How to Franchise Your Existing Business Cost $50 Friday — 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm   Sponsored by Introduction by: Representative, SBA Moderated by: Eric C. Perkins, Attorney, Business Section, Hirschler Fleischer Panelists: David S. Lionberger, Andrew M. Lohmann, J. Andrew Austin, Robert P. Henley and Justin M. Laughter, Attorneys, Business Section, Hirschler Fleischer This seminar is ideal for business owners interested in franchising or those simply looking to determine if franchising is a legitimate growth option. It will help business owners understand whether they have a business that is franchisable and how franchising stacks up against alternate growth strategies (such as licensing, dealer models, and joint ventures). Attendees will also gain a thorough understanding of the process of franchising, including necessary resources, costs, and personnel needs. Discussions will include the advantages and disadvantages of franchising, and will provide a framework for analysis that will allow business owners to understand whether franchising is the best strategy to reach a company’s future expansion goals.   The A to Z's of Buying a Franchise Saturday and Sunday – 11:00 am to 12:30 pm   Presented by: John Hayes, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, HomeVestors of America This seminar is designed to help prospective franchisees as they evaluate the many different opportunities available to them. From finding a franchise that's right for you, to asking questions of the franchisor and franchisees, to understanding franchising’s legal documents, this seminar prepares you to acquire a franchise opportunity with confidence. This seminar is for those who are just getting started with their research as well as those who are close to making a decision to buy a franchise.   Financing Your Franchise Saturday — 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sunday — 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm   Presented by: Robert McLoone, Business Development Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration and Steven D. Cooper, CEO, SD Cooper Company; Representative, SBA What investment level can I afford? What are my options? What preparation and steps are necessary to attain financing? How do I make myself look attractive to lenders? In this seminar, speakers from a number of institutions will discuss how to use financing as a tool to help you achieve your goals through business ownership. Financing opportunities available to you through the SBA program and equipment leasing, as well as other potential financing options will be addressed.

Franchising 101 for Veterans Saturday — 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm   Presented by: John Hayes, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, HomeVestors of America The Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative (VetFran), provides low-cost entry to franchising for America's Veterans. This program was founded by Don Dwyer, Sr. of the Dwyer Group and is supported by the International Franchise Association (IFA), the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Center for Veterans Enterprise, U.S. Dept. Veteran Affairs. This FREE seminar will include specific information about the basics of franchising, finance opportunities available through the Small Business Administration’s loan program and will include discussions from veteran franchisees.   Opportunities in Franchising for Minorities and Women Sunday – 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm   Moderated by: Miriam Brewer, Director of Diversity, IFA Educational Foundation Panelists: Rick Ivey, CEO and President, Virginia Barbeque; John P. Hayes, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, HomeVestors of America; Sheila McCurdy, Franchisee, Wireless Zone; Robert P. Henley, Attorney, Hirschler Fleisher; Larry Carnell, Vice President, BeneTrends Are you looking to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself? Are you contemplating a career move and don’t know what to do next? Do you want more than just a job? Investigate what opportunities exist for women and minorities in this unique way of doing business. You will have the opportunity to participate in an educational seminar to address opportunities for small business ownership through franchising. Hear first-hand what franchisors are looking for. At the end of this session, participants will be able to: Understand what franchising is and isn’t Understand the basic legal considerations in franchising Know what steps to take in evaluating a franchised business Understand what financing options are available Learn what questions to ask and pitfalls to avoid Learn what questions to ask yourself first: Am I really cut out for this? How long do I plan to do this? How long can I live without an income? Gain insight into where the opportunities lie.