Carlsbad Franchise Expo Aims to Capture Local Investment Dollars and Fuel Economic Growth

The Carlsbad Department of Development will host the first Carlsbad Franchise Expo on October 15, 2025, at the Pecos River Village Conference Center, creating a platform to connect local investors with franchise expansion opportunities in one of New Mexico's fastest-growing markets.

The event, scheduled from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, offers free registration through https://www.developcarlsbad.org/site-selectors/franchise-expo-2025 and includes educational modules on business startup fundamentals, franchise investment considerations, and long-term success strategies, with lunch provided to all registered participants.

This initiative addresses critical market gaps identified through a recent leakage analysis conducted with Retail Strategies, a national firm specializing in community brand attraction. The study revealed specific commercial sectors where Carlsbad consumers are spending their dollars outside the local economy, creating opportunities for franchise development to capture those expenditures.

Jeff Campbell, Director of Marketing and Business Development, emphasized the strategic importance of keeping investment dollars within the community. "Carlsbad is poised to grow," Campbell stated. "There are many opportunities for local investors to step up and be a part of the solution to fill in the gaps in our market as determined in part by our leakage study. Keep dollars in Carlsbad while building community wealth."

The expo represents a dual approach to economic development, serving both franchise brands seeking expansion into new markets and local entrepreneurs looking for investment opportunities. Kristen Gamboa, Executive Director of the Carlsbad Department of Development, explained the broader vision: "This expo isn't just about bringing national brands here, it's about empowering local investors and entrepreneurs to seize opportunities, while giving franchise systems a direct line into Carlsbad's growing economy."

The event's significance extends beyond immediate business connections, positioning Carlsbad as an attractive destination for franchise development while simultaneously addressing identified consumer spending leakage. By facilitating these connections, the CDOD aims to strengthen the local economy, create new business opportunities, and enhance the community's commercial landscape through strategic franchise partnerships.