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Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Inaugural World Franchise Day Celebrates the Contributions of Franchises to Local Communities
TORONTO, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) is proud to celebrate the inaugural World Franchise Day on June 11, 2025. Established by the World Franchise Council, this global initiative aims to shine a spotlight on the dynamic world of franchising and its important impact on local communities and national economies. Franchising empowers local entrepreneurs to thrive while benefiting from the support of an established system. Working tirelessly to drive economic growth and create job opportunities in their communities, franchisees embody the true spirit of entrepreneurship, using innovation, dedication, and hard work to succeed. What sets franchising apart is its unique model, allowing entrepreneurs to be in business for themselves, but not by themselves, with access to mentorship, training, and operational support that sets them up for success. 'Franchising is more than just a business model; it plays a vital role as a local job creator, economic contributor, and active participant in community initiatives,' said Sherry McNeil, CEO and President of the CFA. 'World Franchise Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate the power of the franchise industry, the entrepreneurial spirit of franchisees, and the incredible impact of franchising on both local and national economies.' Among those celebrating World Franchise Day is Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who recorded a special message promoting the initiative, available here: For more on how the franchise community is celebrating this special day, visit The Growing Franchise Community The Canadian franchise industry represents the 12th largest sector of the Canadian economy, with over 67,000 franchise establishments. Economic Impact of Franchising The Canadian franchising sector contributes over $128.4 billion annually to the national GDP. In 2025, Canadian franchises are expected to contribute nearly $17.4 billion in federal taxes and $14.7 billion in provincial taxes. Job Creation One in 20 Canadians are employed, directly or indirectly, in a franchise system. Canadian franchises are estimated to create nearly 1.75 million jobs for Canadians in 2025, paying over $67 billion in wages. Community Impact Franchisees are deeply rooted in their local communities, and their contributions go far beyond economic metrics. Nearly all small retailers (97%) report contributing to their communities or provinces in some way, with 74% donating to local charities and causes, 56% sponsoring local events and teams, and 55% providing job opportunities for youth*. World Franchise Day celebrations recognize the contributions of franchisees as small business owners in their communities, and the major economic impact that franchising has locally, nationally, and worldwide. *Source: Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) About Canadian Franchise Association The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) helps everyday Canadians realize the dream of building their own business through the power of franchising. With more than 700 corporate members and over 40,000 franchisees, it provides essential resources, education, events, and services. Visit and Media Contact: Akanksha Patil Fishman Canada Inc. akanksha@
Winnipeg Free Press
10-05-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Franchisee mindset
Melanie Collao didn't always have entrepreneurial aspirations, but when she wanted to build something with her partner, becoming a franchisee was the solution. Collao and Gary Biala discovered Minuteman Press when they attended a franchise exhibition in 2018. The print and design company's booth caught Collao's eye because it included a mug press and she used to make custom mugs and sell them for fun. 'Once we got to talking, we saw how much (Minuteman Press) can do,' said Collao, who studied health information management in college. SUPPLIED Minuteman Press franchise (1599 Dugald Rd.) owners Melanie Collao and Gary Biala. 'I always wanted to build something with (Gary). Becoming a franchisee allows anyone that has the mind to do it to become a business owner,' Collao says. In February 2019, Collao and Biala opened their Minuteman Press store at 1599 Dugald Rd. It's one of three locations in Winnipeg. 'I always wanted to build something with (Gary),' Collao said. 'Becoming a franchisee allows anyone that has the mind to do it to become a business owner.' Statistics from the Canadian Franchise Association show many Canadians have 'the mind to do it.' According to the association, there are 40,000 franchisees across the country, representing 600 brands and creating jobs for almost two million Canadians. Franchising is the 12th-largest industry in Canada and is projected to contribute more than $133 billion to its gross domestic product in 2025. That includes nearly $3 billion to the GDP in Manitoba, where there are approximately 1,700 franchise establishments. 'Franchising is about being in business for yourself but not by yourself,' Sherry McNeil, CFA president and CEO, said in an email. 'It offers a well-structured and supportive business model that is highly appealing to emerging entrepreneurs, empowering them to reach their entrepreneurial dreams and contribute to their local economies.' Franchising offers many advantages, especially for individuals who want to own a business but don't want to start from scratch, McNeil added. One of the biggest benefits is the support from the franchisor. Franchisees benefit from a proven business model, brand recognition, training and established supply chains, marketing systems and operational procedures. This structure is especially valuable for first-time business owners as it significantly reduces the risk and guesswork involved in starting a business, McNeil added. That reduced risk, guesswork and marketing support is part of what attracted Chris Reid to becoming a franchisee. Two years ago, the former diesel mechanic started a Hickory Dickory Decks branch from his home 45 kilometres south of Winnipeg in New Bothwell. It's the first and only Manitoba location for the composite deck building franchise, which was started in Dundas, Ont., and has around 100 locations across Canada. 'You kind of jump in running instead of the grind of starting (from scratch and) having those learning curves,' Reid said. Starting a business is difficult no matter how you do it, he added, 'but it's harder, in my opinion, if you don't go the franchise route.' The challenges of being a franchisee are the same as those faced by any small business, McNeil said: managing economic challenges and keeping bottom-line costs low, to name a couple. 'But the great part about franchising is new business owners can face these challenges from within a proven system that offers specialized support — whether that means the advantage of pre-existing supplier relationships, access to business coaching or national marketing.' Amit Kapoor once owned a coffee shop and some retirement homes, but about a decade ago, decided to become a McDonald's restaurant franchisee. In November 2015, he started operating two locations in Winnipeg. 'What McDonald's does really well is it offers you the opportunity to scale if you're following the right format,' said Kapoor, who today operates 11 locations in the city. There is, of course, a significant cost involved with becoming a franchisee. The total investment for a Minuteman Press franchise opening in Canada, for example, can range from $100,000 to $150,000 when leasing the equipment, according to a company spokesperson. There are financing options available for qualified buyers that may put the initial investment in the $45,000 to $65,000 range. Tim Hortons coffee chain requires at least $100,000 in cash up front and minimum net worth of $500,000, The Canadian Press reported in October — though the investment may be up to four times that amount. Operators must also pay between 4.5 and six per cent of sales to the company, which has about 3,500 restaurants across the country, and another four per cent for advertising and marketing. For people like Reid, however, the benefits outweigh the costs. 'I enjoy it because it's rewarding building something for somebody that's new,' the Hickory Dickory Decks operator said. 'You build well and they're happy with the end product.' Kapoor enjoys being a McDonald's operator because it's given him the opportunity to invest in his community through charitable initiatives at schools and care homes. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'At the end of the day, we are a local business which is totally embedded in the local community,' he said. Many Winnipeggers are interested in franchise exhibitions, according to Lisa Spodek, vice-president of marketing at National Event Management. National produces a franchise expo that visits 26 markets across Canada and the U.S. annually. The company most recently brought the expo to Winnipeg in February. About 1,000 people attended the two-day event at the RBC Convention Centre. 'Winnipeg's a strong market for the show,' Spodek said. 'They seem to have a good population of entrepreneurial people who are looking to own their own business.' Aaron EppReporter Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
