Finding the right business to franchise requires a lot of research and consulting with experts. But it does not need to be expensive. You do not want to be spending all your money when you do not have a business to run yet.

One of the best sources for ideas and contacts for business opportunities is the annually-published and updated Franchise Opportunities Handbook, prepared by the United States Department of Commerce. It contains descriptions of more than a thousand companies and businesses that offer franchise opportunities.

Always compare the opportunities. These companies differ in the level of support and the gravity of their legal demands on the franchisor.

The world of franchising opportunities, however, is not exclusive to big companies with established brand and corporate equities and identities. Small businesses can offer franchising opportunities too. In fact, small business must learn to sell franchising opportunities to fund their expansion and growth plans.

Without the money to spend on earning media mileage and vast distribution networks, franchising is the only way to can reach national or international coverage. Most big names in the industries began as small businesses with an extensive network of franchises.

Franchising a small business may not appear as difficult as managing a franchise of a well-known chain. But hard work is still required to make it work, especially since the brands or products you may be offering are relatively new to your target market. The advantage is that you may capture the niche market. You will also pay a lot less in franchising fees because the brand equity is most likely not yet established. Managing the business may also require a lot less time.

Franchising small businesses is a sound venture for first-time entrepreneurs. The processes are not as complex as those in fully commercialized businesses. The only downside is that the systems may still have a few loopholes that only time and experience can fix. The level of support in terms of training, management, sales and marketing strategies, and planning may be at the most minimal level too.