Franchise Ascension Initiative

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

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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 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 two IFA events.

There are experiential assignments, case studies, research opportunities, individual and group mentorship sessions and expert speakers. Upon completion of the program, participants join an exclusive alumni network, and are fully equipped with the knowledge, tools and network to succeed in franchising.

There are three parts:

Structured online training. Engage with instructors, mentors and peers in a digital setting through courses in business management, franchise fundamentals and leadership.
Interactive/experiential learning. Live online meetings, speaker sessions and case studies combined with attendance at two IFA franchise events for valuable networking opportunities and insights from top entrepreneurs in the field.
Dedicated One-on-One Mentor. Each cohort member will be paired with an IFA Mentor – An experienced franchise professional with at least 10+ years of experience.

Program Timeline

Program Begins: Friday, August 21, 2026

Programs Ends: Wednesday, February 24, 2027

Program Costs

Applying is free of charge, and the program comes at no cost. For those accepted into the 2026 – 2027 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