For immediate release 
Contact: Alisa Harrison, 202-628-8000

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 16, 2008 – Minority entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to learn all about business format franchising by attending the Jacksonville Florida Franchise Opportunities for Women and Minorities Seminar, scheduled for Nov. 6 at the University of North Florida, the International Franchise Association (IFA) announced today. 

“The one-day seminar is designed for professionals seeking to learn more about franchising and how to help bridge the gaps impeding their paths for small-business ownership,” said Miriam Brewer, director of diversity for the IFA Educational Foundation.  “Participants will learn all they need to know about how to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself.”

The seminar is sponsored by Coca-Cola and hosted by the IFA, the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, the Jacksonville Entrepreneurship Center/Jacksonville Urban League, Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Beaver Street Enterprise Center and the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of North Florida.  The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University Center at the University of North Florida.

A 2006 IFA Educational Foundation study identified three obstacles hindering minority franchise ownership—information, relationships and capital.  These barriers also impede franchisors from identifying minority candidates.  Many franchisee prospects new to franchising are not aware of the opportunities, not sure where to begin in the process, and are often uninformed about the resources at their disposal.

To help bridge the information gap, the IFA Educational Foundation Diversity Institute’s  MinorityFran program launched the seminar series last year to build awareness of franchising within minority communities and to increase the number of minority franchisees.  MinorityFran is open to all IFA member companies and more than 180 currently participate.

Attendees will learn the fundamentals of franchising, who franchisors are looking for as prospective franchisees, the legal aspects of franchising and how to obtain funding and technical assistance. 

Registration for the seminar is $20 and includes a continental breakfast, lunch and session materials.  Space is limited.  To register and pay online visit www.bsecenter.net/franchise_registration.htm.  To learn more about franchising visit www.franchise.org.

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Editor’s Note: 
Credentialed news media representatives (with a limit of two per company) will be admitted to the seminar at no charge.  Fax request on company letterhead to 202-628-0812. 

About The International Franchise Association:
The International Franchise Association, the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising, is the preeminent voice and acknowledged leader for the industry worldwide. Approaching a half-century of service with a growing membership of more than 1,300 franchise systems, 10,000-plus franchisees and more than 500 firms that supply goods and services to the industry, IFA protects, enhances and promotes franchising by advancing the values of integrity, respect, trust, commitment to excellence, honesty and diversity. For more information, visit the IFA Web site at www.franchise.org.

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