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Esta página no está disponible en español. Business WireUSHCC To Host Franchising Seminar In Puerto Rico; Seminars Made Possible With $410,000 Grants From The Citigroup Foundation And Verizon Foundation
December 10, 2002 SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico --The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) will offer a free franchise seminar series in Caguas, Puerto Rico. The seminar begins with a Franchise Orientation Session on January 22, 2003. The session will be held at the Municipio Autonomo de Caguas, Centro de Gobierno Municipal Angel Rivera, Avenida Jose Mercado, Esquina Calle Padial, Caguas, Puerto Rico, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. Seating is limited and advance registration is necessary. Registration is available online at www.ushcc.com or call 800/874-2286. The deadline to register is January 15, 2003. The seminar series, titled "Franchising Today: Exploring New Markets & New Opportunities," is a part of a national USHCC initiative created to help increase franchising opportunities for potential Hispanic entrepreneurs. The seminar series debuted in Los Angeles, California in October 2002. In 2003, the seminar will be held in Dallas, Texas; Orlando, Florida; Washington, DC; and New York, NY. The series is being conducted in partnership with Women in Franchising, Inc. (WIF) and is funded by the Citigroup Foundation and the Verizon Foundation. Local partners include Camara de Comercio de Puerto Rico, PromoExport, the Puerto Rico Small Business Development Center, and the Puerto Rico Minority Business Opportunity Committee. Classes will be conducted in English, translator services provided. "Franchising Today: Exploring New Markets & New Opportunities" begins with a Franchise Orientation Seminar to give participants an overview of franchising including terminology, history, legal and financial considerations and franchise viewpoints from industry experts. The series will continue with six class sessions offering participants two evenings per week for three consecutive weeks of intensive classroom training in all aspects of owning a franchise. Attendees of the six classroom sessions will receive a Certificate of Achievement upon completion of the course. (See course schedule below). Faculty for the course includes franchise company representatives, franchisee lawyers, current franchise owners, local lending institutions and technical assistance personnel. Orientation Wednesday January 22 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Session Week One Class One Tuesday, January 28 6:00 - 9:00 pm Class Two Wednesday, January 29 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Week Two Class Three Tuesday, February 4 6:00 - 9:00 pm Class Four Wednesday, February 5 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Week Three Class Five Tuesday February 11 6:00 - 9:00 pm Class Six Wednesday February 12 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Recent attendees commented, "Excellent program"; "Very informative for those interested in purchasing a franchise"; "Each session was 'real' and enjoyable"; "Eye-opening"; "The speakers were excellent and very professional in all aspects"; "Many aspiring entrepreneurs would relish the opportunity to attend a seminar like this!" Experts estimate there are over 300,000 franchised units throughout the United States generating almost $1 trillion annually. Many franchise companies are interested in recruiting Hispanic franchisees into their ranks. "The USHCC has long been interested in franchising as a means of business growth and innovation for Hispanic entrepreneurs," stated George Herrera, USHCC President and Chief Executive Officer. "This effort will help the Hispanic business community arm themselves with the knowledge necessary for them to make the right decision about franchise business ownership." "Citibank, with support from the Citigroup Foundation, is proud to be a sponsor of this innovative new program," said Luis Pena, Director of Hispanic Markets for Citigroup Global Consumer Group. "We recognize the valuable contribution that Hispanic business entrepreneurs are making in fostering economic development in communities across the country and are confident that this program will help strengthen their efforts even further." "Entrepreneurs and small businesses are key engines in creating jobs," said Magda Yrizarry, Director Workforce Development for Verizon Foundation. "Full participation in these opportunities by Hispanics - now the largest minority group in the U.S. -- can only strengthen our economy." The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) represents the interests of more than 1.2 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States and Puerto Rico, which earn more than $200 billion annually. It serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers nationwide, and it actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs. Visit http://events.ushcc.com for information. Women In Franchising, Inc., is the nation's leader in assisting prospective women and minority entrepreneurs in all aspects of franchise business ownership. Founded in 1987 and located in Chicago, Illinois, WIF has developed specialized skill and knowledge in the evaluation, financing and purchase of franchised businesses. The Verizon Foundation supports a variety of programs that focus on improving basic and computer literacy, bridging the digital divide, enriching communities through technology and creating a skilled work force. The foundation promotes partnerships in technology with organizations serving the needs of diverse communities, people with disabilities, and the economically and socially disadvantaged. Citibank is a member of Citigroup (NYSE:C), the preeminent global financial services company with some 200 million customer accounts in more than 100 countries that provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, insurance, securities brokerage, and asset management. Major brand names under Citigroup's trademark red umbrella include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Salomon Smith Barney, Banamex, and Travelers Life & Annuity. The Citigroup Foundation primarily focuses its grant making in three areas: financial education, educating the next generation, and building communities and entrepreneurs. CONTACT: USHCC Maria Ibanez, 202/842-1212
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