The Miami Beach area will heat up Jan. 11-13 when more than 200 franchise companies seek to expand their brand presence in hot Latin markets.  Franchise Expo South, sponsored by the International Franchise Association, will be conducted at the Miami Beach Convention Center, drawing thousands of prospective franchisees to pursue their dreams of financial independence.

Miami Beach serves as a gateway to the Latin market.  Of the nearly 500 prospective franchisees from outside of the United States who came to last year’s Expo, more than 230 were from countries in Latin America, primarily Venezuela.

Company professionals representing franchise systems offering a wide range of concepts and investment levels, from children’s health and fitness to hair and beauty to science to quick-service restaurants, will be available to discuss their businesses with interested prospects. 

More than 20 IFA-member franchise systems headquartered in Florida including Stuart-based Hurricane Grill and Wings, Palm Beach Gardens-based Woof Gang Bakery and St. Petersburg-based Ident-A-Kid Services of America expect to attract potential owners who will enable their expansion efforts in the Southeastern United States and Latin America.  Several concepts from Georgia, including Arby’s of Atlanta and The Athlete’s Foot of Norcross seek investors as well. Prospective franchisees can also investigate unique foreign brands such as Spain’s educational concept for kids, Nutty Scientists.

The Expo, produced by MFV Expositions, provides two seminars including “Opportunities in Franchising for Women and Minorities” and “Franchising 101 for Veterans” in addition to one about franchising basics.  Veterans will be admitted to the Expo free of charge. 

For franchise systems looking to enter the U.S. market or Latin entrepreneurs looking to franchise their small business, several free seminars will be conducted in Spanish on topics including information about understanding the laws that apply to foreign-based systems.
 
The International Franchise Association was formed in 1960 and today represents nearly 10,000 franchisees, 500 suppliers and 1,300 franchise companies.