The phenomenal increase in the past five years of EB-5 applications, in particular those through regional centers, has eclipsed the number of applications for almost two decades since EB-5’s inception in 1990. Much of that increase can be attributed to the rapid economic growth and the resulting wealth in China and unprecedented rise in regional centers. As investors become more wary of the inherent ailments of the regional center program (in particular of the fraudulent claims by some regional centers as manifested by the recent lawsuit by SEC against a Chicago project), the regular EB-5 program has once again become the focal point for some savvy investors and would-be immigrants. An interesting, as well as inevitable, trend in the regular EB-5 program is that franchise has become an increasingly popular vehicle among investors/immigrants. This article tries to address this trend.
According to California Business and Professions Code, section 20001, a “franchise” means a contract or agreement, either expressed or implied, whether oral or written, between two or more persons by which:
(a) A franchisee is granted the right to engage in the business of offering, selling or distributing goods or services under a marketing plan or system prescribed in substantial part by a franchisor.
(b) The operation of the franchisee’s business pursuant to that plan or system is substantially associated with the franchisor’s trademark, service mark, trade name, logotype, advertising, or other commercial symbol, designating the franchisor or its affiliate.
(c) The franchisee is required to pay, directly or indirectly, a franchise fee.
This can be better understood by comparing a franchise to an independent business. A franchise is a right granted to an individual or group to market a company’s goods or services within a certain territory or location. Some examples of today’s most popular franchises are The UPS Store, Domino’s Pizza, and McDonalds. Additional examples include automotive, cleaning and maintenance, health and fitness, financial services and pet-related franchises. Independent businesses do not have any mandatory guidelines, fees or regulations that are set by other businesses or locations. Franchises are funded through another entity but are also limited in what they may advertise or sell. Independent businesses, however, can freely operate and can adapt to the market or local environment.
The legal definition of a franchise may seem broad, but once a business is considered a franchise it must operate within many state and federal regulations, as well as restrictions that the head of the franchise enforces. A business might also be a business chain rather than a franchise. Therefore, a careful analysis of the business’ operation is imperative to determining if it meets the California Business and Professions definition of a franchise.
Immigrant investors face a daunting task of growing a business in an entirely unfamiliar country and are challenged by the language and cultural barriers that are the roadblocks for their success. No matter how successful they were in their own business in their own home country, very few of them can duplicate their success in their adopted home country. When the investor’s immigration visa is on the line, securing the success of the business investment, and thus obtaining the permanent residency based on the investment, becomes an overarching objective. Buying into a franchise business leaves much of the uncertainty behind, although it in no way eradicates it, all because of the cornerstone principle of a franchise: the ability to duplicate a proven successful business.
The following are just a few examples of why a franchise can be successful:
Corporate reputation – Well-recognized reputation, image and brand name of the franchise business has already been established. Consumers are always more comfortable purchasing items from a familiar name or company they trust.
Professional training – Extensive training and support are commonly furnished by the franchisor to the franchisee.
Focus on business operation – With the established business model to rely on and follow, the franchisee may save a significant amount of time and focus on the business operation.
Better chance of survival – By associating with proven products and methods.
Fixed business model – Support from the franchisor in training, such as consulting, accounting services, technology, equipment, logistics and advertisement.
Stable and predictable business growth and fair rate of return – Low inventory risk and recognized job creation level.
Of course, a start-up business is not without its own merits. They include the following:
1) No franchise fee or ongoing royalty (investing fund can be completely contributed to the business with better flexibility).
2) Investors have maximum control over the operation of the business.
3) Greater potential on investment return.
In terms of immigration, investing in a franchise is not an investment of a Regional Center Project. It is categorized as a “Regular Investment Program,” which requires a one million dollar investment or a half million dollar investment in a Targeted Employment Area. Furthermore, the franchise business must “directly” create 10 or more full-time jobs within two years. It should also be noted that the investor must invest sufficient funds for the initial business start-up (in addition to the franchise fee and royalty paid to the franchisor).
When you are looking at an investment of any kind you must do your due diligence and make an educated descision. Don't get caught up in the passion to move to the United States remember this is a lot of money so be comfortable with your answer. We offer a free consultation http://www.goldberg.com.co