Franchise expo brings business opportunities to Iloilo entrepreneurs

ILOILO CITY — Aspiring entrepreneurs in Iloilo and other parts of Western Visayas were given access to franchise opportunities and business development activities as the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) brought its Franchise Negosyo expo to the city on Oct. 9 and 10.

The expo matters because franchising gives entrepreneurs access to established business systems that may reduce some of the risks of starting from scratch, and bringing it outside Metro Manila could widen access to jobs, enterprise growth, and wealth creation in the region.

The PFA is an industry group of franchise businesses and service providers.

Held at SM City Iloilo, the two-day event featured around 40 exhibitors.

The event also included seminars and business-matching activities designed to connect aspiring business owners and investors with franchise operators and service providers.

Dr. Samie Lim, PFA chairman emeritus, said Iloilo was a fitting venue for the third leg and final stop of this year’s Franchise Negosyo tour.

He cited the city’s longstanding history of trade and entrepreneurship.

He said the initiative seeks to make established business models and franchise opportunities more accessible to entrepreneurs outside Metro Manila.

“For too long, the best brands, the best systems, the best chances to own a business were found mostly in Manila. Those days are ending. Today, the opportunity has come to you,” Samie Lim said.

He explained that franchising gives entrepreneurs access to established business systems, potentially reducing some of the risks associated with starting a business from scratch.

However, he stressed that success still depends on commitment and hard work.

He encouraged participants to speak with franchisors and service providers to better understand the opportunities available and make informed business decisions.

Chris Lim, PFA director for international relations and chair of the Council of Past Presidents, also highlighted Western Visayas’ potential as a market for franchise businesses.

“There are many opportunities here in Western Visayas, not just in Iloilo City but all over the region,” Chris Lim said.

He pointed to the interest of established franchise brands in expanding into the area.

He added that the PFA’s return to Iloilo comes about 10 years after its previous visit.

Meanwhile, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6 Acting Regional Director Mutya Eusores expressed support for the initiative.

“Franchising remains one of the most effective pathways for enterprise expansion, job generation, and wealth creation,” Eusores said.

She added that franchising provides aspiring entrepreneurs with access to established business models.

She said it also enables micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to reach wider markets.

The Iloilo City Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) Office also participated in the event.

The event sought to promote entrepreneurship, investment, and business connections in the city.