Press Release

Guidant Financial Unveils 5-Steps to Franchise Ownership

Webinar series created to help unemployed workers evaluate self-employment options

Bellevue, Wash. - (Nov 13, 2009) – Guidant Financial Group announced today its efforts to help unemployed workers and aspiring entrepreneurs evaluate self-employment options through franchising.

“In the past few years we have seen more than 6 million American jobs lost and unemployment rates rise to more than 10%,” says David Nilssen, cofounder of the leading small-business funding solution provider Guidant Financial Group. “Unemployment is typically a lagging indicator coming out of an economic recession. After the recession in the early 90’s it took an entire year for unemployment rates to peak. If this trend holds true during the current recession, unemployment rates could continue to rise until the end of 2010 or early 2011. For this reason, we feel it is important that some individuals investigate self-employment opportunities.”

“We have brought together subject-matter experts from the franchising industry to create a webinar series called 5-Steps to Franchise Ownership. Each expert plays a pivotal role in helping individuals start, acquire, fund and grow a franchise,” Says Nilssen. Brian Miller, President of The Entrepreneur’s Source; Jack Santaniello, a partner in the law firm of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP; Reg Byrd of Direct Connect Ventures; Lori Block, a widely recognized franchise executive; and Guidant cofounder David Nilssen will serve as presenters in their field of expertise.

5-Steps to Franchise Ownership begins on November 17th and will include a free, weekly webinar to the public, culminating in a final presentation scheduled for December 15th. The purpose of this series is to provide individuals with the information needed to determine whether franchising is right for them. This includes finding a franchise, franchise financing, and building a strong business plan.

By joining forces, Guidant and these subject-matter-experts will provide much-needed free education to consumers regarding their self-employment options. Nilssen added, “We are committed to supporting every American who wants to live their entrepreneurial dream.”

About Guidant Financial Group

Guidant Financial Group is a recognized leader in small business financing and investing solutions. Guidant's services allow investors to make franchises & small businesses through their retirement plans without penalty before retirement age. In addition, they help facilitate unsecured loans and SBA loans for aspiring small business owners. For more information please visit www.guidantfinancial.com.

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