Channelising this optimism and growing interest in expanding overseas, Franchising Association of India (www.fai.co.in), India’s leading trade body that takes care of the interests of the franchising community organised a workshop on, ‘How to take up a franchise’ in Nepal on 25th January 2008. This was the first ever workshop organised in kathmandu.

The message was clear, help Nepalese businessman, explore Indian franchise partners. This half day workshop had over 200 + delegates, learning about what it takes to start a franchise.

This workshop was conducted by Dhawal Shah, an officer with Franchising Association of India and a franchise enthusiast explained how to evaluate franchise opportunities. He helped participants understand the do’s and don’ts of successful franchising. Be it students, professionals, teachers, politicians or business men everyone wishes to start a business someday and franchising is often the fastest and safest way to entrepreneurship.

Also present at this event was Mr. Naveen Rakhecha, CEO, Cartridge World South Asia. The Franchising Association of India Go Global Committee (www.fai.co.in) assists Indian companies to go global, it has organised several knowledge missions and trade delegations to Singapore, Australia and USA. FAI has also organised several workshops on legal, operational and financial aspects of franchising.

Organising some of the largest franchising events and having recently concluded Indian Franchising Awards 2008, FAI is geared to accelerate the cause of franchising. FAI plans to organise an exhibition in Kathmandu later during 2008.

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The Franchising Association of India is a Membership Organisation of Franchisors, Franchisees, Vendors, Consultants, Financial Institutions and Students and others. Our services are dedicated to provide a one-stop shopping experience for franchising business and with membership of the prestigious World Franchise Council we have ongoing access to knowledge of the World accepted best practice related to Franchising in different areas of business activity as also networking contacts with the WFC member Franchising Associations in different parts of the world for generating new business opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs.

In recognition of the increasing role of franchising in the market place and the very beneficial positive contributions of franchising to the Indian economy, the franchisor and franchisee members of the FAI believe that franchising must reflect the highest principles and standards of fair business practices.

Mission
Tap the vast entrepreneurial energy available in the country by promoting the concept and practice of franchising in India.

Objectives
- Exchange and safeguard the business environment for franchising, both with regard to franchisors and franchisees
- Act as the resource centre for current and prospective franchisors, franchisees, the media and the Government.
- Disseminate knowledge to promote the concept of 'franchising' and propagate it as a healthy business practice.
- Establish a forum for discussion and deliberation on Franchising related matters and problems and help promote the interest of members by organising seminars, conferences and meetings.

Activities
To work towards achievement of the above mission and objectives our activities will include:
- Creation of appropriate forums for discussion of issues and problems related to Franchising.
- International linkages to promote - bringing in of foreign frachisors and best practice for doing business in India through Marketing India at International Expos and otherwise.
- Make representations to the Government with regard to legislative and other measures affecting the promotion of concept and practice of Franchising.
- Encouraging Bank and Venture Capital funding for franchisees.
-Publication of Franchising Successes
- Creation of India's most comprehensive Online Franchise Directory - which helps franchisors promote their business's and attract new franchisees.

For more information about FAI, please visit www.fai.co.in