Philadelphia Small Business Owners Host Q&A Town Hall Discussion on Diversity in Franchising

October 6, 2020 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Today, David Dix, PA Commissions of African American Affairs, joined Tanya Holiday, Philadelphia-based McDonald’s franchisee and Cherelle Parker, Philadelphia City Council for the 9th District, for a virtual tele-town hall meeting on diversity in franchising. Hosted by the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Diversity Institute, the discussion centered around the franchise community’s unique position to expand economic opportunity and equality for all.

Dix and Holliday, along with other area small business franchise owners, addressed how the franchise business model provides built-in support for franchise ownership among women, minorities, and people from historically underserved backgrounds. Today’s franchise community comprises 30% minority-owned businesses, compared to only 18% of non-franchise businesses. The panelists also discussed tangible steps that businesses can take to increase minority entrepreneurship and success.

Dix highlighted the economic prosperity that franchise ownership offers to diverse cities such as Philadelphia and how similar cities can learn from its success, saying, “When it comes to franchising, our government leaders have been able to find funding for small businesses. It’s important we continue to receive support so that African American businesses in Philadelphia thrive.”

Holliday noted the importance of community, saying, “I am blessed that a lot of my success derives from the community I serve. It’s all about giving back to your community. For the black community looking to enter franchising, I would suggest leveraging the resources around you. Leverage mentors and establish buddy systems, find someone who owns a franchise and build upon what they do.”

IFA recognizes that racism, bigotry and discrimination in all forms remain a problem in this country, and today’s discussion is a step in addressing it. The Franchise Inclusion Leadership Series is a new campaign from IFA and the IFA Foundation to provide a platform to promote and foster diversity and inclusion efforts between franchise executives, policymakers, and community leaders. Additional tele-town halls will be planned for future dates and cities across the country. 

About the International Franchise Association</a>

The International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 733,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 7.6 million direct jobs, $674.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy and 2.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology and business development.



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