December 2026 – February 2027 | Exploring Access, Strategy & Financing for Franchise Growth 

How can franchising create more pathways to ownership while building stronger, more sustainable franchise systems? 

The Winter Learning Series explores the barriers to franchise ownership and the strategies that can create more opportunities for qualified entrepreneurs. Across three interactive sessions, examine how recruitment and financing practices influence access to ownership, explore the trends shaping franchising in 2027, and discover financing and incentive programs that can turn opportunity into action. 

Walk away with practical tools to broaden your franchisee pipeline, strengthen strategic planning, and support long-term system growth. 

Race for Profit: Confronting Barriers to Equitable Franchise Ownership 

Thursday, December 10, 2026 | 4:00–5:30 PM ET 

What might be keeping qualified entrepreneurs from joining your franchise system? This session examines how historical barriers to capital and property ownership continue to shape franchise opportunities today. Explore how qualification criteria, financing requirements, and recruitment practices may unintentionally limit access, and identify practical ways to remove barriers and reach a broader pool of prospective franchisees. 

The State of Franchising: 2027 Trends & Strategic Planning Summit 

Thursday, January 14, 2027 | 4:00–5:30 PM ET 

What should franchise leaders be preparing for in 2027? Explore the economic, regulatory, and consumer trends shaping the year ahead and what they mean for your franchise system. Hear perspectives from industry analysts and franchisor executives, then participate in a facilitated planning exercise to identify priorities, align leadership goals, and develop an actionable 12-month strategic plan that incorporates equitable access to ownership. 

Capital for Growth: Financing & Incentive Programs that Widen the Door 

Thursday, February 11, 2027 | 4:00–5:30 PM ET 

Access to capital remains one of the biggest hurdles to franchise ownership. This session explores financing solutions, from SBA and alternative lending to franchisor-backed incentive programs, that can help more qualified entrepreneurs enter franchising. Learn how to evaluate financing options, design sustainable incentive programs, and build a compelling business case that balances expanded access with the financial health of your franchise system. 

Pricing 

Winter Series Bundle (All 3 Sessions) 

Register for all three sessions by December 8 and save while gaining practical strategies to expand franchise ownership opportunities and support system growth. 

• IFA Members: $249 

• Non-Members: $449 

• CFE Credits: Up to 4.5 LIVE credits 

Individual Sessions 

• IFA Members: $99 per session 

• Non-Members: $299 per session 

• CFE Credits: 1.5 LIVE credits per session 

You do not need to be enrolled in the CFE program to participate. Eligible credits can be applied toward CFE requirements.