Business

Friday, Jun. 19, 2009

Is a franchise for you?

If you’ve ever thought about getting into the franchise business but weren’t sure about it, MatchPoint consulting network may be able to help.

Jim Sebastiano, owner of the Columbia MatchPoint service, takes clients through a six-step process to identify which franchise business would be best for them. And, sometimes, he helps people figure out they don’t have any business opening a franchise.

The process takes about two months. “We really make them think hard, ‘Is this the right thing for me?’ because franchising isn’t for everybody,” he said.

Sebastiano doesn’t charge prospective franchisees for his service. Instead, he earns a fee from the franchises when he makes a match.

Sebastiano said he has several franchises interested in Columbia, and they’re looking for potential owners in the area.

Staff writer Noelle Phillips contributed.