At the time of writing, Canada is in the grips of a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the vaccine rollout intensifies, however, Canadian business owners look optimistically toward a time when they can (safely) engage with their communities again.
Regardless of the economic climate, franchising remains a strong option for those looking to be their own boss, with a strong support system behind them. Franchised businesses have continued to meet the needs of their customers throughout the pandemic, even as these needs have shifted due to our “new normal.”
Canadians continue to access services for their families, homes, vehicles, and businesses, many of which have been designated as essential services by provincial governments throughout the country. This Service-Focused Franchises issue shines the spotlight on brands and franchisees who are delivering what their clients need in this difficult time.
The cover story introduces four home restoration franchises that work to restore Canadian homes when disaster hits. These franchises not only help families across the country get their lives back on track after damage to their homes, but are also helping in the critical work of rebuilding the nation, one home at a time.
We also delve into commercial/residential services franchises that are providing important services for homes and businesses, including renovations, fire extinguisher services, indoor air quality assessments, plumbing, electrical services, and much more. We also focus on franchises that are helping other businesses find success, through a wide range of services like accounting, promotional marketing, printing solutions, and flexible workspaces.
Beyond improving and maintaining their homes and businesses, Canadians also always need to keep their vehicles in optimal driving condition. That’s where automotive services franchises come in. These brands are helping to keep Canadians safe through vehicle maintenance, collision repair, glass repair, and more.
We take readers through a variety of senior services franchises across Canada that help aging Canadians stay safe and comfortable at home. We also feature a special focus on franchises that provide services to children and pets as Canadians look to keep their kids on track despite recent obstacles and add pets to their families to enrich added time spent at home.
As you consider becoming a small business owner through franchising, it can help to learn from the experiences of franchisees who are finding ways to navigate these difficult times. We introduce you to Chatime franchisee Keenan Wong, who is serving bubble tea to his Ajax, Ontario community alongside his son. We also hear about a day in the life of Pillar To Post franchisee Bradly George, who’s helping homeowners in Saskatoon navigate the critical home inspection process. You can read the inspiring story of young Metropolitan Movers franchisee Vlad Miklashevich, who started his franchise in the Halton region of Ontario at the start of the pandemic.
While there are service-focused franchises working hard to meet the needs of Canadians, there are also many other franchise opportunities available throughout the country. Check out Franchise Canada’s online franchise directory at LookforaFranchise.ca to search franchises by category, investment level, and more. You can also explore FranchiseCanada.Online to find educational information, success stories, and professional advice in the form of exclusive web content, videos, podcast episodes, and more. Also be sure to follow the Canadian Franchise Association on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
These are challenging times for all Canadians, but as this Service-Focused Franchises issue demonstrates, with the right resources and a lot of inspiration, you can find business ownership success through franchising, and be well on your way to making valuable connections with customers in your community.