Expo showcases business opportunities

Exhibitors participating in the event will offer business opportunities requiring investments of anything from as little as R350,00 to over R2m. Whether you'd like to be a sales associate or agent, open a coffee shop or pub, a décor shop, a car body repair service, education or beauty services or a fax, print and internet company, the expo will highlight business opportunities suited to your skills, area and budget.

Look at pros and cons

The lowest cost business opportunities on show at this year's expo involve buying initial stock and becoming an agent, selling products such as cosmetics, household cleaners or costume jewellery. With a good network of customers, these opportunities could provide a steady income. The highest cost business opportunities are franchises for well-established restaurant and food chains with extensive experience and nationwide marketing.

When deciding between launching your own business or buying in to a franchise, there are pros and cons to both, according to BOFE exhibitors. In your own business, you have the freedom to make the decisions on all aspects of the business. However, you also all take on the challenge of designing, fitting, marketing, building up contact with suppliers and managing it all yourself. With a franchise, your business has to conform to the brand's guidelines, but support, training and marketing is usually provided.