Latest news with #WorldFranchiseDay
Entrepreneur
11-06-2025
- 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
Al Etihad
11-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Inaugural World Franchise Day celebrates sector's growing potential
11 June 2025 22:08 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)The pivotal role of the franchise sector in supporting the national economy and empowering entrepreneurs came to the fore during a forum held in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday to mark the inaugural World Franchise Day, to be marked annually on June 11. Titled "Franchise Unites Us and Innovation Leads Us", the forum was organised by the Emirates Franchise Association, affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen event, held at the Abu Dhabi Chamber's headquarters, brought together entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and representatives from government and private sector entities involved in or interested in the franchise her opening remarks, Noor Al Tamimi, Chairwoman of the Emirates Franchise Association, reaffirmed the franchise sector's role within the UAE's economic ecosystem, especially considering national efforts to diversify sources of income and promote an entrepreneurial culture. She emphasised that franchising today is a practical tool for business growth, enabling entrepreneurs to operate within an integrated operational system, allowing them to benefit from knowledge, training, and institutional Tamimi said: "The Emirates Franchise Association continues to implement its national strategy aimed at enabling Emirati brands to expand locally and globally. The relaunch of the Association's corporate identity has been a significant turning point in its journey, especially after it received official recognition from the World Franchise Council, which made it the accredited representative of the UAE at this international forum."The franchise sector is witnessing rapid growth both locally and internationally. In the UAE, revenues have exceeded Dh100 billion annually, with an annual growth rate of 15%, while global revenues surpassed Dh6 trillion, according to the Abu Dhabi the MENA region, the total market value is estimated at over Dh120 billion. Globally, the sector encompasses more than two million franchisees, providing jobs for more than 19 million people, reflecting its vital role in supporting economies and promoting entrepreneurship, it a recorded speech presented during the forum, Simon Bartholomew, Secretary General of the World Franchise Council, stressed that World Franchise Day celebrates the global franchise community in recognition of its contributions to the international economic landscape and raises awareness of the franchise sector's role in shaping modern economies. UAE a Global Franchising Hub Speaking to Aletihad, Al Tamimi stressed the UAE's growing influence as a global franchising hub."The UAE naturally is the most suitable host for this, because of the ease of doing business, the support our leadership provides, and the national focus on diversifying beyond the oil sector. Today, we have surpassed $30 billion as a market size for franchising - and there is still room for further expansion."Explaining the vision behind the Emirates Franchise Association, she noted that their main goal is to enhance the franchising ecosystem in the UAE and make it a global powerhouse for further highlighted the enabling environment already in place, pointing to Abu Dhabi's position as a global centre for franchising and innovation."Abu Dhabi today is a franchise-friendly environment. Take Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, for example - it supports SMEs with funding specifically to help them scale through franchising. If you apply and meet the criteria, you can receive a grant to prepare your brand and business for the franchise model. And that is just one of many initiatives both the Khalifa Fund and Emirates Franchise Association provide to support growth." 'A Golden Platform' Mona Saqr Al Matrooshi, Board Member of the Ajman Businesswomen Council and Director General of the Ajman Society of Social & Cultural Development, told Aletihad that events like International Franchise Day offer real value for aspiring entrepreneurs."Many people do not have enough background in franchising," she said."This event is a true investment opportunity - where they can meet franchise owners, exchange ideas, and grow their businesses. It is a golden platform for those who know how to seize opportunities.""With the UAE's open economy, every citizen or resident should have their own project. What matters is knowing when and how to seize opportunities."Entrepreneur Mohammed Al Nuaimi said "franchising is a shortcut" for those who want to start a business without sufficient experience."The brand provides you with the readiness-from the basic structure to the complete business manual. The entrepreneur only needs to study the brand's suitability for the local market, whether in the UAE or the Gulf Region, and then start operating in record time. However, if they want to establish a project from scratch, they need to conduct a feasibility study, analyse the market, and identify the target group. They can then choose the appropriate sales model." 'Gaining Financial Freedom' Also speaking to Aletihad, Ebraheem Al Samadi, founder and CEO of Forever Rose, highlighted the potential of franchising in shaping the UAE's business future."Franchises offer people the opportunity to gain financial freedom, take responsibility for their careers, and run their own businesses. It is a ready-made platform. I see this as a launchpad for more billionaires and millionaires in the future.""From cafés to restaurants, franchising is everywhere. It plays a vital role in driving economic growth, and the UAE has the potential to be a franchise hub for the entire Middle East. Anyone seeking a franchise in the region will look to the UAE as their go-to destination," Al Samadi Al Saigal, Founder and Partner of Rolling Wheels Entertainment, told Aletihad that franchising is a smart path for rapid, efficient expansion."My advice to anyone with a project they believe in is to adopt the franchise model. It saves time, effort, and money. Instead of spending 7 million on 7 branches, I invest 1 million in one location while others expand the brand under the same system. As the founder, I benefit from franchise fees-both upfront and monthly."However, she urged patience and preparation. "Do not rush into franchising. You need at least two to three years of stable operations, with fully documented processes, before expanding. Let your business mature first - then grow with confidence." Meeting of Minds The forum included a dialogue session called "Meeting of Minds," bringing together leading franchise owners in the UAE, along with specialised consultants and industry experts. They discussed key opportunities and challenges related to expanding local franchises, along with the legal, operational, and financial support mechanisms needed to enhance their competitiveness and sustainable program also featured an interactive visual presentation highlighting the Association's achievements and showcasing successful Emirati brands that have expanded locally and internationally through franchising. The event also included several accompanying activities, most notably the "Franchise Walk," which showcased a selection of local and international brands. In addition, the Association organised advisory sessions in collaboration with several consultancy firms, offering specialised professional guidance on the legal, regulatory, and operational aspects of the franchise model.
