In the May/June issue of Franchise Canada, we shine a spotlight on the great franchise brands across the country that offer services and products geared towards kids and pets. In the cover story, you’ll read about four pet service franchises that are helping Canadians take care of their furry family members—and why these businesses represent an exciting, growing industry. After all, a June 2021 survey found that roughly 900,000 Canadians who didn’t previously own a pet got one during the pandemic!*
Children’s services have also proved to be pandemic-resistant, as many of these businesses were deemed essential throughout COVID lockdowns. All of them provided support and relief in some way to parents and kids throughout the challenges of the past two years.
Prospective franchisees interested in owning a business that helps families will be eager to look through this issue’s pages. You’ll find a feature on children’s services—from haircuts to lice removal and more—a dive into franchises that help kids stay active with activities like sports, swimming, and theatre, and a rundown of educational franchises across Canada.
We also highlight brands that are educating children on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) subjects in creative and innovative ways.
As we’ve come through the pandemic, the importance of health—physical and mental—has become clear to Canadians. You’ll find a Special Franchise Focus on health and beauty brands, and a feature highlighting four health, beauty, and fitness franchises that are helping Canadians take care of themselves.
As you consider becoming a small business owner through franchising, it’s helpful to hear the wisdom and advice from experts in this industry. You’ll learn how to discern if a business opportunity is a franchise or another type of agreement. This issue we also take you through the basics of franchise resales, including the pros and cons of buying a resale rather than a new business. Franchise lawyer John Yiokaris shares the ins and outs of leasing a franchise property directly from a landlord, and RBC’s Graeme Greene does a deep dive into the importance of credit history when buying a franchise.
It can also be helpful for prospective franchisees to read about others’ successes. In this issue, you’ll find the story of franchisee Naazir Zariwala’s first year running his second Eggsmart location in Ontario, and how young entrepreneur Joseph Balfour is making waves in his community with his Ctrl V virtual arcade franchise.
Franchises are independently owned local businesses that also have the support of a franchisor and are part of a trusted brand. This issue we peek behind the curtain of two of those iconic brands. You’ll read about how Mr. Lube grew into one of Canada’s largest automotive franchises while staying rooted in its communities. And you’ll find a profile of Catherine Tan-Gillespie, president of KFC Canada, who shares how she leads her brand to success.
With an issue packed cover to cover with rewarding franchise opportunities, we hope Franchise Canada can be your guide to fulfilling your franchising dreams. Be sure to continue your search on LookforaFranchise.ca, where you can search franchise opportunities by category, investment level, and more. Also make sure you’ve subscribed to Franchise Canada E-News and visit FranchiseCanada.Online for even more educational content on building your business, franchisee success stories, and inspiring podcasts with franchising experts.
Whether helping to educate kids, taking care of pets, or helping Canadians look and feel their best, franchise owners are a valuable part of their local communities. I hope this issue inspires you to take your next step into joining the rewarding industry of franchising and help you realize the dream of owning your own business
Sherry McNeil
President & CEO, Canadian Franchise Association
*Survey stat: https://abacusdata.ca/pets-pandemic-canada/