Your Business

So is the world of business for women? Pose this question to Google and you’ll get an astonishing 5,820,000,000 results, starting with examples of the many women who have achieved incredible feats in business.

For women and men alike, the hardest part of the journey to success is often just knowing where to start. Enter the Business Opportunities & Franchise Expo (BOFE). The expo is owned and managed by Thebe Exhibitions and Projects and is presented together with Partner and Platinum Sponsor, the Eskom Foundation and Silver Sponsor, Standard Bank. This year’s expo takes place from 13-16 September 2012 at the Coca-Cola dome in Johannesburg and will be a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs.

BOFE will reveal a world of opportunities for entrepreneurs, start-ups, investors as well as successful business owners who are looking to expand or diversify their portfolios. The expo is more than just a showcase of opportunities. It’s a highly supportive event that includes free workshops with step-by-step guidance on precisely how to get started and grow in business. It’s also a networking-oriented event where people go to share, exchange and to glean information, ideas and knowledge from other highly motivated participants.

Women Are Natural Leaders

The general consensus of numerous research studies, conducted over several decades, is that women bring to business a unique and innate skill set that sets them up for success. Women are excellent communicators, they are often more democratic in their leadership and more nurturing in the workplace than men are and these are all characteristics that make great leaders and successful business owners.

So all that remains for women is to find a business opportunity or niche that is suited to their talents, skills, aspirations and finances, and the good news is that these opportunities can be found at the Business Opportunities and Franchise Expo.  

A glance at the exhibitors’ who will be participating, reveals a cross-section of business opportunities in the food, skincare, health, beauty, child and youth education fields – all sectors in which women traditionally excel. Of course not all women are traditional and that’s just as well, because there are many more choices besides, including businesses in the financial services, security, manufacturing and IT fields.  

In addition to those companies showing business opportunities, are a host of exhibitors whose business is to support other businesses. From financing to accounting and payroll solutions, entrepreneurs will find the support they need at the expo.

Yes, the demands on women are many and balancing childcare, marriage and working will always be a challenge for women with families. The Business Opportunities & Franchise Expo is however focused on lowering the barriers to entry for those women (and men) who are determined to be in business for themselves, from work-from-home and part-time opportunities to large franchise options. So whether you have an idea that could turn into an empire or simply want to create an opportunity and income that will allow you the flexibility you need in your schedule, explore the options at the Business Opportunities & Franchise Expo and make an informed decision about your future career.

The Business Opportunities & Franchise Expo runs from Thursday, 13 September to Sunday, 16 September 2012, from 09:00 to 17:00 at the Coca-Cola dome in Northriding, Johannesburg. For more information on exhibitors, opportunities and workshops, visit www.bofe.co.za