Be inspired at the Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo

Anyone who’s ever dreamed of being their own boss, or turning their small business into an empire, will find plenty to inspire them at the Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo, which opens at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on Friday 30 August.

“This exciting Expo will give visitors the opportunity to compare and research a diverse range of franchise opportunities, with investment levels from under $10,000 to more than $500,000,” says Exhibition Manager Fiona Stacey.

A feature event of Victoria’s Small Business Festival, the Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo will give visitors plenty of ideas for starting their own business, or expanding an existing one. There will be a series of seminars to inspire and motivate, as well as free individual consultations available at the Franchise Advice Centre. The Franchising Council of Australia (FCA) will also be on hand to provide information, contacts and advice.

Most importantly, the Expo will be a showcase for over 80 successful Australian and international companies – such as McDonald’s, United Petroleum, Pack & Send, Snap, VIP Home Services, and The Cheesecake Shop – all eager to share their success with potential investors and franchisees.

Lilian Tartaglia, National Franchise Manager at McDonald’s, says she and her team are keen to ‘bust some myths’ about franchise opportunities at McDonald’s. “We are looking for people who are energetic, have solid business skills, are ready to invest, and willing to make a long term commitment,” she says. “The opportunities are there for the right people.”

As well as assisting and informing visitors at a large stand, McDonald’s will be participating in the seminar program, with a different guest speaker on each day of the show.

Another highlight of the Expo will be appearances by Brooke Hanson, Jim’s Test & Tag ambassador. Workplace safety is the number one priority for this former champion swimmer, who suffered a serious electrocution in 2007 during a sponsorship engagement for a swim-spa company.

“I hope that my continued support of Jim’s Test & Tag, alongside the fantastic work they do as leader in electrical test and tag, will continue to offer lifesaving benefits, both now and for the long-term,” says Hanson.

Two such different business opportunities reflect the advantages of investing in a proven franchise, believes Suzanne Jarzabkowska, CEO of DC Strategy, a multi-disciplinary consulting, legal and recruitment firm that specialises in franchising. 

“Franchises dot our landscape and meet thousands of our goods and service needs every day,” she says.

“Australia is one of the most heavily franchised countries per capita in the world, and maybe that’s because we are also one of the most risk-averse nations globally, which combined with the fact that Aussies really like to be their own boss, makes franchising such a winner.”

Jarzabkowska will be sharing her insights as part of the Expo’s seminar program, with free sessions running throughout the three days of the show. The strong lineup of experienced and knowledgeable franchisors, franchisees and service providers includes Sarah Cobb from Cariblue, Grant Garroway from The Franchise Shop and industry consultant Brian Keen.

In addition the seminars will include a series of FCA Franchise Success Panels, where successful franchisees and franchisors from different systems will discuss their journeys and reasons behind selecting their chosen businesses. The Franchise Council of Australia will also provide further insight into the franchising industry to help visitors decide whether franchising is right for them.

Visitors will also benefit from free one-on-one sessions available at the Franchising Advice Centre, where they may meet with an expert from DC Strategy to discuss legal and other issues.

“From purchasing a franchise, to turning a small business into a thriving network, to registering a trademark, to resolving a dispute in a current franchise relationship or understanding how to recruit the right franchisees – the Advice Centre will have highly qualified and experienced consultants and lawyers available throughout the entire Expo, providing free advice and assistance,” says Suzanne Jarzabkowska.

Exhibition Manager Fiona Stacey adds that visitors who decide a traditional franchise operation is not right for them, can still learn about a wide range of other opportunities to earn additional income.

“Entry is free if you pre-register online, and there is an abundance of information available on every aspect of being your own boss,” she says. “It’s really time to stop dreaming and start doing.” 

The Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo is open from Friday 30 August – Sunday 1 September at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, 10am-5pm daily. Entry is $15 at the door or free with pre-registration before 29 August.

For more information go to www.franchisingexpo.com.au