MORE WOMEN CHOOSING FRANCHISES
Detail oriented? Like Working in a Kitchen?

Two moms with kids and different backgrounds have success with the same franchise. These women and others throughout the US share a common commitment to doing the job right leading to successful entrepreneur path.

Deb Fenton is a mother of five, has 15 years of experience with lumber yards and is the family bread-winner after her husband was injured in a horse-back riding accident last year. Apryl Halstead has six kids and experience in starting new, successful service-based businesses.

According to the Center for Woman's Business Research, these businesses are part of the 10.6 million firms are at least half-owned by a woman. These businesses employ 19.1 million people and generate nearly $2.5 trillion in sales annually.

After much research, each woman also chose to leave the security of a guaranteed paycheck and start a business of their own. They entered a male-dominated trade, where attention to detail and a little bit of stereotyping goes a long way.

Women are choosing franchises

Fenton and Halstead are among the growing number of women business owners. According to a 2002 Census Bureau survey, women-owned US businesses grew at twice the national rate for all privately held companies from 1997 to 2002. Although there is no hard evidence, anicodotically, it is clear that franchise opportunities are becoming increasingly attractive to women for several reasons.

Women entrepreneurs are choosing franchises outside of the traditional start-ups of child care, dance studios, interior decorating and food. According to the X Franchise association, there are opportunities in more than 75 industries. Women are buying into transmission repair franchises, income tax preparation, photography services and more.

More Women Choosing Franchises, page 2 of 3

Flexibility is an important benefit of being a franchise owner. With two teenagers, Halstead is able to work around family and personal needs.

The first step is the hardest

In February of 2005, Fenton opened her first N-Hance franchise. At first, customers underestimated her abilities because she is a woman and did all of the work. In the end, she feels that women have an advantage in a franchise where details and being meticulous really pay off.

"At first, homeowners were always surprised when I showed up at their home and started unloading my equipment," said Fenton. "I once had a man call my office to ask I was qualified to do his floors. After the job is completed, there is never any question. I treat every home as it was my own and every customer has always had their expectations exceeded."

Halstead purchased an N-Hance franchise in August of this year to serve Mechanicsville, Virginia. She had her first job three weeks ago and has completed three jobs in just a short period. Like Fenton, she feels her customers are surprised when she arrives and starts to unload the cumbersome equipment. Quickly seeing the value in her first franchise, Halstead has now bought a second in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

"I was right out of college and 21 when I bought an inventory company that served hospitals and convenience stores in Texas," said Halstead. "It did well and when I moved to Colorado, I bought a country store and have since owned a cleaning service. In the end, I've always succeed because I've always been a perfectionist; this trait crosses many boundaries and is helpful in many different business situations."

Support for franchise owners

Franchises provide a proven framework of support, practices, training and materials. New business owners inevitably manage their success, but franchises offer the opportunity to jump-in to a business without having to cook-up everything. Franchises let entrepreneurs immediately move into managing and leading.

"Our real goal is not to sell franchises, but sell success," notes Tara Riley, director of franchise operations for N-Hance." "We guide our owners through every step of the process and use proven tactics. Franchise owners get the best of both worlds-the have the support of a large corporate structure with the risk and rewards of a small business."

Nationally, there are several resources for woman entrepreneurs who want seek franchise ownership:

The U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Women's Business Ownership, www.sba.gov/financing/special/women.html, offers programs, training and expert assistance to promote women-owned businesses. The SBA also provides access to credit and capital, federal contracts and international trade opportunities.

The National Women's Business Center, www.womensbusinesscenter.org, is a private, nonprofit organization that offers entrepreneur training.

Franchise Solutions for Women, www.franchisesolutions.com, is operated by Franchise Solutions Inc., a company that provides franchise marketing services to franchisors.

The International Franchise Association, Women's Franchise Committee, www.franchise.org, is an organization of franchisors, franchisees and suppliers that protects, enhances and promotes the franchise industry.