Franchising – a vehicle for entrepreneurship development in Singapore

Chong Li Choy | Mark Goh

This article argues that business format franchising is a form of entrepreneurship development that provides the franchisee with the necessary knowledge and practice as well as supplies and service support to run a viable business. It discusses the various scenarios under which a franchising
arrangement may help develop entrepreneurship successfully and provides case illustrations. The first relates to the modernization of traditional local retail businesses which enables them to hold their own in the face of competition from the entry of larger international retail businesses
into the Singapore market. The assistance given to such existing small businesses is equally relevant in developing the business knowledge and skills, as well as the much-needed business contacts, of a new entrepreneur. The second case relates to overseas business expansion which involves
the development of franchisee entrepreneurs abroad. The sprouting of copycat entrepreneurs resulting from such franchises can also be seen to have a developmental effect on entrepreneurship. The third case relates to the promotion of intrapreneurship, which in practice resembles a franchising-type
arrangement.