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Stay informed with the latest the economy articles, features, and advice columns by browsing Franchise Update's the economy article directory.
Private Equity as a Development ToolFranchisors seeking to grow in a tight credit environment and slow economy are turning to private equity to counter a slowdown in financing and cash flow. For struggling systems, capital "infusions" or outright acquisition by private equity firms can replace diminished royalties and franchise fees; for successful brands, this source of additional capital can be used to accelerate growth and provide a competitive advantage. Greasing the Skids: How Franchisors can Help Bankers Make Loans in 2010Access to capital is the number-one issue facing franchising in 2010. This isn't just an issue for new unit development--it is every bit as much of an issue for transfers. In both situations, franchisors have a large vested interest in ensuring that capital is there when a franchisee needs it. Franchisors: Spread the Word on Tax CreditsThere are three essential areas of focus in a successful business: operations, sales, and financials. For the purpose of this discussion, let's assume you have a well-run operation and are doing as good a job as possible to maintain or increase sales. For most businesses, the easiest and most fun parts of the business are running it and having lots of happy and repeat customers. Unit Economics: A Case StudyTracking unit economic performance effectively can take some doing. Generally, it involves 1) defining what constitutes comparable data across individual units, and 2) finding the right technology for recording and reporting it. Making it work requires not only strategizing and goal-setting at corporate, but also involvement and buy-in from franchisees - all in the name of improving system-wide profitability, one unit at a time. Stimulus Packagers: Franchisor's Incentives Are Turning Prospects Into FranchiseesFranchise development teams are trying to defy the seemingly insurmountable odds of today's economy by creatively ramping up their sales efforts. Tactics such as discounted franchise fees, reduced royalties, buy-back guarantees, and other incentives have been pouring onto the franchise marketplace in recent months. The innovative techniques seem to be getting results. The Forecast Calls for Pain: This Economic Downturn May Be Slow To Turn AroundThe daily flurry of bad economic and financial news recently has made it difficult to focus on time periods beyond weeks, days, or even hours. However, I'll try to put things in perspective for the franchise community and offer both a forecast and some suggestions on how we can make the best of 2009. Bailing Out Franchise Sales in Today's EconomyNo matter what the economic environment, franchisors still must sell franchises if they are to grow and thrive. To do that, the majority of franchisees must be able to borrow. But with credit and lending frozen, nobody can borrow. So what's a franchisor to do?
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