our services.”Franchisemart can also assist with financing, Harper said. In manycases, 401K and IRA funds can beused to start a business. “Many of our franchises offer somefinancing and are already registeredwith the SBA, which expedites theSBA loan process,” he said.Patrick Spadafora, who recentlypurchased a Billboard Connectionfranchise through Franchisemartfound the services offered invalu-able. “My experience working with Fran-chisemart was fantastic. They haveso many great businesses to choosefrom and all the resources you needto go into business for yourself. I would recommend it to anyone whowants to be their own boss.” Harper said owners of existing busi-nesses can also benefit from their Biz1Broker services. “A seller is 10 times more likely tosell their business using someonelike Biz1Brokers than by trying todo 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 draw-ing for a valuable business-relatedgift. For more information, or toregister, visit www.franchisemart-upstatesc.com or call 864.991.8400
Curtis Harper congratulates Patrick Spadafora on the purchase of his Billboard Connection franchise through Franchisemart
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