The International Franchise Association (IFA) will host a franchising workshop at the Brooklyn Marriott Nov. 6 to help area minority and women entrepreneurs explore acquiring their own franchises.

IFA, created 40 years ago, today represents more that 30,000 members of the franchising community including business-format franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers. Today franchising spans more than 70 industries, generates an estimated $1 trillion annually in U.S. retail sales and provides jobs for more then eight million Americans.

"Historically, women and minorities have been under-represented among small business owners," said IFA Vice Pres. of Public Affairs and Emerging Markets Debbie A. Smith. "This program seeks to close that gap for franchising by creating awareness of opportunities, and by providing critical access to franchise companies and financing options."

Dubbed the Franchise Trade Delegation, IFA's program in Brooklyn is one in a national series. Participants will learn how a franchisor will help them select a location, negotiate a lease, hire and train employees, secure equipment, establish a supply line, and provide support for as long as they operate their business. The final seminar site planned for 1999 is Baltimore. IFA is developing its schedule for 2000.

Franchise companies participating include McDonald's and Church's Chicken.

There is no cost to attend the Franchise Trade Delegation, and interested individuals can visit www.franchise.org.