�We are happy to announce our global digital distribution agreement with 1C. It�s a great start,� says Ludmila Ludvig, managing director of Fireglow Games. �In the near future, we aim to expand on our publishing business.�

�We are delighted to be working with Fireglow. Like us, they have recognised the huge opportunity offered by the digital distribution medium and we are looking forwards to some very positive results from this deal,� adds Peter King, Managing Director of 1C UK.

The specific 1C titles covered by the agreement were not specified. Fireglow Games is best known for its Sudden Strike franchise.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about small business and franchise facts, strategies for finding the right business, the legalities of franchising and how to properly investigate franchises.

To register, visit www.sparkschamber.org

Village Coffee founder Tommy Lowery currently owns three stores -- the original in Troy and two in east Montgomery -- and he's sold licenses in Millbrook, Prattville and Enterprise as well as one in California. He says he's negotiating a dozen other license deals.

The Alabama-based company is growing through licensing, which allows the buyer a more affordable and more flexible opportunity than franchising, Lowery said.

Under a franchise agreement, the store operator follows instructions from corporate on almost every aspect of running the business.