The International Franchise Expo is truly international: having been selected by the U.S. Department of Commerce as one of a limited number of expos in the world to participate in its International Buyer Program, the Expo are promoted in over 120 countries worldwide by the International Franchise Association.
The premier annual event with hundreds of the hottest franchise on display offers the most comprehensive ins-and-outs and behind the scenes information needed for success right from the start.
Thousands of future business owners and entrepreneurs meet face-to-face with over 400 proven franchise opportunities from every industry and every investment level. But how much franchise do you speak?
CLAY SANGER C.O.O. of Jinya Holdings Inc
Standup
With Brexit looming, it is weird to see both European Union flag and the Union Jacks staying in the same pavilion. Nick Bolton is the head of operation of a UK franchise the Christmas Decorator. He talked about the effect Brexit is having on the market and his company.
NICK BOLTON head of operation The Christmas Decorator
For some others, the challenges they’re facing might be a little more difficult to tackle. For example, this Australian company Zambrero, wants to end world hunger.
BRADD FLINN general manager of Zambrero
More and more franchises struggle to secure financing are turning to wealthy immigrant looking for a green card. Chains have begun pitching themselves to well-heeled foreign buyers using so-called EB-5 visas as a selling point. The federal program, launched in 1990, gives foreign nationals the chance to obtain permanent residency by investing a minimum of $500,000 in a U.S. business.
ASHVINI PERSAUD Capital One
The catch: The investment must create at least 10 new jobs within two years, or the foreign investor is sent back home. Despite the risk, franchisers see it as a chance to lure buyers who are set up to seal a deal quickly. And for foreign applicants who lack the entrepreneurial chops to launch a venture from scratch, franchises offer a ready-made business model with a proven record.
TINA GANTZ
In terms of safer investment , EB-5 applicants see franchising as a cash cow. In 2013, 6,343 foreign nationals applied to the EB-5 program, up from 6,040 in 2012, and just 470 in 2006. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services estimates that, the program has raised more than $8.6 billion and has created some 57,300 jobs as of 2013. Companies have started to tap the once-dormant program to fund huge projects through foreign investors since the 2008 financial crisis, as traditional forms of financing dried up.
BASIL KOLLIAS Kollias Law
Although Trump administration seeks to curtail work visas that impact job opportunity for Americans, he has focused attention on reforming the H-1B employment visa. Some analyse that the EB5 visa program is aligned with Trump’s policy of protecting the American labor market as EB5 investors make substantial contributions to the U.S. economy.
Foreign attendees of the Expo have a chance to make one-on-one contacts with the top brands in franchising and develop dynamic business relationships. Sounds tempting, but instead of thinking about buying a franchise, I’ll just walk around and enjoy the service of the franchises.
Sice Wu, Chinamerica radio, Javit Centre New York
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