Franchising - a recession proof small business model Richard Mukheibir The risks for new business owners increase daily, but an existing model is gaining momentum and support in the economy. With the petrol price rise on April 5th, the petrol price increased by 36c a litre, pushing the petrol price to over R14 per litre. This fuelled by the weakening rand contributes to increase food prices and other input costs. Add that to the slow GDP growth as well as the increasing cost of labour and the risks for new business owners starts increasing dramatically. While the risks may be high, there are business models that entrepreneurs can consider. “Franchising as an example offers prospective entrepreneurs a tried and trusted model that provides the concept, support and infrastructure that new businesses need,” says Cash Converters managing director Richard Mukheibir. Mukheibir believes that the current economic outlook is like “the wings behind us”. In his franchise model, i...

MSC Business College now in Bloemfontein How the new Bloemfontein franchise started The new Bloemfontein owners first met with MSC Business College at the FASA expo in May 2013. They identified many benefits to owning an MSC College. Some of the key benefits were the high entry levels into the college market as well as the impact that a college could have by delivering quality education - an opportunity provided for by MSC Business College. They developed a relationship with the MSC Business College staff and realised that MSC prides itself on quality, professionalism and going the extra mile for their franchisees. After extensive market research, they drafted their business plan intending to open an MSC Business College in Bloemfontein. Financing was attained through a working relationship with SA Franchise Warehouse and Business Partners. The speedy shopfitting and continuous organizational support from head office enabled the two young businessmen to set-up office and start rec...