Franchise Workshop This Friday in Kona

A free workshop will be held this Friday in Kona for people who want to learn about owning a franchise business or franchising their own business.

Entitled “Franchise Me,” the workshop will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Bank of Hawaii conference room at 74-5447 Makala Blvd. in Kailua-Kona.

The seminar will cover key points of the franchise business model, as well as what is needed to know to franchise a business and options for financing a franchise business.

Topics will also include the diversity of franchising in more than 90 industries, the legal aspects of investing in a franchise, and government oversight of the franchise industry.

Workshop speakers include Scott F. March, a Kona-based attorney and member of the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising. March focuses on small businesses, start-ups, franchising and trademarks.

Kari Waldhaus, a business and franchise coach, as well as franchise owner of the Entrepreneur’s Source, will share her experience helping clients select the franchise that’s right for them.

Waldhaus is the 2013 SBA Minority Small Business Champion for Hawai‘i County.

Another speaker, Christie Crawford, a Bank of Hawaii vice-president, has more than 15 years experience working with small business owners and specializes in business lending.

Crawford was named the 2012 SBA Lender of the Year for West Hawai‘i.

Early registration is encouraged, as space is limited. To register call Christie Crawford at (808) 854-2175 or email Christie.Crawford@boh.com.