Entrepreneurs Explore Opportunities at Entrepreneur & Franchise Expo 2014

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The recently concluded Entrepreneur & Franchise Expo 2014 opened business opportunities to business professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs last June 27-29, 2014 at the Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. With the tagline “Your Step to Success!” the expo was dedicated to empower over 100 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from various business sectors.

Organized by MediaCom Solutions, Inc, sponsored by Injoy Philippines, 2Go Express, Globe MyBusiness, Benchmark Email Marketing, Uber Technologies, Infinity Hub and Gleent Innovations, the Entrepreneur & Franchise Expo 2014 was officially launched last Friday, June 27, 2014. The opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by local and international entrepreneurs and business executives from various industry sectors that supported the expo’s advocacy. Gracing the event was Mandaluyong City Councilor and Vice Chair for MSME Development Council, honorable CHARISSE ABALOS; Young Entrepreneur Society Philippines President, HENRY ONG; Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Mandaluyong President, ANDREW ONG; ATTY. NIKKI DE VEGA, President of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mandaluyong; together with 2Go Express AVP for Retail Sales and Marketing JOANNE RAMOS; Globe MyBusiness Trade Marketing Manager for Emerging Channels KRISTINE TRAVINO; celebrity food entrepreneur KIAN KAZEMI, president of Persia Grill; email marketing innovator CHUCK SCHIPPER, director & business development EMEAA @ Benchmark Internet Group, LLC (USA), international networking entrepreneur NILS WALLE, founder of the Freight Summit (Hong Kong); branding and design entrepreneur GILMAR PADUA, founder of Infinity Hub; CHRISTIAN RAEUBER of MediaCom Solutions Inc.; design strategist and brand expert BRIAN TENORIO, founder of KKK Coffee; Australian Actress singer lead in 'The Boston' Kitchen Musical and GMA talent NATALIA MOON, celebrity entrepreneur and Mercato Centrale co-founder RJ LEDESMA, and many more.

Celebrity Entrepreneur RJ Ledesma gives tips on vision setting on the road to entrepreneurship

 Highlight of the opening ceremony was the EFE Awards 2014, a recognition of distinguished brands who continue to manifest excellence in the entrepreneurship and franchising industry. Included in the roster of awardees are PHILIPPINE BANK OF COMMUNICATIONS (Best Bank), ESQUIRE FINANCINGINC. (Best Financing Company), FOREVER RICH (Best Health Company), ELITE NAIL SPA (Best Wellness Company), YSA SKIN CARE (Best Beauty Company), PAMPANGA’S BEST (Best Food Company), GLORIA JEANS COFFEE (Best Beverage Company), BENCHMARK EMAIL (Best Business Solutions), WE SERVE GENERICS PHARMACY (Best Pharmaceutical Company & Medical Company), JETTI PETROLEUM (Best Petroleum Company). UNIOIL, TAPA KING and NACHO KING were awarded as Outstanding Franchising Company of the year for their continuous contribution to the growth and success of franchising in the Philippines. Special recognitions were given to INJOY, GLOBE MYBUSINESS, 2GO EXPRESS for their continuous support and outstanding contributions to the business community. Moreover, PRIVATO HOTEL was recognized as one of the most promising hotels in the Metro for upholding a high standard of excellence in the luxury hotel industry, as well as EC GAS (by EASTERN PETROLEUM) for its excellence in innovating quality and safe business products with its first and only explosion proof Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Composite Fiberglass Cylinders.

EFE managing director David Abrenilla together with Injoy Philippines team

The 3 -day exhibition featured the latest products and services of 100 innovative businesses from various business sectors, like food, technology, tourism, business solutions, fashion, retail, entertainment and many more with over 10,000 expected visitors and business professionals. Visitors had the opportunity to connect with inspiring local and international business leaders, found great investment opportunities, indulged in delicious food tastings, availed of exclusive discounts and promotion, won great raffle prizes, as well as learned the latest trends in business and entrepreneurship, through various activities at the stage area.

To kick-off the seminars lined-up for all three days, celebrity entrepreneur RJ Ledesma, co-founder of Mercato Centrale, opened with a talk on “Vision Setting On The Road To Entrepreneurship”. This was then followed by sales champ Jonathan Petalver who discussed the see saw principle in selling and Infinity Hub founder Gilmar Padua who shared digital marketing tips for small businesses. 

Entrepreneur Success Summit 2014 speakers together with aspiring entrepreneurs

Highlighting the second day of the expo was actress, host and Ever Bilena Cosmetics Special Events Officer Francine Prieto as she shared guidelines on how to start one’s business with a small capital. This was then followed by Tax 101 by tax whiz Mon Abrea and talk on how to do a powerful presentation by Alvin Tan of GNN’s SME’s Forum.

Coinciding with the second day of the expo is the ENTREPRENEUR SUCCESS SUMMIT (ESS) 2014 held from 1pm-7pm at the Megatrade Function Room. ESS was a comprehensive series of talks by more than 20 young local and foreign entrepreneurs and business innovators who shared their time and secrets to success to empower business owners, professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses and bringing to life their ideas. The summit featured 5 talking topics: Building a successful Start Up Business, Money Mind 101, Passion4Fashion Entrepreneurship, Building a Food Empire and New Media Marketing.

Jetti Petroleum named as Best Petroleum Company

The most anticipated talk on 10 Commandments of Building a Successful Franchise was discussed by multi-awarded franchise developer Mr. Rudolf Kotik, founder of Filipino International Franchise Association during the third day. Among the tips Kotik shared are the benefits of franchising, deadly mistakes in franchising, regulatory and legal requirements, proper franchise development and more.

Entertainment was also present during those three days. Powerful song numbers from Natalia Moon Australian Actress singer lead in 'The Boston' Kitchen Musical; Chivas Malunda of Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2; and Pop-OPM Recording artist, songwriter, model, & actor Garth Garcia. MOR 101.9 DJ Papi Charls also graced the event for two days and livened up the crowd through fun games.

EFE managing director David Abrenilla together with Globe MyBusiness team

Visitors were also treated to raffle prizes and giveaways from Mrs. Fields, Mary Pauline Salon, BN Whitening Shoppe, Ever Bilena, Yan-Yan International Corporation, KC Perfumes, Forever Rich, Dermacare Face Body Laser Center, EC Gas by Eastearn Petroleum, Gloria Jeans Coffees, Once Upon A Milkshake, YSA Skin Care, Foss Coffee and many more with a grand raffle prize of an overnight accommodation with breakfast at El Puerto Marina, Beach Resort and Vacation Club in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

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