The Open for Opportunity Roadshow visits the Mid-Atlantic to celebrate its vibrant local franchise opportunities and the community’s impact on business owners’ diversity, equity and inclusion
The International Franchise Association is partnering with four prominent mid-Atlantic-based franchises for the next stop on the Open for Opportunity Roadshow , which celebrates and highlights the value franchise opportunities bring to local communities. Franchise investment creates jobs and upward economic mobility for employees while encouraging diversity, equity and inclusion. This three-day multi-location event will share insights and best practices regarding Mid-Atlantic small business ownership, resources available to communities of color and underserved communities, and future steps to make the small business community more inclusive.
Investors have found that franchise opportunities play a critical role in the local Pennsylvania economy, and that role is growing. According to business.pa.gov, Pennsylvania has 1.1 million small businesses which employ 2.5 million Pennsylvanians. This figure is increasing by almost 10,000 workers each year, and currently represents nearly half of the state’s private workforce as well as 99.6 percent of private employers in the state.
Check out these four local Pennsylvania franchises whose work will be highlighted on the upcoming stop:
CertaPro Painters
On day two – Thursday April 28th from 8:00-10:00am a local CertaPro franchisee will provide a back-of-house tour of its facilities for IFA members, elected officials, local business and community leaders, and media. Attendees will learn what it’s like to be a CertaPro franchisee and what’s possible for a small business owner in the franchise sector. CertaPro Painters provides professional painting services to both commercial and residential customers throughout the United States. Startup costs to open a CertaPro Painters franchise begin at $70,000. To learn more about purchasing a franchise with CertaPro Painters, click here.
FASTSIGNS
On day two – Thursday April 28th from 10:30-11:30am, a local FASTSIGNS franchisee will lead a ride along tour with IFA members, elected officials, media and local painters to discuss what it’s like to be an owner of a FASTSIGNS location. FASTSIGNS provides content development, graphic design and display and exhibit installation through franchise locations across North America. Startup costs to open a FASTSIGNS franchise begin at $80,000. To learn more about purchasing a franchise with FASTSIGNS, click here.
Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, Inc.
On day two – Thursday April 28th from 12:00-1:15pm a local Capriotti’s franchisee will provide a back-of-house tour of its facilities to IFA staff, elected officials, and media that demonstrate Capriotti’s franchise operations. Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, Inc. provides subs, salads and soups for dine-in, carryout, and catering throughout the US. Startup costs to open a Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, Inc. franchise begin at $365,000. To learn more about purchasing a franchise with Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, Inc., click here.
Rita’s Italian Ice
On day three – Friday, April 29th from 12:00-2:00pm, Rita’s Italian Ice will host a franchise-focused economic discussion at the franchisor’s corporate headquarters in Trevose, Pennsylvania. Participants will include Rita’s executives; IFA executives; local franchisees & franchisors; elected officials and staff; and community leaders. Matt Haller, IFA President and CEO, Rita’s Franchise Company leadership, and other Delaware Valley/Philadelphia area franchising and business leaders will discuss and share their experiences in the Mid-Atlantic franchise economy and the positive role of local franchise ownership. Rita’s Italian Ice offers shakes, frozen custard, Italian ice, and other frozen beverages for dine-in, take-out and catering customers. Startup costs to open a Rita’s Italian Ice franchise begin at $100,000. To learn more about purchasing a franchise with Rita’s Italian Ice, click here.
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