Success of Inaugural Franchise Expo Reflects Growing Business Opportunities in Carlsbad, NM

Carlsbad, NM, is a city on the rise. Years of sustained economic growth have elevated its profile far beyond its association with the National Park to the southwest. Yet even with a strong outlook, Carlsbad is only beginning to tap its full potential. The city is well-positioned for significant economic development opportunities, including large-scale commercial and industrial projects, as well as the attraction and retention of national brands that could significantly reshape the regional economy. With strategic investment, Carlsbad can convert this momentum into transformative growth that keeps more dollars local and drives a new era of prosperity. To that end, Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) recently hosted its inaugural Franchise Expo in October at the Pecos River Village Conference Center. 

Its objective? Establish a two-way street of possibility by connecting local investors with national chains while providing those large companies with a direct route into one of New Mexico’s fastest-growing markets. Results were encouraging, as two dozen entrepreneurs registered for the free event, developing relationships with several brands while strategizing over how to work towards an even more prosperous Carlsbad.

Economic Impact of Franchises

The International Franchise Association reported steady growth across the board in 2024, with similarly robust projections for 2025. Carlsbad could reap even richer benefits due to New Mexico's business-friendly policies. This year, franchises are expected to add over 210,000 jobs nationally and grow at a faster rate than the U.S. economy, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Carlsbad and Eddy County, NM, are strategically postured to take full advantage of the economic trickle-down stemming from an increased local presence of franchises. The CDOD’s Franchise Expo set the stage for such growth by working to attract new businesses while empowering local investors through networking and education.

Franchises & Investors Work Together

When local entrepreneurs decide to invest in national brands, they’re met with several distinct advantages. Firstly, they gain access to proven business models with significant name recognition, which helps a newly started franchise get off the ground. To be sure, the entrepreneur must bring savvy business acumen, start-up capital, passion, and determination, as they are ultimately responsible for ensuring operations run smoothly locally. While some of that cannot be taught, CDOD’s Franchise Expo helped equip attendees with as much knowledge as possible on how to start a business, what it means to become a franchisee, and tips for long-term sustainability. CDOD was thrilled at the turnout in mid-October and anticipates an even larger crowd in Year Two of the event, as word spreads on the growth opportunities in Carlsbad.

Custom-Tailoring to Carlsbad

Carlsbad is a unique community with specific needs. National companies are eager to partner with local investors who can help tailor particular aspects of a new franchise to be congruent with the local landscape. For example, Ace Hardware, actively considering expansion into Carlsbad, was one of the companies to attend the Franchise Expo. The population and available labor force will help dictate whether a store is 3,000 or 30,000 square feet, or somewhere between. Inventory is also customized to meet local needs.

Unique real estate opportunities and locational advantages around Carlsbad’s busy thoroughfares were additional advantages of franchising, as relayed to attendees by current investors of brands like Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin-Robbins, and Anytime Fitness. When the event wrapped, seeds were planted in the minds of hopeful entrepreneurs and expansion-minded brands, with the City of Carlsbad the biggest winner.

For more information on the potential displayed at the 2025 Franchise Expo, please contact the Carlsbad Department of Development.