Franchise Ascension Initiative

The Franchise Ascension Initiative (FAI) is a 6-month accelerator program aimed at preparing qualified individuals from underrepresented groups and economically disadvantaged communities with the education, mentorship, resources, and support to successfully launch a career in franchise ownership.

Franchising is a viable path towards wealth creation for all, and one of the first steps on that path is education. The Franchise Ascension Initiative (FAI) is designed to equip participants from underrepresented groups and economically disadvantaged communities with vital education, mentorship, coaching, and hands-on experience, preparing and empowering them to successfully launch a career in franchise ownership.

Program Details

An immersive six-month program, the FAI is a remote, self-paced online opportunity with live components. The program consists of approximately 10-15 hours per week, plus travel to three IFA events.

There are experiential assignments, case studies, research opportunities, individual and group mentorship sessions and expert speakers. At the end of this program, participants have established an amazing support group and kickstarted a career in franchising.

There are three parts:

Structured online training. Engage with instructors, mentors and cohorts in a digital setting through courses in business management, franchise fundamentals and leadership.
Interactive/experiential learning. Live online meetings, speaker sessions and case studies combine with field trips and attendance at three IFA franchise events for valuable networking opportunities and insights from top entrepreneurs in the field.
Pitch contest case study. Participants present their own franchise business plan to a panel of successful franchisors and suppliers at the IFA Annual Convention.

Program Timeline

Program Begins: Friday, August 22, 2025

Programs Ends: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Program Costs

Applying is free of charge, and the program comes at no cost. For those accepted into the 2025 – 2026 cohort, there’s just a $1,000 refundable deposit, that will be returned after program completion.

Candidates

College graduates or candidates: Whether you’re a graduate school candidate or an undergraduate in a community college or vocational track, this program is ideal for you
Experienced business managers: If you’re a manager with 5+ years of experience who dreams of owning your own business, apply your skills to a franchise
Existing business owners: Also known as conversion franchising, a person in this category may have a single unit or two with hopes to grow as part of a larger franchise system
Corporate career change: There are many opportunities in franchising for those undergoing career changes
High-performing franchisees: Whether selected by franchisors or self-identified, your franchise has the potential for multi-unit ownership