The Central Virginia Franchise & Financing Expo, the first in a series of regional events, was a huge success, educating over 800 participants on the merits of owning a franchise. This event, initiated by the SBA’s Richmond District Office in cooperation with the Greater Richmond SBDC, was the principal host for this event being, co-sponsored by the VA SBDC, SCORE, New Visions New Ventures Women’s Business Center and the GRCC providing this top quality, much needed, franchise program to central Virginia. The International Franchising Association was the lead event sponsor and helped make this event a reality. Attendees had an opportunity to speak with a great selection of over 76 franchises and small business service support organizations. They took their time at the many booths to truly learn about as much as they could about the concepts or services being offered. A comment overheard in the show aisle was, “Wow, what a great event. I learned so much it’s given me confidence to purchase a franchise.” The franchisors were very impressed with the quality of those in attendance. The event ran Saturday and Sunday, March 1 - 2 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. MFV Expositions was contracted to produce this event because of their excellent reputation and track record in creating successful franchising events. Training programs offered at the Expo: The night before the show opened, the Hirschler Fleischer Law Firm presented the seminar How to Franchise Your Existing Business and sponsored a cocktail reception immediately following for the seminar attendees as well as all exhibitors. Free seminars included: The A to Z’s of Buying a Franchise presented by John Hayes, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, HomeVestors of America Financing Your Franchise moderated by Robert Mcloone, Business Development Specialist, SBA. Panelists included Steven D, Cooper, Chief Executive Officer, SD Cooper Company; James G. Salley, Vice President, Provident Bank; and Jennifer Cubit, Vice President, SONA Bank Franchising 101 for Veterans presented by John Hayes, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, HomeVestors of America and Ed Totanes, Franchisee, Virginia Barbeque. Opportunities in Franchising for Minorities and Women moderated by Miriam Brewer, Director of Diversity, International Franchising Association Educational Foundation with panelists Rick Ivey, CEO and President, Virginia Barbeque; Sheila McCurdy, Franchisee, Wireless Zone; Robert P. Henley, Attorney, Hirschler Fleisher; Larry Carnell, Vice President, BeneTrends; and John Hayes, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, HomeVestors of America. Future events are already being planned around the country with a return trip to Virginia in the not too distant future.