FLEI Business Show 2026 Opens Business Opportunities Amid Economic Dynamics
Amid global economic uncertainties influenced by geopolitical dynamics, rising living costs, and pressure on purchasing power, more and more people are realising that relying on a single source of income is no longer sufficient. This situation is driving a shift in mindset, where workers are now seeking business opportunities as an alternative for additional income and a form of anticipation against future uncertainties.
This phenomenon aligns with the significant role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM), which contribute more than 60% to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and absorb around 97% of the workforce, according to data from the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs of the Republic of Indonesia. This demonstrates that entrepreneurship is not just an option but an essential part in maintaining economic momentum.
In line with these changes, more structured business models such as partnerships and franchises are increasingly popular because they offer proven systems, more measurable risks, and a more practical process for starting a business compared to building one from scratch. Moreover, this model allows people to start businesses without having to be directly involved in daily operations, thus opening opportunities as investors or business partners.
“In the midst of uncertain global conditions, many companies are starting to hold back on expansion and seek ways to share risks. In this situation, the franchise model becomes increasingly relevant because it allows businesses to grow without bearing the entire burden of investment and operations. This is what makes franchises one of the more adaptive approaches in facing current conditions,” said Evi Diah Puspitawati from Franchise Academy Indonesia.
This view is also reinforced by field trends. The General Chair of the Indonesian Franchise and License Association (WALI), Levita Ginting Supit, observes a shift in mindset among workers and professionals.
“We see a quite significant change, where more and more workers are no longer relying solely on their main income but are also starting to build their own businesses. Franchises become one entry point because the system is already more ready, so they can start without having to go through a long trial-and-error process,” said Levita.
To meet this need, the FLEI Business Show 2026 emerges as a forum that brings together business opportunities with people who want to start businesses in a more certain way. Not standing alone, the FLEI Business Show 2026 will also take place alongside the Café Brasserie Expo and Morefood Expo, making this one venue a broader space for business exploration. Over four days of the exhibition, visitors can explore more than 400 brands from various industries, with a target attendance of 25,000 visitors. The presence of three exhibitions at once certainly opens up more opportunities for the creation of inspiration, connections, and business transactions, both for visitors and business actors.
“What we see currently is that many people already have the desire to start a business, but are still looking for the right business model that can be run directly. We present the FLEI Business Show as a place where they can meet brands directly, see the system, and understand how the business can be run in reality, not just as a concept,” said Rulief Harjianto, Project Manager of FLEI Business Show 2026.
In addition to presenting various business opportunities, the FLEI Business Show 2026 is also equipped with programmes such as business conferences, inspirational sessions from industry players, free business consultations, and business matching to help visitors understand and choose the most suitable and ready-to-run business opportunities.
The organisation of the FLEI Business Show 2026 is also strengthened by support from various parties, including the Ministry of Trade, associations and communities such as HIPPINDO, APINDO, ASLI, TES, and TWDC, as well as international strategic media partners Asiawide Franchise Consultants and World Franchise Associates (WFA). This collaborative support further affirms the position of the FLEI Business Show 2026 as a credible and relevant platform in driving entrepreneurship growth in Indonesia.
The press conference for the FLEI Business Show 2026 was also supported by GoWork as a venue partner. GoWork provides co-working spaces in major cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Tangerang, Medan, and Bali. With a focus on flexibility and community, GoWork offers various workspaces, from co-working spaces to private offices, that support businesses at various stages. GoWork’s multifunctional event spaces also become options for important events such as town halls, press conferences, and networking. GoWork’s support reflects FLEI’s commitment to creating an inclusive and comprehensive business platform.
Amid ongoing economic changes, the FLEI Business Show 2026 presents itself as a space for people to open new opportunities and take concrete steps in building businesses. More than that, this entrepreneurship growth also has the potential to create new jobs and drive economic circulation. From individuals who previously acted as job seekers, now more and more are transforming into opportunity creators. For anyone starting to consider steps towards financial independence, this event becomes an opportunity to get to know, learn, and find opportunities that match current needs.
The FLEI Business Show 2026 will be held from 7 to 10 May 2026 at JIEXPO Kemayoran, Jakarta. Visitor tickets can be obtained through the official website https://franchise-expo.co.id/ticket.