Great American Franchise Expo Logo (PRNewsfoto/Great American Franchise Expo)

Amid all of the economic turmoil, some bright spots continue to signal the way forward for business owners. With many events now held online, easy and convenient access is readily available to entrepreneurs in various locations. The following virtual business opportunities also serve as great models for building positive momentum and problem solving during the pandemic as well as transitions moving into the future:

Virtual Trade Show: Great American Franchise Expo  

Virtual Reality Franchise Expo (VRFE) at www.franexpousa.com will take place on May 14, 2020, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST.

Entrepreneurs from around the world can access hundreds of franchise concepts online and interact live with franchise executives to discuss how to get back in business after the pandemic ends. As an added benefit, many of these companies will be offering full tours in virtual reality accessible online or with free virtual reality headsets, which they can request when signing up.

Coronavirus agility is being demonstrated by The Great American Franchise Expo as it pivots from a traditional trade show format to an Online Virtual Reality Trade Show. The expo has been  innovative using virtual reality–computer technology creating a simulated environment through 360-degree multiple images–in franchising since 2017.

Unlike traditional user interfaces, virtual reality places the user inside an experience. Instead of viewing a screen in front of them, users are immersed and able to interact with 3D worlds. By simulating as many senses as possible, such as vision, hearing, touch, even smell, they are submerged in an artificial world.

Hightower Launches “Elevate,” a Virtual Business Enrichment Program

Hightower has launched “Elevate,” a 20-week virtual business enrichment program designed to help Hightower advisors master practical ways to propel their business forward through the current crisis and beyond. This online education series features a mix of collaborative webinar meetings, video lectures and workshops on specific topics such as organic growth, human capital, scale and efficiency and business valuations.

Elevate” courses for the  virtual business enrichment program began during the first week of May. Delivered through Hightower’s Advisor Success program and subject matter experts, each Elevate course is limited to 20 participants to maximize engagement and action.

Hightower offers independent-minded advisory businesses a capital-rich partner and customizable suite of services designed to help accelerate both organic and inorganic growth. In addition to capital, Hightower provides an advanced, integrated advisor platform including technology, compliance, accounting, payroll, human resources, investment research/due diligence and marketing services. Advisory groups that partner with Hightower also gain access to business development consulting and education, leadership and team development, economies of scale, deep industry relationships and a supportive advisor community.

Virtual AEC/RE Pitchathon to Assist Innovative Startups

Venture capital investment firm Shadow Ventures will hold a virtual AEC/RE Pitchathon for startups. The virtual business event will connect a global community of investors, architects, engineers, contractors and real-estate professionals with 60-plus pre-seed to Series B startups offering groundbreaking innovation in their market segments. The first-ever, all-online event within the AEC/RE space will be held on June 2-3, 2020, and will focus on five technology areas: DesignTech, ConTech, EnviroTech, PropTech, and InfraTech. The deadline for presenter applications is May 20, 2020.

In a new report by Startup Genome that looks at the impact of COVID-19 on startup ecosystems, two-thirds of startups surveyed said they will run out of money within 6 months, while 4 out of 10 startups said it will happen within 3 months. The Shadow Ventures virtual AEC/RE Pitchathon is an effort to support groundbreaking startups during the pandemic and its ripple impact on the economy.

By artsbiz365

Andrea Karen Hammer, a Philadelphia-based freelance writer, is the founder, CEO and owner of Artsphoria Inclusive & Collaborative Publishing, Media Group & Shop (https://www.artsphoria.org). She leads the operation and innovation at Artsphoria: Arts, Business & Technology Center (https://www.artsphoria.biz), Artsphoria Event Advertising & Reporting (https://www.artsphoria.info); Artsphoria International Magazine (https://www.artsphoria.com), Artsphoria Movie Reviews & Film Forum (https://www.artsphoria.us); Artsphoria: Food for the Soul (https://artsphoria.live); Artsphoria's Animation & Imagination World (https://www.artsphoria.net) and Artsphoria Shop (https://artsphoriashop.com).

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