By Kiani Alvarez
News@franquiciasmagazine.com

NEW YORK, NY - November 1, 2024:- The Franchise Expo Austin, scheduled for Friday & Saturday, November 15 &16, 2024, at the Renaissance Austin Hotel, is shaping up to be a key event for both established entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners.  Texas holds the title as the #1 state for franchise growth in the United States, with a robust environment that supports the expansion of new and existing franchises. This growth is fueled by Texas's favorable business climate, diverse and expanding population, and supportive economic policies. Texas cities, particularly Austin, have become magnets for franchise businesses aiming to reach a vibrant customer base in a dynamic economy.

Austin, Texas's capital city, has seen tremendous growth over the past decade, evolving into a major hub for innovation and business. Its strong economy, driven by tech industries, creative arts, and a booming real estate market, has created fertile ground for franchises looking to expand in a thriving metropolitan area. The city’s growth is also marked by its expanding Latino population, which has played a significant role in Austin's economic and cultural landscape.

Latino entrepreneurs are opening businesses at a high rate in Austin, contributing to the city’s economic diversity. The rise in Latino-owned businesses has spurred more franchise opportunities, particularly in industries like food and beverage, beauty, retail, and health services, where Latinos have a strong influence. This increase in Latino businesses supports the growth of the Latino community by creating jobs and expanding consumer choices that reflect the community’s cultural values and preferences.

As Texas continues to lead in franchise growth, cities like Austin, with Latino population numbered 312,448, accounting for 32.5% of the city's total residents according with Austin Texas Services, demonstrate the potential for businesses to thrive, especially when tapping into the strength of the Latino community and its entrepreneurs. With a growing Latino presence, Austin exemplifies how Texas is not only a leader in franchise growth but also a model for diversity-driven economic expansion.

This year's Expo will feature the Latino Franchise Association Pavilion, showcasing successful Latino-owned franchises, along with the conference "The Progress of Latinos in Franchising," offering valuable insights through discussions and expert panels. The Expo will also host hundreds of franchise brands, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to learn more about franchising and connect with business opportunities that align with their goals. Thousands of visitors are expected to explore the diverse range of franchise products and services, making this event an ideal destination for those looking to invest in their dream franchise.

Latino Franchise Association Pavilion and Conference
The Latino Franchise Association Pavilion will highlight a variety of successful Latino-owned franchises, including brands like Movita Juice Bar, Quesadilla Gorilla, CoolVu Franchise, and more. This pavilion reflects the growing influence and success of Latino entrepreneurs in the franchise industry.

Alongside the Expo, the "The Progress of Latinos in Franchising" conference will offer attendees two days of educational sessions led by prominent figures in the franchising world. These discussions will provide valuable insights on franchise ownership, financing, and growth strategies, especially targeted toward the Latino community.

Featured Panels and Speakers
The agenda for the "The Progress of Latinos in Franchising" conference is packed with insightful sessions led by franchise industry leaders:

Friday, November 15, 2024

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: PANEL: The Progress of Latinos in Franchising
This panel will discuss the growth and economic impact of Latinos in the Franchise Industry.
Panelists:

• Rafael Alvarez CFE, CEO & Founder of the Latino Franchise Association (LFA)
• Martin Joksimovic, President of MFV Expositions
• Iván Jiménez, CFO of the Latino Franchise Association
• Dr. John Hayes CFE, Director and Chair of the Titus Center for Franchising

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: PANEL: Latino/Latina Franchisors and Brand Founders
Successful Latino and Latina franchisors will share their experiences and strategies for building and scaling their franchise brands.
Panelists:

• Mike Herrera, President of CoolVu Franchise
• Nathali Oliveira, CEO & Founder of Bambu Brasil Franchise
• Jorge Campos, Co-Founder and CFO of Movita Juice Bar Franchise
• Paulo Argollo, CEO & Founder of Threenity Franchise
• Kiani Alvarez, Chief Marketing Officer of Latinx Franchise Brands
• Elani Alvarez, Comptroller of Latinx Franchise Brands

Saturday, November 16, 2024

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: The Franchise of Your Life
This session, held in Spanish, will guide future franchisees on how to find the right franchise that aligns with their goals and passions.
Speaker:

• Jorge Valencia CFE, President of El Instituto Latinoamericano de la Franquicia, from Mexico City

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Creative Ways to Raise Money for Your Franchise Launch

Panelist:

• Gregory Ugwi, CEO & Founder of WeFranch, will lead a panel of experts offering practical advice on innovative financing sources, such as angel investors, crowdfunding, and small business loans. 
• Brian Robinson,  Manager of Franchise Development for American Family Care (AFC).
• Chudi Mbanefo, Sales  franchise Account Executive for Paylocity Payroll & HR.

Martin Joksimovic, President of MFV Expositions, expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with the Latino Franchise Association. "We are thrilled to welcome the Latino Franchise Association as a key participant in this year’s Expo. Their Latino-owned brands pavilion adds dynamic energy to the event, and we are proud to support the contributions of Latino entrepreneurs to the franchise industry."

Rafael Alvarez, CEO and Founder of the Latino Franchise Association, shared his excitement about participating. "We are incredibly excited to be part of the Austin Franchise Expo. This event provides a fantastic platform to showcase the talent, creativity, and success of Latino entrepreneurs. I personally want to thank Martin Joksimovic and MFV Expositions for opening the doors to the Latino Franchise Community and giving us this opportunity to shine."

Why Attend?
The Austin Franchise Expo 2024 offers an exceptional platform to learn about franchising, network with industry leaders, and explore business opportunities. The Latino Franchise Association Pavilion and the "The Progress of Latinos in Franchising" conference provide unique access to success stories, guidance, and new ventures in the franchise world.

Event Details:
Dates: November 15-16, 2024
Location: Renaissance Austin Hotel, Austin, Texas
Latino Franchise Association Pavilion: Featuring Movita Juice Bar, Paycity, CoolVu, etc.
Conference: "The Progress of Latinos in Franchising"
Sponsor: Paylocity Payroll
For more information on this event, visit the Latino Franchise Association's website.

https://www.latinofranchise.org/el-progreso-of-latinos-in-franchising-conference-franchise-expo-austin