New digital storytelling initiative amplifies the personal stories and community contributions of franchise business owners across America

WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 7, 2025 – The International Franchise Association (IFA) today announced the launch of “Franchise Means Local,” a national campaign, with an initial $5 million spend, showcasing that franchises are locally owned and operated businesses deeply rooted in their communities.

With ads launching October 8, 2025, the campaign will spotlight franchise owners across the country and how they:

• Create jobs and economic growth
• Support local causes and nonprofits
• Strengthen the neighborhoods where they live and work

About the Campaign

“Franchise Means Local” uses digital storytelling to bring forward the personal stories of franchise entrepreneurs. While many people associate franchising with national brand names, the reality is that behind each location is a local small-business owner.

“IFA is launching ‘Franchise Means Local’ to give voice to franchise business owners who deserve to have their stories heard,” said Matt Haller, IFA President and CEO. “These local entrepreneurs represent the best of American business. Franchising is too often misunderstood, and our goal is to put the real stories behind the businesses serving local communities and driving the American economy, while raising awareness of franchising as a path to local small business ownership.”

The Economic and Social Impact of Franchising

Franchises are often misunderstood as “big business,” but the numbers tell a different story:

• 9 million Americans are employed by franchise businesses
• 831,000 small businesses nationwide are franchises
• $870 billion in annual economic output
• 81% of franchisees own and operate only one unit
• Nearly one-third of franchise owners say they wouldn’t own a small business without franchising

“This campaign is a timely investment in the future of our business model,” said Ron Feldman, Chair of the IFA Foundation Board of Trustees, which is funding the effort. “Franchisees are not faceless; they are neighbors, community leaders, and entrepreneurs who chose franchising as their path to business ownership, whose investment and profit stay right in their communities. Sharing their stories and perspectives is critical to educating more people about the significant local impact of franchising.”

Voices From the Campaign

By putting real faces and stories front and center, “Franchise Means Local” reveals a simple truth: franchise means local.

The campaign will run nationally with digital, video, and social media storytelling. It will highlight franchise owners from diverse industries who are invested in the success of their neighborhoods.

By putting real faces and stories front and center, the campaign reveals a simple truth: franchise means local. View the stories of Clement Troutman (Tropical Smoothie Cafe) and Tanya Lee (Woofie’s) that will be featured in the campaign launch and visit FranchiseMeansLocal.org to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Franchise Means Local”?
A $5 million awareness campaign by the International Franchise Association, funded through the IFA Foundation, showcasing the economic and community impact of locally owned franchise businesses.

Why is this campaign important?
Many people don’t realize that franchises are small, locally owned businesses. This initiative highlights the jobs, charitable work, and community impact created by franchise entrepreneurs.

How many franchise businesses exist in the U.S.?
There are approximately 831,000 franchise small businesses across the country, employing 9 million Americans.

About the International Franchise Association

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) 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 approximately 831,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $896.9 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 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.

About the IFA Foundation

The IFA Foundation supports the International Franchise Association’s efforts to protect, enhance and promote franchising. Through its programming and research, the IFA Foundation supports industry efforts to create and demonstrate the outsized impact of franchising as a pathway to entrepreneurship.

Founded in 1983 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the IFA Foundation builds awareness of the expansive benefits of the franchising model, educates the next generation, equips the industry with insights to elevate their businesses, and amplifies the impact of franchises across the United States.

For more information about the “Franchise Means Local” campaign, visit www.FranchiseMeansLocal.org.

Media Contact

Katherine Patterson, VP Communications

International Franchise Association

KPatterson@Franchise.org

202.662.0783