It’s The 10th Annual Franchise Expo

Houston welcomes entrepreneurs to the 10th annual Franchise Expo South

Entrepreneurs looking to make their business dreams a reality will be given that chance at this year’s Franchise Expo South on February 11-13 at the NRG Center in Houston.

FES is the premier franchise expo serving the southwestern US, Latin America and the Caribbean, and will host hundreds of top franchise concepts and thousands of current and future entrepreneurs looking to become franchise owners.

Varying in investment levels, over 200 franchise exhibitors at FES will be looking to meet with individuals who are interested in starting their own businesses. They will explain financial options available and expand on the roles and qualifications of a franchise owner.

Sponsored by the International Franchise Association, FES features a range of exhibitors from numerous industries, including automotive, pet, beauty and travel, to name a few. Along with a comprehensive exhibit hall with franchise opportunities on display, there are over 70 educational seminars, which are free to attendees. Sessions called ‘How to Get a Franchise Loan’ and ‘What Do I Need to Know before Buying a Franchise?’ will help entrepreneurs make the right decisions while researching franchise opportunities.

In an industry driven by the desire to stand apart from the rest, here’s a sneak peek at some of this year’s niche exhibiting brands:

Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More

Launched in 2008, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More is a franchise concept specialising in custom decorated apparel, with more than 65 locations nationwide. Big Frog is looking to become the world leader in the $50 billion garment decorating industry.

Each individually owned shop uses unique technology that brings imagination to life with endless design opportunities on T-shirts, sports shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, hoodies, bandanas, onesies, dog clothes, jackets, mouse pads, sports gear and tote bags.

Camp Bow Wow

Established in 2000, Camp Bow Wow is the largest dog day care and boarding franchise in North America. As the brand continues to grow, its philosophy remains the same - it’s all about the dogs. The company is focused on the well-being of its furry clients and the success of its franchisees. Camp Bow Wow also offers dog training, grooming and in-home pet care services.

9Round

Founded in 2008 by professional kickboxer Shannon Hudson, 9Round is a specialised fitness center that brings boxing and kickboxing fitness training to the average person in a convenient, affordable, 30-minute, full body circuit format. The programme is developed around a proprietary and copyrighted system of nine challenging workout stations developed by Shannon himself.

Bach to Rock

This music education school franchise offers programmes for students of all ages. Bach to Rock knows learning music should be fun and students learn best when they play music they enjoy.

Weekly ensemble instruction and band formations lead to public concerts, Battle of the Bands and recording sessions in Bach to Rock’s professional recording studios. The company builds technique, fosters teamwork and enhances self-esteem through private lessons, band instruction and public performances.

American Robotics Academy

The brand offers a franchise opportunity that gives students insight into the importance and impact of robotic technology. Via specialised STEM-driven in-school, after-school and summer camp classes and programmes, American Robotics Academy challenges young people to create, imagine, explore, experience and express themselves through an interactive robotics programme that utilises physics, mathematics, electronics and computer programming.

Last year, more than 8,000 attendees from 45 states and 24 countries visited the NRG Center, which showcased over 200 exhibitors. Nearly half of all attendees already owned a business and were looking to expand their portfolios.

Tom Portesy, president and CEO of MFV Expositions, organiser of FES, says: “Whether it’s the businessminded person who’s been waiting to become their own boss for years or a new graduate looking to get into franchising, Franchise Expo South offers reliable franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs in all walks of life.

“Becoming a franchisee can be one of the most important decisions ever made in a person’s career and we’re here to make sure they’re equipped with a solid foundation to succeed.

“The FES offers eager business prospects the chance to grow to unimaginable heights through franchising and there’s no better way to get the process started than to interact one-on-one with franchise executives from emerging and seasoned brands.”