For the first time in the history of Gujarat, Franchise Mela Surat -2009 was an event which got tremendous response and clocked more than 5000 walk-ins. When Franchise Mela Surat-2009 opened its doors, thousands of prospective franchisees poured in, each hoping to meet the right franchise match and perfect business opportunity for them Organized between the 7th, 8th and 9th August 2009 at Surat’s first High Street Mall Regent, Franchise Mela Surat-2009 was a huge hit with maximum presence of Investors , not only from Gujarat but also from Rajasthan, Mumbai and other nearby regions. It was a different Franchise Exhibition of its kind.

The visitors had their pick from a variety of Franchise Categories and spent hours to find a company to partner with. With a unique trade concept the Franchise Mela Surat 2009 organized in the Mall, was appreciated by thousands of entrepreneurs of Gujarat. Investors got access to more than 100 companies on showcase with their business opportunities in the Franchise Mela. Not only the free entry, Franchise Marts USP of not charging the investors for franchise facilitation, even through channel partners (FM SHOP) across India, surprised the visitors.

Organized by Franchise Mart and The Times of India in association with Regent High Street Mall it provided the perfect platform for companies to network with hundreds of young entrepreneurs, investors, franchisees and businessmen of Gujarat and different parts of India, keen to set up their own business. It enabled the visitors to get information of various national and international brands under the same roof.

The CEO of Franchise Mart Mr. Alpesh Thakkar lit the lamp and inaugurated the event. In his inaugural speech he said, Franchise Mela Surat 2009 will be a Milestone for budding entrepreneurs & businessmen in Surat. This Franchise Mela is going to create history as this is the biggest matchmaking platform in Gujarat for thousands of potential businessmen who will benefit from it.

The exhibitors at Franchise Mela Surat 2009included companies from sectors such as Apparels, Automotive, Beauty Salon, Book Store, Business Services, Cafeteria, Computer & Internet services. Companies from Consultancy sector, Education & Training, Entertainment, Florists, Food & Beverages, Footwear, Health Care, Immigration, Jewellery, Real Estate, Restaurants, Retail, Sports & Fitness, Travel & Tours, also made their presence.

The visitors at Franchise Mela Surat 2009 were prospective and Potential Franchisees & retailers, Entrepreneurs seeking Profitable Business Opportunities, Retail Investors & Business Buyers, Existing Franchisees both Domestic & International, Retailers & Distributors already representing top brands. Franchise Brands, Retail Brands & Stores, Builders & Real Estate Developers, Property owners from India and overseas, Banks & financial institutions funding the SME sector, Small & Medium Business Owners seeking to expand or diversify their businesses through Franchise networks were also present.

Franchise Mela Surat being a distinctive event organized in Regent High Street Mall, many prospective investors got space and finalized their franchisees in the Mall itself!

Franchise Mela Surat got some great Media coverage. All the leading Newspapers, Radio and TV Channels covered this Mega event for all three days.

The event ended with a bang as the last hour witnessed 476 visitors! The Franchisors at the Franchise Mela were glad to see the overwhelming response to the Mela and promised to be back again to participate in the next Franchise Mela. They appreciated the enthusiasm and seriousness of entrepreneurs of South Gujarat.