Al Etihad
11-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Emirates Franchise Association organises ‘Franchise Unites Us and Innovation Leads Us' forum
11 June 2025 19:42 ABU DHABI (WAM)The Emirates Franchise Association, affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organised the "Franchise Unites Us and Innovation Leads Us" forum at the Chamber's headquarters in celebration of World Franchise Day, observed on 11th event was held in collaboration with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, and featured a select group of entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and representatives from government and private sector entities involved in or interested in the franchise franchise sector is witnessing rapid growth both locally and internationally. In the UAE, revenues have exceeded AED100 billion annually, with an annual growth rate of 15%, while global revenues surpassed AED6 trillion. In the MENA region, the total market value is estimated at over AED120 the sector encompasses more than two million franchisees, providing jobs for more than 19 million people, reflecting its vital role in supporting economies and promoting forum is part of the Association's ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the importance of the franchise sector and its pivotal role in supporting the national economy and empowering entrepreneurs. Franchising is considered one of the most successful and sustainable models for the growth of SMEs as well as expanding the reach of local and regional forum was attended by Noor Al Tamimi, Chairwoman of the Emirates Franchise Association; Maher Taresh Al Alili, Vice Chairman of the Association; Sultan Al Hindasi, Member of the Association's Board of Directors; members of the Executive Committee; working groups; and several representatives from the UAE's chambers of her opening remarks, Noor Al Tamimi, Chairwoman of the Emirates Franchise Association, said that celebrating World Franchise Day reinforces the franchise sector's status within the UAE's economic ecosystem, especially considering national efforts to diversify sources of income and promote an entrepreneurial emphasised that franchising today is a practical tool for business growth, enabling entrepreneurs to operate within an integrated operational system, allowing them to benefit from knowledge, training, and institutional Tamimi said, "The Emirates Franchise Association continues to implement its national strategy aimed at enabling Emirati brands to expand locally and globally. The relaunch of the Association's corporate identity has been a significant turning point in its journey, especially after it received official recognition from the World Franchise Council, which made it the accredited representative of the UAE at this international forum.'She confirmed that the Association hopes to be a strategic partner in building an integrated franchise ecosystem in the UAE, one that is based on supportive legislation, accessible financing, specialised training, and international emphasised the Association's commitment to working with its partners at the Abu Dhabi Chamber, the Khalifa Fund, the Business Women Council, and all relevant national entities to expand the impact of franchising to reach every ambitious entrepreneur in the a recorded speech presented during the forum Simon Bartholomew, Secretary General of the World Franchise Council, stressed that World Franchise Day celebrates the global franchise community in recognition of its contributions to the international economic landscape, and raises awareness of the franchise sector's role in shaping modern encouraged all franchise associations around the world, as well as franchisors, franchisees, suppliers, and partners, to participate in World Franchise Day events to highlight the resilience that franchising offers entrepreneurs and its support for a sustainable economic future, encouraging more entrepreneurs to adopt this promising business forum included a dialogue session called, "Meeting of Minds," bringing together leading franchise owners in the UAE, along with specialised consultants and industry discussed key opportunities and challenges related to expanding local franchises along with the legal, operational, and financial support mechanisms needed to enhance their competitiveness and sustainable programme also featured an interactive visual presentation highlighting the Association's achievements and showcasing successful Emirati brands that have expanded locally and internationally through focused on the Association's efforts to support the development of an integrated franchise system in the UAE based on innovation, efficiency, and sustainable event also included several accompanying activities, most notably the "Franchise Walk," which showcased a selection of local and international brands. In addition, the Association organised advisory sessions in collaboration with several consultancy firms, offering specialised professional guidance on the legal, regulatory, and operational aspects of the franchise model. At the conclusion of the event, the Association reaffirmed its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening the supportive environment for franchising in the country. It called on start-ups and local brands to take advantage of the benefits of Association membership, which include guidance, training, institutional representation, and access to new markets through local and international partnerships.
Hamilton Spectator
11-06-2025
- 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@
TimesLIVE
09-06-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Some good news, please
As a South African, it's easy to feel worn down by bad news. Corruption, unemployment, crime, service delivery failures – the list goes on. However, this is what makes the franchising sector, of all things, such a glimmer of hope. By connecting entrepreneurs with established brands and proven systems, South Africa's hundreds of franchise outlets create employment for tens of thousands of people and contribute massively to our economic output. It's an engine for small business growth, which is ultimately what will lift our country out of the bad news and into a brighter future. We kick off this issue of Franchising with the Franchise Association of South Africa, looking at the facts and figures of the sector's economic contribution, along with the organisation's plans and partnerships to grow this throughout the coming year. With supply chains once again in the spotlight due to the impact of the United States' tariff war, we consider the question of who controls the supply chain in a franchise arrangement and how this can impact business operations. We examine social franchising, which takes the principles of franchising and applies them to social upliftment causes and learn some lessons from the rebranding of seafood restaurant John Dory's. To wrap up, we look at World Franchise Day and some of the top business performers across the country. Because we all deserve a little good news, don't we? Browse through the full magazine below (zoom in or go full screen for ease of reading):
