MANILA, Philippines — The forthcoming Sept. 23-25 Franchise Asia 2011 International Expo offers, not only investment opportunities, but also seminars that can turn its participants into successful and thriving entrepreneurs.

Franchise Asia 2011 chair Bing Sibal-Limjoco said the seminars were particularly designed to train aspiring franchisees and franchisors in starting and running franchised businesses, known to have a higher probability of success because of their proven track record of viability and profitability in both good and hard times.

“These seminars will reveal the trade secrets of franchising that make this industry a global success story for decades and centuries to come, enabling many small businesses to expand exponentially and become the retail and service giants that they are today,” Limjoco explained.

The seminars include “International Franchise Opportunity” (on Sept. 24) for local investors who want to become master franchisees, area developers or partners of foreign brands, “How to Franchise Your Business” (Sept. 24-25) for would-be franchisors or micro, small or medium enterprise owners who want to expand their businesses through franchising, and “Investing in a Franchise Wisely” (Sept. 24-25) for would-be franchisees.

The seminar on “Investing in a Franchise Wisely” will enable prospective franchisees to properly investigate and choose from a myriad of investment options the right franchise that guarantees the most rewarding returns.

The seminar participants will learn the basics of franchising, its benefits and challenges, the right franchise for each of them, how to spot a franchise scam, how to select a business site and its market opportunities, and how to acquire a business loan to finance their operations.

This seminar is recommended for the would-be franchisees among aspiring entrepreneurs, professionals, medical practitioners, overseas Filipino workers or their families, retirees, retailers, teachers, fresh graduates, students, housewives, and franchise enthusiasts.

On the other hand, the seminar on “International Franchise Opportunity” provides would-be and present franchisees with a comprehensive knowledge on how to become master franchisees, area developers or joint-venture partners of international franchises originating from other countries.

This seminar offers business-matching opportunities for Franchise Asia 2011 international exhibitors and prospective local investors wanting to become their national franchise holders in the Philippines.

The seminar participants will learn about the successful international franchises on the lookout for local business partners, in-depth knowledge of the nature of their businesses, their franchise programs, and the potentials of their brands on the local market. They will also come face to face with the foreign franchise presentors in one-on-one business consultations.

As to the seminar on How to Franchise Your Business, this training session involves the proper use of franchising in expanding a business as a profitable and successful option.

As a growth strategy, franchising allows businesses to multiply faster than other business expansion models.

“This seminar (How to Franchise Your Business) will impart the necessary know-how to determine whether a successful business concept can be replicated to achieve franchising success,” Limjoco said.

“Seminar topics include discovering the franchise advantage, determining your franchisability, learning the right way of franchising, knowing how franchises are developed, gaining insights on trends and opportunities, and turning your business into a gold mine,” Limjoco pointed out.

This seminar is recommended for would-be franchisors, particularly business owners who think of using franchising as a growth strategy or a means to branch out.