Find a franchise or seek advice from franchising experts at the Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo, Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 August.

Speaking at the event will be Jim Penman from Jim’s Group; Sara Pantaleo from restaurant chain La Porchetta and education franchise Begin Bright’s founder Tina Tower.

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.

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 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 the US, 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.

Come along and say hello to the Inside Franchise Business team at the expo and pick up your free copy of our latest magazine.