BNI® Global Seeks To Expand Franchise Network In Kuwait

The World's Leading Business Referral Organization - Which Generated Over $11 Billion USD For Its Member Organizations in 2016 - Aims to Support Business Growth Amongst Local Kuwaiti Entrepreneurs

KUWAIT CITY, April 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, BNI^® – the world's leading networking and business referral organization – is participating in the 1^st Edition of the Entrepreneurship & Franchise Expo Middle East (EFE), an event organized by Franchise Arabia.

With more than 215,000 members in over 70 countries worldwide, BNI is currently exploring opportunities to introduce its franchise in Kuwait, as well as other countries across the Middle East. While at the Expo, BNI plans to host a series of significant meetings this week with local business leaders who are interested in exploring the Master Franchise opportunity available through BNI Global in Kuwait. In addition, BNI's Director of Global Franchise Development, Marcel Portmann, will present at the Expo on key considerations for business leaders when buying a franchise.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a major role in most economies, but particularly across the Middle East and North African region. According to a recent study published by BLOOVO Middle East, 90 percent of the total registered companies in MENA are SMEs. And in the GCC, SMEs alone employ approximately 17 million people.^[1]

"In recent years, Kuwait has seen an exponential rise in entrepreneurship and small business growth," stated Graham Weihmiller, Chairman & CEO of BNI Global. "As a result, there's a tremendous opportunity for BNI here in Kuwait; BNI will provide a truly unmatched global business network for local businesses owners and entrepreneurs who are seeking ways to bolster their growth. Each week, our members gather in 7,800+ chapters across the world to pass business to one another, helping to grow local businesses and economies, and create jobs."

Commenting on the franchisee opportunities available in Kuwait, Portmann stated, "We couldn't be more excited to expand our global footprint by bringing BNI to Kuwait. BNI is an organization for people who love business, and has the right processes, people and culture to be an enduring franchise. Around the world, our Master Franchisees are highly capable and passionate business leaders who thoughtfully and energetically build the BNI brand. They enjoy helping people connect and doing work that makes a positive impact in their communities. I'm thrilled to be here at the Expo this week, and look forward to meeting local Kuwaiti business leaders who want to make a difference, and drive BNI's growth in Kuwait."

Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, USA, BNI serves a greater good by helping businesses around the world to create a culture of collaboration. Givers Gain^® is the underlying philosophy of BNI, meaning that by giving business to others, you will receive business in return.

About BNI
Founded in 1985, BNI is the recognized leader in business networking worldwide. With over 7,800 chapters meeting every week in 73 countries, we have grown to over 215,000 member-businesses. Our members meet each week to share qualified business referrals with their colleagues and to grow personally and professionally with like-minded business professionals. In 2016 alone, BNI member referrals generated over $11 billion USD of business for member-businesses.

BNI Contact Details
For more information about BNI's franchise development opportunities or our franchisee qualification process, visit www.bnifranchise.com or reach out to Marcel Portmann, BNI's Director of Global Franchise Development at franchise@bni.com. For media inquiries including interview requests, please reach out Virginia Pond, BNI's Executive Communications Manager at virginia@bni.com.

^[1] http://news.kuwaittimes.net/website/smes-continue-drive-regional-growth-report/

DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise.  It is for informational purposes only.  BNI will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with any applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your jurisdiction.