HispanicBusiness

Would-be entrepreneurs in the Orlando area will have an opportunity starting this week to learn how to evaluate and buy a franchise.

With more than 3,000 franchisors offering deals to the public, the average novice business person looking for a change of career or a new opportunity could use the help.

The free program, sponsored by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, will be conducted in English and is open to everyone, not just Hispanics, the chamber said.

The sessions will be done by a for-profit training and consulting firm, Women in Franchising Inc., from Chicago. The classes will examine legal and financial issues, allow a few franchisors and franchisees to make presentations, and go through a mock bank-loan application, said Susan P. Kezios, the firm's president.

After an orientation Thursday that starts at 6 p.m., six sessions are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday nights over the following three weeks. All sessions will take place in the boardroom of Orange County Public Schools' headquarters building at 445 West Amelia St.

Registration can be completed online at the chamber's Web site, www.ushc.com, or by calling toll-free 1-800-874-2286. Registration in person is possible on Thursday, but seating will be limited.