Whether you are interested in starting your own business or purely investing in a part-time business to supplement your income, Business Expo 2009 is the place to be next month, with just the right mix of business specialists and franchising and financial experts to guide you on the correct path.

Business Expo, Marketing Manager, Lynn Browne, says plans are well on track for Business Expo 2009 which will take place once again at the Durban Exhibition Centre from the 12 – 13 June from 10:00 to 17:00 daily. A wide range of business sectors, supplying the needs of not only existing businesses but also of aspiring and intrepid entrepreneurs, will be featured under one roof.

“The expo is an ideal forum to encourage people to expand their existing businesses, while providing entrepreneurs with the opportunity to start up their own companies. Certainly with the downturn in the economy and the alarming increase in the number of retrenchments, interest in entrepreneurial development seems to be at an all time high and trying to keep ahead of a fast changing industry is a constant challenge. The Business Expo aims to highlight some of the latest developments, trends, innovations and products currently available with a strong emphasis on the business products and office equipment sector as well,” says Browne.

“We are particularly thrilled to have a number of new exhibitors this year with innovative concepts like Computers4Kids which offers entrepreneurs a small business opportunity to enable adults and children to become computer literate. Exhibitors like The Umsobomvu Youth Fund will also be present highlighting jobs and providing career and business advice, and financial institutions like Nedbank will be onsite showcasing small business opportunities.”

“One of the key exhibitors will be Subway which is the world’s largest submarine sandwich franchise and has become a leader in the international development of the quick service restaurant industry. Now represented in 90 countries globally, Subway will be on hand to discuss exciting growth opportunities for South African entrepreneurs.”

To excel today you need to continue to innovate and deliver additional relevant products and services. This often means exceeding the market"s expectation and finding the right partners to achieve this target. According to Browne the show particularly appeals to aspiring new business people and franchisees as well as the SOHO market which is looking for new business contacts and ideas. It is also an ideal forum for SMME’s looking to expand or start their business.

Strong emphasis has been placed on the important SMME development sector this year with major players in Local Government and relevant Institutions taking the lead with innovations such as BEE, small business codes, finance assistance and tax breaks.

“With the proliferation of many time-consuming exhibitions in SA, the concept of a multi dimensional business event, conveniently staged under one roof, is a highly practical option and a “must attend” event for today’s busy executives and decision makers” says Browne.

To help the visitor better understand the principles of doing business, there will also be ongoing talks and presentations that will cover many of the aspects related to franchising, funding and marketing.

“On the Friday there will be a talk on Survival Tips : Managing Your Cash Flow by Pascal Lagese of ESS; Franchising by Russell Watson of Franchise Synergies and A Personal Story : Challenges and the Journey to Success by Peter Moyanga, of Moyanga Louw & Associates.

The Friday sessions will be repeated on Saturday with the addition of an exciting presentation by Subway Franchise Systems.

“We encourage all to spend some time listening to these valuable presentations,” concludes Browne.