The first regional edition of Expofranquicias 2013, which kicks off Sept. 26 in Costa Rica, will offer several options to purchase a franchise starting from $5,000 all the way up to $1 million.
Representatives of some 60 franchise companies from the United States, Mexico, Uruguay, Spain, Costa Rica and other Central American countries will offer those opportunities at the Wyndham Herradura, in the province of Heredia.
Karol Fallas, director of the National Franchise Center at Costa Rica’s Chamber of Commerce (CCCR), said that entrepreneurs looing to start their own businesses may find attractive opportunities as many of the participating companies will be offering purchase prices that include initial investment costs and down payments.
Admission to the fair is free and open to the public on Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Organizers also created a virtual fair that will be online for several months and will allow participants to promote their products and services after the fair ends.
They also created a smartphone app available for download with Android and iOSÂ devices. The application offers detailed information about franchising exhibitors and contact information for scheduling business meetings.
Online fair visitors also can register to participate in free forums and keynote speeches related to the franchise business model. Those interested can register at: http://expofranquicia.franquiciascostarricenses.cr/Chats
Some of the participating companies are: Anytime Fitness, Our Yogurt, Mioderma, Quiznos Sub, Bakeries Tutu, Coldwell Banker, Petcafé, Fogo Brasil, Mooyah Burguers, BARDU Café, The Green Olive, Body Wrap, Clean & Clean, Chantilly, Sub Zero, National Car Rental, among others.
Data from the CCCR indicate that so far this year the franchise sector in Costa Rica has generated more than $4 million in direct investment, and it is estimated that in coming months it may add some $2 million.
The Fourth Sector Franchising Study released last month by the CCCR reported franchise businesses in Costa Rica generate 27,003 direct jobs, of which 21,381 were created by international franchises and 5,622 belong to local franchises.
The study identified 233 franchised brands, 189 international and 44 local. This figure represents an increase of 5.4 percent compared to 2012, but also represents a 55.3 percent growth, compared with the number of franchises in the country three years ago.
This year saw the entry of five international brands and the development of six new local franchises, and it is expected that 11 international franchises will be launching businesses in the next few months, according to the CCCR study.
