Lower Barrier to Entry in a New Market
Relocated entrepreneurs often face challenges with market entry, brand recognition, and local trust.
Franchising provides a proven business model with an existing reputation, making it easier for newcomers to establish themselves in Poland.
Access to Know-How and Support
Franchisors offer training, operational systems, and ongoing support.
This is crucial for entrepreneurs who may lack deep knowledge of Polish regulations, customer habits, or supply chains.
Financing and Risk Reduction
Banks and investors often view franchise businesses as less risky because they are backed by established brands.
For relocated businesses that struggle to access financing, this can be a viable pathway to credit and growth.
Adaptation of Diaspora Businesses
Relocated entrepreneurs may adapt their own concepts into franchise models to scale in Poland and the EU.
This creates opportunities not just to survive, but to grow regionally.
Job Creation and Integration
Franchising promotes employment opportunities for other displaced persons and locals.
It supports economic integration of diasporas into host communities.
Cross-Border Potential
Franchising opens the door for relocated brands to expand beyond Poland into the wider EU.
• It aligns with long-term goals of building resilient transnational business networks.
PROGRAMME
DAY 1
8 October 2025
NYX Hotel, ul.Chmielna 71
00-801, Warsaw, Poland
10:00 – 11:00 REGISTRATION AND NETWORKING COFFEE
11:00 - 11:20 OPENING AND WELCOME SPEECHES
We will present regional business policy trends, emphasize the event's significance, outline objectives, set expectations for the day, and introduce the BDI project
Speakers:
Yauheni Bury, ABBA President
Luca Palazzotto, Program Manager for Belarus, DG ENEST
Andrzej Szumowski, Vice-President of the Polish Chamber of Commerce
11:20 - 13:00 GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES: FRANCHISING INSIGHTS FROM REGIONAL FRANCHISERS + Q&A
The brand session will feature presentations from top regional franchising businesses. Each speaker will share their franchising journey, best practices, and strategies for growth in the competitive market. The session will conclude with a Q&A segment, offering participants the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and gain valuable insights into the franchising world.
Speakers:
Andrzej Wojciechowicz, Head of FMCG Business Consulting (Poland)
Thierry Rousset, Founder at QSR Consultant (Spain)
Tambet Made, Member of the Supervisory Board of the Baltic Franchise Association (Estonia)
Ulad Lukaševič, Owner of LS Coffee (Poland)
Iryna Sivko, Co-founder of MasterBurger (Poland)
13:00 - 14:30 LUNCH
14:30 – 15:00 KEYNOTE SPEECHES: GLOBAL MATTERS
Two keynote speeches by renowned speakers to explore how global economic and social trends shape opportunities for relocated entrepreneurs. Their dialogue will highlight the intersection of regional development, gender perspectives, and international cooperation as key drivers for resilient business growth in exile.
Speakers:
Beata Daszyńska-Muzyczka, President & CEO of the Three Seas Business Council
Marina Mentusova, Gender Researcher, CEO Gender Equality Management
15:00 – 16:30 STARTING & RUNNING A FRANCHISE BUSINESS IN THE EU
The expert session will feature discussions covering legal aspects, successful case studies, challenges, and sector-specific expertise to provide a comprehensive understanding of the franchise landscape.
Speakers:
Marta Ziółkowska, SGH (Poland)
Mara Licia Frigo, Senior Franchise Consultant & CEO at at Quadrante Franchising (Italy)
Maria Andrzej Falinski, General Director of Polish Organization of Trade and Distribution (Poland)
Michał Szałas, Owner of SzałasLegal (Poland)
Moderator: Andrii Romanchuk, Senior Partner at EUCON Legal Group (Poland)
16:30 – 19:00 RECEPTION AND NETWORKING
Presentation of BE BETTER Award and
announcement of the results of the first round of the BE BETTER Award
! Please note that the entire programme of the 1st day will be in English with translation to Belarusian and Ukrainian !
DAY2
9 October 2025
UNITY Hub, pl.Konesera 2
03-736, Warsaw, Poland
10:00 – 11:00 REGISTRATION AND WELCOME COFFEE
11:30 - 13:00 MODERATED SESSION WITH AN AUDIENCE: NETWORKING
FOR GROWTH BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES IN CEE
A moderated networking session allowing participants to introduce themselves, discuss business challenges, and share insights on opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe. Topics will include comparative business advantages, professional development, and fostering cross-country cooperation.
Moderator: Andrey Gnyot
13:00 - 14:30 LUNCH
14:30 - 16:00 WORKSHOP: BUILDING SKILLS FOR LEADERSHIP &
PROBLEM-SOLVING
The interactive workshop will focus on enhancing leadership skills and creative problem-solving. Through practical exercises and real-time feedback, participants will learn valuable techniques to foster collaboration and drive business development in the region.
Experts:
Marina Mentusova, Gender Researcher & CEO of Gender Equality Management
Galyna Kheylo President of Global Payment Association
Iryna Sivko, Co-founder of MasterBurger
Artyom Pisarev, Franchisee of Żabka
16:00 - 16:15 CLOSING REMARKS
! Please note that the entire programme of the 2nd day will be only in Belarusian, Ukrainian, and Russian !
CONTACT DETAILS
QUESTIONS RELATED TO REGISTRATION, WORKSHOP, LOGISTICS
info@abbabusiness.org
MEDIA ACCREDITATION AND REQUESTS
media@abbabusiness.org
GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROJECT
bdi@eurochambres.eu
