Franchising Offers Better Opportunities for Small Business Success

Ideal Combination of Entrepreneurial Spirit and Proven Systems

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 23, 2008 - Franchise Update Media Group, the leading industry resource for franchise development, recommends franchising as the best opportunity for success for many people looking to start their own businesses. Franchised businesses combine the most attractive aspects of both worlds: the independence of entrepreneurialism, backed by the support and proven systems of Corporate America.

"Franchising is the champion of small business expansion worldwide," said Steve Olson, publisher for Franchise Update Media Group. "Studies have shown that franchised businesses enjoy a success rate up to three times greater than independent businesses, because franchising provides greater business advantages, such as training and support, group purchasing power, advertising clout and brand strength."

Franchises generate $2.3 trillion in annual sales. In the U.S., 41 cents of every retail dollar is spent at a franchise operation, which is very impressive since fewer than five percent of all small businesses are franchised.

"In today's economic uncertainty, aspiring business owners are turning away from the once-sacred safeguards of corporate security, and are reaching for the personal empowerment, freedom and financial opportunities offered through owning their own businesses," Olson said. "Franchise concepts have become a safety net for many Americans, reducing their entrepreneurial risks by providing the systems and support that can help ensure their future success."

Today there are more than 2,900 franchise concpets in the U.S., spanning 75 industries, with a new franchise opening every eight minutes of each business day.

"Franchising is an American innovation that is embraced throughout the world," Olson said. "It has contributed to international economies, helping their entrepreneurs profit from the franchise partnership model. Sandwiches, postal franchises and more have created healthy global partnership, enabling them to reach consumers in both industrialized and developing countries."

An online resource of more than 2,200 franchise opportunities can be reviewed at www.franchising.com.

About Franchise Update Media Group

Multi-media outreach campaigns deliver the best results for lead-generation, sales, recruitment and branding programs, and Franchise Update Media Group (FUMG) targets franchise audiences online, in print and in person to help franchisors, multi-unit franchisees and suppliers exceed or meet growth objectives. Founded in 1988, FUMG has expanded its media properties to include Grow to Greatness: How to Build a World-Class Franchise Organization, the only book on the market today focusing on franchise development, Franchise UPDATE and Multi-Unit Franchisee, the leading independent franchise magazines, and FranchiseUPDATE.com and mufranchisee.com, which provide the latest industry resources, news and information. Our Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, and Franchise Leadership & Development Conference are the premier events in the industry. For more information, please visit www.franchiseupdatemedia.com.