January is the time to look ahead at what the coming year will bring.
If you’re picking up this magazine, you’re probably one of the many Canadians who hopes 2026 will be the year you fulfill your dreams of owning your own business. In fact, the desire for entrepreneurship is higher now in Canada than it has been for the past eight years! According to a recent RBC poll, 59 per cent of Canadians want to go into business for themselves. We sat down with Karen Svensen, RBC senior director, small business and partnerships, to find out what’s causing this high level of interest, and to unpack the findings, which speak to a high level of optimism among small business owners.
Franchising is a perfect way for first-time business owners to go into business for themselves, but with the support of a proven system. That’s why this issue, The Trends Issue, is packed full of insights meant to prepare new and prospective franchisees for the year ahead. Franchise consulting experts Gary Prenevost and Mackenzie Allsop share what’s trending in the franchise industry in 2026, and great tips on finding the perfect business for you this year.
We’ve also collected expert forecasting on what the year will bring for our country’s economy, consumer patterns and spending, and cutting-edge business concepts. Additionally, the Canadian Franchise Association’s (CFA) own head of education, Mary MacDonald, shares the latest trends in franchise education, to help you go deeper on your franchising journey.
Finally, one of the biggest shifts in the business landscape in recent years has been the rapid advancement of AI technologies. You’ll find a roundtable Q&A with three Artificial Intelligence experts who share how these brand-new tools are impacting franchise systems, and what small business owners can do to harness this emerging power.
While it’s important to stay on the pulse of trends, we can’t lose sight of what franchising is all about: the people. In this issue you’ll also find inspiring stories of franchisees like Brittany Torres, who found success with a Water Babies swimming instruction franchise, or Fenton and Matthew Jagdeo, who are bringing DIY jewellery brand Gem Studio to Toronto. And you’ll read about menswear brand Pearce Bespoke and how they’re giving back through a program that provides free custom suits to those in need.
A new year often means resolutions, and to build these new habits, Canadians turn to franchise brands in the ever-growing health and wellness space. We explore four such brands providing nutrition, health, fitness, and relaxation to their communities.
We also take you behind the curtain at DQ Canada, an iconic brand celebrating 85 years of delivering sweet treats and satisfying eats to customers. You’ll also find three Canadian-founded franchise systems offering homegrown business opportunities.
There’s plenty to explore in these pages—but it’s only half the story! Don’t forget to visit FranchiseCanada.Online to read exclusive online content, and bookmark LookforaFranchise.ca, the CFA’s online directory of franchise opportunities, an essential resource to your business journey.
As you go forth and explore the many franchise opportunities available, don’t forget to Look for the Logo—the CFA Member logo tells you that a franchise brand has signed on to the Canadian Franchise Association’s Code of Ethics, a sign that they are committed to ethical franchising and fostering franchise excellence.
We hope this new year brings you opportunity and success. With an industry poised for growth, 2026 may just be the Year of the Franchise.