FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Gionne Jones, IFA, 202-662-0772

gjones@franchise.org

IFA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION LAUNCHES YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS IN FRANCHISING GLOBAL COMPETITION

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2014 — The International Franchise Association’s Educational Foundation (IFAEF) is pleased to announce the launch of the Young Entrepreneurs In Franchising Global Competition, a contest targeting students and young entrepreneurs around the world. The contest will run from Oct. 22 through Dec. 1. It will be hosted on the newly launched NextGen In Franchising website, http://nextgenfranchising.org, and marketed to global youth organizations, business and entrepreneurship professors, and promoted in the media and all major social media platforms.

Participants will submit business and marketing concepts for new franchise businesses or existing franchise brands for the chance to win a trip to Las Vegas, NV to attend IFA’s Annual Convention, Feb. 15 – 18 at MGM Grand Hotel. Contest winners will have opportunities to engage directly with leading franchisor, franchisee and supplier members of IFA and with other young entrepreneurs and students. The convention will also feature a NextGen in Franchising Summit, a two-day educational and networking program for next generation entrepreneurs and students.

“I am so excited about NextGen In Franchising because these young people are the future of our industry and we need to reach out to them to get them involved now, in a meaningful way,” said Melanie Bergeron, chair of the board, Two Men & A Truck, and incoming IFA chairman.

With the average age of the world population being under 30, and with one billion young people entering the workforce, the IFAEF is launching a bold new initiative to introduce young entrepreneurs and students to the world of franchising. Through a comprehensive marketing and educational campaign called NextGen In Franchising, millions will be exposed to the franchise business model as they’ve never seen it before.

NextGen In Franchising will encourage young people to explore opportunities to WORK, BUY or BUILD; essentially, pursue employment in the franchising industry, consider ownership of a franchise business or use the franchise model to start a business or expand an existing one.

“There is a huge talent pool of young entrepreneurs out there that we need to tap into to bring new ideas for new businesses and new thinking into our industry,” said Aziz Hashim, CEO, NRD Holdings and incoming IFA vice chairman.

With global youth employment and entrepreneurship education being touted as one of the most critical challenges to solve on the world stage, IFAEF is stepping forward to present this $840 billion industry, overflowing with entrepreneurial opportunities and jobs at all levels, as a powerful network that can make a serious impact. The new initiative is being funded as part of the IFAEF’s $10 million fundraising campaign called, Shaping the Future of Franchising .

The NextGen program has attracted more than $1.5 million in donations from major corporations, foundations and individuals. Major donors include: The Stewart & Jane Bainum Fund; Stephen P. Joyce Fund; Choice Hotels Foundation; J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation; Tariq Farid, Edible Arrangements; Charlie Chase, FirstService Brands, Inc.; Aziz Hashim, NRD Holdings; Amit Kleinberger, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt; Joe Bourdow, Valpak; Melanie Bergeron, Two Men & A Truck; Amit Pamecha, FranConnect; and Lawrence “Doc” Cohen, DOC & Associates.

To anchor the campaign, the new dedicated NextGen in Franchising website, http://nextgenfranchising.org , will tell the story of franchising in a fresh new way to attract the attention of young entrepreneurs and invite participation in the Young Entrepreneurs In Franchising Contest.

For information on the NextGen In Franchising campaign, please contact Gionne Jones at gjones@franchise.org or call 202-662-0772. For more information on the Young Entrepreneurs In Franchising Global Competition, please contact Jen Malone at jenm@ysn.comor call 310-822-0261 x703.

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About the IFA Educational Foundation

The IFA Educational Foundation, founded in 1983, is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. IFAEF serves as an active partner with IFA in shaping the future of franchising through research, professional development, outreach, and scholarships. The Foundation is supported through the generous contributions of IFA members and donors. IFAEF plays an integral role in supporting the mission of the IFA to protect, promote, and enhance franchising.

About Young & Successful Media

 Spearheading this campaign is Young & Successful Media, a global youth education and marketing agency. Young & Successful Media specializes in the next generation workforce, with an emphasis on youth empowerment, engagement, employment and entrepreneurship. Through its strategic consulting practice, the company has built highly-targeted, award-winning campaigns, forums and strategies to engage and connect ambitious young people around the globe. Its web-based portal, YSN.com, attracts young leaders from over 160 countries, providing them with insights and best practices to sculpt their careers and pursue their passions. YSN’s founder, Jennifer Kushell, is no stranger to the franchise industry and is the daughter of Edward Kushell, a past IFA Chairman.

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