WASHINGTON, D.C. They’re virtually everywhere. Franchised small-businesses are increasingly popular in urban areas and small towns across the United States and in more than 100 countries. From nationally-recognized brands to smaller, local concepts, the opportunities for business ownership are growing.

The numbers speak for themselves: 900 new concepts started franchising between 2003 and 2005; more than 760,000 franchise systems provide 18 million U.S. jobs and generate $1.53 trillion in economic output.

Whether making a career change, post-retirement investment, or a transition from military life, how individuals arrive on the road to franchise ownership varies. But prior to signing on the dotted line, these small-business investors should conduct a serious self-evaluation, gather lots of information and be prepared to obtain adequate capital.

Representing the franchising community since 1960, the International Franchise Association offers, through its Web site www.franchise.org, many resources for prospective franchisees including the free, online “Franchising Basics” course that provides a comprehensive introduction to franchising and the laws and regulations that apply. The Federal Trade Commission’s guide to buying a franchise is there too.

Although restaurants compose about one-third of all franchised establishments, the sector offers nearly unlimited choices in 80 different industries ranging from hotels to senior care to fitness, art education, business services and sports-oriented enterprises.

Franchising isn’t for everyone. Among the many questions prospective franchisees should consider are whether they’re willing to work in a structured business model, adapt to someone else’s ideas, and forego a certain amount of independence. Franchise systems thrive on consistency and the compliance of all of their owner-operators to follow one set of guidelines. Potential investors hesitant to commit to these basic realities might wish to look at other ventures.

When selecting a franchise, investors should also determine the demand for the particular product or service the company sells, get opinions of both current and recent franchisees, study the company’s legal history, and review financing options. The best source of information is the company’s disclosure document, often referred to as the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular or UFOC. Professional help, such as an attorney who is knowledgeable about franchising, is also recommended.

IFA trade shows provide future franchisees opportunities to get a close look at hundreds of franchises and talk with company professionals. Upcoming shows include the West Coast Franchise Expo Oct. 19-21 in Los Angeles, Franchise Expo South Jan. 11-13 in Miami and the International Franchise Expo April 11-13, 2008 in Washington, D.C.