Did you know that the average Canadian interacts with three to five franchised businesses every day? Whether it’s the local café where you grab your morning coffee, your kids’ favourite after-school enrichment program, or the shop where you pick up ingredients for dinner, you probably have favourite franchised small businesses that you regularly patronize in your own life.
That’s because franchising is deeply entwined in the lives of Canadians. And along with offering valuable consumer services, franchise systems are a way for entrepreneurs to go into business in almost any industry you can think of, with the support of a consistent, established brand behind them.
Franchising is a diverse community, not only in the types of ventures offered, but in the backgrounds and journeys of the people who go into business as franchisees. In this, our annual Franchise Canada Diversity in Franchising issue, we speak to some of those franchisees about their experiences, from women in franchising to BIPOC franchisees to new Canadians who’ve built a career in their communities through local business ownership. Each has a different story about what led them to franchised business ownership, but they all share one thing in common: an entrepreneurial spirit.
You’ll also find stories in this issue about franchise systems that are taking an intentional approach to inclusion in their business model, from specialized hairdressing services for children with autism to auto services that empower women and home care focusing on empathy and communication. Our Sweet Eats feature profiles two café brands sharing daily luxuries with customers through coffee and baked goods. And Travis Tinning from consulting service Franchise GrowthLab presents a business case for the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
More success stories abound of individuals who have found their calling through franchising. Young entrepreneurs Justin Prittie and Greg Quaile of Koala Insulation share their story, and Valerie and Steve Fraser take us through a day in the life as the owner of an A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections franchise.
A brand name familiar to most Canadians, Mr Lube + Tires has been operating since 1976, and has spread to more than 190 locations across the country. Dive behind the scenes of the brand’s history and growth. You’ll also learn about two more Canadian-founded brands in our Homegrown and Locally Owned feature, offering important services and nourishment to their communities. And when it comes to nourishing communities, KFC Canada’s recently re-launched food donation program demonstrates the impacts brands can have on food security.
With all this opportunity, you may be itching to find your own business and make your dreams of entrepreneurial independence a reality. Along with the many excellent brands featured in this issue, make sure to visit LookforaFranchise.ca, the Canadian Franchise Association’s (CFA) online directory of franchise opportunities. As you search for the perfect opportunity for you, don’t forget to Look for the Logo—the CFA member logo indicates a brand has joined the CFA community and signed on to the Association’s Code of Ethics. CFA member brands show their commitment to excellence in franchising and franchisee satisfaction through their investment in the CFA community.
For nearly 60 years, the CFA has showcased the benefits of a diverse franchising community, where people of every background, race, gender, and age can find personal satisfaction and business success through small business ownership. As our community grows and supports one another, the stronger franchising in Canada becomes—for franchisees, the CFA, and the nearly two million Canadians employed by the franchise industry.
After all, franchising is for everyone—including you!