Recognition Awards – Honouring Excellence in Franchising
The CFA Recognition Awards honour individuals and organizations whose leadership, innovation, community impact, and contributions help strengthen Canadian franchising.
Award Categories
CFA members can submit an entry or nominate others in one of seven exciting categories
Distinguished Franchise Support Service/Supplier Award
- Eligible Nominees: Franchise support service/supplier companies and professionals
- Recognizes support/supplier individuals and companies who provide exceptional support to the franchising community.
Diversity & Inclusion Champion Award
- Eligible Nominees: Franchise systems and franchisor professionals
- Recognizes leadership and contributions to diversity and inclusion in franchise systems and the community.
Hall of Fame Award
- Eligible Nominees: Franchise systems only
- Recognizes franchise systems that have demonstrated sustained excellence and leadership within Canadian franchising.
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Eligible Nominees: Franchisor professionals and franchise support service/supplier professionals
- Honours exceptional lifetime contributions to Canadian franchising and the CFA community.
Outstanding Corporate Citizen Award
- Eligible Nominees: Franchise systems only
- Recognizes franchise systems that demonstrate a longstanding commitment to community involvement and social impact.
Volunteer Leadership Excellence Award
- Eligible Nominees: Franchisor professionals and franchise support service/supplier professionals
- Recognizes outstanding volunteer service and leadership in support of the CFA and the franchise community.
Emerging Leadership Excellence Award (NEW!)
- Eligible Nominees: Franchisor professionals under 40 years of age
- Recognizes emerging leaders whose achievements, innovation, and contributions are helping shape the future of franchising in Canada and strengthen the CFA community.
Not sure which category is right for your nominee? Download the Companion Guide for detailed eligibility requirements, judging criteria, and submission tips.
Key Information
- Participation is free!
- Open exclusively to CFA members in good standing at the time of submission and award presentation.
- Self-nominations and third-party nominations are welcome.
- Submissions now open
- Submissions Deadline: Thursday, December 31, 2026
- Recipients will be recognized at the CFA Recognition Awards Luncheon during the 2027 CFA National Convention, on Sunday, April 18, at the Sheraton Fallsview in Niagara Falls, Ontario
For questions about the CFA Awards Program, please contact Ozit Bittner, Senior Manager, Membership and Member Development–or 647-699-5586