By Scott English, Global Director, Elite Franchise

Now in its second year, the Elite Franchise Top 100 (EF100) is quickly becoming an important milestone in the Canadian franchise calendar. What began as the U.K.’s definitive ranking has already taken root here, giving franchisors a new platform to showcase their success and set benchmarks for the wider sector.

While the official rankings will not be released until January, this fall is the moment when franchisors are finalizing their entries and positioning themselves for recognition that extends well beyond a single night of celebration.

For CFA members, the EF100 is more than an award. It is a benchmark of excellence, a reflection of how our sector continues to evolve, and a collective celebration of franchising as a driver of entrepreneurship and economic growth in Canada.

What Makes EF100 Unique?

We recognize there are a number of very successful awards programs out there, including the CFA’s own program. This year, the CFA has partnered with EF100 as Official Awards Supporter, and CFA President and CEO Sherry McNeil and Head of Education Mary MacDonald will join the judging panel.

The EF100 looks holistically at what it means to be a successful franchisor. Entrants are assessed across six key criteria:

• Size and scale of the business
• Growth trajectory and pace of expansion
• Ambition and long-term vision
• Franchisee support and system strength
• Community impact and contribution
• Sustainability and resilience in changing markets

It’s a demanding checklist, and rightly so. Franchising is not only about scale, it’s about building businesses that stand the test of time.

This approach ensures the EF100 does not just celebrate the biggest brands, but also highlights systems of all sizes who innovate, adapt, and truly invest in their franchisees’ success.

The Timeline: From January to March

The EF100 process unfolds in two stages.

• In January, the new rankings are published, accompanied by the annual EF100 guide. This guide is circulated nationally and serves as a strong resource for prospective franchisees, investors, and stakeholders across the sector. Being included means having your brand showcased among Canada’s most respected names in franchising.
• On March 26, the journey culminates in the EF100 Canada National Celebratory and Awards Evening. Often described as the “Golden Globes” of franchising, this gala brings together franchisors, partners, and supporters from across the country.

If you were in the room last year, you will know the energy is electric. It is more than an awards evening; it feels like a celebration of an entire industry.

For participants, these two moments, the guide and the gala, represent a rare opportunity to amplify your brand story, motivate your teams, and connect with peers in a spirit of celebration and shared success.

Why EF100 Matters for Our Community

Recognition through the EF100 benefits individual franchisors, but it also strengthens the franchise sector as a whole:

• Visibility: The rankings raise awareness of franchising as a proven business model, highlighting its role in creating jobs, developing entrepreneurs, and supporting local economies.
• Credibility: An independent ranking adds weight to recruitment conversations, helping franchisors demonstrate value to prospects in a competitive market. By partnering with the CFA as official awards supporter, the EF100 also has aligned itself with the highest standard of ethics and excellence in franchising.
• Shared standards: By evaluating across multiple criteria, the EF100 encourages all franchisors to raise the bar, whether in franchisee support, innovation, or impact.

As franchisors, we often operate in silos, focused on our own brands and challenges. The EF100 reminds us that we are part of a larger ecosystem, one where success is measured not only by numbers, but by contribution, resilience, and leadership.

Whether or not your brand ranks this year, reviewing the EF100 criteria can spark valuable internal conversations. Are we investing enough in franchisee training? Are we telling our growth story in a way that resonates outside our own four walls? What role are we playing in our communities? These are the kinds of reflections that help our sector remain resilient, relevant, and respected.

Looking Ahead

As the deadline for entries approaches, now is the time for franchisors to step forward. Submitting to the EF100 is not just about competing for a spot in the rankings. It is about engaging in a process that encourages reflection, celebrates progress, and strengthens our collective voice.

When the guide is published in January and the awards are handed out in March, the spotlight will not just be on the winners. It will shine on Canadian franchising as a whole, a sector defined by innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence.

The EF100 is our chance not just to be seen, but to stand together as a community. I, for one, am excited to see which Canadian brands step into the spotlight this year.

If you’re interested in entering and for more information visit the EF100 Canada National Awards Program.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Scott English is the Founder and Global Director of Elite Franchise Online, the UK’s leading content platform for the franchising sector, and creator of the Elite Franchise Top 100 (EF100). He recently launched Elite Franchise Canada and EF100 Canada, extending the platform’s reach while continuing to provide franchisors and franchisees with recognition, exposure, and insight.