Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. invites aspiring entrepreneurs to the 15th Franchise and Business Expo

Enterprising Filipinos as well as aspiring businessmen will get the chance of learning directly from the mentors and CEO experts themselves—for free—at the upcoming 15^th Franchise and Business Expo (through the Business Journey program) which will be held from October 14 to 16, 2016 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. This is really a piece of good news to all our kababayans out there, especially those OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) who would like to start a business in the country but had no idea how. 

The Business Journey program is organized by the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) as part of the group's mission to provide support and empower entrepreneurs. The very first Business Journey program was held in 2015 and with lots of positive feedbacks from both mentors and participants, they are doing it all again, only this time, everything has improved, sort of a 2.0 version.  



AFFI is the country's prime trade organization which is committed to promoting micro small medium enterprise business through franchising. Its members consists of Filipino corporate presidents, CEOs, and prominent businessmen. The brainchild of successful entrepreneurs Bob Juan of LabanderaKo, Armando Bartolome of GMB, Tony Cruz of PancitMalabon, Jorge Wieneke of Potato Corner, Teresa Laurel of Goto King, Pacita Juan of Figaro, and Richie Cuna of Fiorgelato, AFFI vows to create awareness and lend assistance to fellow businessmen.

 

"As the premier community of empowered entrepreneurs in the country, we make it our personal mission to lead the sector towards a more involved role in nation-building," said AFFI President Jelly Ilao. "Just imagine what an entire country coul do if we manage to really boost the franchising sector."

“The said program is basically a quick tour through the ins and outs of putting up a business or getting a franchise. It's our way of helping  and guiding our aspiring entrepreneurs in preparation for a new venture," explains AFFI Expo chairman Ricardo Cuna. There will be seven stations or pit stops featuring key areas of entrepreneurship that the participants will visit in the “tour”--from business-mindsetting, customs and commercial laws, to tax management, financial loans, and digital business solutions. These stations will be managed by longtime AFFI-partner organizations and government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Intellectual Property Office, Center for Strategic Reforms of the Philippines, BPI Ka-Negosyo, PLDT SME Nation and GoNegosyo.

With fifteen years of existence, AFFI's Franchise and Business Expo vows to showcase and introduce more brands to thousands of visitors ranging from professionals, established and aspiring businessmen, students, mompreneurs as well as consumers. It offers lots of fresh concepts, trends, solutions by means of simultaneous activities such as informative seminars, interactive activities, as well as mentoring sessions provided by partner organizations, government agencies and seasoned entrepreneurs. 

So what makes AFFI's Franchise and Business Expo different from all the other business expo there is? I guess it's more about the 'personal touch.' Here, participants can look forward to a chance to sit down with or have at least a one-on-one talk with the CEO's of most major companies and presidents of already established entreprises. Of course, the encounter may just be brief for each participants, but then at least, they may be able to learn a thing or two which could help them when they decide to establish their very own business. 

The seminar-tour will be done in sessions throughout the event with three sessions every day. Business-aspirants who are interested in joining the tour will have to pre-register online to secure a slot and pay P300 inclusive of expo ticket, Business Journey tour, and snacks. 

Pre-registrants will get to pick what time slot will best fit their schedules, although walk-in participants on the event day itself will still be allowed.

AFFI says as a part of its advocacy and service to the community of aspiring entrepreneurs, the first 90 individuals who will pre-register online will get to avail the package absolutely for free.

“We want to encourage more people to start taking the first steps into fulfilling their dreams of owning a business. It’s our primary commitment as an association that hopes to empower the nation by empowering our countrymen,” says Cuna.

AFFI hopes to help the Philippine franchise sector to further expand by means of encouraging more people to start their own business and try their hands at entrepreneurship. They will also teach how to gain traction and tight competition despite the changing times.

During the media launch, the Tax Reform Congress issue have also been discussed. AFFI Director Ms. Tess Ngan Tian, represented both the SME and franchise sector in one of the dialogues have requested the legislators to study and lower the tax on franchise fees. The House Committee working on tax will have a series of dialogues with the Department of Finance, BIR, Congress and Senate on how to efficiently monitor tax proceeds for the lower tax on franchise fees to be considered. AFFI will serve as the prime organization who will push for genuine tax reform for total inclusive growth. 

 The 15th Franchise and Business Expo is co-presented by BPI Family Ka Negosyo and PLDT SME Nation, in partnership with Go Negosyo and the Department of Trade and Industry. 

For inquiries, visit www.affi.com.ph or call the AFFI Secretariat at (02) 501-5449, 09498890758. Email expo@affi.com.ph.