Got a business idea that can be the next big thing in franchising? The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) calls for applications for the NxtGen in Franchising Award 2017. The competition is open to young entrepreneurs 35 years old and below having at least one operating store/prototype or proof of highly franchisable concept.
“As we continue to help make the franchising sector in the country remain robust, we seek not only the trends and opportunities for our members to expand and become globally competitive, but we are also always on the lookout for fresh and innovative concepts that can be the next franchising success story. It is part of our commitment to help young entrepreneurs grow via franchising,” PFA President Dr. Alan Escalona said.
Now on its third year, NxtGen in Franchising 2017 is searching for a new batch of emerging concepts to compete during the two-day conference Franchise Asia Philippines 2017 on July 19 and 20.
“We want to raise the competition to the next level, so we decided to infuse the final judging at the International Conference of Franchise Asia Philippines 2017, where finalists vying for the award will pitch in front of a panel of experts and a thousand conference delegates,” said Sam Christopher Lim, PFA director for Special Projects & Digital Innovations and Franchise Asia Philippines 2017 Conference chairman. “Our conference attracts the biggest and successful franchisors and franchisees, so this is a perfect opportunity for the finalists to learn the best from the leaders in the Philippine franchise industry and meet potential investors.”
Franchise Asia Philippines 2017, dubbed as the biggest 4-in-1 franchise, show in Asia, will be highlighted by the following activities:
A two-day international conference that will present global best practices and business solutions by renowned experts;
A three-day international expo that is a one-stop shop of franchise and other investment opportunities from home-grown and foreign concepts;
Educational seminars to help aspiring franchisees invest on the right franchise and potential franchisors transform their businesses into successful franchises; and
A two-day Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) Program to help professionalize the Philippine franchise sector and help sustain efforts in raising the global competitiveness of Philippine franchising.
The said event is expected to gather around 1,000 conference delegates and over 45,000 expo visitor.
One of the NxtGen finalists, according to Lim, will also be given a chance to represent the country to the NextGen in Franchising Global Competition, which will be held in the US in 2018.
“We are proud to note that, since joining the NextGen Global Competition, Philippines has always been part of the roster of winners,” Lim said.
Philippine NxtGen in Franchising 2016 finalist Happy Helpers, a social enterprise providing home cleaning services and working in partnership with Gawad Kalinga, is selected as one of last year’s winners in the global competition held during the International Franchise Association’s Annual Convention in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Philippine agriculture conglomerate Calata Corp. and stationery and gift item retailer The Paper Stone Philippines were both selected as winners in the 2015 competition.
“Being selected as one of the best among over 400 entrepreneurs competing from all over the world shows that we are home to world-class entrepreneurs,” Escalona said. “Thus, we encourage young innovators and risk takers, if you have a concept that can be the next franchise success story, to join NxtGen in Franchising 2017.”
Interested applicants are required to submit an application form which may be downloaded at www.pfa.org.ph/NxtGen2017, an executive summary of your business and how franchising can help it grow, and an advertisement or a presentation that will aid in selling your business concept. The submission of entries for NxtGen in Franchising Award is open until May 31.