Expert: Franchising growth to generate jobs for Pinoys

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine franchising industry projected a 20 percent growth this year, which will translate to more job opportunities for Filipinos, this according to a franchising expert.

"Franchising is the way to go. It is the best option available for would-be entrepreneurs who wish to venture into business," said Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA) founder Rudolf Kotik.

Kotik, who is also the president of RK Franchise Consultancy Inc., said that the economic upswing in the region fuels a more conducive environment for small investors to grab the opportunity in franchising.

Thus, he is calling on interested investors to participate in the three-day Franchise Exposition to be held on March 4-12 at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall.

He said this is the opportunity for those who are planning to enter into flourishing franchise business as there will be a lot of businesses to choose from, depending on the takers' budget.

The 17th Cebu Franchise Expo organized by FIFA will bring in at least 80 exhibitors, offering their franchise packages to the market. Mostly are successful businesses which are into food, beauty, cafes, convenient stores, printing,  pet care, laboratories, gasoline stations, water refilling stations, among other service and non-food businesses.

 FIFA has a total of 400 members, of which over 40 are new members.

"Franchising remains to be an attractive business model among Filipino businesses," the franchising expert said.

New homegrown brands that recently opened their businesses for franchising include, among others A La Mode, JCA Pizza and SLT Cafe.

In Cebu, successful brands that are offered for franchise include Bo's Coffee, Coffee Dream, Thirsty, Mooon Cafe, spa chain Body and Sole, and other Cebu-grown brands that are now operating in the national level.

Over the years, franchising is touted as one of the few successful mechanisms to easily grow a business. It is also considered as easier vehicle for a new investor to enter into business.

Its proven system and business model with 95 percent success rate compared to putting up a business from scratch, is what makes franchising one of the most attractive business models today, Kotik said. (FREEMAN)