The concept of "franchising" or licensing operators originated decades ago and has become very popular ever since. It has been said that 1 out of 12 businesses in the states is a franchise.

Franchising is so popular because it allows entrepreneur to own and operate their own business, profit from the use of an established brand name, and benefit from a proven system of operations.

Important Franchise Facts:

• Franchise operations in the United States account for 42% of all retails sales.
  
  
• Retail sales for franchises are expected to reach $1 Trillion in Year 2000.
  
  
• According to the US Department of Commerce from 1971 to 1987, less than 5% of the franchise businesses were closed each year.
  
  
• Arthur Anderson & Company found in 1991, almost 86% of all franchises opened in the previous five years was still under the same ownership and 97% were still in business.
  
  
• According to statistics from the US Small Business Administration from 1978 to 1988, 62% of all non-franchised businesses closed within the first six years due to failure, bankruptcy, retirement, or other reasons.
  
  
• More than 8.5 million Americans are employed by franchised businesses