Manila, Philippines – The Philippines is currently undergoing political and economical changes, with the new administration introducing several new government and economic policies in the last few months. This, along with the international community’s heightened interest in the country’s growth over the last few years, all contribute to the evolving commercial landscape, launching a number of challenges and opportunities the business community has yet to fully take advantage of.
Some of the top local franchisors have the perfect response to these developments: the 15th Franchise and Business Expo — slated on October 14-16 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City — is set to get business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs ready for the paradigm shift as the entire country treads on the daunting path for inclusive growth.
The Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI), organizer of the Franchise & Business Expo, believes that a large fraction of the responsibility in achieving inclusive growth for the country lies on the franchise and business sector.
“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 Jerry Ilao. “The government has their job cut out for them. They have to make sure that the country is primed for business and investment opportunities, and that’s what they are focusing on now. But as Filipino entrepreneurs, we also have ours cut out for us.”
The franchising industry has a significant impact on employment generation and socioeconomic development. As an example, AFFI’s member corporations have already created 213,569 jobs in this year alone.
“Just imagine what the entire industry could do and give the country if we manage to really boost the franchising sector this time,” commented Ilao.
Now on its 15th year, AFFI’s Franchise & Business expo will showcase hundreds of brands to thousands of visitors ranging from professionals, established and budding entrepreneurs, students from top universties, and consumers. The event will offer fresh ideas, trends and solutions through a series of informative seminars, interactive activities, and mentoring sessions provided by partner organizations, government agencies, and seasoned businessmen.
“AFFI aims to help the Philippine franchise sector expand by encouraging more people to try their hands at entrepreneurship, and by teaching business owners how to gain traction amid tight competition and the changing times,” said Franchise & Business Expo Chairman Ricardo Cuna.
The expo’s plenary sessions will highlight the following topics: Entrepreneurship Talks, Doing and Managing Business, Best Practices from Seasoned Entrepreneurs, the Millennial Way of Doing Business.
Entrepreneurship among the youth will also take center-stage with the Young Entrepreneurs Forum to be facilitated by the AFFI Youth Council. Business in the millennial age — and all the digital resources available today — will be particularly discussed.
Meanwhile, AFFI’s hit expo activity last year, the Business Journey, will have an improved version with longer one-on-one consultations with CEOs and owners of established enterprises. The seminar-tour will be done in sessions, and will include 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.
The 15th Franchise & 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, please visit www.affi.com.ph or contact the AFFI Secretariat at (02) 501 5449, 09498890758, 09175182334 or email us at expo@affi.com.ph.
About AFFI
AFFI is the premier community for credible entrepreneurs. It has innovative mentoring programs from committed and dedicated, seasoned entrepreneurs that have contributed to the success and growth of many businesses.
