Official opening of 5th WA Business Opportunities and Franchise Expo

May 2, 1997

Minister for Small Business Hendy Cowan has officially opened the fifth Western Australian Business Opportunities and Franchise Expo at the Burswood Dome.

Mr Cowan commended the organisers of the expo - Exhibitions and Promotions, the Small Business Development Corporation and Commonwealth Bank - for attracting a record number of exhibitors this year.

He said the expo featured a diverse range of exhibits, including franchisors, distributors, professional and business services and Government buyers.

"The expo contributes to the positive approach being taken by Western Australians in the pursuit of success through self-employment," the Minister said.

"The small business sector in WA has grown at a strong rate since the first expo was held in Perth.

"Over the past five years, the number of small to medium enterprises has grown by 21.5 per cent to a total of 83,700. By comparison, the national growth figure for the same period was 8.3 per cent.

"The former Franchising Expo has been incorporated into this year's event - providing visitors with even more new business ideas, seminars and workshops," he said.

"With 26,000 franchisees nationally and an annual turnover of $42 billion, this sector provides an avenue to self-employment in Australia's fastest growing industry.

"The Meet-the-Buyers program has added another dimension to the expo, providing businesses with access to the $6 billion the Government spends on goods, services and infrastructure each year.

"It is the starting point for small businesses wanting to sell to government in that it brings business operators face to face with the purchasing officers from local, State and Federal Government departments.

"These departments have organised a seminar program and will be offering assistance on how to tap into the Government supplier market."

Mr Cowan said the expo also provided the opportunity for new and existing business owners to discuss their ideas with professional service providers, the Small Business Development Corporation and Business Enterprise Centres.

Trade shows were ideal avenues for bringing together the business community to create strong alliances, learn of new developments and promote individual businesses.

The WA Business Opportunities and Franchise Expo will operate from 10 am to 5 pm daily from May 2 to 4. An admission fee of $8 includes entry to the seminar and workshop program.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 222-9595