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Franchising is an appealing option for entrepreneurs who want to start a business without spending years building a new concept from the ground up. But the idea of franchising is divisive. “Some people say, ‘Oh no, that’s a terrible concept,’ and other people love it,” says franchise consultant Teri Villanueva. To find the right franchise…

While it can be riskier to launch a business during a recession than in a booming economy, some sectors and businesses survive–or even thrive–during economic downturns. Businesses that sell essential goods such as groceries, or provide health-care services or IT support, often continue to be in demand in difficult times. That’s because despite tightening budgets,…