Online 'franchising basics' course offered

The U.S. Small Business Administration and FranNet are offering a free introduction to franchising course online.

The course covers 10 essential areas related to franchising, including How to Choose a Franchise and Is Franchising Right for You? Options, strategies for growth and pitfalls also are covered.

The course can be accessed from www.sba.gov, under the Free Online Training icon. Select Franchising Basics in the Starting a Business section. The course can be learned at the participant's own speed and on their own time. A certification of completion is given to participants who finish the course.