The 5th annual Chattanooga Franchise Business EXPO will be held on April 21 at the Residence Inn and Conference Center near Hamilton Place at 2340 Center St. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
A group of Chattanooga organizations led by Jerry Bird, who heads FranNet of Alabama and East Tennessee, is sponsoring this event. Mr. Bird works with individuals, free of charge, to determine potential business opportunities that might be a good fit for them.
"We want the EXPO to be fun and educational,” said Mr. Bird. “There are over 3,200 franchises out there in more than 90 industries. What is a great match for one person might be the worst choice for another person.”
Participants will talk with organizations who can help them start a business; attend free workshops on subjects such as Funding Options and How to Find the Right Franchise for You; visit booths and learn more about different types of franchise companies; learn about business ownership in a no-pressure environment and discover business opportunities in Chattanooga and the surrounding areas.
"This event will allow individuals who have always had a desire to own their own business but fear the unknown the opportunity to talk with franchise companies, as well as, individuals and organizations who can help you start a business all in one place,” said Mr. Bird.
The Chattanooga Franchise Business EXPOs features a no-pressure environment that allows participants to speak with franchises with many different business models in a variety of industries. Exhibitors include leaders in the categories of low cost, senior care, boutique retail, automobile care/repair, business coaching/training, staffing, digital imaging/signing, home improvement/repair, fast casual food, business to business services, and more.
This event is sponsored by the Tennessee Small Business Development Centers, FranNet of Alabama and East Tennessee, the Cleveland-Bradley County Chamber of Commerce, BrightBridge Women’s Business Center, and SCORE.
There is no cost to attend the event for those that pre-register. Admission will be $10 at the door. Details on the raffle and door prizes can be found at the registration table at the event. For additional information and/or to pre-register visit www.chattexpo2016.eventbrite.com.