The Business Opportunities & Franchise Expo, owned and managed by Thebe Exhibitions and Projects takes place from 13 to 16 September 2012 at the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg. Together with partner and platinum sponsor, the Eskom Foundation and silver sponsor, Standard Bank, the Business Opportunities & Franchise Expo introduces entrepreneurs and investors who are looking to grow, diversify or enter into business ownership, to the many business and franchise opportunities available in the market. It is also the country’s most credible platform for corporate procurement executives to meet suppliers with first-class BEE credentials.

Says Sarah Howarth, general manager of the expo, “It is gratifying to have the on-going support and involvement of two such important organisations as the Eskom Foundation and Standard Bank. Their commitment is a validation of the Business Opportunities & Franchise Expo and the vital role it has played for nearly two decades, and which it continues to play, in igniting the flames of entrepreneurship into the glowing success stories of tomorrow.”

The Eskom Foundation’s decision to renew its platinum sponsorship of the Business Opportunities & Franchise Expo marks a more than decade-long partnership between the two enterprises. In this time, the organisation’s involvement has centred on showcasing, and in some instances subsidising, successful, high potential black-owned SMEs. In this regard, its efforts have been so successful that the event has become a highlight on the calendars of procurement officers from medium, large and multinational companies, who come to meet quality suppliers that will aid them in meeting their BEE procurement targets.

Haylene Liberty, chief executive officer of the Eskom Foundation, comments, “Small and medium-sized business are the engines that drive job creation and economic growth in any country, and particularly in South Africa where the need for new jobs is pressing and the entrepreneurial spirit is growing stronger. This expo plays a vital role in this process and we are pleased to be a part of this success story.”

This sentiment is echoed by Marius le Roux, head of small enterprises at Standard Bank South Africa, whose company is introducing a new platform at the expo to support business owners.

“Our goal is to contribute to the sustainability of this sector by providing SMEs and entrepreneurs with access to opportunities, markets, advice and finance. In support of this objective, we are excited to be introducing the Standard Bank BizConnect Zone at the Business Opportunities & Franchise Expo. This will allow business owners and SMEs with high growth potential to interact directly with some of South Africa’s most influential business experts for information and advice on how to successfully run their business,” adds le Roux.

Every year, exhibitors with business opportunities to share, franchisors, SMEs and companies that offer support and provide services to small and start-up businesses, come to the expo in Johannesburg from across the country, to present their offerings at what is essentially an opportunity and skills marketplace. Here, they meet enthusiastic, qualified prospects that are highly motivated to find opportunities that match their skill sets, budgets and aspirations and to start or successfully build on their journeys as business owners.

Research conducted at last year’s show provides insight into the motivations and quality of the pool of visitors. In 2011, 74% of show visitors said they were interested in buying a business, 78% said they would attend the Business Opportunities & Franchise Expo 2012 and 95% said they would recommend the expo to their friends and colleagues.

For more information on attending or exhibiting, visit the website www.bofe.co.za or contact Claire Taylor at Thebe Exhibitions and Projects on 011 549 8300 or via email on claire@tepg.co.za.

The Business Opportunities & Franchise Expo 2012 takes place from Thursday, 13 to Sunday, 16 September 2012, from 09:00 to 17:00 at the Coca-Cola dome in Northriding, Johannesburg.