Economic Recovery Sparks FASTSIGNS Franchise Growth
CARROLLTON, TX—Lending to small businesses is on the rise in mid-2013—now at its highest index in six years—indicating that economic recovery is on firmer ground, thus encouraging small businesses to borrow, invest and grow, according to the Thomson Reuters/PayNet Small Business Lending Index.
While many small businesses will likely consider refreshing their look, FASTSIGNS—the worldwide franchisor of visual communications, signage and graphics centers—is helping independent print shop owners capitalize on this resurgence by maximizing on new channels for growth through wide-format, signage and graphics as part of the FASTSIGNS co-brand and conversion programs. These franchise opportunities allow independent business owners to increase brand exposure, which the company feels will attract new customers and drive profit margins.
FASTSIGNS finalized 38 new center agreements in 2012 to, it contends, become the largest sign and graphics franchisor in North America and is experiencing similar numbers in 2013. The worldwide franchisor has opened 18 new centers and signed 22 agreements this year, calling for new centers in Chicago's West Loop; Orange County, CA; Carrollwood, FL; and six new centers across Canada.
"Now is a better time than ever for independent business owners to start taking steps towards expanding their business offerings, and we are doing everything we can to help these potential franchisees come onboard," said Mark Jameson, FASTSIGNS senior vice president of franchise support and development. "In addition to offering special incentives for conversion and co-brand centers, FASTSIGNS is also involved with a franchise lending program created by The Bancorp Bank and Franchise America Finance for new center development."
To spread the word about its growth plans and franchise opportunities, FASTSIGNS will be exhibiting at both the National Business Media (NBM) Show and the CONSAC Sign Expo later this month.
