AHEAD Tutorial & Review Center kept itself abreast of the newest trends in the business and marketing landscape when it joined the Philippine SME (small and medium enterprises) and Franchise Expo, a three-day convention held at the PICC Forum in Pasay City last October 2011.

The SME Expo focused on franchising as an emerging business trend, an encouragement for budding entrepreneurs to embark on a venture even with just a small capital. This fellowship of sorts drew 120 exhibitors, including AHEAD, from different business profiles. It served as a platform to exchange information and best practices in the industry.

Government offices also disseminated information on the rights of entrepreneurs and consumers. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) lectured on the process of starting a business, while director general Ricardo Blancaflor of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) reminded participants of trademark values.

Recognizing the crucial role of SMEs in the growth of the economy, the SME Expo also showcased their products in domestic and foreign markets, in hopes of improving the distribution of their products between local manufacturing and trade sectors.

Visitors were given a chance to enjoy free services, workshops, and classes such as the Go Negosyo forum, seminars on corporate social responsibility, environmental awareness, and solid waste management, among others. Awards were also presented to outstanding franchise entrepreneurs and supporting institutions.

The SME Expo is the only international convention solely dedicated to SMEs, where 80 percent of the visitors flock to the exhibition to source new products. The exhibit was divided into global business network product innovation and technology; business management and marketing; banking and finance; financial and trade services; and strategic partnership, networking, and alliances. heart.