International Franchise Association, IFA Foundation Launch Black Franchise Leadership Council

Washington, D.C. – This week, the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the IFA Foundation launched the Black Franchise Leadership Council, a new network for Black American franchise leaders from all across the country.

As a new addition to the IFA Foundation’s Diversity Institute, the Black Franchise Leadership Council aims to provide a uniquely Black perspective to the franchise community by fostering critical discussions related to the franchise business model and its impact on Black Americans. The Council’s mission is to amplify the success of the Black community by utilizing the franchise concept through membership and continued education.

Additionally, the Black Franchise Leadership Council will act as a crucial internal hub for increasing engagement within the IFA foundation and related activities. This will provide a unique opportunity for all members of the franchise community, including executives, owners, and employees, to engage and network with one another on a professional and personal level. Through dialogue, networking, and educational events, the Council hopes to cultivate a more integral franchise system where ideas are shared and relationships are nurtured. The Council will also serve as an external messenger for educational and relationship-building efforts with key constituencies related to the Black franchise community.

“30.8% of franchises are minority-owned, and both the IFA and IFA Foundation want to ensure that our organizations reflect the industry we represent,” said Robert Cresanti, IFA President and CEO. “Given the critical moment the country is facing as it grapples with important civil rights issues, the creation of a Black Franchise Leadership Council is more important now than ever and we are thrilled to launch the initiative this February.”

For additional information or to arrange for an interview, please contact Stephen Worley at sworley@franchise.org

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About the International Franchise Association

Celebrating 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 733,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 7.6 million direct jobs, $674.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and 2.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.

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