International Franchise Association & IFA Foundation Launch Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council

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Miami, Fla. – At this week’s Open for Opportunity roadshow stop in South Florida, the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the IFA Foundation launched the Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council, a new network for Hispanic franchise leaders from all across the country, and announced Au Bon Pain President Ericka Garza as the Council’s chair.  

The Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council adds to the IFA Foundation’s Diversity Institute and will provide uniquely Hispanic perspectives to franchisees and franchisors through discussions and networking to engage on the personal and professional level. The Council will also highlight the opportunities afforded to the Hispanic community through the franchise business model, amplifying the success of current franchise owners and engaging future franchisees. 

“South Florida is home to a vibrant Hispanic franchise community, so it was the natural place to announce the IFA’s new Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council,” said IFA President & CEO Matt Haller. “I am thrilled that Ericka will be chairing the Council so that she can share her experience and advice with current Hispanic franchise owners and help the industry attract new talent. She has a wealth of knowledge from several franchise brands, and I look forward to working closely with her to support the mission of the Council.”

“The Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council’s mission is critical to the success of Hispanic franchise owners and will provide invaluable resources to them and aspiring franchisees,” said Ericka Garza. “Too often, the stories and successes of Hispanic small business owners go untold. Advocating on behalf of the Hispanic community is a passion of mine, so I am honored to be chairing this new Council to promote our accomplishments and uplift the stories of the thousands of Hispanic franchise owners around the country.” 

An Oxford Economics-IFA study found that Hispanic-owned franchises generate 1.6 times more sales and employ 1.5 times more people per location than their non-franchise counterparts. Among its many findings, the study also found that local franchise businesses pay higher wages and offer better benefits than traditional small businesses. 

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