A “Franchising and Chilton County” seminar will be held April 15 at the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center at 6:30 p.m. and April 16 at Jemison City Hall at 11 a.m.

The seminar is free and open to the public.

Chilton County Industrial Development Coordinator Fred Crawford said the seminar is geared toward anyone who might be interested in owning a business, investing in a business, or learning tips about franchising.

“Franchising is not for everyone, but it opens the door to many, many people,” Crawford said. “You don’t have to walk out of the seminar and go start a business, but you need to know what it takes so you are more equipped to be a successful business person.”

Jerry Bird, owner of FranNet, a franchise consulting service of Alabama and East Tennessee, will lead the seminars.

“My company connects entrepreneurs to franchises,” Bird said. “We are kind of like the eHarmony of franchises. We bring people together.”

Bird said when most people hear the word franchising they often think of fast food and retail.

“I will provide a general overview of franchising and talk about the many different industries that are out there,” Bird said. “This will be an educational seminar and will help people decide if owning a business is something they might want to pursue. There are entrepreneurs out there who aren’t sure what to do, and I hope to help them figure that out.”

Crawford said those interested in attending can choose which location they would like to attend, but registration is required.

“We need to know how many people to expect at each seminar so we would ask that anyone who is planning to attend call and register,” Crawford said.

To register for the event, call (205) 755-5934.