DTI promotes franchising to Filipinos in Australia

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has partnered with Expand Franchising to promote franchise opportunities to Filipinos in Australia.

In a statement, the DTI said it entered into a tieup with the Australian franchising organization to encourage Filipinos living in Australia to get into franchising.

Under the partnership, the parties will conduct franchise seminars and business consultations.

Philippine commercial consul to Australia Alma Argayoso said the franchising seminars and business consultations being undertaken are part of initiatives under the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) program supported by the DTI overseas office in Sydney.

TNK, which is being implemented by the DTI in partnership with other government agencies, private sector, academe and civil society organizations, seeks to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs.

“We aim to help our kababayans or their families back home invest in viable economic activities in the Philippines by providing them with information and resources to help them succeed as entrepreneurs,” Argayoso said.

She said the DTI is promoting franchising because it helps create more businesses which, in turn, generate job opportunities.

While many Filipinos in Australia expressed interest in setting up a franchise in the Philippines or bringing a brand to Australia, there were also foreigners who are keen to get involved in franchising.

In particular, a number of foreigners expressed interest in co-ownership arrangements wherein investors can get the 80 percent share in the franchise, while the 20 percent would remain with the franchisor.

With a co-ownership arrangement, the franchisor would be responsible for running the business and providing monthly financial reports, as well as quarterly dividends.

This is seen as win-win set-up as the franchisor is able to use other people’s money to grow the business, while a franchisee earns by simply making an investment.

Rudolf Kotik, founder of RK Franchise Consultancy Inc., a partner of Expand Franchising, said the Philippines is among the top 10 countries with the most number of franchises globally.

“Among the latest trends are innovative food and beverage outlets, self-service laundromats, education and tutorial services, specialized beauty services, and animal care services,” he said.