The Franchise Council of Australia is proud to present three young entrepreneurs selected to represent Australia at the 2017 NextGen in Franchising Global Competition at the International Franchise Association’s Annual Convention in the United States from Jan. 28 – Feb. 1 2017. The Annual Convention culminates a year-long campaign and global competition in which more than 400 young entrepreneurs submitted their franchise business plans for a chance to be among the top 18 winners selected. Open to entrepreneurs’ ages 21-35, the NextGen in Franchising Global Competition is a worldwide program proudly supported by the FCA that engages young entrepreneurs seeking careers and business opportunities in the franchising industry.
“Australia are one of the world leaders in franchising and at the NextGen competition in the US, we have three great ambassadors going head to head in an international competition for the NextGen crown. The NextGen event hosted at the International Franchise Convention is a great way to celebrate and recognise young entrepreneurs.” said Damian Paull, CEO of the Franchise Council of Australia.
As part of the FRANSHARK competition, three finalists will pitch their businesses to a panel of industry judges and 3,000 convention attendees for a chance to win cash prizes ranging from $5,000 – $10,000.
Last year, Carmelo Marsala, founder of Spray-Net in Canada, took home first place, with Australian Jai and Marlies Hobbs taking second place for Paleo Café.
The 2017 NextGen in Franchising winners from Australia are: David Lindsay, Salts of the Earth; Bao Hoang, Rolld; Nik Leigh, Real Estate Photography.
“For me, winning the Australian NextGen competition has been, and will always be one of my top career achievements and highlights,” said David Lindsay, founder of Salts of the Earth. “The number one goal will be to win the Global NextGen competition and have incredible exposure for our brand. However, I am looking to learn from experienced franchisors and ask plenty of questions, develop clarity and strategy and identify ways to enter the US market and network.”
In addition to receiving a complimentary registration and travel stipend to attend the IFA’s Annual Convention, winners are awarded with a spot at the NextGen in Franchising Summit, a two-day educational and networking program for next generation entrepreneurs; a 90-day accelerator program with industry leaders and CEOs; an opportunity to participate in the FRANSHARK competition for additional cash prizes; and opportunities to network with leading franchisors, franchisees and suppliers and with other young entrepreneurs.
Bao Hoang of Rolld, one of the Australian finalists is keen to take advantage of the networking opportunities that attending NextGen will bring. “The NextGen initiative has allowed us to share the story of Rolld and introduce it to the broader business community, outside of the food world…others now view Rolld as a serious player within not only the food franchise world but in the franchise industry in general, gaining attention from both potential franchisees and investors.
“Rolld has always strategised and set goals towards international expansion, so participating in the NextGen competition at the IFA convention 2017 will again broaden the reach of our brand, especially into a country where the market is so large and QSR industry is absolutely booming. We hope to gain greater knowledge of markets around the world, the varying policies and legalities that might affect our business and of course network, network, network and gain as much knowledge from everyone there,” he said.
#IFA2017 will feature more than 50 educational sessions, as well as 300 supplier partners in a cutting-edge Exhibit Hall, offering the latest tools and resources needed to develop a thriving franchise business. Attendees can expect to find numerous networking opportunities, including the International Reception and the Business Solution Roundtables.
For more information on the NextGen in Franchising Global Competition, please contact Soula Van Kooy at Soula.vankooy@franchise.org.au or call (03) 9508 0813.