Canadian Franchise Association CEO Sherry McNeil
January/February 2022Publisher's Message

Publisher’s Message: Franchise Forecast

With a new year in front of us, it’s always intriguing to look into the future. While the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that unexpected challenges can and will occur, ultimately, we know that the best strategy is to look ahead, make a plan, and be realistic.

This issue of Franchise Canada magazine is our annual Trends Issue. To examine trends that will shape the future of franchising, explore our cover story package. There you’ll find insights from franchise consulting experts, economic forecasts, insights on consumer trends, data on the benefits of franchising, and more—necessary information as you start or expand your entrepreneurial journey in 2022.

The past two years have shown that franchising is a resilient business model, and in many cases offers advantages over independently owned small businesses. Franchise systems have adapted to changing regulations and the “new normal” of life to meet the needs of their customers and franchisees.

You’ll see examples of some of these creative innovations. This issue includes an inspiring feature on franchise systems that have innovated their business models—whether in response to customer needs, franchisee feedback, or the changing nature of the pandemic. We also share stories of franchise systems operating in different categories of the food service industry. Find out what’s in store for food franchises in the next year and beyond.

Along with these features, this issue highlights success stories from franchisees, which is a great way to learn about the challenges and opportunities that franchising offers. We take you through an in-depth look at a day in the life of siblings Aleena and Bilal Zaidi, who own an Angus Valley Montessori School franchise. New franchisee IyadAl Junaidi shares what he learned in his first year as a superstar running an InXpress franchise. We share the inspiring story of millennial WingsUp! franchisee Vitul Patel, who went from working behind the counter as an employee to owning three WingsUp! locations in southern Ontario.

We also take you behind the scenes at iconic brand Booster Juice, to learn how the company has grown over two decades of serving Canadians healthy juices and smoothies. CEO of Code Wiz Ruth Agbaji is the featured in this issue’s Leadership Profile, sharing the story of her youth in Nigeria and her dream of bringing coding skills to one billion children around the world.

This issue also contains helpful resources for those considering franchising, or just starting out on a franchising journey. Insurance broker Jennifer Tyrwhitt-Gory shares the ins and outs of insurance for franchisees. Legal expert Dixie Ho provides a breakdown of what to look for in a franchise agreement, and CIBC finance expert Neil Roy answers the question, ‘What do I need to know about borrowing to finance my franchise business?’

If you’re considering franchising as the path to business ownership, don’t forget that FranchiseCanada.Online is here to help. The website is your online resource for franchise information, inspiring success stories, learning videos, podcasts, and more. Sign up for Franchise Canada E-news for franchising updates delivered right to your inbox, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

By turning these pages and digging into the franchise opportunities available, along with expert advice and vital information in this Trends issue, you could change your career future and change your life. If you have the dream of owning your own business, now is the time to make this dream a reality. Make 2022 the year your dreams come true!