Franchising and Business Opportunities Expo: “something for everyone”

These days it is rare to work in the one job for life and having several different careers in your lifetime is no longer unusual - it is becoming the norm. Sometimes career change is forced through retrenchment or advances in technology making jobs redundant, but for many, it is a desire to try something new - to be their own boss and enjoy the freedom that comes with running their own business. The Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo will have “something for everyone considering running their own business,” according to organisers Australian Exhibition Services.

The Expo is a key component of Queensland’s Small Business Week and endorsed by The Franchise Council of Australia . It will feature over 120 exhibitors with a diverse range of franchises and business opportunities, a comprehensive free seminar program and provide the opportunity to meet face-to-face with government agencies and industry associations.

The Exhibition will be officially opened by the Hon Chris Cummins, Minister for Small Business, Information Technology, Policy and Multicultural Affairs on Friday 4th August.

With a success rate two and a half times that of non-franchised businesses, the franchising industry continues to attract investors eager to change their lifestyle or career and the Expo is an ideal forum for people looking at the myriad of options in this rapidly growing industry.

“With any business, the more you can find out about the industry and the business before you commit, the more likely you are to succeed,” said Exhibition Director, Jon Perry. “At the expo, people can ask questions, talk to experts and investigate a variety of options in one place at one time,” he said.

On show will be a broad range of businesses including cleaning services, vending machines, automotive mechanics, giftware, signs, food, formal wear, home maintenance, accounting, computer training, swimming pools, mobile services and business coaching.

“With so many businesses on display there’s sure to be something to suit everyone’s lifestyle and level of investment,” said Mr Perry.

Government and industry bodies on hand to answer questions and provide advice include the Franchise Council of Australia, the Department of State Development Trade & Innovation, Workplace Health & Safety and the Australian Taxation Office.

A key feature at the Exhibition is the Free Seminar program conducted in a purpose-built theatre on the show floor. The Program will include Keynotes from Lenard Poulter, founder of Lenards Poultry and Kate Groom, General Manager, Signwave . There will also be presentations from the FCA, Australia’s leading franchisors, government agencies and associated product and service consultants.

Topics include: ‘Franchising - is it for you?’; ‘What you should know before buying a Franchise’; ‘Choosing the right franchise system’; ‘Tax facts for new small business’; ‘Starting your own business - 3 simple steps to success’; ‘Fast food franchising’ and more.

New to the expo this year is Business Supplier World. Designed for business owners and those looking to set up a business, Business Supplier World is a source of products and services to help a business grow. On show are a full range of services including IT, communications, printing, signage, shopfitting, design, consultants and advisors.

The Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo runs concurrently with The Property & Investment Expo. “Together the expos form Australia’s largest wealth building event presenting an unparalleled opportunity to talk with experts, learn from professionals and review a diverse range of investment options in one place at the one time,” said Mr Perry.

The Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo will be staged at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank 4 to 6 August 2006.

Hours are 10am - 5pm Friday to Sunday. Cost of entry is $14 for adults, which gives access to both shows. (Children under 16 admitted free if accompanied by an adult).

Read more information about buying a franchise and running a franchise.