My mother and I own a fantastic birthday party business. We have always thought it would be a good franchise for anyone wanting to work out of the home. How would we get our business to franchise? The parties include a costumed character, a birthday card art project, interactive story times, and themed games. We are based in OC, California. It is very successful here, and we want to get it out to the world, while making a couple bucks. How do we franchise this?
Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

you need to be clear and specific what makes your existing business sucessful (which it sounds like it is). Take that an convert it into a business plan – focussing on what distinguishes your party business from another. Think about how you can use it to market and sell your franchise to prospective customers (franchisees). BEFORE you share this magic formula with anyone – get a good lawyer to help prepare the contracts – that is key. The contract should be clear on what you offer (methodology, training, supplies, expertise, support, etc etc) and what you require in return as a franchise. ALso let the lawyer help you register your business / brand / trade name as soon as possible. Lastly – to help get some customers – i recommend you apply your own ideas to a few more areas/cities and see if you can transplant it. IF that works – you have all the more reason to franchise.