Visit any website that offers advice on starting a new business or expanding an existing one and you’ll find articles and advice on the importance of writing a business plan. There are tips ranging from how to write an effective business plan to the reasons why it’s so important.

Small business owners contemplating franchising their business should possess basic business skills. Before embarking on the road to franchising, the small business owner should inventory their business skills and if necessary sharpen them before attempting to franchise their business.

In 1933 Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers were dancing their way around Rio de Janeiro. In those days Rio represented the glamorous image of Brazil to outsiders.

The number of home based franchises continues to grow and in some franchise segments the home based feature exists in the majority of the franchise companies. Looking back into franchise history the typical franchise was a bricks and mortar franchise whether it was a KFC, Dunkin Donuts or McDonalds.

A major benefit of a franchise model is having a network of committed business owners operating a franchise under a common brand.