The Impact of Franchising
Discover how the franchise business model drives economic growth, strengthens local communities, creates meaningful jobs and lasting careers, and establishes generational wealth across a diverse range of hundreds of industries.
Franchising by the Numbers
Economic Growth
Franchising is a powerhouse of economic opportunity, contributing $897 billion to the national GDP and employing 8.8 million people in the United States. As a cornerstone of small business success, franchising drives innovation, job creation, and prosperity in every corner of the country.
Workforce Development
Franchising is a catalyst for workforce advancement, offering training, mentorship, and career growth opportunities for millions of workers, including those who want to own a franchise themselves. From entry-level roles to management to multi-unit ownership, franchising fosters upward mobility and professional success.
Local Community Support
Franchisees are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, creating local jobs, supporting schools, and giving back through charitable initiatives. In fact, 65% of independent franchisees donate to charity with contributions totaling approx. $1.5 billion, along with 18 million hours of volunteer activity. Franchisees are more than business owners—they are community builders.
Veteran Entrepreneurship
Many of the same traits that make veterans successful in the military also make them great local business owners. Veterans bring discipline, leadership, and commitment to franchising, making it an ideal path for successful business ownership. Although veterans make up only about 7% of the population, they account for a whopping 14% of all franchisees in America. Explore the stories of veterans who’ve turned their service into thriving businesses.
Building a Strong Franchise Community
Franchising uniquely opens the door to business ownership to people from all walks of life, breaking barriers for underrepresented communities. In fact, one third of business owners say they wouldn’t own their own business without franchising – and that’s especially true for women, minorities, and first-time business owners. In fact, around 26% of franchises are owned by people of color, compared to 17% of independent businesses.
The Value of Franchising
IFA’s Value of Franchising report demonstrates that independent franchise owners are local business leaders who contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, wealth distribution, and charitable endeavors in their communities.
Oxford Economics Report
Franchising’s Impact by State
Franchising is a significant driver of economic and community growth in all 50 states. Explore the impact of franchising in your state, including the number of franchise locations, people employed, brands headquartered, and revenue generated.
IFA Protects, Enhances, and Promotes Franchising
As the world’s oldest and largest association representing franchising worldwide, the International Franchise Association helps franchisors, franchisees and suppliers learn, lead and succeed across more than 300 industries. Franchising has the power to open doors for everyone, and IFA is here to support every franchising journey from learning about franchising to operating a thriving business.