Retail Business Owners

Certification or Licensing

The National Retail Federation Foundation offers the following voluntary designations to retail workers who successfully pass an assessment and meet other requirements: retail industry fundamentals, customer service & sales, and the business of retail: operations & profit. Contact the foundation for more information.

Some franchisers have their own certification process and require their franchisees to go through training. You may also want to receive the certified franchise executive designation offered by the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives, an organization affiliated with the International Franchise Association. This certification involves completing a certain number of courses in topics such as economics and franchise law, participating in events such as seminars or conventions, and work experience. 

A business license may be a requirement in some states. Individual states or communities may have zoning codes or other regulations specifying what type of business can be located in a particular area. Check with your state's chamber of commerce or department of revenue for more information on obtaining a license.