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Over two days, the Franchise & Small Business Show delivers free sessions, practical masterclasses, innovation and AI workshops, and networking opportunities — all focused on helping you make better decisions. Full programme out in May. Subscribe to our updates for the agenda.
1. NextWork Stream: Big picture, strategy, future of business, ownership thinking
2. Pathways Stream: Buying a business, evaluating options, real discussions, due diligence
3. Elevate Stream: Tools to help you run your business, AI, systems, finance, operations etc.
4. Main Expo: The exhibition floor will feature more than 80 leading suppliers, franchise brands and business service providers showcasing the latest products, services, solutions and opportunities for small businesses and future business owners.
Big-picture conversations about where small business is heading.
NextWork is the main stage for the broader business issues shaping the future of small business in New Zealand. Expect discussions on the future of work, lending and finance, AI and automation, customer expectations, trust, economic pressure, technology, and how better-run businesses will adapt in the years ahead.
This is where you will hear from economists, business leaders, founders and strategic thinkers on the changes that matter most.
Pathways Agenda
Practical guidance for people exploring business ownership.
PATHWAYS is the workshop stage for people considering whether to start a business, buy an existing business or invest in a franchise.
Topics will include comparing ownership options, buying versus building, franchising, due diligence, funding, legal and financial basics, working capital, deal risk, and the questions to ask before making a commitment.
This stage is designed to help people make better-informed decisions before taking the next step into business ownership.
Practical sessions for improving and growing an existing business.
ELEVATE is the workshop stage for owners, managers and operators focused on running a better business.
Topics will include customer experience, customer retention, sales conversion, hiring, people management, systems, delegation, pricing, margin, service delivery, accountability, and practical uses of AI.
This stage is designed for businesses that want to strengthen performance, fix weak spots and improve how they operate day to day.
The Main Expo will bring together more than 80 leading suppliers, business service providers and selected franchise brands supporting small businesses, future business owners and growing companies.
Visitors will be able to explore a wide range of products, services, advice and business opportunities in one place — from finance and lending, legal and accounting services, and business software through to marketing, customer experience, HR, training, operations and growth support.
Whether you are looking to start, buy, improve or grow a business, the exhibition is designed to help you discover relevant solutions, compare options and have direct conversations with the people behind them.
More than content. More than an expo.
The show is designed to help people connect.
From the Networking Breakfast and the exhibitor and speaker networking function, to informal meetings on the exhibition floor and structured five-minute meet-up sessions, visitors will have multiple opportunities to turn interest into real conversations.