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Government and Association - Franchise Information

With the increasing power of the internet and with greater governmental transparency, there is more franchise information available than ever before.  The United States government, State Government, NGO’s and the International Franchise Association support franchise business by providing a vast spectrum of franchise information.

The International Franchise Association offers franchise information and training for both franchisees and franchisors.  For example, they offer a free online training program that anyone can access if they wish to learn more about the franchise business.  They also offer a number of high quality articles focused on the franchise business.

Both federal and state governments also offer franchise information, although the information tends to be somewhat more limited.  The California website is a notable exception, with vast amounts of information on the franchise business and on specific franchises.

Other organizations such as SCORE can provide you with free localized support regarding franchise business

In short, today we can access a tremendous amount of franchise information.  How much you choose to learn about the franchise business is really up to you.



Premier Franchise Information Sources

International Franchise Association (IFA) www.franchise.org

The International Franchise Association, founded in 1960, is a membership organization of franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers. Our mission is to protect, enhance, and promote franchising.  For a detailed list of current members please visit our web site.  IFA members abide by a code of ethics http://www.franchise.org/
code.aspx
 which promotes fair and ethical franchise practices.  We encourage anyone exploring the opportunities in franchising to check to see if the company they are considering is a member of the IFA.  Best wishes in your exploration of franchising!

Other Sources of Government or Association based Franchise Information

Go to Website Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) http://www.score.org
The SCORE Association (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. Working and retired executives and business owners donate their time and expertise as volunteer business counselors and provide confidential counseling and mentoring free of charge.

Go to Website American Association of Franchisees & Dealers (AAF&D) http://www.aafd.org
The AAFD is a national non-profit trade association dedicated to defining and promoting Total Quality Franchising practices. Focusing on market driven solutions to improve the franchising community, the AAFD promotes win-win franchising.

Go to Website American Franchise Association (AFA) http://www.franchisee.org
The American Franchise Association is representative organization for franchisees which advocates changing the rules and laws governing franchising on both the state and national levels.

Go to Website State of California   http://www.corp.ca.gov/SRD/franchise.asp  and http://134.186.208.228/caleasi/pub/Exsearch.htm
California's electronic access to franchising information and franchise filings.

Go to Website State of Maryland   http://www.oag.state.md.us/Securities/index.htm
Maryland's Securities web page containing links to resources for the franchise business

Go to Website State of Rhode Island
http://www.dbr.ri.gov/divisions/banking_
securities/franchising.php

Department of Business Regulation Franchising Information Web page

Go to Website State of Virginia  http://www.state.va.us/scc/division/srf/index.htm
Virgnia's State Corporation Commission Franchising Information web page

Go to Website State of Washington   http://www.dfi.wa.gov/sd/franchisepolicy.htm
Washington State Department of Financial Institutions franchising information web page

If you consider all the franchise information found on the above mentioned web sites, you could spend months on just these franchise business resources.  It is usually best to approach these sites with specific information that you are seeking and search based on those key words related to the franchise business.  By doing this, you will collect all the franchise information you need without spending days at your computer.  Good Luck