From trampolines to tradies, coffee to cleaning, mortgages to mailboxes, the Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo offers business ideas for everyone – whatever their budget, interests or expertise.
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 seminars full of practical advice and information, plus organisations such as The Franchising Council of Australia (FCA) on hand to assist budding as well as established entrepreneurs.
Most importantly, the Expo will be a showcase for 100 successful Australian and international companies – such as Pack & Send, Plus Fitness 24/7, V.I.P. Home Services, United Petroleum, Mail Boxes Etc, Minuteman Press International, PostNet Australia, Tutor Doctor, Aussie Home Loans, Jim’s Test & Tag and Xpresso Mobile Café – all eager to share their success with potential investors and franchisees.
“Victoria is a key state where we would like to grow and increase our presence,” says Brian Legg, V.I.P.’s Franchise Support Manager for Victoria. “We are seeking people who wish to become a success by following a proven system. No prior experience is required as our franchisees get fully trained in all appropriate areas – not just how to do the work but also how to run a successful business.”
Legg adds that franchising is a better proposition than investing in a stand-alone business. “The figures speak for themselves – the chances of survival in the franchising industry far outweigh those outside of franchising,” he says.
People reduce their risk by starting into a business model that is tried and tested. It’s about choosing the right business for the individual. People need to look at the support system in place, ask lots of questions, do lots of research and think about the longevity of the brand.”
Attending some of the free seminar presentations at the Expo can be an integral part of that research. A highlight in Melbourne will be keynote speaker Larry Cohen, founder and director of Step Into Life group outdoor personal training franchise system. Cohen will share his journey over the past 25 years as both a franchisee and franchisor in a seminar titled ‘Soaring to Success with Franchising’.
“I really like the franchising business model, as it allows all levels of the business to have a vested interest in the customer service provided,” he explains. “Franchising is all about people and relationships, no matter the product or service being franchised and I have always enjoyed the people contact aspect of business.”
Cohen will join other experienced and knowledgeable speakers including legal, financial and small business experts. In addition the seminars will include a series of FCA Franchise Success Panels, where successful franchisees and franchisors will discuss their experiences and reasons behind selecting their chosen businesses.
Some lucky visitors to the Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo might even come away winners – with a number of exciting prizes being given away by exhibitors.
Franchise Fitouts Australia will give away a one-night escape to Crown Towers to a lucky franchisor or master franchisee, or any visitor may enter the draw to win one of five $100 Myer gift cards. Visitors to the Kwik Kerb stand can also enter to win an entire business package.
Exhibition Manager Fiona Stacey says 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.
“This year in Melbourne we have more exhibitors covering a wider range of businesses than ever before,” she says. “Plus there is more industry knowledge on tap than you’ll find anywhere in one place – if you’ve ever had a question about starting or growing a business, you’ll find the answers here.”
The Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo is on Friday 22 August – Sunday 24 August at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 10am-5pm. Entry is $15 at the door or free with pre-registration online.
For more information go to www.franchisingexpo.com.au