Franchise 2010 tackles social franchising

MANILA, Philippines - Efren Peñaflorida, CNN Hero of the Year 2009 is among this year’s distinguished speakers at Franchise 2010: the 18th Philippine International Franchise Conference and Expo (PIFCE). With the theme “Getting Ready for the World,” PIFCE 2010 will gather a panel of experts who will share the latest trends in global franchising success in a two-day conference on July 14 and 15 at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

Peñaflorida will tackle “Is Social Responsibilty Franchiseable?” which will discuss ways and possibilities for franchisors to adopt a more socially-responsible mindset and orientation in order for them to become significant contributors to the improvement of social institutions; as well as, the vital role of franchisors in promoting social responsibility in their business operations and franchise network; and help them identify opportunities that can be taken advantaged of to help create a highly-sustainable development model in the franchising sector. 

Social franchising is the application of business format franchising concepts to achieve social benefits via the replication of a social enterprise. Micro-franchising, on the other hand, is a business model that seeks to provide replicable business plans to micro-entrepreneurs by using franchising concepts. Just like microfinance, micro-franchising seeks to serve the bottom of the pyramid by providing this segment with goods and services through the creation of business opportunities for that segment. 

Popularly known as Kuya Ef, Peñaflorida is an educator and social worker who founded the Dream Team Company at the age of 16. He was hailed for his outstanding advocacy to educate Filipino out-of-school youth through “pushcart classes.”

He will be joined by a host of other international experts that include Christopher Simnick, CFE, president and founder of Synergy Franchise Development, Inc, and managing member and Founder of Synergy Franchise Group, LLC, USA who will discuss “International Expansion: Identifying New Market Opportunities”; and Arvind Singhatiya, head of training, content and international initiatives, Indian Franchise Association.

On July 15, panel of experts include Howard Belton, president, Philippine Business for the Environment; Architect Chona E. Ponce of Palafox Associates, and June M. Alvarez, executive director, Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. will discuss “Greening Up Your Business”. 

For more information about Franchise 2010 visit www.franchise2010.com and register on-line for special admission rates or call the PFA Secretariat at tel. nos. (02) 6870365 to 67, 09178320731, or e-mail [email protected].