There is increasing concern across America that Dodd-Frank, last year's banking regulatory reform, is having harmful, unintended consequences on small business--and jobs. With the economy showing no signs of a return to pre-recession unemployment n

IFA participated in the kick-off event of the American Red Cross Ready Rating Program, a new, free, online tool designed to help businesses better prepare for emergencies. Franchise businesses face a number of emergencies that could disrupt their organizations at any time, and the American Red Cross is helping everyone feel more confident about the safety of their employees. 

As Shelton Rhodes' article on Examiner.com notes, the IFA has great resources for potential franchise owners to read in order to familiarize themselves with the basics of franchising. Successful franchisees tell potential new franchise owners the most important thing to do when considering buying into a franchise system is to do an extensive amount of research, starting with visiting the IFA's web site. 

The recent CNBC Documentary, Behind the Counter: The Untold Story of Franchising, provided viewers a unique perspective into the $2.3 trillion franchise industry.