PFA, DTI setting up incubation hub for SMEs

An incubation center is being set up for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can be franchised locally and even internationally for as low as P100,000 only.

Designed to develop SMEs into future franchises, the center will be put up at the World Trade Center Metro Manila by the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry, during the 10th Philippine International Franchise Expo on Sept. 25-28.

Companies with franchising potential will be given a space in the incubation center, where they can do product sampling, flyer distribution, and networking with prospective investors and franchisees during the expo’s four-day run, according to PFA president Bing S. Limjoco.

"So far, nine SMEs have availed themselves of a space in the incubation center. These are China China Little Pao, Gotcha Inc., Ichizen Japanese Food & Café, Kiss King of Balls, Odd Balls/Mongkok Express, Quick Stix, Royal Carribean Jamaican patties, Sonyda Ichiban, and Spud Fry," Limjoco added.

These SMEs are among the more than a hundred exhibitors that will showcase their franchises at the expo, whose goal is to develop and introduce new franchise concepts, promote trade and commerce, democratize incomes and technologies, and create more jobs.

Occupying more than 130 booths, the exhibitors comprise food and beverage, non-food, and service franchises, both local and international.

They will conduct seminars, products demos, and special presentations, including a fashion show by Designer Blooms.

Product presentations will be staged by Gum Busters, Sandler International, Odyssey Records, Budget Blinds, Kiddie Academy, The Little Gym, Informatics Holdings, Mario’s Restaurant, Chase Technologies, STI Education Services Group, and Papa John’s Pizza.

Special presentation on "Anti-Piracy" will be conducted by Intellectual Property Coalition presiding officer John Lesaca, and on "Taste of Franchising" by Max’s Restaurant, Del Monte, Cherry Hill, Sari-Sari Breadstore, and Mario’s Restaurant.

Seminars on "How to Franchise Your Business" and "Choosing the Right Franchise" will be held by Francorp.

More information can be obtained from event manager Worldexco (tel. 89188638, 8347408, or email [email protected]).

Records of the PFA show that franchising is the only business sector experiencing phenomenal growth in the Philippines over the years – from only 50 franchises in the early 90s to more than 700 at present.

Last year alone, the PFA’s Franchise Asia 2001 drew a total of 147 exhibitors and 11,300 visitors from 20 countries worldwide, with 245 business contracts forged during the three-day show.