…US embassy offers assistance

Orgnanisers of the Franchise Expo South (FES) are inviting Jamaican business interests with the potential to scale through franchising to apply to be a participant at the event scheduled to take place September 6 – 7, 2024, at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center in Florida, USA.

Through the United States Embassy in Kingston, the event planners have issued a call to business to attend the two-day event which features over 200 franchise industry exhibitors from a wide range of product categories. Exhibitors can access investments ranging from US$10,000 to over US$1M.

“Visitors can meet face-to-face with executives of the exhibiting franchisors. They can also attend in-depth conference workshops at a discounted rate, and over 20 free seminars.  Franchising is a business model and strategy proven to grow businesses quickly and is across over 100 different industries, and as such the opportunity at FES covers multiple markets and industries,” an e-mail from the organisers of the Franchise Expo South outlined.

The expo will help attendees learn about the franchise process and meet with brands interested in developing in the south-eastern region of the United States. There will be over 25 educational sessions providing information on the latest trends to the basics on franchising.

The event also fosters networking opportunities with the industry’s leading brands, as well as engagement with a knowledgeable audience from the South Florida region.

“Florida offers several advantages that make it an incredible place to begin franchising! It has a thriving economy, is established as a business-friendly environment with relatively low taxes and few regulatory barriers compared to other states, and is the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean which provides unique access to international markets,” the event’s website states.

It added: “Franchise Expo South provides all the tools and resources you need to put you on the path to franchise ownership. Meet face-to-face with franchise brands, learn from topic experts in the comprehensive educational program, tap into the expertise of industry professionals for legal, financial, and business advice, and so much more.”

The application period will close on Friday, July 5, 2024.

The US Embassy in Kingston has offered to help Jamaican businesses interested in attending.

“This will be a great opportunity for you to learn about the latest trends and innovations in the industry, match make with the leaders in the field, and identify the top suppliers for your business needs.  If you, or your team, are interested in attending as part of a Jamaican delegation,” an e-mail from the diplomatic mission said.

All Jamaican delegates will receive complimentary admission to the show floor, plus a 50 per cent discount to attend all conference workshops, including numerous educational programmes focusing on franchising business and international franchising opportunities. 

There will be more than 20 free seminars featured, including a session on “Franchising Fundamentals, Interacting with Franchisors.”

“You will be invited to networking events, including a welcome reception planned on September 5, 2024…[There is] assistance with FES logistics, hotel bookings, and delegate visa invitational letters,” the US Embassy adds.