With unemployment at 22 year high, franchise enquiries are on the rise and one Australian businesswoman is embracing technology to help create a safe and smart way for people looking to buy a franchise to get educated and connect with franchisors, with the aim of reducing conflict in the sector.
FranchiseED Director Ms Kerry Miles says research reveals education is essential to help build a stronger franchise sector.
"Research research a major cause of franchise conflict is mismatched expectations due to a lack of education. People buying a franchise don't fully understand the commitment they are making, which leads to conflict, and when there's conflict everybody suffers.
"Many franchise agreements have an initial term of five years, and most marriages don't last that long, so it's important to help people understand what they are committing too before they buy, especially in this time of challenge."
Ms Miles is hosting an innovative online event, which is safely helping connect prospective franchisees with a first class educational program, as well as with franchisors, from the comfort of their own home.
She says it is the first event of its kind.
"The aim is to empower people looking to buy a franchise with the knowledge and know-how to properly assess franchise opportunities, while safely connecting with a range of franchises, all from the comfort of their home," she says.
"Every time there is an economic downturn there is a rise in franchise enquiries, but COVID-19 has taken away our ability to connect in the same way we're used to.
"By using the latest technology available, the Australian Franchise Expo Online brings back the connection behind the click with real-time interactions, video calls, text chat and more, and all from the safety of a home or office."
The Australian Franchise Expo Online offers more than 30 educational presentations with presenters sharing their knowledge, know-how and best practice tips and tricks to help prospective franchisees properly assess franchise opportunities.
"Attendees can then apply these best practice take-aways instantly, when speaking with the franchise exhibitors, know the right questions to ask and make the best business decision for their individual circumstances and goals," Ms Miles says.
Presenters include: Deputy Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Dr Craig Latham and two of the state-based Small Business Commissioners, Di Bella Companies Chairman Phil Di Bella, Customer Culture Managing Director Justin Herald, bestselling author Janine Garner, as well as leading franchise educators and franchisee support professionals.
As part of Ms Miles vision for a strong franchise sector, all franchises exhibiting must adhere to the Franchising Code of Conduct, and have their Disclosure Documents up-to-date.
