EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN FRANCHISING IN THE WAKE OF CANADIAN AND US ELECTIONS
FranchisingAuthor :
Martin Greenspon 
Martin Greenspon founded M-Four in 1981. His lifetime career has included the manufacturing sector as well as being a Director of one of Canada's leading investment firms. He can be reached at martin@mfourintl.com
With the upcoming elections in Canada (October 14th 2008) and the United States (November 4th 2008) it certainly appears that all party candidates promise to substantially and favorably increase the dynamics of small business (franchising) in North America.
All candidates running in both countries agree and strongly believe that small business is at the heart of the North American economy and are committed to expanding opportunities in this sector.
As "corporate restructuring" continues to affect the lives of millions of North Americans, self employment is becoming an increasingly realistic alternative to being a member of the paid workforce... and is being referred to as the "silent revolution" and rebirth of the entrepreneurial spirit.
As businesses encounter ferocious global competition and become more automated, companies are disaggregating... and the trend toward temporary help and foreign outsourcing remains strong... unemployment throughout North America has become an ever-increasing problem.
The growth in self-employment over the last two decades can be linked to the continuing expansion of the service sector, a sector in which self-employment opportunities are greater. Some observers note a qualitative change in the make-up of the self-employed. There are now greater numbers of higher-skilled managers and professionals among the self-employed.
A great deal of emphasis in both Canada and the United States in these elections are being focused on creating greater opportunities for women business owners... more women are entering the franchise forum than ever before. The fastest demographic of franchise buyers is women.
Catastrophic events, such as the two wars being waged in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as natural disasters and global economic factors, etc., have changed the way we live and the way we must plan for the future. It is therefore, most important that one thinks differently and acts diligently and not allow ones self-worth and self-confidence to take a nosedive.
There are approximately 28.8 million businesses in North America and 98.7 of all employers are small businesses.
Franchise driven companies represent sales of one trillion dollars in the United States and 100 billion dollars in Canada.
New governments in both countries are promising new financing programs which provide start-up and long term financing that small firms cannot receive through normal channels. Therefore, expanding loan programs for small franchised businesses is of top concern and priority in both upcoming elections.
Certain tax relief permanency is being echoed by all candidates running for office in both countries... a platform which has become the base for moving each country forward and doing so to prevent any threat of a possible recession. Our biggest deficit in both Canada and the United States today is our "leadership deficit".
Both elections come at a time of uncertainty. A plunging stock market, faltering economic growth and a stagnating job market.
The thought that "new government" will be taking the stage in both Canada and the United States in 2008 could give franchising activities in 2009 the greatest boost the industry has seen in the last decade.
These two elections could certainly impact the climate for franchising over the next four years.
All candidates running in both countries agree and strongly believe that small business is at the heart of the North American economy and are committed to expanding opportunities in this sector.
As "corporate restructuring" continues to affect the lives of millions of North Americans, self employment is becoming an increasingly realistic alternative to being a member of the paid workforce... and is being referred to as the "silent revolution" and rebirth of the entrepreneurial spirit.
As businesses encounter ferocious global competition and become more automated, companies are disaggregating... and the trend toward temporary help and foreign outsourcing remains strong... unemployment throughout North America has become an ever-increasing problem.
The growth in self-employment over the last two decades can be linked to the continuing expansion of the service sector, a sector in which self-employment opportunities are greater. Some observers note a qualitative change in the make-up of the self-employed. There are now greater numbers of higher-skilled managers and professionals among the self-employed.
A great deal of emphasis in both Canada and the United States in these elections are being focused on creating greater opportunities for women business owners... more women are entering the franchise forum than ever before. The fastest demographic of franchise buyers is women.
Catastrophic events, such as the two wars being waged in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as natural disasters and global economic factors, etc., have changed the way we live and the way we must plan for the future. It is therefore, most important that one thinks differently and acts diligently and not allow ones self-worth and self-confidence to take a nosedive.
There are approximately 28.8 million businesses in North America and 98.7 of all employers are small businesses.
Franchise driven companies represent sales of one trillion dollars in the United States and 100 billion dollars in Canada.
New governments in both countries are promising new financing programs which provide start-up and long term financing that small firms cannot receive through normal channels. Therefore, expanding loan programs for small franchised businesses is of top concern and priority in both upcoming elections.
Certain tax relief permanency is being echoed by all candidates running for office in both countries... a platform which has become the base for moving each country forward and doing so to prevent any threat of a possible recession. Our biggest deficit in both Canada and the United States today is our "leadership deficit".
Both elections come at a time of uncertainty. A plunging stock market, faltering economic growth and a stagnating job market.
The thought that "new government" will be taking the stage in both Canada and the United States in 2008 could give franchising activities in 2009 the greatest boost the industry has seen in the last decade.
These two elections could certainly impact the climate for franchising over the next four years.