I’m writing to you today on the heels of Open for Opportunity Miami—an incredible road show event focused on workforce development and diversity, equity, and inclusion in South Florida hosted by Restaurant Brands International. What follows is a detailed recap of how the International Franchise Association and members like you helped decisionmakers and opinion leaders understand firsthand the value and opportunity of franchising. I’ve already spoken with many of you about getting involved in Open for Opportunity. If you are on the fence, I trust the story that follows will push you over the edge. If we haven’t yet spoken, I hope you raise your hand and are willing to learn more and get involved.
Now that conventions and in-person gatherings are officially “back,” we are headed to Phoenix next for the Franchise Expo West, March 18-19. This is another incredible opportunity to gather with franchising brands and suppliers, learn in our tailored education sessions, and pick up new insights for your business. For those looking to get started in franchising, this is the place to see what opportunities are out there. For those already in the business, this is where you or anyone in your network should be to showcase your business and help it grow.
Everything you need to know to pack your suitcase for the IFA 2022 Annual Convention, We will see you in sunny San Diego
The International Franchise Association’s IFA’s 2022 Annual Convention – franchising’s biggest event for business and personal entrepreneurial growth – is right around the corner! Featuring informative speaker sessions, networking opportunities and more, this year’s convention will be held in San Diego, California from February 25th to March 1st. Among the sponsors attending are some of the top marketing resources for franchises, and we’re giving them a deeper dive in this week’s post.
Across every sector, franchises were a significant engine powering the 2021 economic recovery. This year, we forecast that the local businesses behind recognized brands will continue to expand—unless a more consequential threat than COVID-19 materializes in the form of policies that undercut the franchise business model. Wherever they spring up, these proposals should be rejected and reversed so franchises can continue providing opportunity to Americans on every rung of the economic ladder.
Offices need cleaning, and those fortunate enough to have owned a commercial cleaning business over the past two years have experienced unprecedented growth and financial stability. For some people, starting a business or becoming an entrepreneur has shifted from wish to necessity. For others, the trials and tribulations of this year have been enlightening and shown them that there is a better, stronger, and smarter career path available.
This week, the California State Assembly is attempting to revive the so-called “FAST Recovery Act” or AB 257 after it failed in the legislature last year. This legislation would effectively end the existing franchise model in California, an industry that supports nearly 25,000 quick service restaurants in the state, employing over 373,000 Californians. This bill would hurt the entrepreneurs who have built these local businesses, the hundreds of thousands of jobs they support, and the communities in which they operate.
Fast-casual franchises have remained a hot investment throughout the pandemic, with many seeing increased revenue from delivery and take-out orders exceeding lost revenue from dine-in eaters. Even better news if you’re a veteran looking to purchase a franchise is that a number of these franchises offer support to new veteran business owners in the form of franchise fee discounts. Check out these three franchises with veteran discounts ready for a surge in 2022.
As we look to 2022, many Americans are taking advantage of their new full-time remote work flexibility to move away from cities and into more suburban and rural areas. This trend has the automotive maintenance franchise industry poised to make large gains in 2022.
As the 2021 holiday season approaches, many franchises are stepping up to give back to those in need during a time when they could be taking time off. At IFA we’re proud of the hard work many of our member franchises continue to put in to support their communities, and in this blog we’d like to celebrate and showcase those who embody the giving spirit this holiday season.