The franchising industry is looking up in 2012 after several rough post-recession years of tight credit and weak consumer spending.
Franchisees -– entrepreneurs who own and operate branches of chain businesses such as McDonald’s, Hampton Inns and Suites and H&R Block -– support 12% of the country’s private sector, according to the International Franchise Assn. The group anticipates improvement in franchised industries including retail, real estate and personal services.
Although the expected rate of growth is still below what it was before the recession, jobs at franchised location are expected to grow 2.1% in 2012 to 8.1 million positions. About half of those workers will be employed at restaurant franchises. More.