What is Franchising

When your favorite products and services start popping up on street corners across the country and around the globe – it’s franchising! A business growth strategy, franchising has been utilized for nearly 100 years, providing franchisors with ways to scale their business, and franchisees with an opportunity to go into business for themselves but not by themselves.

Franchising turns great business ideas into great businesses…
in millions of locations around the world!

Through franchising, many companies
have become global icons.

NextGen winner brands are growing…
your business could be next!

The Future of Franchising

We are looking to build the next generation of franchise ambassadors. By providing individuals from around the world with networking opportunities, constructive feedback and a closer look into key components of the franchise process – NextGen is helping entrepreneurial dreams come true.

Pick Your Career Path

The franchising world is filled with opportunity.
No matter which road you choose to take, the journey is guaranteed to be as worthwhile as the destination.

Work for a Franchise

The franchise industry is made up of thousands of different companies offering millions of jobs that continuously need to be filled. Opportunities range from entry-level to the C-suite. Management, marketing, customer relations, regional operations, field consulting and global development are just a few of the roles available to you within the franchise system.

Invest in a Franchise

If you want to be in business for yourself but not by yourself, investing in a franchise is a great option. Starting a business from scratch involves a big learning curve whereas becoming an owner of an existing concept gives you a solid foundation on which to stand. You have the benefit of a proven business model, training and marketing support. You get to experience entrepreneurship while being a part of a bigger family.

Build a Business

As an entrepreneur, you likely have big ambitions. If you dream of having your successful concept develop into a thriving business, franchising is a great way to help your existing company expand, and even grow globally. It takes hard work and dedication, but the International Franchise Association can help you understand what’s involved, and connect you with the right individuals to guide you through the process.

Do What You Love

Globally, there are millions of franchise businesses operating in more than 300 industry categories. From child care to senior care, from home repair to hotels, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, and e-commerce kiosks in airports to retail stores in shopping malls to restaurants on Main Street…franchises are everywhere!

Franchises may come in all shapes and sizes – but they all started with an idea and grew into successful enterprises using the franchise business model. Imagine working, buying or investing in a field that inspires you.

  • Restaurants

  • Pets

  • Education

  • Lodging

  • Automotive

  • Graphics

  • Travel

  • Services

  • Fitness

  • Seniors

  • Healthcare

  • Sports

Get Involved

There are many ways for you to become a part of the franchise community. Whether you are a current entrepreneur or an aspiring one, take advantage of the following opportunities.

  • Scholarships

    The Franchise Education & Research Foundation offers a wide range of programs and scholarships designed to help engage and educate young people interested in learning more about the franchise industry.

  • Education

    If you’re serious about a career in franchising, consider pursuing becoming a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) or participating in a variety of professional development programs led by the best in the business.

  • Membership

    Get more information about membership with the International Franchise Association, franchise events, and/or to sign up for a free subscription to IFA Smart Briefs.

All-Stars Edition

THE FUTURE OF FRANCHISING: WHO WILL RISE TO THE TOP IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS?

We’ve seen inspiring and talented emerging professionals with unique concepts accelerate their franchise careers through the NextGen Global Competition over the past five years at the IFA Annual Convention. But the next five years may be an even bigger challenge for each of them. How will our NextGen All-Stars succeed in the next five years within today’s tough business realities? Whose concept, perseverance, and leadership will rise to the top – again – to demonstrate that he or she has what it takes to achieve franchising success?

Similar to previous years, 3 finalists will again be selected to compete for cash prizes on the main stage during the Closing General Session in front of an elite judging panel. The audience at the session will vote on who has demonstrated the strongest plan to beat the biggest challenges coming their way in the next five years. Join us to at the IFA Annual Convention to be part of the future of franchising.

Register for Convention

Meet the Participants

David Blue, Blue Moon Estate Sales – United States
Landon Eckles, Clean Juice – United States
John Evans, EverLine Coatings and Services – Canada
Jeremy Hassell, City Cave – Australia
Carmelo Marsala, Spray-Net – Canada

Alejandro Souza, Pixza – Mexico
Stella Sigana, Alternative Waste Technologies – Kenya
Jennifer Turliuk, MakerKids – Canada
Galen Welsch, Jibu – Uganda

We are proud to present

The NextGen in Franchising Global Competition Winners for 2019

NextGen 2019 Competition

Meet all of the winners!

Winners Details

IFA Foundation

Founded in 1983, the International Franchise Association (IFA) Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and supported through the generous contributions of IFA members and others. The Foundation’s mission is to advance franchising and the free enterprise system by increasing the knowledge and professional standards of all members of the franchising community; educating the next generation of franchise practitioners; increasing recognition of franchising’s key role in the free enterprise system; and providing comprehensive information and research about important developments and trends in franchising.

Learn more

Sponsors

Special thanks and recognition to the founding sponsors and donors for their generous support of the NextGen in Franchising program:

Founding sponsor

David McKinnon, Founder, ServicesBrands Intl.

Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation

Tariq Farid
CEO, Edible Arrangements

The Choice Hotels Foundation

Melanie Bergeron
Chair of the Board, Two Men & A Truck

Joe Bourdow
Senior Advisor, Valpak

Charlie Chase
President & CEO, FirstService Brands, Inc.

Lawrence “Doc” Cohen
President, DOC & Associates

The Stewart & Jane Bainum Fund

Aziz Hashim
President and CEO, NRD Holdings

The Stephen P. Joyce Fund

The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation

Amit Pamecha
CEO, FranConnect