Mark your calendars for the International Franchise Association's (IFA) Annual Franchise Convention. The IFA is the largest and oldest global franchising organization. It is a non-profit association that represents more than 1,300 franchise systems as well as over 10,000 franchisees. The IFA's goal is to protect, promote and enhance franchising by advocating on behalf of the industry.

This year will be the IFA's 50th Annual IFA Convention. According to their website, it is the largest gathering of franchise business professionals. So far over 400 franchises and franchise related companies are registered to attend this years convention in San Antonio, Texas at the San Antonio Convention Center.

The 50th Annual IFA Convention
February 5-8, 2010

Click Here to Register Online

According to the International Franchise Association, a $3.4 billion shortfall in lending to franchise businesses in 2010 will result in 134,000 jobs not created and $13.9 billion in economic output lost.

"Our data shows that while there will be sufficient capital for franchise development in 2010, banks' continued risk aversion is limiting their willingness to lend," said IFA President & CEO Matthew Shay. "A slow recovery with limited job growth underscores the importance of protecting and encouraging lending to small businesses, which account for 60 percent of all U.S. jobs. Immediately passing enhancements to government lending programs can shore up the $3.4 billion shortfall in lending. New franchise businesses can create much needed jobs - which will speed the U.S. economic recovery."

The updated version of Small Business Lending Matrix and Analysis prepared for the IFA Educational Foundation by FRANdata, demonstrates the impact of the continuing credit crisis on the franchising sectors' ability to recover from the recession, to develop new franchise units, and in doing so, create more jobs for the U.S. economy. Shay said that the Lending report and a new IFA Business Leader Survey are key components of the IFA 2010 Economic Outlook for Franchise Business that will predict the outlook for total jobs, units and economic output across 10 franchise business format sectors. The 2010 Outlook is scheduled for release mid-December.

We discussed What to Look for When Buying an Existing Franchise with Richard Parker the founder and President of Diomo - The Business Buyer Resource Center.

Richard points out 3 really great questions that can actually can also be used if you are buying a new franchise and discussing the success of the franchise with the current franchisees:

If you had to do it over again, would you buy the franchise again and why?

If you were me, what would you look for specifically when analyzing the business?

Do you believe the franchisor has delivered the level of support they promised when you signed up for this franchise?

As times have progressed there are not only more women in the workforce, but there are also a greater number of women who are taking on entrepreneurial roles. Business analysts have determined that overall women possess a great deal of the characteristics that can create successful businesses.

Women tend to gravitate towards children's product and service organizations, travel and home-based franchises. Here are 3 good examples:

Abrakadoodle Art Education

Abrakadoodle Art Education Franchise provides original and innovative multi-art education programs for children ages two through twelve and is now available internationally. Abrakadoodle is the nation's largest mobile art education program offering trained teachers with a unique skill-set and custom programs.

The Little Gym

The Little Gym is a motor skill development center providing noncompetitive developmental gymnastics and sports skills classes for ages four months to 12 years. The Little Gym curriculum has been designed to help children build motor skills while still having fun.

CruiseOne Travel

CruiseOne has nearly 500 locations nationally, and offers each franchisee the latest technology and a support system that includes expert advice and close attention to detail. Franchisees enjoy discounts, invitations to inaugural cruises, and seminars at sea. CruiseOne has nearly 500 established franchises and Parent company, World Travel Holdings (WTH) is one of the nation's largest online/offline leisure travel companies.