Latest news with #SherryMcNeil
Entrepreneur
2 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Why the Franchise Industry Has Its Own Day Now
Franchise leaders in more than 40 countries are marking the inaugural World Franchise Day on June 11 to celebrate the small business owners behind the world's biggest brands. Franchise leaders from around the globe are uniting today for the inaugural World Franchise Day, a new global initiative aimed at raising awareness of franchising's critical economic impact and celebrating the local business owners behind the brands. The idea came to Sherry McNeil, president and CEO of the Canadian Franchise Association, in the middle of the night. "I woke up at 3 a.m. and I thought, Oh my gosh, why don't we have some sort of franchise day? There's a national chocolate cake day, a national potato chip day, etc. So I started to do some research, and I couldn't find anything on Google about an actual celebration of franchising." Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget. Together with Kirk Allen, co-founder of Reshift Media, and in collaboration with the World Franchise Council (which represents over 40 countries), McNeil helped establish today, June 11 — and subsequent second Wednesdays in June — as World Franchise Day. The goal? To spotlight franchisees as the small business owners they truly are. Related: She Was a Lawyer with No Restaurant Experience. Now, She's Reviving an Iconic Restaurant Chain. "People often think franchising is just big business," McNeil says. "But franchisees are your neighbors. They hire locally, pay local taxes and support their communities. They are the definition of shopping local." From mobile dog grooming to home services and fitness studios, franchising is expanding into new sectors worldwide. According to the Canadian Franchise Association, franchising now spans over 660 distinct business categories — far beyond fast food and retail. At the same time, franchise service providers and consultants are also growing fast, with many firms bundling services like digital marketing, PR and lead generation to support brands and franchisees alike. Related: Emma Grede Dropped Out of School at 16. Now the Skims Boss Runs a $4 Billion Empire — Here's How. For prospective franchisees, both McNeil and Allen emphasized due diligence — understanding total startup costs, expected lifestyle changes and the importance of aligning with ethical brands. "Look for the logo," McNeil says, referencing organizations like the CFA and International Franchise Association, which vet members for responsible franchising. Ultimately, the hope is that World Franchise Day serves as both a celebration and a rallying cry. "Every franchise brand should do something — put a poster in the window, share a franchisee's story, give away a coffee," Allen says. "Because franchising deserves to be recognized globally." Related: I Walked Away From a Corporate Career to Start My Own Small Business — Here's Why You Should Do the Same
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@
