Representation is happening at the ground level… not yet at the decision level.
The numbers behind the movement
The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) reports that:
- 38% of franchisees in Canada are women
- 30%+ identify as visible minorities
- Yet only 12% of franchisor executives are women, and 8% are minorities
Franchising is becoming more inclusive at the ownership stage, but not yet at the executive tier. This was part of the reason why I chose to go out and be my own boss and support the franchise industry. I wanted to help make a difference, and lead others in a way where we can break down invisible barriers and give safety in coaching opportunities. I recall the first time I ever got an angry email from a male CEO at one of my corporate jobs. As a single mother at the time, I feared not only for my job, but my family. I was so worried that if I didn’t do everything perfect all the time, and that my mistake or mistakes wouldn’t be allowed. Then the imposter syndrome would soon kick in, telling myself that I should just quit now before I am fired, and just give up on my dream of wanting a career and to climb.
Barriers still holding back change
Even as diversity grows, systemic friction persists:
- Financing bias: first-time women and minority entrepreneurs face higher rejection rates.
- Mentorship gaps: newcomers often lack access to credible franchise advisors.
- Corporate inertia: franchisors still promote within existing, homogeneous leadership pipelines.
“Equity isn’t a tagline — it’s an operating system.”
Canada’s inclusion leaders
Some Canadian brands are showing what progress looks like:
- Baskin-Robbins Canada launched a mentorship cohort for female franchisees.
- Pizza Nova created rotating franchisee diversity councils.
These programs prove that inclusion drives innovation — not just optics.
The future of equity in franchising
The next growth phase in Canada won’t be about selling more units, it’ll be about sharing more opportunity.
Franchising has long been marketed as the path to ownership — a system that allows everyday people to operate proven business models with brand support. But beneath the surface, access to those opportunities has never been truly equal.
The future of franchising must evolve beyond expansion. It must evolve toward equity.
Equity-driven franchising means creating structures that allow more diverse entrepreneurs such as women, newcomers, veterans, Indigenous communities, and young people to enter the system, not as employees, but as owners.
That shift requires more than messaging. It demands financial innovation, education accessibility, and operational flexibility.
Franchising can be Canada’s greatest equalizer, if we design it that way – together.
