Franchising: An effective approach to business in Latin America.

With a fast-rising population of more than 500 million, Latin America is one of the most attractive markets in the world for new business investment. The region's rising personal income is opening the door for new consumer-oriented ventures, and a rebounding economic climate means new opportunities to meet the needs of Latin businesses.

For many entrepreneurs and investors, franchising is an effective approach to doing business in Latin America, offering the benefits of a well-established brand name and the experience of a team of professionals.

While there is risk involved with any new venture, franchises generally provide the training, business systems and personal support that help individuals achieve success in their chosen markets.

"Success does not follow a single pathway or personality profile," says Edna C. Sandier, president and CEO of Sandler Sales Institute, an organization that offers a franchised sales system in the U.S. and Canada. But Sandler adds that certain features do stand out: The willingness to take personal responsibility for business results, the discipline to prepare written goals and action plans, the ability to learn new concepts rapidly, a history of business and sales success, and a realistic business plan with financing.

For motivated entrepreneurs with the desire to succeed, franchising provides a way to achieve that individual dream. Here are some of the exciting franchise opportunities now available in Latin America and the Caribbean.

THRIFTY CAR RENTAL

Thrifty Car Rental has one thing on its mind as it enters the new millennium -- "customer service." As a major force internationally, with more than 1,200 locations in 62 countries around the globe, Thrifty hasn't gotten where it is today by resting on its laurels.

"Our international network of franchise owners is 100% committed to providing the utmost in customer service to its customers," said Mike Net, director of operations and development for Thrifty in Central America, Mexico and Latin America (CMLA). "We are looking for entrepreneurs with this same philosophy who are interested in development opportunities," said Net, "particularly in South American countries like Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Today, Thrifty has 83 locations in the region, including 33 in Mexico, with the balance in these countries: Anguilla, Antigua, Argentina, Aruba, the Bahamas, Belize, the Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, St. Barthelemy, St. Croix, St. Kitts/Nevis, St. Maarten/St. Martin, Tobago and Trinidad.

"As you can see, we have a significant presence already," said Net. "But we are aggressively focused on completing our network in South America to further build on the synergies in the region."

Dedicated to serving the needs of its "team owners," Thrifty is the largest franchise rental company in the world, with nearly 95% of its locations franchise-owned. Thrifty is a value-oriented car rental company that has a significant presence in both the airport and local car rental markets. The company participates in a variety of frequency-based international marketing programs with airlines and hotel chains, including Aeromexico, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hilton Corporation, Trans World Airlines, United Airlines and LatinPass.

Thrifty offers its licensees a worldwide reservation network, worldwide advertising, operational support and training. Thrifty's parent company is Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. and trades on the New York Stock Exchange as DTG.

SUBWAY [R] RESTAURANTS

During the past 35 years, SUBWAY [R] Restaurants has grown to become the world's largest submarine sandwich chain, as well as the world's second largest fast-food restaurant. Currently, there are more than 14,440 locations in 73 countries.

Years of experience have allowed SUBWAY [R] to fine-tune its franchise program to keep the investment low and the operation simple and efficient. From step one throughout the entire franchise process, SUBWAY [R] provides training and assistance in all areas of operation. In fact, to facilitate development in Latin American countries, SUBWAY [R] opened a training center in Costa Rica to train franchisees and managers.

SUBWAY [R]'s brand name and product recognition continue to inspire partnerships in Latin America.

PERKY'S PIZZA

Perky's Pizza, the "un-franchise," is seeking master licensees in Argentina, Chile and Brazil as well as other regions of South America and the Caribbean. A branded food service program, Perky's Pizza outlets offer fresh-baked pizza products inside high-traffic locations like convenience stores, universities and airports.

Latin America is the fastest-growing market for Perky's Pizza, representing nearly half of its 550 outlets around the world, says Oswaldo Rodriguez, manager of international store operations. Many franchises are in Esso Tiger market stores through Latin America and the Caribbean.

"A major advantage of our program is that we do not charge a franchise fee," says Rodriguez. "Whatever profits are made from sales go directly to the owner/operator."