NAWF Women Entrepreneurs Empowerment through Entrepreneurship & Innovation How can large corporations help integrate women entrepreneurs into their network? 26 February 2015 Four Seasons Hotel - Beirut, Lebanon Madiha Raslan Vice President The Lebanese Franchise Association

Big brand name went global through the ultimate business model known as Franchising Franchising is a business model aimed at the distribution of goods and/or services based on: the licensing of a brand, a set of intellectual property rights (the brand names, trademarks or trade names associated with the brand), a business format – bundled and sold as an asset. This business “kit” is sold by the franchisor – the founder of the system – to independent partners who each invest in this offer in order to operate the business opportunity for themselves and in respect of the prescriptions of the format. In brief, Franchising is a dynamic concept that is suitable to Lebanon’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Are you ladies seeking new opportunities, where you can be innovative, be your own boss, and get integrated in a special network?

But you may face a number of challenges : acquiring the necessary management skills (making local and international corporate experience extremely useful). accessing technology necessary for business development. difficulty in obtaining credit facilities through the banks or other financial institutions (very few banks have programs targeting women entrepreneurs). most depend on their personal source of finance.

Franchising is the solution to fulfill all your needs I know that you have the ability, but do you have the energy to pursue your own business? Franchising is the solution to fulfill all your needs

What are the requirements that big corporations look for in a franchisee: they look for great organizers who can prioritize well, and have an eye for details. Qualities like these are perfect for operating a franchise. for people who have the ability to think quickly, improvise, and adapt when necessary. Definite strengths when it comes to operating a franchise. for people who are known to have strong networking and communications skills. You Ladies have all these qualities !

Franchising is an ideal solution for ambitious women Entrepreneurs Franchising means a proven track record that enhances the likelihood of success, supported by the fact that franchisors have become more intent on targeting women as business owners. But also where women can be innovative in developing the brand products Example: Dominos' Pizza Franchisee in LA developed “bread Ball Pastas” that the franchisor adapted. Businesswomen can develop the franchise through their own network and add value to it. Women are gifted with originality and new ideas, which allows them to customize and even develop new products, and seek to drive demand in their market or territory. Women are motivated by innovation, a valuable asset for maintaining and increasing market share in any given territory. When the base is successful then innovation implementation becomes easier

Will you be looking for a new franchise opportunity? You can start with LFA  

The Lebanese Franchise Association   LFA was officially established by law in April 2006 as a non-government and non-profit organization that develops and protects the franchise sector in Lebanon, coordinating the efforts of its members in a concerted effort to promote and exemplify excellence in franchising. Membership in LFA Full Members 1-Lebanese Franchisors with a fully comprehensive and defined concept. 2-Lebanese Franchisees who are signatory to foreign franchise agreements. Associate Members: LFA can admit companies who, whilst They do not meet the prerequisite o full membership, commit themselves to work towards meeting these prerequisites within a maximum period of two years. The College of Experts: LFA has a group of experts who possess experience in the various aspects of franchising industry, especially in the fields of program development and legal services.

Objectives of the LFA To reinforce the LFA’s leading economic role as the exclusive franchise community in Lebanon; To anchor LFA position as the largest franchising network in the region; knowing that Lebanon is the biggest Arab country in exporting its franchise brands; To actively promote entrepreneurship and support SMEs growth in Lebanon; To ensure the proper transfer of know-how in all matters related to franchising; To advocate to the protection of Intellectual Property Rights in the Franchising Sector; To become a role model in Business Ethics in the franchising sector in the region; To become an exclusive general resource center for Lebanese franchisors and franchisees; To act as a national, regional and international platform for LFA members.  

Over 250 Concepts To know more about them Follow us on Twitter @LFAlebanon Facebook page: LFALebanon, Website: www.lfalebanon.com Email: info@lfalebanon.com  

Thank you