Get ready Melbourne – the movers and shakers of the small business world will be at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre for the Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo, Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 August.
Speaking at the event will be the likes of Jim Penman from Jim’s Group; Sara Pantaleo from La Porchetta and Begin Bright’s founder Tina Tower, plus there will be more than 100 exhibitor stands with franchisors, advisors and industry insiders ready to assist people start or grow their own business.
The seminar sessions are free with entry to the Expo and run all day on the show floor with a wide range of speakers and topics. In addition to Penman, Tower and Pantaleo, there will be Franchise Council of Australia CEO Damian Paull, Small Business Commissioner Judy McConnell, leading business mentor Paul Henshall from ActionCOACH, and panel sessions featuring legal and financial experts, leading businesswomen and successful franchisees.
Stacey adds that the Melbourne show is traditionally the biggest Franchising Expo for the year and visitors will find a wide range of business ideas, from lucrative food and beverage or home service franchises to innovative concepts such as digital photo booths, virtual office space and app development.
“It means the Expo is really a one-stop-shop and the only place where you can meet face to face with such a wide range of franchisors, consultants, suppliers and advisors from industry and government.”
The Melbourne show will feature a number of successful international companies looking for Australian franchisees. They include Montagu Dried Nuts and Fruit from South Africa, Experimac, Venture X, Fully Promoted, TapSnap and Papa John’s Pizza from USA, Vom Fass from Germany and Josco Retail from India.
Montagu CEO Hannes Jansen is looking forward to expanding in Australia and believes that franchising is a powerful and rewarding means to encourage entrepreneurship and to build the economy of a country. “The risk of running a business is minimised if investors make use of a trusted and proven model, that’s why franchises work so well,” he explains.
Industry sectors well represented at the show include home services, food and beverage, health and fitness, and financial services.
Fiona Stacey says the diversity of franchises and price entry points is a huge drawcard for the Franchising Expo. “Some visitors come with specific businesses in mind, while others are open to new ideas, in industries they had never previously considered,” she says.
“We also attract entrepreneurs wishing to grow their business through the franchising model. They come because the Franchising Expo is the country’s leading event to find information and inspiration to start, build or grow your own business.”
Tickets are available online before the show for $10, or $20 at the door. The free seminar sessions are held at the centre of the show floor and there is no need to book, however seats are limited.
Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo
Saturday 26 August – Sunday 27 August, 10am-5pm
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.