Carlsbad Gears Up for Its First Franchise Expo: A Leap Towards Local Growth

A New Dawn in Carlsbad's Economic Landscape

Imagine waking up in a city where every street corner tells a story of community, growth, and opportunity. That's the future Carlsbad envisions as it prepares to host its inaugural Franchise Expo this coming October. Spearheaded by the Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD), this event is a beacon for entrepreneurs, franchise brands, and territory owners eyeing Carlsbad's vibrant market for expansion.

What's on the Agenda?

Slated for October 15, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the Pecos River Village Conference Center, the expo is more than just a meet-and-greet. It's a fertile ground for seeding potential franchises with the tools and knowledge needed for blossoming in Carlsbad's rich economic soil. Attendees are in for a treat, with two educational modules on the docket. These sessions cover the A to Z of starting a business, diving into the essence of buying into a franchise, and unpacking strategies for nurturing long-term success. And let's not forget, lunch is on the house for all registered participants!

Registration is a breeze and absolutely free. Interested folks can sign up at https://www.developcarlsbad.org/site-selectors/franchise-expo-2025. It's an opportunity you wouldn't want to miss, especially with the promise of keeping your belly as full as your brain.

Why Carlsbad, You Ask?

"Carlsbad is poised to grow," says Jeff Campbell, the Director of Marketing and Business Development. And he's not just talking the talk. A recent leakage analysis, conducted with Retail Strategies, pinpointed key commercial gaps where consumer dollars were leaving the area. This expo aims to plug those leaks, inviting local investors to be part of a movement that keeps dollars in Carlsbad while building community wealth.

Kristen Gamboa, Executive Director of the Carlsbad Department of Development, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the expo as a dual opportunity. It's not only about bringing national brands into Carlsbad but also about empowering local investors and entrepreneurs to seize these ripe opportunities. The goal? To grow together - both with franchise partners and the community at large.

The Bigger Picture

The Carlsbad Franchise Expo isn't just an event; it's a stepping stone towards realizing Carlsbad's potential as a hub for commerce and growth in New Mexico. The CDOD is confident that this expo will serve as a powerful platform to attract new businesses, empower local investors, and cement Carlsbad's position on the economic map.

For those of us who've been championing the growth of small businesses and local communities, this event is a testament to what can be achieved when we come together. It's about transforming opportunities into realities and dreams into tangible successes. Carlsbad is on the brink of something big, and it's inviting us all to be a part of its journey.

About the Carlsbad Department of Development - The economic engine behind Carlsbad and Eddy County, New Mexico, the CDOD assists businesses in expansion and investment, fostering a thriving local industry. It's not just about development; it's about creating a sustainable future for the community.