This day next week, the International Franchise Association will publish its Franchise Outlook 2010. The projections that Matt Shay will outline for the coming year of franchising will provide an essential insight into the how the industry is faring at the moment, not to mention a weather vane for how the short-term of franchising is shaping up.
In a preview of what is to come that appeared on About.com's franchising blog, Shay is specifically targeting a $3.4billion “windfall in lending”. The downside to this windfall is 134,000 jobs that aren’t created and $13.9billion in economic activity that is not thrust into the economy.
Shay’s solution is pretty simple in one sense: to get banks lending again ASAP. He calls on Congress to immediately pass on pending legislation. “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.
Shay will further detail the Small Business Lending Matrix and Analysis next week. From these preliminary statements, it seems the pressure has never been greater on America’s legislators to get these laws passed so that the business of franchising can help inspire the return of the US economy.
Keep an eye on this blog for more info on Franchise Outlook 2010. The IFA will be presenting it via a webinar that will feature Shay, Dina Dwyer-Owens and Dr Drew Lyon of PriceWaterhouse Coppers (pre-registration is required)