A Bright Idea

David Bloom is more than a year into a business venture that at one point could have easily qualified for the worst timing award of all-time.

It's a company he co-founded to help franchise businesses grow and raise capital. Of course, in October 2008 when Bloom launched the company, Sarasota-based Capital Idea Group, the nationwide credit crisis was just in its early stages.

The crisis has since subsided, but credit remains a huge obstacle for small businesses and franchise companies seeking to grow. Yet Bloom, despite the timing, has found a successful niche in consulting for franchise businesses.