Who hasn’t enticed the idea of ending the day-to-day grind of your 9-to-5 job and just starting your own Quiznos? (Okay, so maybe that’s just my husband’s grand idea for when we retire …)

But if you have ever considered starting your own franchise – and it might be a good option for you if you’d like the opportunity to own your own business, while using an existing business model that is proven to work – you’ll need some ideas on how to get started.

There’s plenty of benefits to starting your own franchise, including tax benefits, already having a proven brand and being your own boss, to name a few. But, there are also major responsibilities that go along with it – sometimes unforeseen responsibilities or just things that would be avoided with some upfront instruction and advice.

For that reason, Simon Malls is presenting the franchise fair at the Castleton Square Mall on February 26 from noon to 5 p.m.

The fair will offer information from organizations that provide resources for prospective business owners – you know: banks, legal services and consultants. Organizations dedicated to helping small businesses start and grow will also be there, including the Small Business Administration, the Central Indiana Small Business Development Center and Senior Core of Retired Executives (SCORE).

It’s a free event that is open to the public.

There will also be a group of franchisors represented at the fair, including: Dunkin’ Donuts; Pak Mail; Embroid Me; Re-Bath, LLC; Massage Envy; Sports Clips; Nestle Toll House Café by Chip; The UPS Store/Mail Boxes Etc.; Paciugo Italian Gelato; Wetzel’s Pretzels; Haagen Dazs; Zoup; and Fantastic Sams.

For more information, contact Lea Willingham at 317-574-4002.