Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast
Events for April 2026
Unlocking Entrepreneurship: A Workshop on Franchising, Funding, and Fit

Thinking about starting a business but daunted by the idea of building from scratch? Or perhaps you’re a current business owner looking to diversify your portfolio or stack additional revenue streams? This interactive workshop breaks down the franchise model and helps you determine if investing in a proven system is a better fit for your goals than trying to launch a traditional startup.
We’ll start by exploring the realities of franchising beyond the fast-food stereotypes—covering funding, industry types, and business models. Then, we will transition into a hands-on workshop where you will take an entrepreneurial assessment to identify your unique business and leadership profile, with a discussion around how the results point to the types of businesses where you would thrive.
What to Bring:
- A laptop or tablet (Required to take the assessment during the session)
- An open mind about business models and industries that you may never have considered before!
You’ll Learn How To:
- Compare the pros and cons of “DIY” entrepreneurship vs. the Franchise model
- Evaluate the different types of franchise industries, including which ones are AI- and recession-resistant
- Navigate funding options and investment requirements
- Interpret your personal business profile from the entrepreneurial assessment
- Identify which business environments match your specific skills, personality, values, and work style
Who Should Attend?
- Entrepreneurial-minded individuals who want to start a business but aren’t sure where to begin
- Investors who want to diversify their existing portfolio with a scalable business
- Corporate types who are tired of the rat race and want to take control over their time and income
- Individuals who have recently been laid off and want to explore alternatives to another job
- Career transitioners who are eager to find something meaningful in their next chapter of business
Meet the Speaker:

About Brett:
Brett started his first business while in graduate school with the goal of being financially independent by the time he started a family. He succeeded, growing that business to seven figures in annual sales and generating a passive income stream that freed him up to launch a cutting edge business in the EdTech space in 2010. Coming out of Corporate America to achieve success in different types of businesses across varying industries, Brett understands the needs of a diverse clientele and uses his skills to help match them with the perfect franchise for leaving a lasting legacy. Brett has a MA (International Finance) from the University of Denver and a BA (Public Policy) from Duke University. He lives on a small farm in east Tennessee with his wife, four kids, dog, cat, horses, and chickens.
About Legacy Franchise Solutions:
Legacy Franchise Solutions is a full-service franchise consulting firm committed to empowering corporate refugees and would-be entrepreneurs find their next right thing. We believe that business ownership is the most viable way to leave a lasting legacy for your family and loved ones, and we relish the opportunity to come alongside our clients and help them find businesses where they will thrive, coaching them through every step of the franchise award process. Our commitment is to help you achieve Freedom today, Wealth tomorrow, and Legacy forever!
Whether you are looking to start your first business or add to your empire, this workshop is relevant for all experience levels.
Walk away with a clear understanding of your entrepreneurial profile and a roadmap for your next business move.
The KEC Office will open at 8:30 AM with a light breakfast provided. The workshop will start promptly at 9 AM. Spots are limited, so please RSVP today!
Location
Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, 37902
