Get serious about owning your own business – go along to an expo and get started on your path to independence.
The franchising sector is a major contributor to the Australian economy; with 1180 franchise systems achieving $131 billion in annual turnover, and earning $300 million each year in export income.
There are about 73,000 franchisees, which employ more than 400,000 people. In addition the indirect economic impact of franchising has been estimated at almost $4 billion annually.
“Franchises dot our landscape and meet thousands of our goods and service needs every day,” says Suzanne Jarzabkowska, CEO of DC Strategy, a multi-disciplinary consulting, legal and recruitment firm that specialises in franchising.
“Australia is one of the most heavily franchised countries per capita in the world,” she says. “And maybe that’s because we are also one of the most risk-averse nations globally, which combined with the fact that Aussies really like to be their own boss, makes franchising such a winner.”
Jarzabkowska explains that a franchisor’s proven profitable concept, supported by their training, systems, marketing, brand and often product, takes a lot of the risk out of running your own business.
“And despite the prevalence of the Golden Arches and other international concepts such as Shell and 7-Eleven, over 90 percent of Australian franchises are home grown, with increasing numbers such as Boost and Pie Face taking their place among the 10,000 odd global franchise brands,” she adds.
THE EXPO
The Brisbane Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo takes place 20 and 21 July and alongside exhibiting franchise models there will be a seminar program that includes franchisors, business advisors and franchising experts such as Jarzabkowska and DC Strategy chairman Rod Young who will be sharing their expertise and understanding of the sector, with free sessions running throughout the two days of the show.
The Franchise Council of Australia will also provide further insight into the franchising industry to help visitors decide whether franchising is right for them.
And you can come along to the Franchising magazine Networking Lounge near the seminar for a chat with the enthusiastic Franchising team.