Southern Grampians Shire Council is partnering with the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) to highlight the potential business benefits that investing in a business franchise can bring for small business owners.
Hugh Koch, Manager Economic Development and Tourism at Southern Grampians Shire Council said the decision to partner with the FCA originated as a result of a Retail Opportunities Study undertaken previously that compared Hamilton to like towns of a similar size.
“One of the major issues identified was the significant gap of franchise businesses for the region.
“The franchise business model presents a range of options, from traditional main street storefronts to mobile and home-based businesses. Additionally, franchise businesses provide an organisational system, brand recognition and corporate support which reduces barriers to entry,” Mr Koch said.
“Reducing these traditional obstacles to starting a business may greatly enhance opportunities for many first-time entrepreneurs who traditionally lack adequate resources, access to capital and industry experience.
“Franchises offer the brand recognition, efficiency and economies of scale advantages of a chain store while retaining some of the local economy and entrepreneurial benefits that are hallmarks of independent small businesses,” Mr Koch said.
Mayor of Southern Grampians Shire Cr Mary-Ann Brown said Council is implementing a range of strategies with the aim of stimulating investment into the region for economic and population growth.
“By helping to meet the needs of, and maximise the opportunities for, interested franchisors and franchisees, as well as providing a crucial link between government, business and the private sector, we can further enhance the success of the local economy, maintain population growth and diversify the service offering to our community.
“We welcome the opportunity for national franchises to investigate the Greater Hamilton region further and look forward to inviting those who wish to invest in regional areas of Australia to start with a supportive community such as the Greater Hamilton region,” said Mayor Brown.
An information session will be held in Hamilton on Thursday 28 February 2019 to explain the benefits of franchising and provide advice for those who may be considering it as a potential business option. Current local and regional based franchisees will be invited to speak to provide a holistic overview of their operations, including successes and challenges.
To express your interest in attending the information session for franchising, and to obtain relevant regional data, please contact the SGSC Economic Development Officer – Investment Attraction via email at josullivan@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au