The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the International Franchise Association, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Global Technology Network invite Georgia small business franchisers to meet with potential Egyptian franchisees in Cairo, Egypt, Oct. 21-23.
“Georgia and other Southeastern small business franchisers can use this mission to shortcut directly to pre-screened potential Egyptian franchisees. If they have an interest in Egypt, this should definitely save the franchisers both time and money,” Ray Gibeau, international trade and finance specialist with the U.S. Export Assistance Center here, told GlobalFax.
The areas of automotive products, education and training, laundry and dry cleaning, building maintenance, printing and graphics, security, specialty foods and business services have best prospects, he said.
The mission will include business appointments with prospective partners, a reception at the U.S. Embassy, meals, ground transportation and translators. Optional sightseeing tours may also be scheduled.
Franchising is a relatively new concept in Egypt, but 33 U.S. fast-food franchisers operate there, including Chili’s, Hard Rock Café, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Little Caesar’s Pizza, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Popeyes, Subway and TGI Friday’s.
Non-food franchises, however, are largely unexplored, said Mr. Gibeau, with limited presence in the fields of car rental, education, health and fitness, electronic, clothing and cosmetics.
Participating companies must be small business franchisers as defined by SBA size standards and attendees must be company decision makers.
Cost is $1,500 per company, not including air travel or lodging. Apply by Wednesday, Sept. 5, with Susan Shirley at sshirley@datexinc.com or (917) 607-0172. Contact Mr. Gibeau at (404) 657-1961.