In February 2024, during the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Annual Convention, David Humphrey, IFA’s former Chairman, announced the launch of the Franchise Ascension Initiative (FAI).

This six-month accelerator program aims to provide individuals from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged communities with the education, mentorship, and resources to pursue a successful career in franchise ownership. The program, which was met with excitement, marks a transformative moment in franchise education and inclusivity.

FAI co-founders, Omar and Raynya Simmons, shared their personal story and vision for the program. Raised in Boston without visible entrepreneurial role models, Omar’s journey began in a working-class family and eventually led him to Princeton University and Harvard Business School. After years in private equity, Omar, alongside his wife Raynya, took the leap into franchise ownership by acquiring 15 Planet Fitness locations. Over time, they grew the business to over 100 locations before selling in 2021. Omar attributes his success to the franchise model, which allowed him to learn from others and benefit from a built-in support network.

The FAI was developed with the support of IFA’s leadership, board members, and volunteers. The program officially opened for applications in May 2024, receiving over 100 inquiries and 70 completed applications. After a thorough review, 17 candidates were selected for the inaugural class, which was diverse in gender and experience — comprising of nine men, eight women, and two U.S. veterans, all from 14 different states. Over the next six months, the inaugural class spent more than 10 hours each week on intensive franchise education, working closely with mentors from IFA member companies who are industry experts and provided one-on-one coaching.

The FAI program officially launched in-person in September at the IFA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., where participants made valuable connections that laid the foundation for a strong, supportive network. In November, the class traveled to Austin, TX, for the Emerging Franchisor Conference, where they learned from franchisors with fewer than 100 units, broadening their understanding of the diverse opportunities within franchising. The program culminated in February 2025 at the IFA Convention in Las Vegas, where participants delivered capstone remarks reflecting on their experiences and future goals.

After the final presentations at the IFA Convention, FAI co-founder, Omar Simmons shared his thoughts. “The stories of personal growth and commitment were truly inspiring. The thoughtfulness of the FAI graduates’ initial business plans were also quite impressive. We all can feel proud of what we’ve achieved so far, and I can’t wait to see what each of these talented class members achieve.”

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce that applications for the next class of aspiring franchisees are now open, with a deadline of Friday, May 16, 2025. The next cohort will begin in August 2025, continuing the journey of growth and opportunity, with the program concluding at the 2026 IFA Convention in Las Vegas.

In conclusion, IFA is excited and believes that the Franchise Ascension Initiative is more than just an educational program — it is a catalyst for change. By providing more people with the tools, resources, and mentorship they need, FAI is helping to break barriers in franchising and promote a more inclusive and diverse industry. We would like to give a special thank you to our FAI donors, mentors, and course presenters. We are excited about our progress and look forward to great results in the future.

Search