Entrepreneur and business coach Jeff Levy will present an overview on how to get started with a franchise business from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9 at the Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Level 4, Washington Mutual Foundation Meeting Room 1, 206-386-4636.

Library events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited and registration is suggested. Parking is available in the Central Library garage for $6 after 5 p.m.

At the "Planning Your Business" workshop, Levy will define what is and isn't a franchise and will explain the laws and legal requirements to apply for one in Washington State. Attendees will also learn what criteria to look at when choosing a franchise and the questions to ask before signing an agreement. After the presentation, there will be a question and answer period.

In March, Levy will present another small business workshop on what it really takes to start and run a business. The date, time and location are as follows.

  • Your Business-Start Smart - 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 9 at the Delridge Branch, 5423 Delridge Way S.W., 206-733-9125. Levy will share stories from his experience as a business owner and manager. Attendees will learn the fundamentals of starting a business, including incorporation, financing, stakeholder development and how to write a business plan. After the presentation, there will be a question and answer period. Registration is encouraged.

Levy is a nationally recognized consultant and coach to individuals interested in exploring self-employment. Levy was a founding member of Windswept Capital, president and COO of Spider Staging Corporation, an officer at Flow International and executive vice-president and principal of SafeWorks LLC. He is the co-author of "Making the Jump into Small Business Ownership."

This event series is co-sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) Seattle District office.