What you need to know about the new direct marketing guidance note
Nadine Mather and Chloë Loubser
Register for the Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo
In a market where jobs are tight and big business opportunities lie in the hands of the corporate, there is a growing entrepreneurial urge among South Africans. While still a daunting task, the lower risk options of franchising opportunities are becoming more and more attractive to the new business owner.
A franchise opportunity offers the business owner the opportunity to piggy back off the experience and business acumen of well-established organisations while at the same time allowing the individual to 'own' his or her own business.
The Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo 2005 (FBOE), which takes place at Gallagher Estate from 8 - 11 September will showcase franchise and business opportunities to aspirant entrepreneurs from start-up investments as low as R10 000 to large well-known franchises opportunities.
Simon Robinson, director of the Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo (FBOE), says recent research concluded by FRAIN franchise census 2004 (commissioned by the NAMAC Trust) reveals that small business owners are more likely to succeed on the back of franchise opportunities than purely on their own. Entering on the back of an existing business structure provides a business owner a support structure not afforded to them when 'going it alone'.
According to Robinson, a staggering 12% of retail sales made in South Africa today are done through franchises, a number which is climbing year on year as the South African market matures into a more consumer orientated one, concerned with the purchase of known brands.
"But a Franchise is not just about shipping goods; business owners in this market space are better able to embrace transformation, and equity issues as the barriers to entry are lower. The reality is that the franchise market is currently opening up a number of job creation opportunities among businesses - the knock on effect is not only economic growth at a business level but a socio-economic level as well."
According to the FRAIN report, 232 489 people are currently employed at franchises, with a culture spread of 59.56% black, 30.37% white, with Indian and Coloured accounting for the remaining 4.84%. These figures prove once again that smaller businesses continue to be quicker and more effective at embracing change.
Robinson says many of these issues and queries regarding establishing franchises will be answered at the annual Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo, where franchise and business opportunities from automotive, building and home to fast food, restaurants, beauty, retail, entertainment and more will be showcased.
In addition to the Expo, the Speakers Corner will cover topics such as: How to start your own business; How to franchise your business; How to select a franchise; How to access finance, Franchise site selection; and BEE guidelines for the franchising industry.
Entrance to the exhibition is R20 per person. If you register on-line at www.fboe.co.za before 25 August, entrance is free. The expo will be open from 10am to 6pm daily from 8 - 11 September at Gallagher Estate.
